Poor Dr. Joyce has been dealing with my chronic, daily migraines, clusters and TN for ten years. My case is extreme and frustrating for most of the doctors I have tried, and when I have flair-ups, (if my pain level is 6 or below I consider the headaches under control, but I have periods where I stay at an 8, 9, or even 10 for days, occasionally weeks or months on end. At that point, any emergency room starts to dread the sight of me, lol.) I am unable to take Imitrex or DHE because it causes stroke-like symptoms. Actually, the only thing that works is pretty high doses of demerol, which all doctors find difficult to prescribe... particularly during flair-ups. Here's the thing about Dr. Joyce: sometimes he prescribes the demerol, sometimes he isn't comfortable with it, but he is always patient, and kind, and very willing to explain when he refuses in a non-derogatory, compassionate manner. I may not like the decision, but I must respect him, just as he shows respect for my pain.

Submitted Dec. 5, 2010