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CC: Prayers for my son, please


texasmama
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Just one more thought. Consider it or toss it - whatever works best for you.   I find that I am extremely sensitive to MSG.  So are my two youngest kids. For my youngest who didn't believe me, he kept track and discovered WalMart popcorn chicken is a guaranteed migraine. He now calls it Migraine-in-a-Cup. I can't have even the barest hint of soy sauce on my food. Guaranteed migraine.

 

MSG is in so very many things. You can be getting a huge dose of it without even knowing. Even things that don't say MSG contain it under hidden labels.  You could try limiting it ( or at least the worse offenders) and see if that helps lessen the attacks.

 

There are also several common foods that are triggers for some people. You can try limiting those as well.

 

Any of the food limits and eliminations can be done in conjunction with any medication your doctor prescribes.  It makes a huge difference with us.

 

The MSG thing makes sense since MSG is a neurotoxin. Would be glad to get the feeling you can do something about it.

 

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On his third dose of DHE, and he is reporting that he thinks his headache is gone. :) We might get to leave here today, which would be cool since I only slept about 3 hours on the brick-like Hobbit-sized bed. Plus, the cat is lonely without my son because she usually sleeps with him.

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On his third dose of DHE, and he is reporting that he thinks his headache is gone. :) We might get to leave here today, which would be cool since I only slept about 3 hours on the brick-like Hobbit-sized bed. Plus, the cat is lonely without my son because she usually sleeps with him.

:grouphug:

 

I hope this is the last of his pain. Poor kid. Poor mom in brick hobbit-sized bed.

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I haven't been online as much as usual lately, so somehow I missed this entire thread until now.

 

Praying that your son's headaches were nothing to worry about, and that you are able to find a very minor cause for them, so you will be able to avoid triggering them in the future.

 

You must have been so scared!!!  :grouphug:

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We are home!  Watching your child suffer in pain is an emotionally wearing and humbling experience.  I didn't leave the hospital until I spoke with the nurse practitioner about a plan for getting an appointment with a pediatric neurologist and what to do if he has an intractable migraine in the meantime.  The hospital (which is associated with the peds neurology department we will be seeing) will be calling to get me in.  I feel comfortable that we have a plan and will not need to go through the ER again.  Whew. 

 

After I did not sleep well in the Hobbit-sized bed, I got up at 6 am and laid in the hospital bed with my son all day.  It was just the two of us (and hospital staff) for most of the 14 hours we were there yesterday.  I have to say how lovely it was to spend that uninterrupted, one on one time with my boy.  Love him.  <3

I hope your son is feeling well tonight and that the cat got her bed-mate back!  

 

And all this time I had pictured you as Hobbit-sized!

The cat hardly ate while we were gone!  She is very emotionally fragile and has an auto immune disease so she needs things to be steady and predictable.  She had to sleep alone in his room while we were gone, and I'm sure it upset her a lot.  Older dd drove down from college to get us at the hospital and took us home upon release so she slept in ds's room along with him and the cat last night.  This morning the cat cried for food and when I went in to check on them she was laying on the bed with dd.  All seems back right in the cat's world.  I am the one who feeds the animals so it was interesting coordinating that from a hospital room.  Younger dd fed the dog and cat.  lol

 

As to the latter, I am 5'10" so I am the anti-Hobbit.  ;)  (And there you are back making fun of me!  ;) )

 

Several people have messaged me offering advice and speaking of their own experiences, and I appreciate that so much.  I am coming up with a plan to help my ds with dietary changes, supplements and other supports we can do at home to prevent this monster from rearing its ugly head again.

 

As a somewhat related aside, we switched to Samaritan Ministries for health coverage earlier in the year.  When I realized that we really needed to take my son to the ER, I called SM and spoke with a representative to make sure that they understood and endorsed my action.  At that point, I was torn.  A kind man prayed with me and encouraged me to take my son to the ER for help.  He started a "case" or whatever they call it for my son, told me what to tell the hospital and how to handle the billing issues.  He is sending me paperwork.  That eased my mind regarding the financial piece of it.  After my son was admitted, a billing lady called to ask for a $2000 deposit because she thought we had no coverage at all.  When I explained that we were with Samaritan Ministries, she said, "No problem" and did not need a deposit.  She told me when to expect a bill and what to do.  Then the hospital sent a social worker to help us apply for Medicaid or insurance coverage, and I told her about Samaritan Ministries.  She asked some questions about the specifics for her own knowledge and was impressed with how it works and the affordability.  Best of all, with the traditional insurance coverage that we had prior to joining SM, this incident would have cost us many thousands of dollars due to a high deductible.  It will cost us $300 under SM.  That knowledge allowed me to relax and focus on my son and his care rather than worry about the financial end of it.  I don't mean to sound like a commercial, but I have made medical decisions for our family through the anxious lens of the financial impact, and it was a relief to not have to do that.

