Migraine Sufferers

[lawyerlee]

I *know* that I'm not the only one on the boards who suffers from migraines. I am going through a particularly rough patch right now with mine, and I could really use some support from people who know what I'm experiencing.

I thought maybe creating a support group thread would help all of us exchange information, ideas, and support on an ongoing basis. We can all share our stories, post links to information, websites, articles, etc. And, of course, we can post here when we need some extra TLC!

I hope some other CCers will be interested in participating! :)

links updated on Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Migraine Information Resources

About Headaches/Migraines: Information and Suppport for Every Headache/Migraine (http://headaches.about.com/) (I love the forums, newsletters, and all the articles here.)

Mayo Clinic migraine information (http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00120) (An *excellent* overview of condition, diagnosis, prevention, treatment options, etc.)

MedicineNet.com Migraine Headache Health Center (http://www.medicinenet.com/migraine_headache/index.htm)

The Daily Headache (http://www.thedailyheadache.com/) (My favorite blog on headaches & migraines, aside from my own, of course.)

Somebody Heal Me (http://migraineur.blogspot.com) (My blog.)

ChronicBabe (http://www.chronicbabe.com/) (An awesome chronic illness blog/site. I highly encourage you to sign up for the newsletter.)

NHF Women and Migraine Learning Module (http://www.headaches.org/consumer/medtronic/index.html)

MAGNUM (http://www.migraines.org)

American Council for Headache Education (http://www.achenet.org)

National Headache Foundation (http://www.headaches.org)

Ronda’s Migraine Page (http://www.migrainepage.com/)

Web MD's Migraine/Headaches Health Center (http://my.webmd.com/medical_information/condition_centers/migraines/default.htm?z=1826_00000_5011_wh_13)

The New Medicine: Headaches & Migraines (http://www.thenewmedicine.org/health_interests/headaches) (information on integrative medicine)

Health & Human Services womenshealth.gov site - Migraine Headaches (http://www.4woman.gov/faq/migraine.htm#4)

Living with Migraine Disease and Headaches: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You That You Need To Know by Teri Robert (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060766859/sr=8-1/qid=1142831773/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-1841104-0871301?%5Fencoding=UTF8) (My *favorite* book on migraines; written by an extremely knowledgeable migraineur.)

Remedy Find: Migraine Disease (http://www.remedyfind.com/HealthConditions/11/)

Treatments/Helpful Information

Guide to Visiting a New Doctor (http://headaches.about.com/cs/headpain101/a/guide_new_doc.htm)

Medication Overuse Headache / Rebound Mode (http://headaches.about.com/od/allheadpaintype1/a/med_overuse_ha.htm)

Medication Overuse Headache (http://helpforheadaches.com/articles/moh0805.htm)

Pain and Sleep (http://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeplibrary/index.php?secid=&id=63)

Acupuncture (http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=D052E43C-ED26-49E8-A569CE31150C137F)

Biofeedback (http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=8719DF15-EADF-47F3-8FC2E241690F3AF6)

Massage (http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=686E87EE-DBEB-4259-A5906A4CF2A10A02)

Information on Massage / Finding a Massage Therapist (http://www.amtamassage.org/consumers.html) (from the American Massage Therapy Association)

How To Use Guided Imagery For Relaxation (http://stress.about.com/od/generaltechniques/ht/howtoimagery.htm)

Poison your migraine? Botox injections for use in migraine prevention. (http://headaches.about.com/cs/prevention/a/botox_01j.htm)

Is Botox a Cure? (http://health.msn.com/centers/headaches/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100098751)

Simple and Easy Food Choices for Headache and Migraine Disease Sufferers (http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/diet-headache-migraine.html)

Needy Meds (http://www.needymeds.com/)

Clinical Trials - information provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/)

Migraine Diary (http://www.colmc.org.uk/mig_diary.html) (downloadable monthly format; very compact; Acrobat format)

Migraine Diary (http://www.maxalt.com/rizatriptan_benzoate/maxalt/consumer/your_migraine/keeping_a_migraine_diary.jsp) (downloadable daily format; detailed; only for days of attack; Acrobat format)

