Teri Robert and Ali Sultaneh: What's Going On?

If you've read this blog before, you know that I admire Teri Robert a great deal. Teri is the author of Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches, a health writer, and a patient advocate in the field of Migraine and other headache disorders. If I were younger, I'd hope to grow up to be like Teri. As it is, I hope my daughter grows up to be like Teri. I could go on about why I admire her, but if you know anything of her work, I don't need to tell you more.

For several weeks now, I've been seeing some disturbing posts on a Migraine forum that I sometimes read. To tell you about those posts, I need to give you some background on someone who is a frequent poster on that forum.

Ali Sultaneh is a doctor in Syria who has been claiming for several years now to have invented a surgery that can "cure" Migraines. In the last couple of years, other surgeons have developed treatments that Sultaneh says are "stolen" from his surgery. Sultaneh persists in posting diatribes about this supposed theft to online forums that exist for Migraine patients to share information and support, which is fruitless as patients can't do anything about his problems. On one of these forums, Teri has repeatedly suggested to him that he contact a lawyer or that he contact an investigative reporter at a large newspaper. If his surgery is anywhere near as successful as he says it is. the theft of said surgery would be a HUGE story, one that a good reporter would love to sink his or her teeth into. I've seen Teri make this suggestion to him at least twice, but have never seen him reply to that suggestion.

Just one more piece of background, then I promise to get to the point. Dr. Sultaneh has attempted to post about his surgery to the forum on About.com (when Teri worked for them) and MyMigraineConnection.com (Teri currently works for them.) On both of those sites, it's a violation of their terms of service for anyone to post to promote goods and services. It's considered spamming. So, when she doesn't allow him to post, she's doing her job. I asked her about this via email. Here's what she told me:

"I have not allowed him to post for two reasons:

1. On About.com, MyMigraineConnection.com, and HelpForHeadaches.com, it's against the terms of service to post to promote goods and services. In plain old Internet lingo, it's spamming, and neither the companies nor I tolerate spamming.


2. There is no cure for Migraine disease yet. It's that simple. There are treatments that are very effective for preventing Migraines, but nothing that can actually cure the disease. Thus, I allow no one to post that they have the cure because they don't."

OK. Here's what's going on now:

For some reason known only to Sultaneh, he has decided to attack Teri, saying that she's a "killer" because she hasn't allowed him to post about his surgery on sites that she manages. He glommed onto an article Teri wrote about a young woman who took her life after being treated like a drug seeker when she went to the ER for help with an out-of-control Migraine. Now, he's claiming that Teri is responsible for her suicide because she didn't allow him to post about his surgery.

Yesterday, he also posted on a forum (not one of Teri's) that Teri had emailed him and invited him to post on her sites, but that he supposedly deleted the invitation. Teri says she did not email him and would never invite him to post to her sites. I believe her, and that makes Sultaneh a liar on top of everything else. Another Migraine blogger has written about this and makes a similar observation in the comments on his recent post, Ali Sultaneh and His "Stolen" Surgery.

Sultaneh has attempted to post comments here, on my blog, several times to talk about his surgery. I too consider his comments to be spam and have deleted them all.

I wanted to write this so that anybody who is coming across these ludicrous accusations about Teri could know at least a bit about what's going on. I don't understand what Sultaneh thinks he can accomplish by attacking her. Even if what he says about his surgery is true, there's nothing Teri can do about it. Even if it wasn't against the rules, and she had let him post about his surgery, it's not as if any of her readers could have gone to him for treatment anyway. He's in Syria

Sultaneh, if you read this, I address this paragraph to you:

If what you want is to stop the supposed theft of your surgery and use it to help Migraine patients, you're going about it all wrong. Attacking Teri isn't going to get you anywhere. It not only makes patients angry; it will make quite a few Migraine doctors angry too. You're directing your anger and frustration at the wrong people. Teri can't do anything about your problems with your surgery. Quit being a total ass.

It seems right to me to close with some comments from Teri. I emailed her, asking her about this situation and for comments that she would allow me to quote here. From Teri:

"I have no idea what Mr. Sultaneh's thinking is that's led to him repeatedly posting calling me a "killer" and accusing me of causing Migraineurs to take their own lives. He seems to think that if I'd allowed him to spam the forums I manage and post about his surgery, that here would be fewer suicides among Migraineurs. I can't figure that out. Certainly, the one young woman he uses as an example couldn't have gone to Syria for treatment even if she'd wanted to.