 

Thank you all again for the support and suggestions regarding migraine prevention.  I am grateful for all of it!

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  Best of all, with the traditional insurance coverage that we had prior to joining SM, this incident would have cost us many thousands of dollars due to a high deductible.  It will cost us $300 under SM.  That knowledge allowed me to relax and focus on my son and his care rather than worry about the financial end of it.  I don't mean to sound like a commercial, but I have made medical decisions for our family through the anxious lens of the financial impact, and it was a relief to not have to do that.

 

 

Unless things are pro-rated (which I doubt), it won't even cost you $300 with SM.  With a covered deal like this, it's covered at 100% - no deductible.  It's things that are less than $300 (total) that aren't covered as they are supposed to come out of your monthly premium savings.  If it were to end up pro-rated, their member assistance fund will help with that once the "case" is fully finished.

 

Being with SM has saved us thousands - literally - both in monthly premiums/shares and with OOP payments that we would have had with insurance.  Our school has been doing fund raisers to assist my co-worker's family with their OOP bills.  They asked me, but ours are ALL covered.  I'm really, really thankful for the choice we made eons ago.  Insurance would have cost us roughly $500 more per month and only covered in-network places at 80% until our OOP of $12,700 had been reached.  With SM I can choose any doctor, any hospital, any lab, and covered things are truly covered at 100%.  We've only had issues with one hospital that for some strange reason prefers insurance (but even they have come around now since they've seen it work - better than insurance one lady who works there told me - insurance was unlikely to cover one of my treatments - SM did without question).  There's no way on earth we're switching TO insurance!

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Just saw this! I'm so glad your guy is feeling better and able to go home.

 

Brotherman has migraines. They are brutal. So far though he is like my dad - they have migraines that are crazy intense, but typically don't last more than 12 hours. We give him dramamine to help with the nausea and vomiting and knock him out until it passes. His doc wants to stick with that as long as it works and avoid prescription meds.

 

I have long lasting migraines though. I had one a few weeks ago that lasted 4 days even with taking toradol and reglan prescriptions at home.

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So glad your son is better!  We are a migraine extraordinaire family, unfortunately.  (From my husband's side;  I've never had one.)  The book that helped some of my family when nothing else did was the book Heal Your Headache.  Maybe others have recommended it.

 

I have one daughter that nothing has helped over the years;  she has been having the same migraine for 5 years now.  (It never went away.)  She has a brain that apparently is in a constant hyper-twitchy state, almost like epilepsy except no seizures.  She has been to all the experts and is now resorting to some rather questionable methods (with our encouragement) to see if it helps.  Her case is of course very unusual. 

 

But the book (specifically the diet it recommends) I listed has really made all the difference in the world for the rest of my migraine family. 

 

Good luck to your son! 

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Unless things are pro-rated (which I doubt), it won't even cost you $300 with SM.  With a covered deal like this, it's covered at 100% - no deductible.  It's things that are less than $300 (total) that aren't covered as they are supposed to come out of your monthly premium savings.  If it were to end up pro-rated, their member assistance fund will help with that once the "case" is fully finished.

 

Being with SM has saved us thousands - literally - both in monthly premiums/shares and with OOP payments that we would have had with insurance.  Our school has been doing fund raisers to assist my co-worker's family with their OOP bills.  They asked me, but ours are ALL covered.  I'm really, really thankful for the choice we made eons ago.  Insurance would have cost us roughly $500 more per month and only covered in-network places at 80% until our OOP of $12,700 had been reached.  With SM I can choose any doctor, any hospital, any lab, and covered things are truly covered at 100%.  We've only had issues with one hospital that for some strange reason prefers insurance (but even they have come around now since they've seen it work - better than insurance one lady who works there told me - insurance was unlikely to cover one of my treatments - SM did without question).  There's no way on earth we're switching TO insurance!

My mind is still wrapping around this reality.  It is so different.  The social worker at the hospital asked a lot of specific questions about the program, as she is in a position to advise people regarding options.

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My mind is still wrapping around this reality.  It is so different. 

 

It's definitely different - and for those it works for - it's definitely better.

 

Be sure you also submit the doctor's bill for the first time you went in with him too as it was for this.  It doesn't matter that you've (probably) already paid it.  You'll just keep that money as reimbursement when you get it in.  ALL bills associated with this migraine will be included in what you submit.  They will cover the ER and doctor(s), lab work, + any meds given to him then and any he needs for the next few months (if needed), the appt you made before for it, and your follow ups with the next doctor(s) as long as nothing is experimental, etc.  If you had needed an ambulance, that would have been covered too.

