when to go to the ER

I've learned not to try to wait out a migraine, once it becomes full-blown.  What is the point in suffering needlessly for days, hidden in the dark, under the bedcovers?  I don't know about you, but when my migraines get that bad, I have this irrational feeling to slice my wrists open, not to kill myself, just to release the pressure in my head.  I've never resorted to this, and I can identify it as an irrational thought. 

Emergency treatment is definitely the way to go, but if you go to the ER, your treatment can very tremendously, depending on what kind of doctor you get.  Most are very agreeable, and will even ask you what kind of treatment you usually get.  I usually get a shot of Dilauded and Phenergan.  The critical point is not to let the doctor leave saying that "the nurse will be back in with something for your pain."  You need to nail them down on what they plan to give you before they walk away, and if it isn't acceptable(won't work for you) you have to convince the doctor to give you what will work for you.  You have the right to state your case to the doctor when you still have opportunity to do something about it.  I learned this the hard way.  One doctor decided that I was just a "drug-seeker" and the nurse gave me a shot of what I later found out was Benedryl, and put me on oxygen for a half-hour.   Needless to say, it did nothing toward making my migraine go away.  The doctor thought he would pretend to treat me, he would "treat me and street me" to get me out of his hair.  Buttmunch.   Now I carry a medical directive from my doctor, instructing the default ER doctor how to treat me.  Simplifies things greatly.  I will only go to the ER during slow hours, early morning if possible.  Weekends are awful, but you may not have any other options.  I'll go to my regular doctor's office, except on Monday mornings, or when it's closed, I go to one of those walk-in clinics if it is primetime at the ER.  The least amount of time I have to spend around sick, noisy people, the better.

Hope this helps.

Leigh Ann

if you've never been to the ER and haven't tried all the things most of us have, mention a drug called DHE. BUT, you will NEED something for naseua. For most Migraineurs(not me though) it works. Of course, you can always see you that can just give you a pain med.(nubain and phenergan or something of the like, I like nubain b.c the reboud isn't as bad). It all depends on what type of doctor you get honestly. Some times your visit can be very plesent, but sometimes it can be hell, and they send you off believing your faking for meds. Thats why I mention the DHE. Try and, but don't allow them let you go home till you get some relief. Usually if the protocol is Imitrex(or something like it), DHE or other steriod, then if that doesn't work a Narcotic shot. BUt some docs. just give you a shot and tell you to go home and sleep. Sometimes, most times, thats the only thing that will bring a bad one. But just be careful of rebounds,as I'm sure you know.
I hope by the time you read this your h/a is already gone.
AngMichelle

Use to take hubby to ER but the relief doesn't last very long. Dr. would give pain/nausea meds in office but when it midnight on Friday or Sat. you go to the ER. They give you about half a dose so for a couple to three hours of relief it wasn't worth it he said. So now he just suffers. Has been in the bed since Wed. Was up from 10:00 to 4:00 today so maybe he is starting to come out of it.

the benadryl is given b/c the steriod makes you so antsy, can't stop moving. was the steriod DHE or just another kind of steriod. I'm glad it was a pleasent event for you. I'm also glad it worked. THat rought doesn't work very well for me, and my legs cramped after it. But we are all different

I am on day #4 of a horrible migraine (nice way to spend the weekend) but I didn't go to the ER. I have already gone to the ER twice this year for abdominal pain - I can't imagine going in again but I wish i could have. I am actually at work because my sick time is gone.

But the advice above is great to know in case I do have hubby bring me there one time.