Again

I believe some of my readers (about three) probably would like a little update on the next chapter of my headache saga. (Maybe I should write a book...) ;) We did practically write a book when we compiled a detailed list of all things that I have done since 2003 related to migraines. I gathered records from physicians, and it was a headache, to use a painfully familiar expression. (But at least they only charged me $20 instead of $80 for a copy of MY records.)

We submitted our official appeal to the insurance so they will re-think their decision not to cover Botox treatment. King gathered more information on studies done on patients with migraines improving with Botox treatment, and information on Medicare coverage of the procedure. Many insurance companies follow Medicare's coverage patterns, and luckily, our state is one of the few that does cover it. This may help our case.

I saw my headache specialist early in the week--basically to document more of my medical history. When they first submitted the Botox plan to the insurance, it was before I'd tried the second round of IV's and two new medications ago. Not to mention my strict non-gluten non-dairy diet. They are thinking this will also help our case. So, they have re-submitted the request to approve Botox again, with more numbers of his patients' outcomes with the treatment. We're hoping to know within the next couple of weeks. We'll see. The manager of our University's benefits office is working with us to help push it along. Not being ones to have $2,000 lying around for use in experimental treatments, and having spent more than that this year on different unsuccessful treatments, we're praying they decide to approve it quickly--before the end of the year. We kind of feel like I need to try this end-of-the-line treatment after coming along this far, and would really, really like to let the insurance pick up most of the tab.

In the meantime, I started on another new medication. (Please don't ask me how excited I am to do this again, I don't like to use swear words.) It is another seizure medication that is tolerated well by lucky people like me who are sensitive to medications. Honestly, I've had a few relatively good days since I began on it, if I ignore the insomnia and constant nausea. Oh, and the one episode of driving home from a place I go all the time and not remembering where I was. The goal is to find a well tolerated medication that will help decrease the severity and frequency of headaches once the Botox helps to stop this two year " headache cycle" my body is stuck in.

So, that's the deal. If you have any further questions, you may contact my publicist. :)