London Migraine Clinic

[kiddiz]

Has anyone ever had a consultation at this clinic? Was it worthwhile? I have been struggling a lot recently with migraines...I've had a persistant headache for about 2 weeks now. It is relieved by Imigran but is back again the next day. It is really getting me down and I'm fed up with going to my GP who really doesn't seem to be able to help.
Money is tight at the moment and the cost of the appointment and the trainfare will be a stretch but I would be willing to spend the money but need it to be worthwhile. Thanks

can't you get an NHS referral?
I've met the woman who runs it and she's great (a migraineur herself, iirc!)

I was going too but they have steps. So I couldn't get in.

I'm not sure my gp will refer and I would still have to pay the train fare etc. I just can't afford to spend any unneccessary money but I am feeling so miserable at the moment. Over the last few years I have tried Pizotifen, beta blockers, amitryptaline, feverfew, coenzyme q10 and more different painkillers than I can remember. Imigran is the only thing that works but my gp is reluctant to prescribe more than 6 a month. He says if I need more than that I need to look for alternative treatments. I'm supplementing them atm by buying it otc but at £8 for 2 tablets on top of the prescription charges I can't afford to do it too often. None of the alternative treatments he has suggested so far have worked hence wht I was considering going to London Migraine Clinic. If I take any more time off work I'm going to lose my job...I have a most unsympathetic manager who thinks I should take a couple of paracetamol and get on with it.

from the COLMC website:

Anyone needing help with managing migraine and other headaches can be seen.

The Clinic accepts patients living and working in the UK without a GP referral. This makes it easier for patients to be seen and lessens the burden on General Practitioners. However, patients may be referred by their GP if they prefer. GPs are encouraged to refer any of their headache patients. There is no charge involved.

and

The City of London Migraine Clinic is an independent medical charity. We do not receive NHS or government funding and are dependent on your financial support. We will therefore be asking you for a donation and we suggest a minimum of £50 per visit. If you cannot afford £50 we will be grateful for whatever you are able to give.

As the real cost of a consultation is in the region of £180 we ask you to be as generous as you can.

Thank you

whereabouts are you based kiddiz? there's a primary care headache service being set up in Kent...and there's also the Kings Headache service (though you apparently only get "one shot" )

I'm in the midlands bundle. I know there is a migraine clinic at one of my local hospitals but a friend that went said it wasn't much help. All the things they have done with her I have already tried. I have heard second hand reports about the LMC and they are all good, just wondered if anyone had any first hand experience. I'm wondering whether to ask gp for a local appointment or try and persuade him to refer me to London. I know he will want to refer me to the local clinic.
I am having a good day tody..first headache free day for a fortnight