 

They will ask you to ask for any self-pay discounts or they will send it to an organization to do some of this on your behalf if they feel prices are out of line as places discount things for insurance, but in general, your OOP should be limited to gas money or other similar expenses.  

 

Having BTDT with 4 other situations for my guys and myself, I can say not having to worry about cost or who we are seeing is a huge blessing!  All we had to worry about what what was wrong and seeing if it could be fixed.

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So glad your son is finally over this migraine. Hope you both can find answers & ways to avoid future migraines.

 

:grouphug:

 

ETA: Could part of the trigger for migraines be hormonal? He might be in the age range where that might be a trigger for awhile. Just mentioning it as another thought since you'll be seeing a specialist soon....

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So glad your son is finally over this migraine. Hope you both can find answers & ways to avoid future migraines.

 

:grouphug:

 

ETA: Could part of the trigger for migraines be hormonal? He might be in the age range where that might be a trigger for awhile. Just mentioning it as another thought since you'll be seeing a specialist soon....

Very much hormonal.  Also, he has the barometric pressure changes trigger that I also have.  We tend to get migraines a day or so apart when the weather changes.  We are having a big storm system coming in next week so I am keeping him hydrated and on supplements which I take to help prevent my own migraines.

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It's definitely different - and for those it works for - it's definitely better.

 

Be sure you also submit the doctor's bill for the first time you went in with him too as it was for this.  It doesn't matter that you've (probably) already paid it.  You'll just keep that money as reimbursement when you get it in.  ALL bills associated with this migraine will be included in what you submit.  They will cover the ER and doctor(s), lab work, + any meds given to him then and any he needs for the next few months (if needed), the appt you made before for it, and your follow ups with the next doctor(s) as long as nothing is experimental, etc.  If you had needed an ambulance, that would have been covered too.

 

They will ask you to ask for any self-pay discounts or they will send it to an organization to do some of this on your behalf if they feel prices are out of line as places discount things for insurance, but in general, your OOP should be limited to gas money or other similar expenses.  

 

Having BTDT with 4 other situations for my guys and myself, I can say not having to worry about cost or who we are seeing is a huge blessing!  All we had to worry about what what was wrong and seeing if it could be fixed.

Thank you for helping me understand the specifics.  The day before the hospital visit, he saw his primary doctor for this issue and received a shot of pain meds at a cost of $99, so I will submit this bill, as well.  He saw a chiropractor three times, but I don't think this is covered and I am fine with this.

 

I have dealt with this hospital on self-pay discounts before, so I will see if they will give a bit longer to pay with the discount since they usually demand payment just about immediately after you negotiate the discount.  They discount about 30% for cash pay.  If needed, we will float this until we get the reimbursements from SM.  I'm pretty good at dealing with these kind of things so I am hopeful.  I really was surprised at how little it was an issue it was to have a health sharing program for coverage. 

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 I really was surprised at how little it was an issue it was to have a health sharing program for coverage. 

 

I think most places are used to dealing with them now - esp since they are ACA legal and require less paperwork and hassle on the provider's end.  We've had two of my more recent doctor's staff thank us for going this route.  ;)

 

The two local hospitals we deal with have us on a $10/month plan with the understanding that when we get paid, they get paid.  Many times I'll pay up front out of our savings from the premiums we don't have to pay, but when finances are an issue, being able to wait the two months is definitely appreciated!

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You are BOTH so adorable!  It's great that you can see the positive in this--that lovely close time w/your sweetie.  He's growing up to fast, I'm sure, and these days are fleeting!

 

Yeah, I guess 5'10" is a little tall for a Hobbit...I'm a little closer to Hobbit sized at 5'3".   :D

 

I'm glad the cat is happy now!  And that SM is working so well for you. I've been super curious about it for years.

 

Not a 5-yr. headache (cannot imagine!), but a friend of ours had a 1-yr headache that turned out to be some sort of potassium deficiency-related thing.

 

Best wishes for smooth sailing from here on out!!!

 

 

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You are BOTH so adorable!  It's great that you can see the positive in this--that lovely close time w/your sweetie.  He's growing up to fast, I'm sure, and these days are fleeting!

 

Yeah, I guess 5'10" is a little tall for a Hobbit...I'm a little closer to Hobbit sized at 5'3".   :D

 

I'm glad the cat is happy now!  And that SM is working so well for you. I've been super curious about it for years.

 

Not a 5-yr. headache (cannot imagine!), but a friend of ours had a 1-yr headache that turned out to be some sort of potassium deficiency-related thing.

 

Best wishes for smooth sailing from here on out!!!

