Other Headache/Migraine Blogs

Last Call: August Headache Blog Carnival

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:00 GMT

Announcing last call for submissions to the August 2008 Headache & Migraine Disease Blog Carnival on the theme of "How You Deal With People Who Don't 'Get' Migraine Disease" are due by midnight on Friday, August 8th (tonight).

Posts may be submitted through the form on the carnival website or directly to me by e-mail.

The July carnival will be posted on Monday, August 11th at Somebody Heal Me.

You can get more information about the carnival at this link: Headache & Migraine Blog Carnival. Also, please let me know if you'd like to be added to the e-mail list for the carnival, if you're interested in hosting a future edition or if you have suggestions for future themes.

Technorati Tags: headache & migraine blog carnival, blog carnival, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

Poisoned

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:22 GMT

How is it, that the very meds that are used to treat us, are in effect, this:

getting better. slowly.

Personal Update: Doing Well

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00 GMT

I'm still doing pretty well. I guess the fact that things have been uneventful is good news given all the ups and downs I've experienced over the past few years.

I didn't feel especially well most of last week, but this week is off to a much better start.

I've been spending lots of time walking Maisy, which has been good for both of us. She seems to really like her new home and we love having her here. She's a wonderful companion for me. Felix is too, but he's more independent than Maisy.

I'm getting back into a groove with my knitting. I finished a blanket for my friend's baby just in time to give it to the mom to be at her shower on Sunday. Today I started on a felted tote bag for my mom and got yarn for other projects, including a simple little sweater for Maisy.

I've been reading quite a bit, mostly sticking to fluffy, light books. Perfect for the summer.

C and I started watching Lost from the beginning and we're already hooked. I finally know what all the fuss is about. We're only on season 2, but we might be caught up by the time the new season premieres. It will be fun if we are, but we're in no rush.

My mood has been remarkably good. It still suffers some when my pain levels get high, but otherwise I'm coping quite well.

Technorati Tags: life, coping, pets, friends, hobbies, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

FDA Approves Stavzor for Migraine Prevention

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00 GMT

A delayed release gel cap formula of valproic acid called Stavzor was recently approved by the FDA for use in preventing migraines.

Noven Announces Final FDA Approval for Stavzor for the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Seizures and Migraine Headaches

Stavzor has a few advantages over the Depakote brand of valproic acid pills. It is a smaller pill and comes in a gel capsule formula, which is easier to swallow. It also features a special coating that reduces reflux and gastric instability.

Stavzor will be available by prescription sometime this month. You can read more about Stavzor and its use in preventing migraines at this link: Stavzor for Migraines.

Technorati Tags: stavzor, news, medication, prevention, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

Aaaaahhh, More R & R

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:55 GMT

It's looking like our beurocratical wonderment, that was once known as the Insurance Industry - well, at least in my little part of the world - is slowly collapsing. So I thought, if this was "old-school days" as my Grandpa would have said, how would he have taken things, in his day, at my age??

Ok, ok, maybe a little drastic. But. not altogether unheard of really. It is actually a little of what happened to me!

If you've been following my little story, you know, that my insurance company (drama) has decided that they will dictate to me and my doctor that they know better how to treat my Migraine Disease. They are, afterall, the almighty insurance company and hold all of the cards to my well-being.

After two very well-written letters and phone calls from my specialist, they have still declined to give me the medication that has thus far - two years - been helpful in my daily quality of life as a living and breathing woman with Migraine Disease. As a matter of fact, if I had the person or persons who made this decision on my behalf , I'd be inclined to remove their eyes from their skull with an ice pick - just for fun.

Then I would procede to put them in a very fast moving spinning centrifuge, and make them spin and spin wildly out of control until all of their skin is screaming and their guts are ready to heave. But not until I have ..........

I'm sorry, I have gotten myself off base here. Please forgive the incredibly vivid dreams I am still living through.

Now, where was I??? On Thursday, I received yet another disappointing letter from the Ins Co. and on Friday, I met with my doc. It was at this time, I finally hit rock bottom. My migraine had morphed from the up and down approaches to the steady berating in the top of the skull and nagging of the ramming block on the left. We are now a two-sided problem here. I had been experiencing this on and off garbage since the previous Sunday; which brought me to day 5. Enough was enough. He decided, and with absolutely NO debate from me, it was time to be admitted. My husband agreed, and off we went to the hospital.

The entire weekend is - naturally - a blurr. They usually are, and it's been a year since I've actually been admitted. I have been fortunate enough to be getting infusions when needed; but this time, the admission was the best bet for me.

So much has happened in the three days since I walked through those doors. Lastnight, my husband and kids came up to the hospital and brought me the new book that I couldn't wait to get, Migraine Expressions. I dove in head first. It is such an amazing book. Funny that I was in the hospital with a stinking migraine when I recieved it.