I don't know if his surgery has any value or if the surgeons he accuses of stealing it have based their work on his or not, and that's not something I could do anything about anyway. That's a situation that needs to be addressed by the courts and the medical community. That's not me, so I just don't understand why he's attacking me.

I did not recently (or ever) email him and invite him to post to any of my sites. Period. I'm sick and tired of his attacks, but I won't stoop to his level by saying negative things about him."

Namasté
Abi

December Migraine Blog Carnival

Hello, Fellow Migraineurs!

The December edition of the Migraine Disease and Headache Blog Carnival is up, and it's a great one!

This month's theme is "Advice on and experiences with holiday season stress. I hope you'll take some time to go visit the carnival and read the posts.

The carnival this month is hosted by Teri Robert on MyMigraineConnection.com. To visit this month's carnival, JUST CLICK HERE!

Shalom,
Abi

Cindy McCain, Migraine Advocate

Last week was a great one for all of us with Migraine disease. We've been wishing for ages for a Migraineur who is very visible to the public to take up our cause, and it has happened at last.

Cindy McCain, wife of Senator John McCain, came forward last week. She not only shared about her own situation with Migraine, she came forward to advocate for all of us.

Author and patient advocate was there and interviewed Mrs. McCain. Among other things, Mrs. McCain told Teri,

"I'm going to put together an action committee to go door-to-door in Congress, particularly the Senate, to make them understand... to make them understand how little research there is, the huge number of people impacted... to make them understand what the economic problems caused by Migraine are too. We need to testify in front of Congress."

Sounds good to me! I hope you'll take a few minutes to read what else she told Teri during the interview. You can find it in Interview with Cindy McCain: Migraine Sufferer, Advocate.

And to Teri, thanks for always being there to represent us and get us all the information possible! Oh, and thanks for allowing me to use your photo!

Namasté,
Abi

The AHDA and Migraine Research - We CAN Help!

Hello! I know I've been remiss about posting, but family and personal matters have had me busy, busy, busy.

Anyway, this is to important to miss...

One of the biggest hurdles we face regarding Migraine treatment is the lack of solid research into the cause of Migraines and just what happens when we have a Migraine. Although there's been good progress, it's nowhere near that of some other diseases or what we need. That kind of research needs to be conducted so the researchers who are trying to develop Migraine and headache treatments have the essential knowledge to do their work.

The Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) was formed from this need and a 2007 event called Headache on the Hill (HOH). During that event, doctors, researchers, and patient advocates went to Washington to speak to members of Congress about this lack of NIH funding.

After HOH, the AHDA was formed, and at the appropriate times, they called on patients, family members, friends, anyone who cared to go to their web site and send emails to their members of Congress. They worked hard to make it so easy for us that it only took a matter of minutes to send those emails. The basic emails were already written, all we had to do was add any personal plea we wanted to make, and click a button.

Headache on the Hill is coming up again the end of this month. Migraine patient advocate Teri Robert tells us that yes, the AHDA will need our help again. They will need us to send emails, but as with most things political, there's just no way to tell exactly when that will be. It's possible that the AHDA will have very little warning of when we need to write to impact funding.

For that reason, it's very important that we be registered for the AHDA mailing list. When the need arises for us to send emails, being on their mailing list means that we'll get emails when we need to email Congress. Those emails will tell us what the issues are and have links to take us directly to a web page to send our emails.

Please, if you're not already on their mailing list, CLICK HERE to go to the AHDA site and register. The doctors, researchers, and patient advocates who participate in HOH for us take days away from their busy practices and work schedules to do this for all of use. We all need to back them up by sending emails when it's time.

So, pretty please? Go to their site and register, AND please ask everyone you know to do so too.

Namaste,
Abi

Migraine Podcast: Welcome Back, MigraineCast!

It seems that my all-time favorite podcast is back! Some time ago, Teri Robert started MigraineCast, a podcast chock full of great information and tips about Migraines and headaches.

It's been a while since the last podcast, and when I emailed Teri about it a while back, she apologized, saying that she'd been so busy with all of her work that MigraineCast had taken a back seat for a while. She promised that it would be back in 2009.

