Appointment at the migraine clinic.

[Phonecase]

I have a forthcoming appointment at the migraine clinic & as they are a charity organisation ask for donations rather than a fee . They have told me the cost to them per consultation is £250.00. Has anyone been there & how much is a reasonable amount to give ? Thanks.

[Little_hoddy]

I have given between £75 and £100 because this is what I could manage. It was worth every single penny of this and more. If you are able to give more it is for sure a worthy cause. If not, they welcome you and understand.

[Phonecase in reply to Little_hoddy]

Thanks very much, I will let you know how I get on.

[Pao_De]

I left £50. l didn't have a breakthrough information. it was just confirmation of what l have read online really.

[Phonecase in reply to Pao_De]

Thank you.

[Flatlands]

I went two years ago and the suggested fee was £200. I paid in full. I couldn't have paid less. I had a thorough medical examination and thorough history taken and I was listened to like nobody had ever listened to me before. I was there for over an hour and my migraine history was stripped down to scratch and the doctor I saw was brilliant, (Dr Jud Pearson). It was worth every penny even though I couldn't actually afford it, (and it was two weeks before Christmas and I have three children!)

[Pao_De in reply to Flatlands]

really? l can't remember my experience to be that amazing....

[Phonecase in reply to Flatlands]

Thanks so much, I will let you know how I get on.

[babs1234 in reply to Flatlands]

Did it stop your migraines?

[Alaine1]

Hi

I am thinking of using this clinic for my migraines, I am either going t get a referral privately from my gp in which case Bupa will cover the costs or I will use my Bupa cash plan which will pay in full and I can then self refer. I am really pleased to hear that it was worth the money. Is the £200 per consultation and do they expect you to pay that amount each time you have a follow up with them? Any advice appreciated

[Phonecase in reply to Alaine1]

I have my appointment this week so I will let you know.

[Alaine1]

Ok that would be great

[Flatlands]

Regards 'did it stop your migraines', no, of course not, nothing is ever going to stop our migraines. This is something we have to accept. We have this condition and, at present, there is no cure. But there are treatments and the doctor I saw prepared several treatment plans and wrote to my GP. One of the most positive things that came from this visit is that every GP I have seen since my appt at the clinic, the moment I have referred to having been there, and referred them to the report on my medical notes, the GP now sits up, pays attention and takes my migraine seriously. I am no longer written off as another tedious patient whining about migraine. I experimented with the various treatment plans suggested by Dr Pearson and eventually found a workable pathway that has really helped me. (Although, since then, what has REALLY changed my life is Dr David Buchholz, his book is Heal Your Headache, a total game changer for me, and combining that with Dr Pearson's drug recommendation has made my life liveable).

[bess22 in reply to Flatlands]

I felt obliged to pay the full asking price of a first consultation, which was £235. The fee for subsequent visits is lower.

My life style and diet are good so the main advice proffered was to take 400 mg Vit B2 daily + 500 mg magnesium; with larger doses of painkiller than I had tried, preceded by Domperidone to protect the stomach. This may have reduced the intensity slightly but certainly not the frequency.

Flatlands - Would you mind sharing your workable pathway?

[Sausages12]

Hi. I went a a couple of years ago and paid the full consultation (£200 or £250). A lot of money but well worth it. Got some good advice. I have seen 2 consultants on NHS re migraines. One was useless and the other good. This and Migraine Clinic has helped. Sarah

[HJMac]

They accept CAF, which is a charity account, so I was able to pay more than they asked for. I have to admit before I discovered they accepted that I was panicking and thinking this would be a big overdraft, I wasn't sure how they would react to giving less. It's a shame as it should be on the NHS.

To be honest the most useful input I've had is from a neurologist, I think that on the NHS should be your first port of call.

I learnt a few bits, he told me that he felt my blood sugar was involved, and discussed diet and not letting my blood sugar drop, and how exercise can make things worse so eat before. Also he went through all the meds, and how effective they are, which helped. I think it's nice to get another opinion, but to be honest if you can't afford it, a neurologist on the NHS is definitely better and will order more tests etc, all reassuringly free. Use it before Jeremy hunt gets his way!!

[designer111]

HI

I thought an initial first payment was £100, but as a charity they cannot demand that money I am lead to believe.

I was on Job Seekers once and therefore couldn't afford anything so I paid nothing, but have always paid a nominated fee each subsequent time I have been.

But like everyone, it was worth it to hear proper info about migraine and little tips on how to decrease them rather than speak to your GP who will clock watch to get you out and prob only give you pills.

[Di-a-monds]

My GP suggested THe NMC to me. I saw Dr Ellrington, he really listened to me. I had very bad experiences with several drugs, amitriptalyne etc, he reduced and took me off them, then tried nerve block injections and then Botox. This helped shorten my recovery time and helped with my neck pain. I paid by my private health insurance for initial appt and 2 treatments only. I am now back on NHS and my neurologist has continued with the Botox injections every 3 months. I don't think this would have happened without me going to the NMC first, I continue to donate via CAF and receive their newsletters on email.