Andrew Leech's Journey with Chronic Migraine
Andrew Leech, a medical professional himself, battled debilitating chronic migraine for over a decade. His search for relief led him through countless medications and lengthy waits for specialist appointments. Finally, he found respite in the injectable migraine preventer Ajovy.
Dr. Leech believes that the process of accessing such life-changing medications should be simplified. He advocates for allowing GPs to prescribe migraine medication, eliminating the need for patients to endure the lengthy and costly process of seeing a neurologist.
Despite his medical expertise, finding relief for his own migraines was not easy or cheap. Dr. Leech tried various preventative medications before settling on Ajovy, which initially cost him around $1,000 per month. While the drug is now included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), it can only be prescribed by a neurologist after a patient has tried and failed three different preventative medications.
Dr. Leech believes this requirement should be changed. He argues that the current system creates unnecessary barriers for patients seeking relief. He emphasizes the safety of Ajovy and questions the rationale behind restricting its prescription to specialists.
Mark Morgan, chair of the expert committee for quality care at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), agrees with Dr. Leech. He believes that restrictions on who can prescribe medications create unnecessary obstacles for patients. He highlights the financial burden and long wait times associated with seeing specialists, advocating for a more streamlined approach.
Dr. Leech's experience highlights the challenges faced by migraine sufferers. He emphasizes the limited availability of neurologists, leading to long wait times for appointments and follow-up consultations.
While Dr. Leech advocates for increased prescription power for GPs, he also acknowledges the importance of non-medical options. He emphasizes the value of tracking and understanding migraine triggers.
Dr. Adele Stewart, chair of the RACGP's Pain Management group, stresses the importance of pain science education for patients with chronic pain. She believes that medication is just one tool in the management of chronic pain and advocates for a holistic approach that includes mindfulness-based interventions.
Dr. Leech emphasizes the need for a change in perception regarding migraines, both for patients and healthcare professionals. He believes that migraines are a serious chronic condition that requires proper attention and treatment.
seek help from your GP. He encourages individuals suffering from migraines to prioritize their health and seek the necessary support.