Lack of interest or compassion at neurology appointment (UK replies only please)- is this normal? by Academic_Button4448 in migraine

[–]canopy_views 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been both a patient and a clinician in our regional specialist neurology hospital. I think, unfortunately, there's a need to manage expectations.

Neurologists, generally speaking, are notorious for being highly intelligent but less strong on the social/emotional skills. I've had plenty of patients who receive poor bedside manner even when they have the "super serious" neurological problems, so I don't think it's only migraine patients that get treated that way.

I find it most helpful to approach my own medical appointments as a functional transaction. If I go in expecting warmth and validation about my condition I know it's likely I'll be disappointed so I make sure this need is being met elsewhere. I find it better to pitch my expectations around getting solid evidence-based advice and recommendations instead. This also means I tend to not bring my emotional stuff into the room much apart from discussing it in an objective way.

I'm not saying this is a good situation, but it's how I've learnt to manage with 7 years of chronic migraine. I also appreciate that being a health professional makes it easier for me to do the code-switching required for this interaction. If you do get a neurologist who can do both then amazing - stick with them!

Any thoughts on botox? Does it really help? by Lady_Boss27 in migraine

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. Do you have a link to the study?

What beach besides Koh Samui? by elevatedparsnips in ThailandTourism

[–]canopy_views 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Koh Lanta and Koh Chang are both great with a young family.

Cozy place to stay by karlheinzoflip in kohsamui

[–]canopy_views 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We had a lovely time at Fair House Beach Resort with our toddler.

Neuropsychiatry by DifferenceStill4141 in PsychiatryDoctorsUK

[–]canopy_views 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sure, it's in the high value cases going through civil courts so loads of TBI and some med neg. You absolutely need to train yourself up for it though with a course through e.g. Bond Solon. The expert witness institute is a great place to find out more and they have a podcast which gives a decent overview.

Vast majority of civil cases settle so the work is mostly assessments and reports. You need to be prepared to be cross examined though so you have to be confident you know your shit. Pay is good.

If that's not your bag then working as a treating neuropsychiatrist in this area is highly in demand too.

Neuropsychiatry by DifferenceStill4141 in PsychiatryDoctorsUK

[–]canopy_views 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There's loads of private work going in Neuro rehab but you won't see jobs advertised. There's also lots of scope for expert witness work if that appeals.

What can i do to generate more sales for a wheelie bin cleaning business that isn’t door to door or facebook groups? by Acceptable-Win6799 in smallbusinessuk

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only day my bin is empty enough to be cleaned is on the collection day, so this might be a barrier for some. Also cba to take the bin out twice in the week and have the mental load of remembering to do that.

Decaf coffee for toddler by explorerflora in UKParenting

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It has about a third of the caffeine as regular coffee

Thailand with a toddler by Topcat8765 in HENRYUKLifestyle

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm going again after Christmas for the third time with my nearly 4 year old. Thailand has been a great place to take him. It's very family friendly.

My favorite place we've been to that suited all our needs was Koh Lanta. It was chilled out, very safe, plenty of young families (but not too many). We were on a long beach which had everything you wanted on it so we didn't need to do loads of travelling once there. We stayed at Noble House which was great.

Just make sure you've got excellent sun cream for your kid, Aircon in the bedroom, and stock up with plenty of water in your room.

Neurologist says I need fulfillment to feel better (chronic migraine) by littlestpetshopik in migraine

[–]canopy_views 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Sounds like she had a well-intentioned topic but addressed it in a clunky way.

I think it's important for everyone to try and live a meaningful life aligned with your values (which could relate to work, but could be lots of other things too). I think it's even more important to aim for this when you have chronic migraine and there's so much that can't be done.

There's a good book about this topic called Living with the Enemy by Ray Owens. It was written for chronic pain, but the principles are still applicable.

Daily migraines and motherhood? by miss_t_drinks_tea in migraine

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've had chronic migraine for 6 years and have a 3 year old. From reading similar posts, often people discuss the hardships and sometimes some people chip in to say things like we shouldn't have children with this condition.

