New Daily Persistent Headache Support Group

Hello all,

I have an appointment with a new neurologist tomorrow. I'm very aware that Dr's are only in the room for a moment to ask about symptoms, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to communicate with the Dr? I keep a diary of my symptoms, so I plan to bring that along with me. Sometimes I get nervous when talking to Dr's, I guess because I don't trust them, being that I've had this headache for a year and a half and still haven't been diagnosed.

I haven't actually done this myself, but I have heard of people putting together a page that is sort of like a resume of their headache- when it began and what it was like then, relevant tests they have had done (and sometimes by who) and results of those tests, treatment they have tried and results of those and any major changes in the symptom pattern since it started. That way the doctor can have written record of it, especially if it is long (and ours usually is).

They may want more detail about specific things on the "resume", but it gives a general overview of what the problem is and what has been done so far.

Thank you very much. I'll work on that today and take it with me tomorrow.

I always bring an outline of what I hope to cover in a visit. Some things that need to be talked about (new symptom, need for a med or refill), and others that I would like to discuss if we have time such as new research I've heard about.

Thanks

It has been my experience that doctors really respond well to anything written down -- lists of meds you have tried, history of your symptoms, etc. as long as you keep it short (bullet lists, charts, graphs).

Since I started requesting all my chart notes after each visit, I realized that doctors' comprehension of my problems was WAY better if I gave them the written history and pain chart.

Even if you don't write out things to give to the doctor, at least make yourself a list of things to remember to say, especially if you forget details when you are nervous.

Good luck!

LBelle

Thanks for your suggestions. I'm at my appt at this very moment, so I'll let you guys know how it went. Thanks again!!!

Hello guys,

I would like to give an update about my Dr appointment yesterday. I thought I would be a little nervous, but the Dr seemed really nice. His name is Dr. Lava and he's located at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. He performed the normal routine with the peripheral finger test, the reflex test, etc. I told him all about my headache and how it has affected my life. I explained to him the importance of having a decent quality of life. He listened and answered all of my questions. After taking a look at all the meds that I've taken in the past, he seemed surprised that nothing has alleviated my pain thus far.

To make a long story short, he prescribed Gabapentin for my daily headache. I haven't taken it yet because I had to work at 7:am and I didn't know how the meds would affect me. I've read several articles about the med, but I'm still a little hesitant about taking meds. If anyone has any experience with Gabapentin, I would greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks guys

Adsims,

Gabapentin=neurontin. My husband has been on neurontin. It seemed to have little effect on his headache but it did help him heal from his first nerve decompression surgery. I hope it helps you and I'm glad your new doctor was so nice. That always takes a load off.

Drmeows,

At this point, I can only try it. Sometimes I feel like a science project, with all the meds I've taken in the past year and a half. I'm trying really hard to remain positive but it's not always easy. Thanks for your support, I'll keep you posted on the med.