Hey guys,
First, good news!!! I have recently found a drug called Migranol Nasal Spray, also known as DHE. It is non-narcotic, so it doesn't freak the doctors out about being addicted. It is my miracle drug. It has allowed me much more control handling the pain that comes with my migraines. I take it as soon as the pain starts, a second dose 15 minutes later, as that usually it. All gone. Even better, the pain usually doesn't come back. It's an old medication, but not many doctors use it since medications like IMITREX get much more advertising.
Anyway, I think I set a record for myself, two hospitals in one day. Yesterday morning I finally got to see the migraine specialist, Dr. Login, at the Medical Center at the University of Virginia. This is the appointment I've been waiting for four months, scheduled before I found the Migranol.
Dr. Login is the epitome of the old timey doctor, even walking in with old worn leather doctors bag. I spent an HOUR with him, discussing my migraine history. He was so thorough, and I think I impressed him with the amount of research and knowledge I've obtained over the years. He gave me a thorough neurological exam (think sobriety test times 100). Although, the light in the eyes really bothers me and can trigger a migraine. After the physical he let my Dad come in for his accessment.
Seems like I am a rare patient, failing to receive relief for migraines in all catagories of preventative medications. I am one of about 6% of the population that fails at using all the catagories of preventative migraine medications. A small portion of the population are born with a hole open between the two sides of the heart. It usually closes up at birth, but in the small percentage of the population, the hole doesn't close. Apparently 60% of these people get migraines. Thus, I qualify for a Medical Trial that tests if closing the hole now would make any significant impact on the amount/frequency/intensity of migraine attacks in the the test subjects. Dr. Login says I'm only the fifth or sixth person he has found that qualifies for the trial. Now I just have to get together some medical history specifics so I can be offically enrolled in the trial. Anyway, it's very exciting. 
I left UVA encouraged, but starting to get a migraine. Luckily, my Dad was driving. I took my Migranol and went to sleep. I was rudely awakened when we got home, so I hit the Migranol one more time. Didn't work this time. I had taken some major abuse on my eyeballs the day before at the eye doctor. Bright lights are one of my migraine triggers, so I think it was a cumulative effect. By 6:00pm, I was in agony and my Dad was taking me to our ER. Hospital 2 for the day. I got a pain shot without any argument after about 5 hours. I came home and crashed. Only turned on my computer for a liddle while today. I've slept most of the day, only getting up to answer the call of nature. I've really felt like crap.
I've got my second wind, only problem as it is now 1:30am. Story of my life.
Anyway, Folks, that's the update!
Leigh Ann 