Talk to Yvette. I think she has the most experience with headache clinics.

Try not to give up. I know it is very hard. When you combine chronic pain with chronic illness it is easy to become depressed. If your not on something for depression you might want to consider it. I take Lexapro daily. I've had daily migraines and had multiple illnesses for 18 years now. I went to therapy for awhile, it was really good to have someone to talk too. My headaches are almost under control finally.

Wish you the best.

Get reviews of any headache clinic before you go. From real people, mind. I went to a headache clinic that turned out to be little more than a pill mill. It was a total and complete waste of time with no relief. I'm sure there are good ones out there, though, so get references.

Sorry it took me so long to respond. I've been having some pretty bad migraines, and even looking at a computer screen was just impossible.

Casamom, if you are not already with a headache center/clinic, you need to get to one. A PCP, or even just a neurologist just isn't qualified to treat migraines of your severity. I know people think that neurologists are qualified, but in reality, they take a few courses in headaches, and that's it. HEADACHE SPECIALISTS is what you will find at a headache center/ clinic. They specialize in many different types of headaches, and they are on top of the latest treatments available.

The one caveat to that is this: Find a headache center that is associated with a hospital. About 20 years ago I had a headache specialist who was not part of a hospital, and he was not aware of the latest drugs and treatment available. That's when I left and went to a headache center that was part of a teaching hospital.

There are probably so many different medicines that you have not tried yet. Probably preventatives, and abortives. Do some research and see what headache centers in your area. You really could find some great relief.

Good luck!

YvetteK, thank you so much for your reply. It was the answer I was looking for...whether or not a clinic would have more/different treatments than just my neuro, and whether or not it was worth trying. Did you go to one? Which one? Again, thanks for your reply.

casamom, yes I did go to one. I live in south jersey, so I was literally right across a bridge from Philadelphia, which was very lucky for me. I ended up at Thomas Jefferson University Headache Center in Philly. I've been there since 2006. I'm there every 6 weeks. I think I would have had better results, but in 2007 I had cancer and the chemo was so intense. My headaches just spiraled out of control after the chemo. But my team at Jefferson has been so good about trying new medication programs with me. I would be devastated at this point if I had to leave them for any reason.

One of the first things they did for me when I got there in 2006 was put me in for infusion therapy. Over the course of 3 days, I went to the hospital, early in the morning, and was pumped with medicine meant to break the headache cycle completely. You leave in the afternoon. It makes you so drowsy, you just sleep the whole time. If infusion is not strong enough, they will just keep you in the hospital and do the same thing. You are just monitored more closely. It did help for a while. But since I've been there, I've always had such a range of options that I've never had with any other doctor.

I do hope you find a specialist/Headache clinic. I think you really could find some relief. If you have any questions, just message me.

Thank you so much for all your help. I'm going to start doing some research!!