How Migraine Warriors Find the Right Doctor
Migraine experiences are personal. My version of migraine and what works for me is different even from the other migraine bloggers right here on WebMD. Naki Carter’s migraine prevention plan differs a great deal from mine, and Michele Jordan’s diagnosis story is nothing like my own.
We do have a few key similarities though. On some level every day, all three of us battle with the disorder living inside us. We share the will to take control of the illness as we see fit and live the best life we can.
There’s one important thing all migraine warriors have in common. We all need someone from the medical community on our team. Finding the right doctor and developing an effective working relationship is crucial to migraine management.
I’m a member of a Facebook migraine group filled with people both similar to and different from myself. The topic of doctors shows up a lot. Sometimes in the form of a question about what type of doctor to go to, or recommendations for a good doctor in a specific city.
Too often I read posts about doctor experiences that make my heart hurt for these poor migraine warriors. I’m so proud of my community for chiming up in those situations and letting them know their experience is not normal and a better path is out there.
Your doctor of choice could be a family practitioner, a neurologist, a gynecologist, an occupational therapist, or a combination of any or all of the above types of medical professionals. Finding a doctor who understands your unique blend of triggers and symptoms is worth the effort to find.
A few days before writing this article, my family practitioner emailed me to see if I needed a refill on any of my migraine medicines. He’s got my back, and that kind of support helps me breathe easier. I asked him about getting together to discuss recent advancements in treatment options.
His response was quick and informative. His well-rounded approach matches my need to look at treatment from all angles, including ease of use, effectiveness, and cost. I like to see the whole picture in realistic terms, and that is what he provides to me. I trust his professional opinion, and he respects the choices I make for my body and my lifestyle.
Finding the right doctor to fit my needs has been easy for me, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy for everyone. Don’t sell yourself short and don’t give up. You deserve to have the best medical care possible.
Migraine disease is deceitful, creating the illusion of solitude. We often feel alone, isolated in the dark from a world that’s moving forward without us. The true scope of migraine management is not solitary at all.
I feel less alone when I connect with warriors from across the country on social media. I depend on family and friends right here at home to turn down the lights and quiet the noise for me. I rely on my doctor to stand beside me in my fight to live life with migraine.
I need my doctor to strategize with me and develop a plan to both attack and defend against the illness trying to control my life. Migraine experiences are personal, and so is the choice of who you want on your team.
Tap into a community of fellow migraineurs on Facebook. Learn, share, connect in our Migraine Support Community.
Originally published at WebMD.com on 5/3/2022.