Migraine e-Di@ry (http://www.migraine.ie/diary.html) (downloadable monthly format; compact; includes place to suggest possible triggers; Word or Acrobat formats)

About.com Migraine Diary by Teri Robert (http://headaches.about.com/diary-excel.exe) (downloadable; compact; Excel format)

my example "migraine details" document (http://homepage.mac.com/dianaelainelee/migraineur/FileSharing25.html)

[claribella]

Oh I just got a BAD one last nite. I actually haven't had a really bad one in a long time, since I've been going to the Chirpractor.
I haven't had a dr diagnosis yet but I get the classic migraine symptons, nausea, sensitive to sound and light, pounding pain in same place above ears.

I take Migraine Excederin and that seems to help. Thanks for those links!

[houseblend]

Thanks so much for posting this and all the links! I've had 2 so-so migraines in the past few months, but aside from that, I've been migraine-free for almost exactly a year now. :D

Things I changed:
1. Went of the BCP
2. Started taking Migrahealth (with magnesium, B-2 and feverfew)
3. Got a mouthguard to wear at night since I'm a teeth grinder

They definitely get worse when I'm stressed so I've been tryiing to learn how to relax (not easy for me).

The last couple of weeks I stopped taking the Migrahealth because feverfew is a no-no if you're TTC. I have to say, I've been having some mild headaches since then, so hopefully it is a temporary withdraw and that I won't start getting the real deals again.

Anyway, just wanted to share my story since I completely understand.


ETA: My drug of choice is Zomig. Pretty much knocks me right out which is exactly what I need when one comes on.

[Holls]

ANOTHER place i fit in... i'm on Topamax and Relpax for my migraines. The Topamax i take everyday and the relpax is for break through migraines. Mine have been so much better since i got this medication. So if yours are really bad you might want to ask your doctor!

[lawyerlee]

I take daily meds and have treatment meds. In addition to my primary care physician (who is great), I go to a headache clinic where I see a neurologist and a pain specialist. I also see a therapist who has been great at helping me manage the stress of having a chronic illness.

Here's what I take daily:

- Topamax
- Nortripyline
- Toprol
- Lexapro
- Skelaxin
- magnesium
- B2/riboflavin
- CoQ10

For treatment, I have Imitrex injections, Zomig Nasal Sprays, and Zomig tablets that I can choose from. I can also take extra Skelaxin (a muscle relaxer) if needed.

I have had migraines since I was six years old (I'm 27 now). In the past year and a half, I was having migraines about three times a week. Then, I started having them every single day for about two months straight. I recently had an MRI of my head and one of my neck. They discovered that I have degenerative disease in a disc in my neck, which seems to be a large part of my problem right now. I had some epidural injections in my neck, which did help. And the Skelaxin helps, too. I'm down to about three a week again. Who'd have thought that would be a good thing?! :rolleyes:

My dad and his mother had migraines, so I get the tendency from them. I also have the right personality characteristics, too. But seeing the therapist is really helping. I mainly started going just to cope with being constantly ill, but she is helping me deal with stressors in different ways and also deal with my tendency toward depression. It has been great. So even though I'm not doing that great, I'm better than I was. So it's something.

[lawyerlee]

Started taking Migrahealth (with magnesium, B-2 and feverfew)
I loved the idea of Migrahealth because I thought it would be so nice not to have to take all those pills separately. But when I tried it, I found that the fever few didn't work out for me. Too bad, but it was worth a try.

[ssstephanie]

i'd really like to be a part of this thread. I'm going to check out some of the links and educate myself on what I go through. I suffer from tension headaches pretty often and then of course, migraines come and go, especially when I'm stressed out. Can you believe I haven't gone to the doctor for this yet?? I've just always felt like a doctor can't help me when it comes to my migraines. It's really time to get some help because my little home remedies aren't working as they once did.