True to her word, Teri has published the first MigraineCast of 2009. Appropriately, it's titled Living Well in 2009 Despite Migraines and Headaches. To listen to this new podast, GO HERE. If you're an iTunes user, look for MigraineCast on iTunes!

Thank you, Teri!

Namaste,
Abi

Interesting Book Review Site

Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know by Teri Robert

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
The most helpful migraine and headache book to date. Ms. Robert tells it like it is and provides more information than any doctor has time to provide. Based on solid science as well as personal experience -- both her own and that of case studies.



Offers not only information, but hope and inspiration.


View all my reviews.

Migraine - 2008 Migraine and Headache Poetry Contest Winners!

Each year, writer and patient advocate Teri Robert conducts the Putting Our Heads Together Poetry Contest to bring together people with AND without Migraine disease and headaches to share our thoughts and expressions. This contest is held in April, National Poetry Month.

I just read this year's winning poems and many of the other poems entered. Wow! The poems submitted to this contest get better and better every year. I'm glad I'm not one of the judges. There's just no way I could choose!

When you have a bit of time, go read the wonderful poetry! You won't be disappointed!

Migraine Poetry - Express Yourself and Raise Awareness

Author and Patient Advocate Teri Robert knows the pain migraine sufferers face each day – she’s been experiencing headaches and migraine attacks herself since childhood. Finding writing therapeutic and wanting to further help those in the migraine community, Robert, in conjunction with The HealthCentral Network (www.HealthCentral.com), are hosting the “Putting Our Heads Together” Poetry Contest 2008.

Now in its seventh year, the contest encourages sufferers to find creative ways to express their pain. “Putting Our Heads Together” is free and will be published on HealthCentral’s MyMigraineConnection.com and Roberts’ HelpForHeadaches.com.

Entries will be judged by MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association (www.migraines.org) and will be collected until April 21. Winners will be announced on April 30, in recognition of National Poetry Month. “This contest started in 2001, and the work submitted has been amazing. Writing can be very therapeutic, as can reading what others have written,” said Robert, who currently educates and supports patients as Lead Expert for the MyMigraineConnection.com community. “Migraine disease and headaches can impact our lives more than many people could ever imagine.” “People coping with migraine disease continue to reach out to one another, forming incredibly supportive communities online,” said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network. “It’s an honor to provide the forum where users can creatively tell their stories and inspire others.”

Migraine disease affects nearly 36 million people in the United States alone, and at least 80% of the world's population will be affected by tension-type headaches at some time in their lives. Headache disorders cause more than 1 percent of all disability and 9 percent of all lost labor in the U.S. every year.

More information and the online entry instructions can be found on MyMigraineConnection at www.healthcentral.com/migraine/poetry-contest.html.

Why not join in the fun and enter? The deadline for entries is Monday, April 21.

Shalom,
Abi

Migraine Research - Please email your Senator TODAY!

We need and deserve better treatments, but we're unlikely to get them until the NIH increases the funding for basic Migraine and headache research.

Each of us CAN make a difference. Please read the letter below and follow the link to email your Senators NOW.

Thanks!

Shalom,
Abi

Please Email Your Senator Today! Our efforts last month to urge members of the US House of Representatives to support increases in NIH funding for research on headache disorders were highly successful. Twelve Representatives signed the Obey/Walsh letter. This is an outstanding result for the first mobilization of our numbers, and we are optimistic that it will be enough to have our message appended to the House appropriations bill. It is now time to contact your US Senators for the same purpose. Unfortunately our window of opportunity is only narrowly open. The letter with Senators' signatures must be submitted by today, April 4th. Please take just 5 minutes RIGHT NOW to go directly to http://capwiz.com/headacheadvocacy/issues/alert/?alertid=11231066&PROCESS=Take+Action and send your message to your two US Senators Please forward this email right away to anyone else concerned about the inadequate state of care for patients with headache disorders. Only with increased research will new effective treatments for headache disorders become available. And only with your help will such research activities increase to levels appropriate to the huge scale of this problem. The larger our voice, the greater will be our impact. Thanks again for your efforts. Robert Shapiro, MD, PhD William Young, MD, Teri Robert, PhD Brad Klein, MD, MBA

If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, you can unsubscribe here.

