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Never to be diagnosed .......

emel

Hi,

I first posted here about 4 years ago when I realised that I must have AS.  Self diagnosos is a non-starter - but that doesn't mean I am wrong.

My experience as a mature adult (old person!) is that there is no help or support available on the NHS.  I did consider the option of private assessment but it is very expensive and is not recognised by the NHS.

So I live in limbo, despising who I am, and socially isolated.  Is there anyone else out there that feels like me?

But I'm getting by, I don't want to come across as totally "poor me" there are millions of people in this world far worse off.  On the plus side I am obsessively creative so I can immerse myself in projects and let the world go by.

The main reason for my post is to ask if there are any links between Aspergers and migraine.  I've suffered from migraine attacks all my adult life.  My GP told me years ago that I would grow out of them but they have become more frequent.

I'd be really grateful for any comments/advice.

  • Hi Emel,

    Further to the above, there are many potential causes for migranes and these can sometimes be difficult to diagnose (diet, over-under exercising, fluid intake etc.).

    A visit to your GP would be most helpful if you describe to them an activity that can trigger, time of day when your migranes begin (morning, afternoon, evening, after waking up, after eating etc.) any additional symptoms (e.g. flashing lights or spots in the corners of one/both eyes), if you're on any prescribed medication,and what you do to alleviate these symptoms.

    It might also be helpful to describe the other items detailed in your message (potential social isolation, poor self-image etc.), AS or not there are services designated to help.

    As a side note, you can get a second opinion about your migranes from an NHS walk-in centre (if there is one close to you, and you feel that your GP is too dismissive). You can also ask to see an alternative GP at your existing surgery (if one is available).

  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Hi Emel,

    A private diagnosis is fine and accepted by everyone if your GP refers you to an appropriate service. My GP referred me to the local specialist at the Priory group and they charged £1,000 and I felt that it was expensive for the amount of time taken (the specialist had NO difficulty in diagnosing me) but it has been worth it. I have access to the local NHS autism service, as a result of this diagnosis, and they have been helpful in various ways but there is no magic wand that you are being denied access to.

    Migraine can be caused by stress (and chocolate and red wine) so it is possible that unresolved stress may be bringing this on. There are some good drugs to take to take if you feel a migraine coming on. I suspect that migraines can also be caused by other medication.

    I think there are links between migraine and autism but I am not sure what you can do with that information apart from being extra careful (avoiding red wine and chocolate for example). There are no drugs for autism itself that will do anything to reduce or cure autism.

    I am sorry that you despise yourself - autism isn't your fault so it isn't as if you have made a regrettable choice that could give you any justification for being judgemental about yourself. Lots of autistic people tend to be harsh and judgemental about themsleves but what do you gain from that?