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"I need some proper help"

About: Addenbrooke's Hospital / Neurology

(as the patient),

I am 50 years old. I have suffered migraine for 35 years. Diagnosed with migraine early 20's. 

Migraine pain is worsening in length, frequency and severity in recent years. I have tried every drug offered at least once. I last saw a neuro about 3 years ago. I offered my migraine diary but they didn't read it. When I explained how the drug that had been presribed to me was horrendous, causing awful side effects and had no impact on migraines the consultant snorted quite angrily that I was only on a baby dose, and asked if I wanted migraines or not, which I took to meanI could continue to take the drug or suffer!

I moved house to a different county and have had some of my worst bouts of migraine ever. I also have Tourette syndrome which causes me to constantly twist, whip and contort my head and neck. I was referred to physio but it got cancelled at the start of the pandemic. I am still waiting.

In the meantime, the pain has changed to an even more intense pain starting at the  ase of my skull, over my nead and into my eyes. The pain is almost too much to bare. I have visited A&E twice this year and had paramedics out too.

I asked via the new Doctor appointment to be referred back to a neuro but the referral was refused on the basis that I am causing myself rebound headaches.

The GP has never seen me in person and the neuro will have no knowledge of me or my symptoms at all.

I have just recently suffered a 7 day migraine that was like no other. I tried to explain this is not my usual migraine pain but was not listened to. Even the A&E doctor I saw 2 days ago sent me away with metachlopromide and no referral to a neuro.

I had a callback from another GP yesterday who prescribed Indometacin. 

I need some proper help. 

I cannot continue in this much pain.

My life is mainly confined to the same 4 walls of my bedroom. I cannot work. My husband and 2 grown sons worry seeing me in so much pain.

I am a shadow of my former self.

An animal would not be left in so much pain for so long.

What do I do? Where do I go? Who do I turn to?

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Responses

Response from Head of Patient Experience, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2 years ago
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 31/12/2021 at 16:57
Published on Care Opinion at 16:57


Dear JB71

I am sorry to read about your continuing migraines and that you feel so unsupported.

I'm not sure whether you attended the Emergency Department at Addenbrooke's Hospital recently, but if you did and would like us to help with obtaining more information about the treatment provided there, please contact the Cambridge University Hospitals Patient Advice and Liaison Service - PALS - on 01223 216756 or email pals@addenbrookes.nhs.uk.

You mention that you saw a neurologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital about three years ago and that you were not happy with this consultation. As this was quite some time ago, it may be a little difficult to look into this but if you contact PALS, we can make our best efforts.

You might also consider contacting your GP surgery again to discuss your symptoms. In addition, a support organisation might be able to offer support and information - you could try The Migraine Trust migrainetrust.org 0808 802 0066 or The Brain Charity thebraincharity.org.uk 0800 008 6417.

Once again, I am sorry to hear about your continuing pain and hope that you are able to obtain some help.

Head of Patient Experience

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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