[lawyerlee]

Can you believe I haven't gone to the doctor for this yet?? I've just always felt like a doctor can't help me when it comes to my migraines.
Oh, hon. There really is a lot they can do. You should give them a chance. :)

[Holls]

Oh i'm feeling lucky that i'm on as little meds as i am now! The doctor really is wonderful. From experience I'll tell you that mine asked me to keep a journal for a few weeks and come back so maybe you could start doing that write down what time they start/end and what you ate before you got the migraine. I havn't checked it out, but i saw a link for an online migraine diary in lawyerlee's first post.

[BeakersTrio]

Diana, I feel so awful for you! Hopefully now knowing about the disc in your neck there will be a better way to treat your migraines. My mother has had migraines since she was 12, and I've had them for as long as I can remember and I'm 26 now.

Most of my migraines are from stress, however many are also food related. I'm suppose to cut out nearly everything I currently eat and focus on more organic and healthier foods. I just switched jobs and my migraines went down from 5-6 days a week to maybe 1-2 a week, plus they are not nearly as intense anymore, so that has helped, but it's still depressing to get them.

I feel like no one ever understands how I almost never feel good. I always feel like a weakling or something like that. How do you cope?

[ssstephanie]

Oh, hon. There really is a lot they can do. You should give them a chance. :)

You're so right. Migraines seem to be much more mainstream now I think because years ago, I could never describe to doctors what I was feeling. I always assumed they were simple "headaches."

[oceaneast]

I was on Toprol but I had horrible side affects (my throat felt like it was closing up) and I haven't been back to the MD yet. I've been going to accupuncture and it has helped considerably.

[UTChick]

I am a migraine sufferer as well, but (knocking on my wooden desk right now) I have not had one since March. Mine apparently are hormone-related. Without fail, I would get one the day before or the day I started my period and then right after my period was over. I went off BCP in December and had 3 in January, 3 in Feb, and the one in March. Since then I have been ok. I do always carry Imitrex with me just in case. I am a teacher, so migraines are incredibly inconvenient, to say the least, so once I get that weird sensation, I take a pill with a Diet Coke.

I cannot imagine how those of you who get them more often deal with this. Two to three a month was almost more than I could handle. I hope you find some relief.

[KristyK]

Geez Diana, I feel so bad for you, and others that are dealing with this so frequently and so intensely. I don't have a disk disease, but I herniated 2 of them in my neck 2 years ago. One hydrocortisone shot injected has helped me immensely, but I'm a regular visitor still at my chiropractors.

I get mine from stress, a lot. But, I was also on BCP's and when I'd go off, which was only every 3 months, I'd feel it coming on. Last pill Saturday, migraine, tuesday night, through Wednesday, and sometimes Thursday.

I'm able to get mine to go away with Axert. You're only allowed to take 2 of them in 24 hours. I'm fairly lucky that mine goes away, or sits in the background for the majority of my day with just the one pill, lately though, I've had to take the 2nd pill. Then once I go to bed, and sleep, it's gone.

I have noticed that if I don't eat, at least something for breakfast and lunch, by 3:30 I'm getting a migraine. If I eat, I can sometimes hold it off, or just use Ibuprofen/Tylenol X-strength combo and that helps.

I really fight with myself whether I'm getting just a headache or if it's really a migraine, so I'm usually fighting with myself longer than I really need too. I did that this morning, I waited, and finally realized, I needed that pill. I took my pill around 10am, only had one with me. Finished work early, got off and even went to the grocery store with my head pounding. I came home, got on here, sat and read and relaxed after taking just the tylenol and ibuprofen, and it got so much better, even with waiting to eat, and reading! That was surprising.

I'm not looking forward to the next few months. I recently went off BCP's. My early migraines were associated with horrendous PMS, which is why I was on the BCP's for so many years. The hormones was all I needed. But now I have high blood pressure, which they think the BCP's is causing, so I went off, and we'll see what happens. I'm hoping that my migraines stay in the background and that they don't get worse.

What I truly hate, my doctor only writes my pills for 6 at a time. What's with that? And, insurance only covers every 20 days. What the heck happens if I need them for more than 3 days in a row? I'm hoping the lack of hormones doesn't completely throw my head into wack!

I'm thinking about all of you and wishing the best, and so sorry for what you all are going through. Wish I could do more than send hugs and good wishes for you!