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Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.5/1359 - Release Date: 4/4/2008 8:23 AM

The NY Times Migraine Blog... What the ****?

Last month, the NY Times started a new blog in their Opinion section, "Migraine, Perspectives on a Headache."

The blogging world seems to have gone wild talking about this blog, linking to it, praising it. What the hell? Yes, it's wonderful to have more attention paid to Migraine. This blog MAY help raise awareness. Still, I have some issues with it and the response to it:

• The subtitle, "Perspectives on a Headache," is just plain wrong. Migraines aren't headaches, people! Yes, it's that simple. They're NOT headaches. As I've seen Teri Robert say, "Migraines are a flare-up of Migraine, a genetic neurological disease. The headache, if there is one, is but on SYMPTOM of a Migraine attack. You can have a Migraine attack without having a headache."

• In "About This Blog," they say, "More than 28 million Americans..." Well, hell! If you're going to start a new blog, why not start out with current statistics. That 28 million figure is at least seven or eight years old, maybe older. Based on WHO prevalence statistics and current US Census data, the correct figure is more than 35 million Americans.

• Why call it "Migraine" when one of the primary writers, Paula Kamen, doesn't have Migraine disease? She has chronic daily headache. CHD is horrible, but it's not Migraine disease.

• If this blog is supposed to really address Migraine, there are at least two people missing from the writers on this blog -- Michael John Coleman of MAGNUM and Teri Robert.

• In all the rush to pay attention to the supposedly all-important NY Times, people are missing out on a great deal of blog entries and articles that are just as good, if not better.

Come on, people! Let's put things in perspective. The new kid on the block shouldn't eclipse all the other players. The NY Times blog is no longer new. Let's get back to business!

Do you need better Migraine treatment?

I definitely think we all need and deserve better Migraine treatments. For prevention, we do have many medications to try, but did you know that not a single one of them was actually developed for Migraine? No, not one. Why? One reason is that there needs to be far more research into the exact cause of Migraine and what happens in the brain during a Migraine attack. That kind of research is the basis of research for more effective treatments. BUT, the amount of research funding from the NIH for Migraine and headache research is abysmally low.

A new organization, the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, is working hard to increase that funding. BUT they can't do it alone. They need our help. To find out what we can do to help, please read Teri Robert's blog entry, Headache On the Hill Update - the AHDA and You!

Happy Holidays,
Abi

Every wonder why some ERs are Migraine hell?

Most Migraineurs avoid the ER like the plague. We want to treat our Migraines at home -- conveniently, while retaining our dignity, and without taking up valuable ER space and time.

Another reason is that so many of us have been dismissed as having "just a headache" or even been accused of being a "drug seeker," there just to try to get opioids. We've encountered ER doctors and nurses who have treated us like dirt.

I understand fully that the two biggest reasons people give for being in the ER are back pain and Migraines. I fully understand that people who don't have Migraines often lie to ER staff and say they do to get opiods. I get it! Still, there are times when some Migraineurs have no choice but to go to the ER. Most of our doctors tell us to go to the ER if we're having the worst Migraine ever, if our meds we take at home didn't work and we're still in severe pain, or if we have stroke-like symptoms that we don't usually have with our Migraines.

But some ER doctors and nurses choose to view all Migraineurs as fakes or someone with a headache who doesn't need to be taking up their time. I'm not going to stoop so low as to view all ER doctors as nurses as behaving that way. They don't, but we don't have the luxury of picking and choosing who treats us when we must resort to the ER.

To illustrate the attitudes of some ER personnel, I'm offer you a quote from a blog entry written by an ER nurse:

"...If we have to do a patient satisfaction score, let's ensure that they are only given to the people who really needed to be in the ER to begin with. And that leaves out the vast majority of the prompt care patients. Don't give them to the 'back pain' and 'migraine' crowd, give them to the pneumonia, kidney stone etc and make sure to give on to everyone that was admitted..."

Now, to illustrate an ER doctor's attitude, here's part of a reply he wrote to Teri Robert's comment on the original blog entry:

"...Headache without neuro symptoms? Sorry, we have to see the sick patients first. Please wait in your room."

This, my friends, is pathetic. The ER nurse describes herself as "A hardworking ER nurse trying to survive until retirement and if I can have little fun or have a positive impact on someone's life, all the better!" Positive impact on someone's life? I'm sure she does, but I'm equally sure she's had some cases where she had a very negative impact.