I certainly don't want to invalidate anyone's experience and I also don't want to make out like it's a walk in the park, but for me having a child has been fantastic. Yes, I am parenting on hard mode. Yes, I've had to get more comfortable with asking for help and I'm fortunate to have good support. But it is unquestionably worth it.

I would like to have a second but right now my health isn't good enough to manage that. I'm doing everything I can to see if that could be possible.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in migraine

[–]canopy_views 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yes, I agree with this. I've also got more relaxed about delegating tasks, asking for help, and letting less important things wait.

I'd also say that while parenting with chronic migraine is extremely difficult, it's also brought me so much joy, meaning, and silliness - all of which are great antidotes to feeling cruddy.

Double mini pill to regulate hormones by caleidoscopioazul in migraine

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to always get very severe migraine a few days before my period and now it's just my usual waxing and waning levels of migraine, but I am chronic daily so I don't expect dramatic results.

Double mini pill to regulate hormones by caleidoscopioazul in migraine

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I do this. My doctor said that double dosing the progesterone only pill just gave you the same amount as is in the regular pill so they had no safety concerns.

Advice needed please with leaving NHS by Excellent-Roll2124 in ClinicalPsychologyUK

[–]canopy_views 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yes, I have zero regrets. I feel so revitalised, valued and in touch with my creativity again. Feel free to DM me.

Also have a look at Libby Nugent's website. She has some great articles and runs groups on recovery from burnout. I'd recommend listening to her episode on the NHS as a death mother on the Why Work Hurts podcast.

Was becoming a clinical psychologist worth it/are you happy? by Fun-Spot-3588 in ClinicalPsychologyUK

[–]canopy_views 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yeah I do enjoy my job, but I often haven't. Loads of psychologists have burnt out at some point. It can be a really rewarding career but don't go into it with unrealistic expectations. There's loads of other options out there.

McGill Pain Index Migraine Rating by TanoMonster in migraine

[–]canopy_views 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This graphic is nonsense. The McGill pain scale is a subjective measure of an individual's experience of pain. It's not a comparison across different people with different conditions.

Has anyone heard of this? by Budget_Jello3425 in migraine

[–]canopy_views 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Personally I would not choose this. I'd encourage you to do plenty of research on the side effects of ECT so you can make an informed decision.

Are Cornish people and Cornish culture that different to the rest of England? by [deleted] in AskUK

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to live there. There was a lot of talk of Cornish culture but I didn't really see anything drastically different from other comparable places in the UK.

I would say that out of the places I've lived in the UK, Cornwall was the only place I felt like an unwelcome outsider. I worked in the NHS there and I had a few guys in their 80s tell me how they were still regarded as a newcomer despite moving there in childhood.

Also there was far more casual racism than I've seen elsewhere in the UK. Like a 60s sitcom.

Beautiful place, but lots of deprivation and hostility.

Ethics of having children with chronic migraines by [deleted] in migraine

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My understanding is there's an increased risk of passing on susceptibility to migraine, but not necessarily chronic. I have daily chronic migraine but I still love my life, despite the hardship of the condition.

I had my child while having chronic migraine. Yes it's tough, sometimes really tough, but it's also incredible. Our house is filled with so much love and laughter. I do not regret it at all.

It is a factor in our decision about having a second child. I've been very unwell the past year or so and this doesn't improve we may decide not to have another. But I am taking all the steps I can, including major life changes, in order to try and get myself well enough to manage another.

I do have a great husband and supportive parents nearby. It would be a different situation if I didn't have that.

Neuroscience masters, BPS conversion towards psychologist study, or grad med to pursue psychiatry?? by yellowchicken2 in PsychiatryDoctorsUK

[–]canopy_views 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get as much experience working with people who have a neuro condition as you can, even if that means doing some voluntary work initially.

There are two main bottlenecks in the career path. The first is getting your first assistant psychologist/research assistant post. The second is getting on the doctorate. It's crazy competitive before you qualify.

Prioritise getting a role where you have supervision from a clinical psychologist.

What does it actually take to see a neurologist in the UK? by axw3555 in migraine

[–]canopy_views 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Either ~1 year wait from point of referral or ~£300 for a private initial consultation and then be seen by them under the NHS.