Diana, thank you for all those links, I'll be browsing them!

Kristy

[kadee_29]

I was so hoping you would start this thread up here Diana. I am so sorry you are still having so many problems with yours.

I have meds that I really should be taking for mine but I am so bad at remembering them. I know...it seems like I would remember them so I dont have migraines. Even sitting right above my kitchen sink where I see them everyday I still forget to take them.

[polkadot]

Mine apparently are hormone-related. Without fail, I would get one the day before or the day I started my period and then right after my period was over. I went off BCP in December and had 3 in January, 3 in Feb, and the one in March. Since then I have been ok. I do always carry Imitrex with me just in case. I am a teacher, so migraines are incredibly inconvenient, to say the least, so once I get that weird sensation, I take a pill with a Diet Coke.

Welcome to my everyday life...I am the fourth generation in my family of women to get migraines....Great G-mom, g-mom, mom and now me...Most of the woman in my fam get them...it sucks...i am on NOrtriptyline (sp) daily to prevent and have Imitrex and Maxalt if they pop up...sometimes neither of those will work (i know you cant take both at the same time i alternate choice of meds with each headache..it seems to help)and i have to resort to Phiarenol (sp) which is a painkiller...I have had to go to the hospital twice so that they could give me demerol...so they have been really bad....

This is my going to be my first cycle of BCP and i am hoping the headaches wont be soooo bad...the only break my family has had from migraines is if they were pregnant...sounds like a good idea to me ;) Now if i could only convince my DH :eek:

i will be here lots to comisirate ...

[sunchaser26]

I think this is a wonderful thread, I too suffer from migraines and would like a place where others understand what I'm going through.

Mine are linked to my periods so they are hormonal. I was having luck with my medicines and Seasonal or at least I thought, but now I just think I really wanted it to work.

I have about three days or more of migraines during that time of the month, they never completely go away with medicine and I'm always looking for ideas to help.

I'm on Maxalt, Depacote (both short and long release), and amitriplene (daily) (sp?)

[lawyerlee]

I stayed home from work yesterday with a migraine. It was actually a good thing because I got a lot of rest and feel better today.

I wanted to share with you guys this product that I *LOVE* that Bath & Body Works sells. It is from the Aromatherapy Remedies Headache Relief line, and it's called "Pulse Point Therapy". I put it on my wrists, behind my ear lobes, and on my temples when I feel migraine symptoms. It has a subtle peppermint-ish scent, and it really helps me relax and be less tense. It only costs $10, too, which is well worth it for a little soothing. :)

[Holls]

I have noticed since being on Topamax that i have bruises and don't know where they came from... Does anyone know if sensativity is a side effect? :confused: It's almost time for a refill so 'll be able to check the insert, but i thought you girls might know.

[lawyerlee]

I have noticed since being on Topamax that i have bruises and don't know where they came from... Does anyone know if sensativity is a side effect? :confused: It's almost time for a refill so 'll be able to check the insert, but i thought you girls might know.
I've been experiencing the same thing. I wonder if it is connected. :confused: Cliff gets so frustrated with me because he doesn't understand how I can get bruises that look as serious as they do and not know how I got them. Weird.

[Holls]

Mine are not small either.... My roomie and friends pick on me bc i have NO CLUE! My poor little legs are looking sad in shorts! I'm at work now, but i'll see if see anything online if no one else knows anything.

[houseblend]

For those of you on Topomax, did your doctor warn you that it could interfere with your BCP? The reason I ask is that my neurologist did not tell me that (I was on BCP at the time she prescribed it), but my pharmacist told me not to take any chances. Wouldn't want any unforseen surprises out there!

[Holls]

BCP=birth control?

He changed mine when he gave me the topamax. He gave me something that is also suposed to help with the migraines.

[lawyerlee]

I definitely appreciate the heads up. I personally am not on any hormonal birth control.