If you'd like to take a look at this blog entry, it's called "Another Blog Voice on Patient Satisfaction Scores."

Shalom,
Abi

Migraine and Stroke -- Video

Migraine and stroke risk, although nothing to sound extreme alarm bells over, is definitely something all Migraineurs should know about. It's in our best interests to talk with our doctors about how we live and what we can do to reduce other risks of stroke.

Looking around today, I came across a blog entry by Teri Robert at MyMigraineConnection that features two YouTube videos. These videos were made by a woman who had a stroke that her doctor attributes to Migraine.

Take a look at this blog entry and the videos in Video from woman who had stroke from Migraine.

Shalom,
Abi

Whining about Migraines -- Here's some honesty!

It can be really hard to know what to say to someone suffering with a Migraine or headache. You want to be kind, sympathetic, helpful. I would imagine that if you're a professional in the field -- educating, supporting, and advocating for Migraineurs -- you have to walk a fine line. You'd want to do all that being kind, sympathetic, but you might not know how to handle (drum roll, please)... the whiners and drama queens! OK. I've said it, the "w" word. Some of us can be whiners. If you frequent message boards, you know the type. About once a week (if you're lucky, it's ONLY once a week), they post virtually the same "vent" they posted the week before. Some of them will even ask for advice. The problem is that they never take anyone's advice, and they never get off their butts and do anything about their situation.

I don't think I've used this word to describe Teri Robert before, but she's brave. Yesterday, she wrote a blog entry entitled "Yes, Migraines and headaches are awful, but don't be a whiner or drama queen!" Damn! I almost spit coffee all over my monitor when I read it. She was more diplomatic about it than I could have been, but that's Teri. If anyone knows what a Migraineur goes faces, she does. If anyone understands the dangers of falling into whining, she does.

What Teri did in her blog that maybe nobody else knows how to do is to explain the difference between "venting" and "whining." She even explains how to vent without whining.

Way to go, Teri, and thanks!

Namaste,
Abi

Wow! A "Top Migraine and Headache Site" Award!

Today, I received an email from Dan Marschinke, the producer of MyMigraineConnection.com. Part of it read:

"I just wanted to congratulate you and let you know that we’ve selected Abi’s Migrainous Wanderings as one of our Top Site Award Recipients! We’re honoring the ten best Migraine and headache blogs and sites on the Web, as picked by our experts."

Especially since I've been watching MyMigraineConnection become better and better, I'm very honored that my blog has received this award. Thank you

Here's the HealthCentral press release, which explains more about these awards:

HealthCentral.com Recognizes Top Migraine Web Sites and Blogs

ARLINGTON, VA- June 27, 2007- The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com), a leading online consumer health destination, today announced awards for the top Web sites and blogs dedicated to educating and supporting individuals living with Migraines and fostering the online Migraine community.

HealthCentral.com’s First Annual Top Site Awards recognize the Web’s best sites, from individual blogs to small Web sites, each committed to providing personal, quality information, support and inspiration to Migraineurs, caregivers, and their family and friends. The recipients of the award share HealthCentral.com’s mission in highlighting the patient voice in health information.

“We rely greatly on the advice and personal experiences of friends and family in all facets of life and managing a health condition is no different,” said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network (THCN). “This year’s Top Sites recognize the importance of sharing and learning from other people who have real life experience dealing with Migraines and join HealthCentral.com in providing trusted, personal information and support to the Migraine community.”

A team of experts from THCN’s Migraine site, MyMigraineConnection.com, chose this year’s top Migraine and Headache sites after reviewing and analyzing the most popular and influential Web sites focused on living with Migraines.

“The face of healthcare is changing. Studies show that patients who are better educated about their conditions and take part in the decision making process are more compliant with their treatment regimens and have better outcomes,” said Teri Robert, founder of Top Award winner HelpforHeadaches.com and Lead Expert Patient on MyMigraineConnection.com. “That's in no small part due to the impact the Internet has made on making information available. Paired with well researched and written content, online communities provide Migraineurs a place to share information, ask questions, and get vital support -- support from people who truly understand their situations. That kind of support can make the difference that keeps us looking for effective treatment rather than giving up and living in pain.”