For now, I am sooo exhausted. I will catch up later. Thank you to those who sent email and posted on my site. I am in need of a nap for now.

Please stay pain-free if you can.
Deborah

Migraine Expressed in Words and Images

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:21 GMT

Denied again

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:40 GMT

Alas, the letter I was expecting arrived today - with the word I was hoping wouldn't - "denied."

"The information provided does not meet clinical criteria for coverage of this drug." Well, bite me already. They also claim that I/we - my doctor included, as he wrote an awesome letter, "all internal appeals have been exhausted." However, IF I'm still dissatisfied with their decision, you know, because maybe I'm really OK with it! I have the right to bring a civil action - wait - I'm not exactly feeling civil at the moment.

What I am feeling, is actually impossible to describe other than beyond frustrated. How is it, that I have been on a medication that has worked for me for two years, has suddenly been forced away by "Clinical Services Department" of my insurance company??? Even though, both my Internist AND my prescribing Neurologist have sent letters stating WHY I need the medication, why it works for me. What hasn't, to be exact, in the past; which hospitals I've been admitted to in and out of state, and how many times. Not to mention the IV therapy that has been used.

So where do I go from here? Since all of my meds are "off-label" as a treatment for Migraine Disease, what makes this different? How do I make them understand the necessity for me? Am I suddenly going to slowly go downhill? Sadly, that is a question I have been avoiding to allow myself to even face. And yet, I know the reality is, I may. Afterall, my quality of life really did improve shortly after starting the medication they've decided I mustn't take.

The evil, nasty person deep inside of me; is secretly wishing mean and awful monsters on the person or persons who have made this decision on my behalf. Hey, let's be honest here, migraines totally suck. I don't want to live like I did. My kids don't deserve it; my husband doesn't - man, I don't deserve it.

Tomorrow, I see my neuro; I'm hoping he has something up his sleeve. For now; I'm up for any ideas you may have. right now, I have a migraine.

Deborah

Generic Depakote FDA Approved & Coming to a Pharmacy Near You

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00 GMT

Good news for people taking Depakote (divalproex sodium). The FDA approved the first generic versions of the drug this week.

First Generic Versions of Depakote Approved

According to Bloomberg, Mylan will begin selling a copy of the extended release form of divalproex sodium by Jan. 1.

Depakote is FDA approved for prevention of migraines. The drug was originally used to control epilepsy and is now used for other purposes in addition to migraine.

Sources:
First Generic Versions of Depakote Approved
Generic Copies of Abbott's Depakote Approved in U.S.

Technorati Tags: depakote, medication, prevention, news, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

Essays from Women with Chronic Illnesses Sought

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00 GMT

Leslie at Getting Closer to Myself is seeking submissions from women in their 20s and 30s who are living with chronic illness.

Call for Submissions

Are you:
- A woman in your twenties or thirties who has a chronic illness, or
- A woman who is older, but was diagnosed with a chronic illness in your twenties or thirties?
- Are you either one of those and you blog about your illness?

If so, I am working on a project collecting essays from women about their experience with chronic illness. There are many books available that chronicle the story of one person. And they are great, but… I’m interested in providing women like me with a variety of stories that they can relate to. Although the diseases and symptoms may be different, the overall experience of chronic illness is very similar. I am also interested in having people tell their own stories.

These stories should be in your own words! Tell it well and tell it from the heart!!!

Submission guidelines are the following:
- Essays should be between 5 and 20 pages.
- Please also include a few pieces of advice at the end of your essay that you think other women with chronic illness might find useful.
- Please include a paragraph or so about yourself.
- If you are so inclined, include a picture of yourself.

The end goal is that these essays will be compiled and turned into an anthology for publication.

*** DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS SEPTEMBER 31, 2008 ***

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Leslie Rott holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Sociology from the University of Michigan. She is currently a graduate student in the sociology Ph.D. program at the U of M. Expressing talent in journalism during her days as an undergraduate student, she has written for a variety of publications, working as a reporter for The Mackinac Island Town Crier and The Michigan Daily.

She currently authors the blog Getting Closer To Myself (view here), which chronicles her journey with her own illness and other aspects of her life. And she was recently interviewed by Rosalind Joffe for her widely read blog, Working With Chronic Illness. The interview can be found at (view here).

Technorati Tags: depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

Karma's a Bitch

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:53 GMT

For legal reasons, I've had to remove posts in the past dealing with an injury. But friends and long-time readers may understand me when I say this:

SUCK IT BENNIGANS!

I'm tingling with glee at today's business news..... what goes around comes around.

Read the July Pain Blog Carnival

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:40 GMT

The July Pain Blog Carnival is up at the How to Cope with Pain blog. Check it out when you have a chance.