[Holls]

I got my new topamax today and didn't see anything about sensativity on the side effects. So i'm still not sure... i'm out of refills though, so i guess the next step will be asking my doctor. :confused:

[houseblend]

Holls - Yes, BCP = birth control pills. Definitely talk to your pharmacist about it. I am really amazed how doctors don't really necessarily know the interactions of the drugs, whereas pharmacists do. I can't remember which BCP I was on at the time, but my pharmacist told me that Topomax is known to reduce the effectiveness of BCP.

Ugh. Even since I stopped taking Migrahealth, I get a lot of headaches. Not migraines, but it is really starting to make me nervous.

Anyone out there TTC, how do you prevent migraines, or even deal with them when they come on? It's really making me nervous about TTC in the first place. :(

[Lisa&Jason]

Count me in, another migraine sufferer here. I've had migraines since grade school --- sadly enough I've ALMOST learned to tolerate them (miserably, of course.) I do have a prescription for Imitrex though that I am excited to FINALLY be able to take now that I'm finished nursing my 1 yr old daughter.

I also get tension headaches as well. DH never understood how I could tell the difference, "aren't all headaches just headaches?" he would say. Oh boy he didn't have a clue!

[polkadot]

houseblend- all the women in my family have migraine and they said that there migraines actually went away during their pregnancy...thats a plus for me in my book...My dr. told me to always be careful when i take my meds for migraines, that i was or couldnt be pregnant...we arent ttc but we are letting whatever happens happen. so today went i took my maxalt i knew i wasnt pg...

[lawyerlee]

It is so weird, but ever since my grandma's funeral a little over two weeks ago, my migraines have been a lot better. I have only had a couple since the day of the funeral. It's almost like now that the stress of her being so sick is gone, my treatment meds have a chance to do their thing. It's been good.

I did have a migraine yesterday, but it responded pretty well to an Imitrex injection. That and a nap had me back in business, so I can't be too down about things.

My stomach has been upset 24/7 (it seems that all my grief & stress is going there), so I've cut my meds to the bare bones in order to make sure I'm at least getting something in my system consistently. The idea of taking that whole list of meds and supplements on a pukey stomach was too much to deal with most days. So now I'm taking:

- Topamax (100 mg/day)
- Nortripyline (25 mg/day)
- Toprol (100 mg/day)
- Lexapro (30 mg/day)
- Skelaxin (3,200 mg/day

[EmilyZA]

I have had migraines since childhood. I just started taking Migrahealth this week. I am currently on Floricet, which doesn't really work for me. I have also been on Imitrex and Naproxen, both without much success. They seem to work the first few times I try them, and then forget it. :(

[kadee_29]

I am headed to the dr tomorrow for my migraines. I have been on Zomig for awhile and starting in June I have been getting headaches almost every day. I got my script filled last Monday (9 pills) and I have 1 left. That is not good. I think I am getting rebound headaches from the meds now. I did the same thing with Imitrex after awhile too.

On the upside of this (if there is an upside) it means I wont have to pay the $60 co-pay for a med that isnt on their "list". :rolleyes:

[Dasha]

My husband gets the most god awful migraines that are so intense that the first time I saw him in the throes of one, I really thought he was having a stroke. He takes Topomax and a tricyclic antidepressant in small doses as prevention and Relpax for abortive treatment.

What he has also found is that when he gets regular deep tissue massages the frequency and intensity of the migraines is much, much less.

Has anyone used acupuncture and/or chiropractic for migraine treatment?

[kadee_29]

What he has also found is that when he gets regular deep tissue massages the frequency and intensity of the migraines is much, much less. I have heard/read this a few other places. I am seriously considering trying this for myself. If only I could find a way to make my insurance pay for it. ;)

[houseblend]

Emily - That's great you are trying the Migrahealth. It really did wonders for me. Just be sure to be patient and give it a couple of months to get fully effective. Unfortunately the feverfew in it is bad to take if you're TTC, so I've had to stop taking it. It sure did make life much better!

[houseblend]

Has anyone used acupuncture and/or chiropractic for migraine treatment?

I did try a chiropractor a couple of years ago. For me, it seemed to make them worse, not better. I had 2 of my absolute worst ever migraines during that time period where I actually ended up going to the ER.

