There are times in life when a simple thank you is just not enough.
I recieved my botox treatment for Chronic Migraine today… I’m only 17 days late, my regular neurologist is still closed… but friends and a different provider went above and beyond, assisting me to make this treatment happen.
Words of gratitude just fall short. I know tonight’s migraine will be from the grateful Ugly Cry. This world is full of so much kindness. Thank you all for your support and prayers.
#ChronicMigraine #MigraineAwareness #SpeakYourMigraine #BotoxforChronicMigraine #CMA #ARMS #CMAware
I almost did not believe this day would come. This process has been so surreal and emotional: 1) I could not believe my Neuro of 7 years would refuse to perform essential migraine treatments, 2) insurance was a butt and ultimately unsuccessful transferring to new office in any kind of timely manner, 3) I was staggered that another practitioner would go out of her way to help me.
In a world of COVID19, loss, loneliness, chaos, and uncertainty, there are angels among us. Don’t tell me it isn’t true because I have been touched by them. They’ve come into my life: friends who watched and cared for my 4 young children when I had to go to the ER, doctors who’ve held my hand when my baby was hurt, and friends who’ve arranged for another Practitioner to help me with #BotoxforChronicMigraine when my own Neurologist closed up their office and wouldn’t treat their patients in need.
Today I was 17 days late for Botox. In 9 years of treatment, I have never been even ONE day late. These treatments are too critical for me. And Botox is a cumulative treatment. Being late can set you back… like pedaling a bike uphill.
When I put out my open letter to my Neurologist on social media recently, explaining my predicament, heartbreak, and frustration about my botox cancellation, my friends took action. He’s a Pediatric Neurologist and his colleague (who performs botox treatments) and entire office continues to remain OPEN during quarantine. They believe the truth that their treatments and care are too essential. And they are willing to help other Neuro patients – even outside their practice. His wife contacted me with Dr Kate Labiner’s info… she alerted the doctor about my predicament. *cue tears of gratitude*
When I contacted Labiner’s office… they said they were happy to help and they would do everything they could to help me with insurance, payment and appointment times. They were unbelievably kind and gracious. *cue tears of thanks*
Note: I’m a cryer. Happy, sad, funny… I cry. But when faced with grace and goodness… I cry the ultimate Ugly Cry.
The office staff Jasmine and Amanda worked relentlessly on my case… which is difficult – they don’t see my insurance in their pediatric practice and switching the botox authorization from Austin Neurocare to their office was proving to take a LONG time. They didn’t want me waiting and suffering any longer than necessary. Nurse Mary from Austin Neurocare was good enough to fax my info to Child Neurology Consultants of Austin at least.
I opted to pay out of pocket for the visit and injections, for which they gave me a compassionate discount. Dr Labiner also used their samples of Dysport to enable me to get in as soon as possible.
I was emotional to say the least. Their kindness was overwhelming. Whenever I thanked them; they repeated it was their pleasure and they were happy, even thrilled, to help. *cue: tears of grace*
Dr Labiner was delightful… very knowledgeable about Chronic Migraine and we spoke about my history, as well as the CGRPs and overdiagnosis of MOH. Pretty sure she could tell she was talking with a Migraine Jedi. I was able to show her photos of my normal botox “map” and she was happy to follow them. She gave me ice packs and stress balls to squeeze and had me lay down on a pillowed exam table. It made me smile; it was adorable… she counted down before injecting and she asked me how I was doing every so often. I had read up on Dysport beforehand and I did find the injections a bit more uncomfortable (they are slightly deeper, higher concentration where a smaller amount is needed, as compared to botox. And apparently it renders results a little sooner as well.) but totally tolerable. It was one of the most pleasant doctor visits of my life. We talked about her clients… when I think of CHILDREN suffering from Chronic Migraine… my heart can’t take the sadness. *cue: tears of sympathy and heartbreak*
I told her my 20 year old son was an Episodic Migraineur and I would do all on my power to make positively SURE he never become chronic.
We ended the visit with her making sure I knew that I could contact them for help, if needed.
I felt the migraine crashing my skull as we drove home. This is stress letdown. I took my medicine and fell asleep for a short nap (my head elevated). This is emotional exhaustion. This is days and days of uncertainty and anxiety. When I woke up we ate dinner and I cried. And cried. And cried some more. I cried for how grateful I am for this treatment. I cried for all the other Chronic Migraineurs suffering and indefinitely cancelled. I cried for the children who need Chronic Migraine treatment. I cried for my country (and a world) suffering during a fatal global pandemic with a virus that is absolutely devastating that we don’t really understand. And I cried for my anxiety, my mental tension and physical strain, for my stress letdown, and my nasty migraine.
I have my ice on, am in PJs, and go to sleep with a grateful heart.
Peace and Love to All.
mybeautifulmigraine 