The Head Start: Embracing the Journey

Episode Title: Teaching Through the Struggle: A Conversation with Danielle Mendoza
Host: Nora McInerney
Guest: Danielle Mendoza
Co-Host: Dr. Christopher Ryne
Release Date: June 25, 2024

Introduction

Nora McInerney opens the episode by highlighting the unexpected challenges life can present, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support for those battling chronic migraine. She introduces the show's mission to foster open and honest conversations about the struggles and triumphs associated with chronic migraine, setting the stage for an enlightening discussion with Danielle Mendoza.

Meet Danielle Mendoza

[02:26] Nora McInerney:
Nora introduces Danielle Mendoza, a dedicated preschool teacher who balances her demanding job with living with chronic migraine. She commends Danielle's unwavering commitment to her students despite her personal health challenges, setting a heartfelt tone for the conversation.

[04:52] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
Dr. Ryne expresses enthusiasm about Danielle's journey, emphasizing her proactive approach in seeking effective treatments for chronic migraine and her role in the broader migraine community.

Danielle's Path to Teaching

[05:14] Nora McInerney:
Nora asks Danielle about her journey into teaching, revealing her initial indecision and eventual passion for educating young children.

[06:06] Danielle Mendoza:
Danielle shares, “I always was like, oh, I'm gonna be a teacher, you know?” detailing her early experiences teaching her younger siblings and her eventual decision to pursue a career in elementary education despite initial interests in forensic science. She reflects on her love for teaching and her plans to return to school to further her education.

[07:04] Nora McInerney:
Nora adds a personal touch by relating to Danielle's experiences with her siblings, highlighting the nurturing aspect of teaching.

Living with Chronic Migraine

[07:26] Nora McInerney:
Nora transitions the conversation to Danielle's chronic migraine, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about her experiences.

[07:42] Danielle Mendoza:
Danielle recounts her long journey with migraines, starting from childhood. "I met with a neurologist, and they asked me different questions, and I explained to them kind of what I was going through... that's how I really felt. And they were like, yep, based on everything you're explaining to us and your symptoms, you have chronic migraine."

[09:02] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
Dr. Ryne emphasizes the importance of effective communication with healthcare providers. He advises patients to be thorough and honest about their symptoms, suggesting, “...be very specific about the number of days... keep a really specific headache diary to share with that provider.”

[11:15] Nora McInerney:
Nora delves deeper into Danielle's migraine experiences, asking about triggers and the nature of her attacks.

[11:31] Danielle Mendoza:
Danielle admits she’s still identifying her triggers but identifies key factors like fluorescent lights, noise, and heat as significant contributors. “If I start getting hot, I can have a migraine attack.”

[12:34] Danielle Mendoza:
She vividly describes her migraine episodes: “They start in my neck... pressure, and I cannot get rid of it,” detailing the debilitating symptoms that compel her to seek isolation and relief from sensory stimuli.

Migraine Attacks in the Workplace

[13:23] Danielle Mendoza:
Danielle recounts a specific incident at work where a migraine attack was exacerbated by fluorescent lighting. “As soon as I walked in the door with the fluorescent lights, it hits. And I'm like, I'm not okay.”

[15:34] Nora McInerney:
Nora addresses the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood, asking Danielle how this affected her pursuit of treatment.

[16:15] Danielle Mendoza:
Danielle discusses the familial aspect of her migraines and how having relatives with similar conditions provided some understanding but also acknowledges the societal minimization of her pain. “I think that played a little bit of a part in getting the delay of actually getting into a neurologist and getting diagnosed with chronic migraine.”

Understanding Botox as a Treatment

[19:24] Nora McInerney:
Post-break, Nora brings the focus back to treatment options, specifically Botox, by inviting Dr. Ryne to elaborate.

[19:48] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
Dr. Ryne provides a comprehensive overview of Botox as a preventive treatment for chronic migraine, explaining the procedure, its efficacy, and potential side effects. “Botox prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine, which is 15 or more headache days per month... Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection, causing serious symptoms.”

[21:09] Nora McInerney:
Nora inquires about the Botox procedure to demystify it for listeners.

[21:19] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
He details the injection process, emphasizing the protocol and patient experience: “Botox is injected in 31 shallow sites into seven muscle groups... The treatment is done within probably 10 minutes.”

[22:25] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
Dr. Ryne explains the timeline for Botox's effectiveness: “Patients may feel results as soon as four weeks with full effects after two treatments.”