With that said, I have heard for others it has helped a lot. I definitely think even with my experience it is worth a try. I think each of us has migraines for different reasons, so we each have to find the solution that works for us.

[ag-girl]

I haven't had a chance to check out this whole thread, but thanks for posting all the great links!

I get headaches fairly frequently, ranging from a dull ache to throbbing. I've kept diaries of what I eat etc, gone to numerous Dr's and had an MRI.....they still can't figure it out.

I've not been diagnosed with having migraines, I truly think my head is just really sensitive to everything. The wind can blow wrong and it triggers. Sometimes I can't sleep with the fan on at night, b/c I will wake up with a headache....weird I know!

[Carrie K]

I get migraines too. Poor us. I've been taking Maxalt with pretty good results, as long as I don't wait too long before I take the first pill. I used to give myself DHE injections, and then Imitrix injections, and then the Imitrix pills, but I really like Maxalt much better.

So far I haven't found any preventative daily pills that work for me, Inderol (I think) and Nortriptyline both made me dizzy as all get out, and walking up a driveway (I live in the hills of the SF Bay area) would make me break out into a sweat. And not a light, ladylike one either. Lovely.

My neurologist sent me to a woman who did Trager massage - it was wonderful and it straightened out my posture, my turned out feet - everything - but I stopped going and when I realized how much better I had felt with it - she had retired and I couldn't afford what the newbies were charging.

I can't take Feverfew - allergic. Broke out in hives.

Anyone else notice that when they get dehydrated, the migraines are worse?

Wind can do it to me too, ag-girl. Big weather swings will too.

[ysolde]

Yup. Dehydration does it to me, as well as any quick weather change -- if it's going to rain or snow heavily, I get a migraine. Very hot humid days are usually bad for me, too.

[ADSigMel]

I've had migraines since I was 8 (I'm now 22), and I'm still not sure that I know what all of my triggers are. I know that my period is one...I'm usually unable to function during that week, not because of cramps but because it's just one long migraine. I take magnesium daily for it, and I reluctantly take Zomig when one pops up that I can't treat with ibuprofen. But the magnesium really has helped me a lot. A few years ago, my poor FI thought I had a tumor or something because they were so bad and so frequent...he was having to take me to the ER for injections about once a week. So I went to a neurologist, who told me to lose 40 pounds, but aside from that there was nothing wrong with me. *shrug* It's comforting to know I'm not the only one around here that suffers from migraines. I generally only get about one a month now...I don't know what happened to make them go away, but I certainly hope they don't come back!

~Melody

[EJM]

How did it take me so long to find this thread? I need to go back and read up and see if I can find any new hints for treatment. I've had migraines for probably 8-9 years now and they have gotten increasingly worse. Now that I'm pregnant I cannot even take my Zomig, which leaves me miserable.

Has anyone used acupuncture and/or chiropractic for migraine treatment?

I do!!! I started acupuncture when nothing else worked (minus massages) last fall and amazingly have seen great results. The pregnancy has sort of hindered my progress, it is causing more of them. At first I thought acupunture was hocus-pocus, but I'm a convert! I went from a couple a month down to one every 6-8 weeks.

[Mrs.B716]

OH COUNT ME IN!! I have had MAJOR problems with migraines. My Dr. sent me to a neurologist a year and a half ago becuase there was just nothing he could do for me. There has been about two headaches that have been so bad that they almost put me in the hospital. So the neurologist does not want me on medication everyday for the rest of my life so I do have the oh so expensive maxalt. Thank Goodness for insurance. I've found though that someone else needs to be home to help you open the package when I have one because they are a pain when the migraine has screwed up your vision. Anyways mine have gotten better. I have also researched migraines and talked to many, many people about them. There are things that you can change in your lifestyle that have helped me tremendously!!! Here they are:

1. Don't eat anything with RED DYE. Sounds weird but IT WORKS!!! And you would not believe how many things have red dye in it. You really need to check labels.
2. Carmel Color- found a lot in colas. I have found that this does not bother me too much though.
3. MSG- A lot in Chinese food. I still eat Chinese once in a while. Sometimes I feel yucky afterwards so I have to be careful.
4. Any smoked or cured meat. Ham, sausage, bacon, etc. This makes a HUGE difference for me. We have Ham at easter and it bugged the heck out of me that I couldn't have any. So I gave in to temptation and "only had a little" not even an hour later I had a headache. But just think- giving this up helps other areas too- I've lost a lot of weight since I've started watching this closely!

