Hemiplegic migraines and brilliant advice on this wonderful site to change GP.

[Dollychris]

I recently changed GP's when the last one just didn't care when my Hemiplegic migraines or Hypothyroidism as they returned to having one nearly every single day.. Previously I would suffer one around every 4/6 months or so. I was beside myself worrying that it could be something more sinister but thankfully my new GP checked my BP (always fine or a bit low). It was high for me and is borderline for treatment. Am being checked every week and my GP prescribed Amitriptyline (low dose of 10mg) which she then increased this to 20mg due to all day sick headaches. Since increasing the dose I have not had an all day headache and still none of those horrible Hemiplegic headaches. The odd 'normal' headache but nothing really bad.

Am really hoping the BP is down when I go again next week...............

Just wanted to share what worked for me. What certainly didn't help was my previous GP prescribing Beta Blockers and telling me my TSH level was fine and that he would see me in another year for testing. When my levels were checked by new GP they were higher than when I was diagnosed around 2 years ago. I asked to come off the betablockers and after a short period of time have ditched them. No more horrendous headaches with new treatment so far.

Thank you to those who sensibly advised me to change my GP. My new GP has been brilliant and so thorough. My 75mg Levo was increased to 125 and the levels are now ok. Still so exhausted though and have all the usual aches and flinch in pain if someone playfully catches me by the arm. Onwards and upwards though - without the added fear of horrific migraines. Thank you Meki for the Gripewater tip - will be getting a bottle - just to be on the safe side and thank you to everyone who inspired me to leave the GP surgery I had been with since birth and seek out a new GP - what a difference it has made..................

Wishing you all good health.

Chris

xx

[Hidden]

Dear Dolly Chris,

Well done for making the move. I have for a number of years made sure that I always join a large GP practice and I have found that if I don't get what I want from one GP I can usually get what I need from another in the practice. I usually will leave it a few days before I return with the same symptoms to a different GP. Suprisingly they don't often just back each other up as you might expect and a GP might refuse what you feel you need one day and a college will be lovely about working with what you feels best a few days later.

I also like to find a GP who seems a bit humble, gentle and even a tad anxious. I have one like this currently and he is a gem. Much better than the overconfident types who are probably good if you want to be resusitated but no good for much else. I also feel that whatever you are going through if the people who care for you are kind and able to listen, taking your concerns seriously and explaining their approach the experience however bad you physical health, feels much safer and bearable.

I am also experimenting with gripe water and it seems to have been working for me past 2 days. I have warded off a headache and a definite migraine yesterday

[Pollybostik in reply to Hidden]

I too saw the same Doctor for the last 6 years and being told I was fine even though I knew I was not. So I decided to see another Doctor at the practice had loads of blood tests and When they came back my thyroid meds was needed to increase and also that my blood sugars was very high so now for the last couple of weeks have been taking Metformin. I must say that this change of Doctor as made me feel a lot better as she listened to me and now I feel at last someone is taking notice and its not all in my mind as others have suggested.

[sidneymark70]

Can you tell me about gripe water for migraines please. I'm hypo but my friend isnt but has terrible migraines, could this work for her? How do you take it? Thanks Sheila

[foxglove]

What's the gripewater tip please?

[maud10]

I too used to suffer severe migraines every few weeks which lasted for three days and caused me to be violently sick. Since being prescribed Pizotifen, which is a preventitive medicine, I have been fine the only symptons I occasionally have are dazzling lights which obscure my vision but no pain. This does not seem to be generally prescribed as I have told lots of migraine sufferers about it and they have not heard of it.

[smelly]

Hiya was just reading your blog with interest. When you said your arms are painful if some one playfully catches it. I was like that for along time just thinking it was part of being hypo. But i actually had a condition called fibromyalgia. Its very painful i can't even bear clothes touching my back at times.Shaving my legs is out of the question too.

Just be aware, unfortunately once you have one auto immune disorder its quite common to have another as well.

Glad you are now getting the help you deserve, i saw 5 different drs untill one took me serious.x

[Hidden]

I read the grip water tip on this site a few days ago. Apparently good for migranes and as I am very prone to them I have been experimenting with Woodwards grip water. 2 slugs seems to be working well for me over past few days when I have felt headache or on the egde of a migrane. Brilliant. Very weird taste.

Have any of you any experiance of trying to ward off, very controlling, authoritatian, and damaging psychatrists. I am at a loss with this one. My own efforts seem to make matters worse so I have resorted to prayer. I would love to name a shame but we are not allowed.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mandy

You could send a private message if you wish to give info about a doc.

Louise

x