Things they are a-changin’ (we hope!)

As I head into my 12th year writing about migraine and headache, I have to admit that a lot has changed.  There is more awareness, there are more treatments, and many people have written me to tell me that they either no longer suffer from migraine or chronic headache, or they suffer a lot less.

But looking at our recent poll, you might not be so encouraged.  The question was Do you feel you experience discrimination at the doctor’s office because of your headache or migraine condition?

Incredibly, almost three quarters of the people who responded said that they either very often or sometimes felt discriminated against!

What are we talking about here?  Well, back in August we were reading a New York Times article, written by someone who was concerned about discrimination in the doctor’s office.  Some of the responses:

• Angel from the USA:  I’m becoming more acutely aware of discrimination as my migraines become worse & consume more of my life… it seems like its everywhere and even though there ADA is there to protect, the people who discriminate against me treat the ADA like its a joke b/c its just not enforced. [read more]
• Chris wrote:  I’ve had the “because you’re female” thing, with bonus “because you’re overweight”. One doctor told me I didn’t need meds, I just needed to stop gorging and lose weight and all my health issues would be resolved. He was an eye doctor, tasked with ruling out a detached retina as the cause of the sparkly lights I was seeing. I was so stunned, I couldn’t respond. Got similar treatment from a doctor who studies sleep disorders, and he was so mean about it, I left the exam room in tears (and I’m not one to cry). Needless to say, a crying jag didn’t help my migraine.  [read more]
• Terri wrote:  Yes! Our local ER has some wonderful, caring doctors and nurses! If you have a “real” problem. Migraines? Forget about it. I have had migraines for 45 years, a trip to the ER is ONLY after 2 days of unbearable pain (and usually vomiting), only to be made to wait 3-4 hours before being seen. Then I was actually told I had a “red flag” on my name. Red Flags were codes for “drug chaser”. And I was treated for dehydration due to excessive vomiting, offered fiorinal (lol) and sent home. Oh and Heaven Forbid, you know any names of drugs that help, and those that don’t (like fiorinal). That just makes you a knowledgeable drug chaser.  [read more]

Sadly, with all the progress that has been made in the past 12 years, we still have a long way to go.  And it’s only going to happen if patients and doctors and researchers and advocates and writers and family and friends work together.  Can we do that in 2014?