The 2007 HealthCentral.com Top Migraine and Headache Sites:

The Daily Headache http://www.thedailyheadache.com/
MigraineCast http://www.migrainecast.com/
Abi's Migrainous Wanderings http://abimigraines.blogspot.com/index.html
Migraine Blog http://www.migraineblog.com/
Her Life in a Nutshell http://joannab.wordpress.com/
Help For Headaches & Migraines http://helpforheadaches.com/
Migraine Chick http://migrainechickie.blogspot.com/
Weathering Migraine Storms http://weatheringmigrainestorms.blogspot.com/
A ClusterHead’s Life http://versilleus.blogspot.com/
Somebody Heal Me http://migraineur.blogspot.com/

About the HealthCentral Network

The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is a new and unique online offering, comprised of more than 30 health and highly specific condition web properties. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth, and trusted medical information from organizations including Harvard Health Publications among others, and connections to leading experts and thousands of people who share their related experiences and inspiration.

The HealthCentral Network was acquired in 2005 by Polaris Ventures, Sequoia Capital, The Carlyle Group and Allan & Company, and has built a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science, and news journalism. The company received top recognition from the International Health and Medical Media Awards with a 2006 FREDDIE Award for MyDiabetesCentral.com and the Health Care Standard of Excellence WebAward from the Web Marketing Association.

One chiropractor's claims - arrogance, ignorance, or delusion?

Yesterday evening, I came across a post on the MAGNUM guestbook that I'm now told was approved by accident and has now been removed by their Support Advisor, Teri Robert. It was from a chiropractor who claimed, "EVERY single migraine sufferer I've ever cared for has no longer suffered from migraines after, some had 100% relief after just 1 visit." He had included the URL for his Web site. I call that post "spam;" he says, "I only put on the link so you and other could see the testimonials." His name isn't important, and I'm not going to give him the benefit of Internet exposure by posting it.

I made the mistake of emailing this "world-class doctor of chiropractic" thinking he might actually have something of value to offer Migraineurs IF he would just understand that no treatment is effective for everyone and that effective treatment often includes treatments from more than one modality of treatment.

In his reply to me, he made several assumptions...

• that I needed help with my Migraines;
• that I needed to "open my mind and wise up for my own good;" and
  
• "those you've encountered so far in your search have all had training or vested interests in keeping you a prisoner of your migraines."
  

Some of his remarks to me provided me with a few laughs. You see, you have to laugh at people like him; they're not worth the time or energy involved in being upset or even continuing to pursue reasonable discourse. Let me share a few of the laughs with you. One comment -- the misspellings and poor grammar are his; I'm just not bothering to correct them...

• "You medical people generally make things waaay to complicated. 99 out of 100 migraines (at least) are simple to resolve." In a way, he's not far off in one respect. Probably 85 out of 100 Migraines ARE simple to resolve. Whether the Migraineur employs biofeedback, meditation, or (heaven forbid) medications, the Migraines experienced by the majority of Migraineurs are simply treated. It's that other 15% that are difficult, potentially debilitating, and need expert care.
• "Seems liek you are too booksmart for your own good. I've studied real healthcare for 25 years, not what you would call "healthcare". I am not some symptom-chasing pawn of the medical establishment." He's studied "real healthcare for 25 years?" Hmmmmmmmm. He graduated from high school in 1989, 18 years ago. Maybe he was a precocious teenager.
• "Great minds are always at first ridiculed and unpopular, so your comments have not affect on me." Great minds? He seemed to be speaking of himself. Oh, well. He does have a healthy ego.
• "Open your mind, reverse your direction, seek a world-class doctor of chiropractic and you will find better success." He said this with absolutely no knowledge of my treatment or my current state of health. I had four Migraines in 2006, and I've had one so far in 2007. Do any of you think I need "better success?" I'm actually quite satisfied with my success.

For those of you who may be considering chiropractic care, don't let this put you off. There are indeed "world-class" chiropractors out there. They are true professionals who provide quality care with respect, professionalism, and humility.

I guess I enjoyed the laughs. Although attempting an adult, professional conversation with him was a futile attempt at best, such attempts are still worth a shot.

This exchange does leave me a bit puzzled though. I can't decide if I think this man is speaking from arrogance, from ignorance, or if he's just delusional about his own knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Thanks for the laughs and verifying that you're a total ass, Mr. "world-class doctor of chiropractic!"