I hope this helps SOMEONE!

[Hula1974]

Sign me up for this thread! :(
I've been getting headaches all my life, but more frequently and intense in the last 5 years.
I've been to 3 different neurologists - all who had different opinions on me.
My current neuro says I have "Transformed Migraine" which is a migraine headache that becomes so frequent you get them everyday. They are less severe than a full blown migraine but enough to render you useless at work. :cool:
I'd list all the preventative meds I've been on but the list is too long! Currently I'm taking Topamax and Indocin for an abortive med.
I'm also seeing a chiropractor though I don't think it's helping. She has tried adjusting me 3 different ways now. Currently, she adjusts my neck and massages my face. That feels good for the time being.
In January the neurologist admitted me into the hospital for a DHE-45 treatment to basically detox me of all the abortive drugs I was taking (Relpax, Axert and Tylenol PM). I was taking too much of it all. Also, he said the treatment could help break the cycle of a daily headache.
I was out of work for 6 weeks and felt pretty good. Went right back to my old self when I went back to work though.
Let's see, what else have I tried.....accupuncture, TMJ specialist, wisdom teeth removed, got glasses.
I'm thinking about a therapist next. Who knows.
We are planning on TTC and I really don't want to be on any meds.
OH - I'm also waiting for the insurance company to approve Botox. That's what my neuro wants to try next. Anyone do that?

Thanks for starting this thread. I think we can all learn something from one another.
~Heather

[EmilyZA]

I really want to see a neurologist, and will probably call my doctor this week to see her and then get a referral. I have had migraines my entire life, and haven't had anything done for them-- they basically throw drugs at me, none of which work. It's so frustrating!

[Lil' Peach]

I've just recently started getting migraines (for the past couple of months or so). I finally went to my doctor earlier this week and she prescribed Trazodone, which I thought was kind-of strange. I haven't had to take any yet so I'm not sure how they will work. I've been fine for the last few days but earlier I went to a bridal shower and left with a bad headache that keeps getting worse. I don't know why I am getting them as I've never really gotten headaches before. Does anyone know what sets off a migraine? I seem to get them at totally random times?? I hope it's just stress for me.. I cannot imagine living with this!

[Carrie K]

Isn't Trazodone an antidepressant? Okay, yes, I googled it and it is. I don't think antidepessant meds are all that uncommon for migraines, my neurologist originally started me off on Pamelor. I don't do well on everyday medication, I don't like the side effects.

Different things set off migraines in different people. Things that almost guarantee a migraine for me are people with heavy, heavy perfume, or lack of sleep and not drinking enough water, and 'that time of the month'. It's usually hardly ever stress oddly enough.

One thing I have learned - take your medication as quickly as possible when you feel a migraine coming on.

[WestieMomma]

ADSigMel Can you tell me more about the magnesium..how much do you take? I only get migraines during my period but those few days are torture and I hate taking Imitrex and the way it makes me feel. If I could find something more natural to help that would be awesome.

[heather 8^)]

I have read 400mcg of magnesium should help, and lots of B2 (riboflavin) is also supposed to help prevent migraines. I haven't been taking it for very long so I can't really say if it works, but it's something to try if, like me, the traditional meds aren't sitting well with you.

[dzmattie]

This is a great thread - thanks everyone....

I have had migraines since I was 12 years old - I am 28 now. I have a 20 month old son. I only had two migraines while I was pregnant but they picked up again after the baby was born. Now I am getting them more frequently again - I also have endometriosis so I was on a hormone treatment for that - my migraines were better on that - only one per month. Now that I am off the treatments - I am getting 2 to 3 per month - not easy when you are a SAHM of a toddler.

