Diana E. Lee is a patient advocate.

Dwyane Wade and the NBA’s insensitivity to his migraines

Conditions and Diseases
July 1, 2011

by Diana E. Lee

Sports journalists recently discussed discussing Dwyane Wade’s migraines and his decision to try wearing goggles to deal with light sensitivity.

News outlets like ESPN proved once again they know how to treat migraine disease as a serious, burdensome medical issue in reporting on Wade’s health situation. But somehow at the eleventh hour the story got way more complicated and the NBA revealed they don’t …

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Dwyane Wade and the NBA’s insensitivity to his migraines

iPhone medical apps for patients with migraine headaches

Health Technology
February 7, 2011

by Diana E. Lee

Some are free, others are not, but there are some great, off the beaten path apps on this list that are well worth downloading to your iPhone.

1. iHeadache (free version, with ads).This app isn’t bad, but I did find some features less than ideal. You’re limited to their list of symptoms, which may not include all of your symptoms. It didn’t include all of mine, …

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iPhone medical apps for patients with migraine headaches

Percy Harvin and how sleep apnea affected his migraine headaches

Conditions and Diseases
December 7, 2010

by Diana E. Lee

It sounds like NFL Wide Receiver Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings) is one of the luckier chronic migraine patients out there.

He was actually able to identify a specific reason for his drastically increased number of migraine attacks (sleep apnea) and implement a treatment that seems to be helping (CPAP). He is performing solidly and confidently and taking contact without any issues.

I know a …

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Percy Harvin and how sleep apnea affected his migraine headaches

How Percy Harvin struggles with chronic migraines

Patient
October 21, 2010

by Diana E. Lee

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin has been struggling with chronic migraines.

If you don’t follow football you may not have heard of him. But let me assure you he is a high profile player in the National Football League and an important component of the Minnesota Vikings’ offense. Harvin has dealt with migraines since childhood (like me), but almost …

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How Percy Harvin struggles with chronic migraines

Bringing a friend or family member on doctor’s appointments

Patient
September 9, 2010

by Diana E. Lee

Most of the resources I’ve read about how to prepare for a doctor’s appointment recommend bringing a loved one with you so that person can help you remember what the doctor said and make sure you get your questions and concerns addressed.

But when I read Paula Kamen’s book All in My Head: An Epic Quest to Cure an Unrelenting, Totally Unreasonable and …

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Bringing a friend or family member on doctor’s appointments

Is migraine pain comparable to torture?

Conditions and Diseases
August 7, 2010

by Diana E. Lee

Last year, People published an interview with Cindy McCain, wife of U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona.

She revealed she has dealt with excruciating migraine attacks for about 15 years, including during her husband’s presidential campaign. Though she has never discussed them publicly before, she has chosen to talk about her situation now to help bring awareness to this disabling condition and all the people going through what …

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Is migraine pain comparable to torture?

Treatment decisions under migraine headache influence

Patient
July 7, 2010

by Diana E. Lee

At an appointment with my local neurologist I showed up feeling bone tired and mentally drained.

Next thing I knew I was going back on a medication I had deliberately chosen to stop taking just because a doctor told me I should be taking something.

When the doctor finally came into my exam room he looked over the list of medications I was taking and declared that Lyrica alone …

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Treatment decisions under migraine headache influence

Don’t let a doctor make you feel uncomfortable

Physician
June 12, 2010

by Diana E. Lee

One member of my health care team is a migraine specialist in another state. Since we don’t have many opportunities to work together in person, we generally try to pack a lot into my periodic two-day visits.

Last time I was there I had an experience that has left me feeling guilty all these months later.

My doctor, who I respect and admire greatly, asked if I was interested …

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Don’t let a doctor make you feel uncomfortable

How health care reform will affect mental health

Health Policy
May 3, 2010

by Diana E. Lee

The cost of therapy and medication for underinsured people are common barriers keeping people from getting treatment for a mental health problem.

Although there are community mental health centers that provide treatment for many people, their resources are stretched far too thin to help everyone who needs treatment on the level someone with a more serious issue may need. One of the most positive changes that will arise …

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How health care reform will affect mental health