Namaste,
Abi

News, news, and more news from the American Headache Society conference!

Every Migraineur's dear friend Teri Robert at MyMigraineConnection spent last week in Chicago at the 49th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society. Teri attends this conference every year and always returns home with fodder for many articles in which she shares with us what she learned -- written in a way we can actually understand! To me, her articles are always more valuable than most "news" articles written on Migraine because she goes deeper and into more detail than most people who write on Migraine and Migraine news.

Already, her blog entries from the conference and the first article to come out of the conference proceedings have me waiting with great anticipation for more. Here's some of what she's shared so far:

• Greetings from Chicago - the American Headache Society Conference. This is a fun post where Teri shares a video of her "remote headquarters."
  
  
• Reporting from Chicago - A new Migraine abortive in trials. Merck has released results from their Phase II trials of MK-0974, an investigational oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist. Teri spoke with Dr. Tony Ho, senior director of Clinical Neuroscience for Merck Research Laboratories to give us a great report on what's happening with this new medication. It looks very hopeful, even for Migraineurs with a history of heart or stroke issues!
  
  
• Back from the American Headache Society conference! Ever wonder what some of the "famous" doctors we read about look like? Teri has shared some super photos of a few of them.

When you get a chance, check out Teri's reports. If you haven't already, consider subscribing to the MyMigraineConnection email newsletter. It's a great way to keep up on what's new!

To Teri -- Thank you, as always, for looking out for all of us and sharing so much valuable information. Oh, and a belated happy birthday!

Shalom,
Abi

Leading Migraine Author and Advocate Joins the Team at The HealthCentral Network's MyMigraineConnection.com

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The HealthCentral Network, Inc. today announced that Teri Robert, prominent Migraine patient, author and advocate, will join the MyMigraineConnection.com team as Lead Expert Patient. Robert, who has personally struggled with Migraines, will educate, support, and empower patients through regular articles and blogs on THCN's Migraine site. MyMigraineConnection.com provides targeted clinical information and resources, as well as a community of patients, like Robert, who share the details of living with a disease from a personal perspective.

"Optimal health care can be achieved only when patients are educated about their health, and patients and physicians work together as treatment partners in an atmosphere of mutual respect," said Teri Robert. "MyMigraineConnection.com provides visitors with advice and insight from expert voices and people who have actually dealt with Migraines, so individuals are not only informed, but given the support they need to actively manage and participate in their health -- I'm excited to be an active part of that community."

"The expert voices on our sites are essential because they have first-hand experience and years of commitment to help others manage and take control of their health," said Chris Schroeder, CEO and President of The HealthCentral Network. "Teri Robert's vast experience and dedication to Migraine education and support is an incredible addition to MyMigraineConnection.com."

After a life-long struggle with Migraines, Robert's career as a writer and advocate started at About.com, where she was the Guide to Headaches and Migraines for nearly seven years. During this time she released her first book, "Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches." Published in 2005 by Harper Collins, it remains a top selling book in the field. Robert is also a well known patient advocate, and was awarded the National Headache Foundation's Patient Partners Award in 2004 for her "ongoing patient education, support and advocacy." She is the Support Advisor for MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association currently collaborating with THCN on Internet resources for Migraine sufferers, and an active member or advocate for the following organizations: O.U.C.H., the Organization for Understanding Cluster Headaches; The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative; and the American Diabetes Association.

Robert is also dedicated to staying up-to-date on developments in Migraine research. She studies medical journals and books, attends medical conferences on a regular basis, and has earned continuing education hours from the American Headache Society, the Primary Care Network, and the Center for Health Care Education.

About The HealthCentral Network
The HealthCentral Network, Inc. has more than 30 general health and highly specific condition and wellness web properties, each committed to offering a voice in everyday and personal language people can understand and connect with at critical points in their lives. Each site provides timely, interactive, in-depth, and trusted medical information, personalized tools and resources, and connections to vast communities of expertise for people seeking to engage in, manage and improve their health.

