So since the migraine infusion did not work, I searched for further options to help my migraines. My husband and I met with the doctor for about an hour. Let me just first say, at first sight of the clinic I wondered if I was making a mistake. The receptionists were not very welcoming, but I attributed that to having the Chicago attitude. Once they took me back they asked for a urine sample, which surprised me. The physicians assistant told me they always do a drug screening for new patients. This wasn't an issue as I haven't taken anything, but it was still odd.
The doctor came in and did an incredibly thorough history of prior medical diagnoses and current symptoms/complaints. The words from his mouth let me breathe a sigh of relief.
"You have no quality of life."
It was so validating to see that I was not crazy for the way things are. He asked me if I was prepared to stay in the hospital, and I told him I absolutely was ready. The office had to call my insurance to get everything squared away, but there was some back and forth between them to get me admitted. The doctors told me they wouldn't know until the next day if my insurance approved it and it was my choice if I should wait until approved or to just check into the hospital and at least start treatment until it can get approved. I decided that I was going to check in. I came all this way and wasn't going to miss a chance to get better. Besides, it is alwasys easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
After I got checked in to the Diamond Headache Unit at St. Joseph's hospital they immediately started to try to get me some relief. They shot me full of methadone and an anti-nausea medicine. the medicine made me pretty drowsy, so I don't remember much. They did start the DHE therapy as well. Throughout the stay I got a total of nine DHE treatments which were supposed to break the cycle of rebound headaches.
Now, at first I was terrified to be there, and I am so glad my husband stayed with me that night. The room is incredibly small. It is also very outdated - sometimes the bed doesn't work, and it's just so bland. Maybe I'm spoiled on glamorous hospitals after delivering at IU North (which is nicknamed the Ritz Charles of the hospital world). But it was just scary to be there. I did however get over the appearance. I do share a bathroom with a neighbor, and there is also a shower available in the joining hallway. Side note - if you stay and plan on showering, bring your own bath towel. Their large towels could not wrap around my body!
The next morning my husband and I attended an orientation class that just got us acclimated for my stay. It was very nice to have, because I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. A psychologist also came in to talk to me about my mental health and the toll my headaches/migraines were having. He recommended to go to the support group that was going to gather a few hours later and also some local people I could work with when I returned home. I didn't make it to group therapy because the medicine knocked me out, but I do plan of contacting one of the therapists for more help when I get home.
I spent much of my second day sleeping due to the meds. My husband went home (Although he really wanted to stay, I kicked him out because I wanted to focus on my treatment, and I wouldn't be able to do that with him here.) I continued my DHE therapy that day also.
At this point I was very optimistic about my stay and had very wonderful nurses. I saw a little improvement, and felt like I was well taken care of.
No comments:
Post a Comment