July Pain Blog Carnival

Technorati Tags: blogs, pain blog carnival, pain, blog carnival, spirituality, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

Home Again, at long last.

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:55 GMT

As good as vacation is to have; there truly is no place like home. And boy are we ever happy to be here. That's not to say we didn't enjoy ourselves, or were anxious in any way, but after 10 days, home becomes so, ohhhh, almost out of reach. The traffic on I95 and I1, honestly, I don't know how they live with it there. It was just awful. A trip that should have taken 5 hours, took us 8. But we're home. And we had a wonderful time.

This is the chalk drawing Marisa did on the Boardwalk during the "Chalk the Walk Explosion" contest while we were on vacation. She had been looking forward to this for a month. Pretty exciting. There were some neat drawings from kids to professionals - but I'm just giving up my girls today.

This is the USS Wisconsin we boarded on a very hot and sticky day. The kids loved this. They are under the turrets.

here. The size of this ship is just incredible.

My girls with a friend. I think this was on our last day. I can't wait to get my pics on a disc and developed. I haven't actually developed any of my digitals yet.

So this is what vacation does to us, it is exhausting. It absolutely destressed us. We all needed that. We were pent up with stress, each of us.

Yesterday, the kids had their friends over and gave out their souveniers and played games. It was nice to see them all. To be back in the normal life again. Frank and Marisa will be getting our bouncy dog back today. But first, he will be getting a bath; as he is going to stink. Can't wait to see him. Even Rocco has souveniers.

As far as the travelling migraine monster goes, I was attacked. The Scopolomine either wasn't working for me, or was doing better than it would have, had I not taken it. Either way, I had a bag between my legs, Zofran in my tummy, and I was holding my lips with my hand. Oh, and one hand on the door ready to jump. I don't know how my parents handled me barfing in their cars when we travelled.

On that note, it's time to make the little ones breakfast. yum.

Thank you for your well wishes while I was on vacation.

deb

Patients Unclear on Emergency Room Instructions

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00 GMT

As migraineurs, unfortunately there is likely a time when each of us will find ourselves seeking treatment at an emergency department.

A recent research study examining how well patients understood the directions they received at the emergency department showed that 78% of people were not clear on what they had been told.

The researchers broke patients’ comprehension into four categories. Among all of the comprehension problems, diagnosis and cause accounted for 15%; treatment in the ER accounted for 29%; what a patient needed to do at home to deal with the problem accounted for 34%; and instructions for what symptoms should prompt a return to the ER, 22%.

About 80% of the people who misunderstood the directions they were given thought they understood. So don't make the mistake of thinking you can' t fall into this category.

If you can, bring a friend or family member with you so that person can be in charge of paying attention to the instructions you are given. You're most likely going to be groggy when you are discharged, so having someone with you to clarify things will be very helpful.

Don't be shy about asking questions about anything you are told and any instructions you receive from your treatment providers.

Technorati Tags: emergency department, news, research, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

McCain, Obama Support ADA Restoration Act

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00 GMT

Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain promised his support for proposed changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act at a disabilities forum in Columbus, Ohio, last week to celebrate the law's 18th anniversary.

McCain Vows to Back Changes to Disabilities Law

McCain was a co-sponsor of the original 1990 bill. Rather than criticizing the Supreme Court's interpretation of the law, he said Congress must assume responsibility for clarifying and strengthening the law to ensure it provides the intended protections.

"We must clarify the definition of a disability to assure full protection for those the law is intended to serve," said McCain.

Sen. Tom Harkin appeared on behalf of the other main presidential candidate, Sen. Barrack Obama, who was returning to the United States from an international trip and unable to attend. Harkin said Obama also supports the ADA restoration bill.

About a month ago the House passed a version of the ADA restoration bill that extends its protection to people who use prosthetic limbs or take medication for diabetes, epilepsy and cancer.

The bill rejects court decisions that have diverted the ADA from the original Congressional intent and restores the law's ability to protect anyone who faces discrimination as a result of the existence or appearance of disability.

Sources:
ADA Restoration Act of 2007
ADA Amendments Act, HR 3195
Congress Wrapping up Surveillance, War Bills

Related Post:
Bill to Restore Americans with Disabilities Act Advances
Rewriting the Americans with Disabilities Act

Technorati Tags: americans with disabilities act, ada, disability, advocacy, law, news, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.

Presidential Candidates Views on Mental Health

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:00 GMT

If you're planning to vote in the presidential election this November (and I hope you are if you're eligible), you might be interested in reading each of the main candidate's views on mental health issues.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has posted Sen. Barack Obama's response to the group's questionnaire and Sen. John McCain's mental health statement on its website at this link:

Explore the Candidates: Bringing Mental Healthcare to the Ballot

Technorati Tags: advocacy, law, policy, depression, migraines, chronic illness, health, somebody heal me

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Content by Diana E. Lee.