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STEROID SHOTS, ANYONE?

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Migraine Headache
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CRANKY 1
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2005
Posts : 617
Posted 11/11/2006 7:48 PM (GMT -8)

Hey guys,

Haven't posted in a while, but I've been going through a really bad patch with my migraine attacks.  Just to catch you up, my PCP's practice had a meeting and decided that they were not going to continue prescribing my migraine medications, since I was only having success with Stadol Nasal Spray(abortive), Lorcet Plus(breakthrough), and Nubain/Phenergan shots(emergency only) - all narcotics, which was their problem.  I was told that I was being referred to a "Pain Clinic", which turned out to be a Detox program.  After two months of red tape, phone tag, etc...I still had not received a referral appointment.  I basically had to go cold turkey, as they also contacted the "walk-in" Treatment Centers in town to make sure they didn't give me any narcotic shots if I came in for treatment.

Since I had to approve my medical records being sent to the referral doctor, I got a copy of a portion of my medical records to see what the doctor would be seeing. My records, which had lots of mistakes, and a few flat out fabrications, were quite enlightning about how the doctors work.  It seems that much of my treatment was influenced by some doctors' very subjective opinions, as opposed to objective information.  They refused to give me portions of my file, which was pretty much the last straw for me.  This facility was no longer working for me in my best interest.  I have been having 2/3 migraine attacks a week for quite a long time, exacerbated because of a bad TMJ condition (a whole other story). 

The last "migraine specialist" I was referred to, at a Neurology Clinic two hours away from home, got me an appointment at the Pain Clinic at the University of Virginia.  The "specialist" said that my condition was beyond her area of expertise.  Anyway, I went to the UVa Pain Center and spent about a hour filling out a computer questionaire before seeing the doctor.  I was first seen by an intern, and then the doctor joined her after a consultation.  The recommendation was that I try steroid shots instead on trying to depend strictly on medication.  

I made a return appointment and went back two days later for the shots.  They injected the steroids, including a little novacaine, behind my ear, at the center of the base of my skull, and over my right eyebrow(the side I get the pain on).  The night before my first appointment (Monday night) I came down with the worst cold I can remember.  I haven't had a cold in probably ten years.  They gave me the injections on Friday morning, but I'm still so miserable from the cold, I don't know if they are going to help or not.  I feel bruised in the locations the needle went in, but I guess that's because they were hitting the nerves up against my skull.

The doctor scheduled me for another round of shots in a couple of weeks, and referred me to a neurologist there at the hospital.  Having crapped out with the doctors in my home town, I guess I'll get used to making the hour trip to get better quality care.  At least my father is driving me back and forth, since I couldn't get the shots and drive myself.

To wind this up...Have any of you had or heard of someone that has undergone steroid shots to combat migraine attacks?  I would greatly appreciate any input on this methodology.

Thanks!

Leigh Ann cool

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hopefulmigrainer
Veteran Member
Joined : Oct 2006
Posts : 902
Posted 11/11/2006 8:39 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Leigh Ann, I started a thread called "Nerve block treatments" on the "chronic pain" forum. I thought it was here on the migraine forum but I guess not. Anyway, a few people did respond. I got a letter the other day that my HMO DENIED the referral from the pain doc. It makes me so mad - managed health care doesn't allow the docs to do their job. I'm on disability and have a 15yr. documented history of migraine yet I have to prove my case each and every time. Anyway, their are some responses on that thread that you may find helpful. Please keep us posted as to your progress. Hope you feel better.
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Annuk
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2006
Posts : 1308
Posted 11/12/2006 6:38 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Leigh Ann,

Are you talking about the GONB (Greater Occipital Nerve Block) or something else?? I will possibly be having the GONB on Friday this week and do know a couple of people who this sort of treatment has helped.

Steroids generally do work well for migraine pain but only as a 'break', they are not a good idea to have all the time, however if it works the GONB can be repeated.

Sorry you have got this awful cold aswell, and you are probably right when you say this is masking the results of the injections!! But if it is the GONB you had you should still feel the benefit after the cold has gone for a while. Hope you are feeling better soon.

take care

Ann
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CRANKY 1
Veteran Member
Joined : Aug 2005
Posts : 617
Posted 11/15/2006 3:01 PM (GMT -8)

Yeh, I was talking about the GONB (Greater Occipital Nerve Block).  I don't yet know whether they are going to work yet.  I have another round scheduled on Dec. 1st.  I also have to see the Neurologist, hopefully on the same day.  I haven't got the appointment yet. 

I've been so sick for the past week, I don't know if the procedure has had any success, but I know the spots where they injected the needle into the nerves up against my skull were really sore for a couple of days.  Ioday a big weather change happened and I have a miserable migraine in addition to now what is a sinus infection, and bronchitus.  In addition, I have fillings just disintergrating in my mouth and the exposed nerves are killing me.  I have a dentist appointment, which I'm not going to cancel for anything.  Maybe I'll feel better once my teeth are worked on.

Anyway, I'll keep ya'll  updated.

Leigh Ann cool

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Annuk
Veteran Member
Joined : Jan 2006
Posts : 1308
Posted 11/15/2006 3:23 PM (GMT -8)
Hi Leigh Ann,

Sorry you are still feeling so rough. It's so difficult to tell exactly what is going on when you have got things like infections running aswell. I hope this does work for you although I think you should have felt some benefit by now despite the colds. Also from what I understand the GONB can only be done every 3 months, but as I say I might be wrong there. It may be worth checking though!

Hope this settles down for you soon, take care

Ann
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