| Q: |
How do I find out more about migraine?
| | A: |
Learning more about migraine and keeping up to date on new
information is very helpful. There are many resources that can help you
with migraine education. You can do research at your local library or at
a medical library. Information is also available in bookstores and on
the internet. Your doctor may have educational information.
Pharmaceutical companies provide educational material and website
information about migraine as well.
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| Q: |
Who can I turn to for help?
| | A: |
The first person to turn to is your doctor. Many people suffer
for years without talking to their doctor. Depending upon your
situation, you may need to see other healthcare providers too. Many
professionals can help you with stress management, physical therapy,
physical fitness, and dietary counseling. Initially, it may take time to
organize a treatment team and you may need to consult different
professionals before you find the right people, but your doctor should
be your first point of contact.
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| Q: |
How can I find others who have migraine?
| | A: |
Migraine is very common. It will not take you long to discover
other sufferers once you start your treatment program. You will find
that people with migraine are very interested in your experiences and
treatment. On finding others, you may want to form home groups or devise
ways to come together to share ideas. Most communities have organized
support groups as well. You can get information about such support
groups and migraine associations by contacting the organizations listed
in the Useful addresses section .
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| Q: |
How can I find the time to do the research and planning needed to manage my migraine?
| | A: |
That is a problem we all could handle a little better. Modern-day
lifestyles force us to want more and work more, making it very
difficult to fit everything into a 24-hour day. A quick trip to the
bookstore for a book on time management may be very helpful. There are
many reasons why people overcommit themselves. You may need to seek the
help of a professional if you are unable to make time for your migraine
treatment.
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| Q: |
Can someone help me deal with the financial burden of changing my lifestyle?
| | A: |
Healthcare costs and insurance issues can be a real financial
burden for many people. Learning more about your insurance coverage will
help you lower the cost of your medical care. Prevention can reduce the
cost by reducing the amount of money spent on abortive therapy. You
will also increase your income as you reduce the amount of time lost
from work because of migraine attacks. By not eating out, you will save
even more. You may need to take the time to prepare a budget that allows
for your migraine care. Discussing your financial situation with a
social worker or financial advisor may help you prepare a budget.
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| Q: |
How do I manage when I have a severe migraine attack?
| | A: |
People who have migraine are often very independent, and they may
feel that asking for help is worse than the attack itself. Whether you
like it or not, there will be a time during a severe migraine when you
will need help. You may need someone to drive you home or to the doctor,
or to pick up medication from the pharmacy. There are times you may
need help with home or work responsibilities. You need to plan for such
circumstances. Identify a few individuals you can turn to for help
during an attack. You can always return the favor when they need you.
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