Thanks, Chelle!  (And I think it is very clear who the Hobbit is among us.  ;) )

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What--we're in court now?   :lol:

 

I'm not sure if the teasing says more about you or about Jean and me!   :tongue_smilie:

It's the People's Court!  I'm the people!

 

I am easily teased, so I accept that part.  You and Jean might want to search deep into your souls for bullying tendencies.  Just sayin'.  ;)

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It's the People's Court!  I'm the people!

 

I am easily teased, so I accept that part.  You and Jean might want to search deep into your souls for bullying tendencies.  Just sayin'.  ;)

I didn't have to search too deeply.  Guilty as charged.  But only when it comes to people I like!  (Now everyone hopes that they aren't on my friend list. . . . )

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I didn't have to search too deeply.  Guilty as charged.  But only when it comes to people I like!  (Now everyone hopes that they aren't on my friend list. . . . )

 

Haha!  Same here!

 

My mom always said people who didn't like me wouldn't tease me.  I understand now what she meant, but it didn't make me feel any better in elementary school!  

 

Awww, Jean likes me!  She really likes me!  (said in my best Sally Fields voice)

 

So does Chelle!  She really does!  

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Haha!  Same here!

 

My mom always said people who didn't like me wouldn't tease me.  I understand now what she meant, but it didn't make me feel any better in elementary school!  

 

 

So does Chelle!  She really does!  

And I like Chelle.  I think we have ourselves a mutual admiration society here.  I vote that we have dues and that I collect them!  

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And I like Chelle. I think we have ourselves a mutual admiration society here. I vote that we have dues and that I collect them!

I'm treasurer. You can be president-all the responsibility and none of the money. :D

 

PS. I like Chelle, too. I liked her better when she called me out above her avatar, but she's still cool. ;)

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No fair, bear! (as we say in my family). I want the money! And the fame! And the power! i want it all! Bwahahahaha!

 

Chelle met me when I came to her area. When are you going to come to my area?

I don't even know where Newcastle is! I must know before I commit. Or you can come to Texas, where all the people want to be.

 

You get all the things. I get the money. ;)

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And I like Chelle.  I think we have ourselves a mutual admiration society here.  I vote that we have dues and that I collect them!  

 

Awww...thanks!  A mutual admiration society--you're so funny! And right!  

 

Can I pay my dues with PayPal?  

 

I'm treasurer. You can be president-all the responsibility and none of the money. :D

 

PS. I like Chelle, too. I liked her better when she called me out above her avatar, but she's still cool. ;)

 

So you just get to call yourself treasurer even though Jean spoke for the job first???   :glare:

 

I seriously changed the whatever-it's-called above my avatar because I felt like I was being a little creepy!  Hilarious!  

 

No fair, bear!  (as we say in my family).  I want the money!  And the fame!  And the power!  i want it all!  Bwahahahaha!

 

Chelle met me when I came to her area.  When are you going to come to my area?  

 

Ha!  I say, "No fair, Pear!"  But I have no idea why!  I just like the rhyming, I guess!

 

Do you know that I STILL feel guilty that I didn't buy your food at StL Bread Co.??   :crying:   How weird is that??  Will you please come back so I can pay next time?  Maybe I'll be able to let it go then!  Not likely, but we can hope!

 

I don't even know where Newcastle is! I must know before I commit. Or you can come to Texas, where all the people want to be.

 

You get all the things. I get the money. ;)

 

I used to think her Newcastle was in Pennsylvania.  Not even close!  

 

Come here.  I'll buy your meal, too!  'Cause that's just the kind of friend I didn't used to be, but am now!   :lol:

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This has been the best.thread.ever.  Support, prayers, concern and laughs.  It's my kinda thread.  :D

 

(Also, it has made my day to be featured in Chelle's above avatar thingie once again.  I don't care what it says - I just like the press.  ;)  )

 

My son remains headache-free so I can afford to be giddy this morning.  :)

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Since that's where I am, it's a good place to picture me!  I met Chelle while doing medical tourism to see a doctor out her way.  

Maybe you can come visit some docs in Texas.  ;)  I've never been to the Pacific Northwest, but I would love to go someday.  I think I could live there except for the rain.

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This has been the best.thread.ever.  Support, prayers, concern and laughs.  It's my kinda thread.  :D

 

(Also, it has made my day to be featured in Chelle's above avatar thingie once again.  I don't care what it says - I just like the press.  ;)  )

 

My son remains headache-free so I can afford to be giddy this morning.  :)

 

You don't care that you're my new best friend???   :glare:

 

I am SOSOSO glad your son is not in pain!!!    :hurray:

 

Since that's where I am, it's a good place to picture me!

 

Haha!  That's what I was thinking!

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