The Emotions of Trying a New Medication with a Chronic Illness

Trying a new medication can often be a daunting experience for a patient. This is especially true for those of us with a chronic illness. I have been battling vestibular migraine on a daily basis for over six years now, and I have tried 10 medications to treat my dizziness. I am about to start one of the newest migraine prevention medications and, as usual, my head is buzzing with all sorts of questions and feelings.

Is this the one?

How long will this take to work?

Will this allow me to get back to work?

Where will I work after being out of the workforce for six years? Do I remember how to be a lawyer?

Will this mean I can do the activities I did before getting sick? Read a book, take a yoga class, take a flight, ride a boat?

What if I have an allergic reaction and need to go the hospital (in the middle of a freaking pandemic)?

What side effects will I experience?

Will the side effects be worse than the dizziness?

What if the side effects put me out of commission?

What if I can’t take care of my kids?

What if it causes long term side effects that no one knows about yet?

What if it doesn’t work? Will I have any options left?

Oh, @#$% it. Here goes nothing. Or everything.