Danielle's Experience with Botox

[23:13] Danielle Mendoza:
Danielle shares her personal experience with Botox, initiated five years ago. She describes the support from her neurologist and the positive impact on her migraine frequency: “For me personally, it has reduced the number of headache days. And I think in my experience it's been helpful.”

[25:27] Danielle Mendoza:
Offering encouragement, Danielle advises others: “You are not alone... don't give up until you find a treatment plan that works for you.”

Access and Considerations for Botox Treatment

[26:06] Nora McInerney:
Nora shifts the discussion to accessibility, prompting Dr. Ryne to address potential barriers.

[26:20] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
Dr. Ryne acknowledges hurdles like insurance coverage and cost, advising patients to proactively engage with their insurance providers. He mentions support programs like the Botox Savings Program to alleviate financial burdens.

[27:40] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
He reiterates the importance of understanding side effects and encourages listeners to consult their physicians: “It's important that a patient speak to their physician about the important safety information concerning Botox for chronic migraine.”

Conclusion

[28:24] Nora McInerney:
Nora wraps up the conversation by acknowledging Danielle's dual role as an educator and a migraine struggler, emphasizing the universality of her story. She encourages listeners to seek support and not to bear their burdens alone.

[28:42] Dr. Christopher Ryne:
Dr. Ryne commends Nora for bringing these important issues to light and supporting those struggling with chronic migraine.

[28:55] Nora McInerney:
Nora concludes by reinforcing the episode's key messages: the importance of asking for help and being open about one's struggles. She reiterates the necessity of consulting healthcare professionals when considering treatments like Botox and directs listeners to additional resources for safety information.

Key Takeaways

1. Danielle Mendoza's Dual Role:

   • Teaching Passion: Despite personal health challenges, Danielle remains committed to her role as a preschool teacher, inspiring young minds while managing chronic migraine.
   • Chronic Migraine Journey: Danielle’s experience underscores the persistent struggle for diagnosis and effective treatment, highlighting the emotional and professional impacts of chronic migraine.

2. Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers:

   • Detailed Symptom Sharing: Dr. Ryne emphasizes the importance of patients providing comprehensive details about their migraine symptoms to facilitate accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
   • Headache Diaries: Keeping a detailed record of migraine occurrences can significantly aid in managing the condition.

3. Botox as a Preventive Treatment:

   • Procedure and Efficacy: Botox injections, administered in specific sites across the head and neck, can prevent chronic migraines, with effects typically noticeable within four weeks.
   • Safety and Side Effects: While Botox is generally effective, it comes with potential side effects that patients must discuss thoroughly with their healthcare providers.

4. Accessibility and Support:

   • Insurance and Cost: Navigating insurance coverage is crucial for accessing Botox treatment. Support programs are available to assist with costs.
   • Community and Encouragement: Danielle’s message of perseverance and community support serves as a beacon for others battling chronic migraine.

5. Holistic Understanding of Chronic Migraine:

   • Invisible Struggles: The episode highlights that chronic migraines are often invisible and misunderstood, stressing the need for empathy and comprehensive support systems.

Notable Quotes

• Danielle Mendoza [07:42]:
  “So we are going to work with you on it.”

• Dr. Christopher Ryne [09:02]:
  “You want to be really, really clear. You know, that provider, hopefully sitting across from you, recognizes everything that migraine attacks are doing to your life.”

• Danielle Mendoza [16:15]:
  “I think that it was still cut a lot shorter than some people... once my neurologist was like, hey, no, she has chronic migraines. Then they finally did take it serious.”

• Nora McInerney [25:27]:
  “Don't give up until you find a treatment plan that works for you.”

• Danielle Mendoza [25:27]:
  “You are not alone... don’t give up.”

Resources Mentioned

• Botox Safety Information: Throughout the episode, vital safety information about Botox as a treatment for chronic migraine is provided, emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and adhering to prescribed guidelines.

• Botox Support Programs: Danielle and Dr. Ryne mention programs like the Botox Savings Program, which assists eligible patients with out-of-pocket costs related to Botox treatment.

• Further Information:
  Listeners are encouraged to visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-800-44-BOTOX for more details on Botox treatment for chronic migraine.

Closing Remarks

Nora McInerney concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of community, support, and seeking help when dealing with chronic conditions like migraine. She thanks Danielle Mendoza for her courage and dedication, while also acknowledging the critical role of healthcare providers like Dr. Christopher Ryne in managing chronic migraine.

This episode of The Head Start: Embracing the Journey offers a poignant and comprehensive look into the lives of those managing chronic migraine, blending personal narratives with expert insights to provide listeners with both empathy and practical information.