The award-winning, multimedia experience combines medically-reviewed articles from doctors and researchers, as well as news, information, video and extensive engagement from people who have great experience and empathy in specific health areas. The Company recently expanded its health and wellness offerings with the acquisition of FoodFit.com, a leading healthy eating and active living Web site, and produces the Medical Breakthroughs television, seen around the country. The HealthCentral Network received top recognition from The International Health and Medical Media Awards with a 2006 FREDDIE Award for MyDiabetesCentral.com and was awarded the Health Care Standard of Excellence WebAward from the Web Marketing Association.

Founded in the late 1990s, The HealthCentral Network, Inc. was acquired in 2005 by a team of blue-chip investors, including Polaris Ventures, Sequoia Capital, The Carlyle Group and Allen & Company. With a management team that combines decades of experience in interactive media and medical, science and news journalism, The HealthCentral Network aims for the highest standards of quality, relevance and community for patients and their caregivers.

SOURCE The HealthCentral Network, Inc.

The Demise of Wikipedia's Migraine and Headache Pages

It's sad, really. The Wikipedia pages about Migraine disease and various forms of headaches such as tension-type and cluster headaches were, at one time, excellent resources. What they've become is just more flotsam on a sea of questionable Web content.

Wikipedia is a good concept -- a sort of online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. And therein lies the problem. Anyone can edit. The "policing" of editing isn't well monitored by anyone other than those doing the editing. On the Migraine and headache pages, some editors have become quite territorial. God forbid that you add an external link or make a minor edit if you don't have a long history of edits to your name. God forbid that you be new or an actual expert in the field with limited time. The more territorial (and bitch) of the editors will rip you to shreds on the "Talk" pages or worse -- accuse you of spamming and plaster it all over the talk pages to ruin your reputation.

Point in case: I noticed that author, advocate, and lay expert Teri Robert has a modest list of edits to these pages as well as having created the Hemicrania continua page. At some point, she added a link to some content on HelpForHeadaches.com. That offended a nurse who edits under the ID THB, who proceded to post to more than one page, "Teri Robert spamming book." Even when Teri apologized to this ahem, person, she continued to quite rudely berate Teri. Now, a civil human being would have accepted her apology and offered to help her work better within the poory communicated "rules." Of course, a civil human being wouldn't have been so pissy about it in the first place.

As a cluster headache sufferer, I took a look at that page today. A new statement has been added, "Sluder's neuralgia(syndrome) and cluster pain can often be temporarily stopped with nasal lidocaine spray. If successful, outpatient nasal septoplasty and splinting can resolve the condition." There is no citation for this asertion of fact. Where is THB now? It will be interesting to see if anyone does add a citation for this supposed fact as I've talked with two headache specialists about it. The more polite of their responses was, "That's BS if ever I've seen it. There's just no way that treatment could "resolve" the condition."

I feel rather sorry for the many people who have earnestly and diligently worked on Wikipedia pages. The way Wikipedia is run moves it from my list of "dependable content" to "questionable content to be read for amusement value only."

Oh, and to THB, I'm really sorry that you're so unhappy that you take it out on other people the way you do. Miserable circumstances don't have to make you act like a miserable person. That's a choice.

Shalom,
Abi

Looking for Migraine & Headache Writer Teri Robert?

OK, I'm biased. Virtually everything I know about Migraine disease I learned from Teri Robert. Reading her articles taught me that Migraines are a disease; that I have not only the right, but the responsibility to ask my doctors questions AND get some answers, that I do not have to live with nearly daily Migraines. She's the reason I capitalize the word Migraine. So, I'm biased. Teri is my hero. I want to grow up to be Teri Robert. (Well, not literally. She's only a few years older than I am, but you get the point.)

I first discovered Teri's writings and Herculean patient advocacy efforts on About.com. Last weekend, I was dismayed to find her picture gone from her site there and "Apply Now" where her name had been. Whatever About.com did to make her decide to leave or didn't do to entice her to stay, it's their loss. I, for one, won't be returning to their site or their forum since I won't find her there.

Fortunately for all of us, a quick email to Teri revealed that she is well and that after she resigned from About.com, she went to MyMigraineConnection, which is part of the HealthCentral Network. She told me she'll be doing mainly the same things there that she did at About.com -- "writing articles and other content, blogging, and hanging out on the forum." Yesterday, "Teri Robert's Blog" had a new entry - "New Year's Resolutions for Migraine Doctors."

So, if anyone is looking for Teri, now you know where to look! :-)

Shalom,
Abi