A whine:

I got a migraine on Friday afternoon. I have no abortants that work other than steroids. My doctor's office has an acute headache clinic, which is open 9-4 on weekdays. I usually wait at least a day to see if it goes away on its own, because steroids have side effects and most doctors are pretty wary of using them frequently. (With good reason. If I had an abortant that worked instead, I would take it.)

Saturday, still have headache. Called to see if I could talk to someone on call. They say don't leave a message unless it's an emergency. I decide to go to urgent care, where I have gotten IV cocktails several times in the past. Since last time I was there, they've cut way back on what they're willing to prescribe. (With good reason. The word "necrosis" was used.) The NP said she'd check with the doctor about the steroid. Success. They will give me a steroid and saline. Normally you get IV benadryl, which they won't do anymore because of heart side effects. Normally you get toradol, which is an NSAID that does nothing for me as far as I know. Maybe it helps in combination with the steroid, but it's hard to say.

So I get the steroid IV. I could theoretically get a 7-day oral steroid course, which I am generally fine with, but I'm off to DragonCon on Wednesday, and I don't want to have to juggle multiple pills a day. Also, steroids lower your immune system, so I have a faint hope that getting a big dose once is better than small doses over seven days.

For me, a side effect of steroids is difficulty sleeping. Last time, IIRC, no problem. Other times, I've been up until around 3 but managed a decent amount of sleep. Last night, I lay in bed until 4:30, got up, did a bunch of work (*), and went back up around 10 and slept for 2 hours.

• This of course has to coincide with the busiest I've ever been at my job. I was already planning on working most of the weekend, and I couldn't do anything from Friday afternoon through this morning. At 4:30.

I am making ice cream to help my feelings. Time to go back to work.

(Pats Dana's poor head, very gently)

May the ice cream do its duty, Dana.

One of my Country Club* elders used a turn of phrase in our convo this morning that immediately brought this to mind. [link]

• (my public pool summer morning swim crew, not an actual cc)

Ice cream seems like the only reasonable option.

Added in some zero sugar root beer (you know, for balance), got a decent float.

Oh, Dana. When you already have a horrible debilitating headache, the last thing you need is the giant pain in the ass of our medical system. I hope it’s gone away by the time you read this.

Sarameg, I’m surprised I haven’t heard that pretty song before.

It did fortunately make a big difference overnight. Today I have the fun flush on my face side effect, but I can work with that.

Ugh Dana that sucks.

Floats are good. Flushes, at least cope-able.

That song has held different resonances over the years since the ‘90s for me.

Holds up now, for many reasons here & elsewhere.