I may be going to the ER for a migraine...help!

jaenshaesmom · Jun 15, 2004

I think you have to do what you feel is right for each situation. I once ran out of my migraine meds and when I called my MD to get some more called in he wasn't on call. The on call dr didn't want to give me more and sent me to the ER. To make a long story short, I ended up haveing viral meningitis.

Just food for thought...

z's playa · Jun 15, 2004

Well its so far,it seems like nothing to be alarmed about but I just cringe at the thought of walking the Green Mile to cubes with the "oh...migraine" whispers trailing after me. When I'm an RN, I can't wait to stand up for all the people with OBVIOUS legit migraines.

How long were you out with meningitis?

z's playa · Jun 15, 2004

I think you have to do what you feel is right for each situation. I once ran out of my migraine meds and when I called my MD to get some more called in he wasn't on call. The on call dr didn't want to give me more and sent me to the ER. To make a long story short, I ended up haveing viral meningitis.
Just food for thought...

:crying2: Seems you're the only one able to offer support. Thank you. I'm off to bed.

ayndim · Jun 15, 2004

Well its so farit seems like nothing to be alarmed about but I just cringe at the thought of walking the Green Mile to cubes with the "oh...migraine" whispers trailing after me. When I'm an RN, I can't wait to stand up for all the people with OBVIOUS legit migraines.[/quote']
Me too! I am a fellow migraine sufferer. I have signs that I am in pain such as actual vomitting (no dry heaves here) and high BP. I hope you feel better. There is a special place in hell for those who fake migraines in my opinion. :angryfire And I wish they could get a real one. I wonder if migraines primarily affected men if we would have better meds.
If you can't get rid of it on your own go to the ED. Who cares if they give you , at least you will feel better.

z's playa · Jun 15, 2004

Me too! I am a fellow migraine sufferer. I have signs that I am in pain such as actual vomitting (no dry heaves here) and high BP. I hope you feel better. There is a special place in hell for those who fake migraines in my opinion. :angryfire And I wish they could get a real one. I wonder if migraines primarily affected men if we would have better meds.
If you can't get rid of it on your own go to the ED. Who cares if they give you , at least you will feel better.

Thank you for your time. They can't ignore vitals...usually I've heard the first sign of a faker is normal BP and HR. Maybe one day I'll have a stroke...than I won't feel so guilty going in anymore if I live. :chuckle

sorry...i'm having a baaaad day.

sharann, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2004

I am sorry to hear you have migraines and are suffering now. I have had quite a few of those in my life, buth thankfuly found that mine are hormone related(no BP pills or shots for me). I just caution you to avoid thinking people with normal vitals are faking, because this a a myth and untrue. Some people have altered VS but not all do in response to pain. You of all people don't want to be one of "those" nurses to scoff at a patient who may truly be suffering...because they have a good BP and pulse. It is important to keep to the "PAin is what the pt says it is" motto (of course we KNOW when MOST are faking we can't PROVE it.

Feel better soon:)

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Jun 15, 2004

I'd be more concerned about something else other than just a migraine with that blood pressure. Is it the head ache causing your BP to be so high or the fact you have out of control BP causing a headache.

You stated "My BP is 189/90 right now. " Probably in my ER it would buy you IV betablocker and admission to the hospital if not at least an over night stay in the obsevation unit.

seanymph · Jun 15, 2004

Hope you are feeling better. I can totally relate as I am a migraine sufferer also who has to go to the ER also and endure "the look". You would think our fellow medical professionals would cut us some slack. I don't enjoy lying in a fetal position, in a dark room, with an emesis basin hugged to me. :uhoh3: I am on Topamax 300mg bid preventativly. Good luck and hugs your way.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Jun 15, 2004

You know- you said there are nurses who assume the worst of you as soon as they see you, but you came here saying that you were also assuming the worst of the people who would treat you in the ER. That street runs both ways.

If you've already decided that I'm a rotten nurse before you set foot in the ER frankly, I'd just as soon you stay home. As far as working the ER goes I'm tired of paying for what other nurses have done, just as you are tired of being labelled a drug seeker when you aren't.

Look, I think you are a cool person, and certainly don't deserve or need a flame, but I needed to get that off my chest to the board in general. If you need to go to the ER kick them in the butt if they don't give you the treatment you need and deserve, but give them the benefit of the doubt for five minutes, OK?

missmercy · Jun 15, 2004

Get the help you need -- if that means going to the ER -- then GO!!! I too get unbelievable migraines -- not infrequently -- the docs are looking into all sorts of causative factors -- most agree it is an allergy triggereed response -- I do every thing that I can to avoid the allergins, but can't live in a bubble -- our previous Doc was fabulous -- knew me and trusted me to use good sense to deal with them -- since we have moved -- we are starting back at square one with a new Doc: tests, drug shuffeling, diet, etc. -- am sure we will end up back to tolerable and trusted -- but have to earn the respect again -- the interim is miserable!! Feel for you!! Hope you were abel to get some relief!!

missmercy · Jun 15, 2004

You know- you said there are nurses who assume the worst of you as soon as they see you, but you came here saying that you were also assuming the worst of the people who would treat you in the ER. That street runs both ways.
If you've already decided that I'm a rotten nurse before you set foot in the ER frankly, I'd just as soon you stay home. As far as working the ER goes I'm tired of paying for what other nurses have done, just as you are tired of being labelled a drug seeker when you aren't.
Look, I think you are a cool person, and certainly don't deserve or need a flame, but I needed to get that off my chest to the board in general. If you need to go to the ER kick them in the butt if they don't give you the treatment you need and deserve, but give them the benefit of the doubt for five minutes, OK?

Very well stated canoehead!!! I agree that we are way to quick to judge and assume!! I have been (for the most part) treated with respect and courtesy when I have had to got to the ED. I would be a terrible ED nurse! Am thrilled that there are terrific nurses working there that love what they do !!! Keep up the good work!! I think ED nurses should have a special award -- you sure do have "interesting" experiences!!!