Meds - I was taking amitriptyline as a preventative med - it worked alittle but I have stopped b/c we are going to TTC. I also take Imitrex (pill) I usually need two - one per hour for two hours, a Percocet, and Zofran (nausea) to get it to calm down. I am sensitive to light, smell, and sound. I also vomit and get the worst pain imaginable in my head. Mine come in clusters - so I will usually have one for 24 hours and then get another within a day or two. They get worse with PMS.

I am nervous about getting pregnant again but like I said - they were better while I was pregnant but they did put me in the hospital for one of them b/c you really can't take much of anything when you are pregnant.

I have appreciated everyone's stories and will ask my neurologist about some of the meds you all mentioned.

[kadee_29]

Can I just vent really quick???

I have been on a zillion different meds for my migraines over the years. For me, once I take them for so long they stop working. Or like Imitrex and Zomig I would get major rebound headaches. So I have been trying to get my meds changed. My insurance company is being a HUGE pain in my ass. I actually had to go 3 weeks with no meds because they wouldnt let me fill a script within a certain time frame. It took over 2 weeks of calling them, my dr and the pharmacy to get that straightened out. I even went into my dr's office because one got so bad to get a shot that didnt help me and they gave me a few samples of something else. I finally got the original script filled and it didnt work. So I called my dr's office and told them I needed to change again and the next day I get a call saying there are only THREE meds on the list of stuff I am allowed to have and the one that worked for me isnt one of them. :mad: There is only one on the list that it doesnt look like Ive had so we are trying that. Hopefully it works.

Thanks for letting me get that out. I am just so frustrated.

[lawyerlee]

Hi, you guys. I'm really, really struggling. And I have been all summer. :(

My grandma died at the end of July and was very ill from about April on, so that stress wasn't helpful. I'm having daily migraines, and it is really ruining my life, as you might imagine. I'm missing out on most of the opportunities for socialization in my life, and I'm having a lot of trouble making it to work. My work is still good, but it is hard for me to get there on a lot of days.

I have an appointment with my neurologist on Tuesday, so I'm hoping she can do something to help me. I'm going to ask her about doing another steroid pack to try to break this cycle, and I have a list of other meds to ask her about, too. My mom is going with me, so I'm glad to have that support.

I'm still seeing a therapist and trying to do Cognitive Behavior Therapy with her, but my grief at losing my grandmother, who I was extremely close to, has sort of derailed some of that. I'm hoping to get back to focusing on my migraines at our next appointment.

I found out through an MRI of my neck that I have a bunch of closed-off nerves on the right side of my neck. So that combined with my genetic predisposition seem to be the main contributors to my problems. My neck hurts almost all the time, even though I do the exercises that were recommended to me. It is very frustrating. :(

My current daily meds are as follows:

- Topamax
- Nortripyline
- Toprol
- Lexapro
- Skelaxin
- magnesium

And I'm using the following as treatment meds:

- Zomig Nasal Spray
- Imitrex Injections

[houseblend]

Diana - I'm so sorry your migraines are getting worse. :( I'm also sad for the loss of your grandmother. I wish I had the solution that would work for you. Hang in there!!! Let us know how the neurologist appt. goes.

[LyLMyssChaos]

I have recently been diagnosed as having "complicated migraines with stroke-like phenomena." I was hospitalized a little over a month ago, and after an MRA and an MRV, all they have discovered is a slight blockage in one of the main veins in my brain. My CT scan didn't show anything except some densities in my neck which they said could be from "trauma or congenital." I am currently taking the following meds: Topamax, Ultram(2x a day) Prozac, 325 mg. Aspirin and 7.5/750 mg Vicodin(up to 3x a day.) I also was on elavil, but I asked to stop it since I have a toddler and an infant, and it was too difficult to care for them while taking that medication. We have not discovered any triggers for my migraines, but my symptoms are sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, left-side muscle weakness, pins and needles, chest pain, memory loss, loss of nouns and loss of coginative ability (my body acts as if I've had a small stroke, but my body shows no physical damage of a stroke.) My migraines have been "different from the typical" according to the doctor's that I've seen because they tend to wrap around my entire head and feel like someone has wrapped a rubber band around my brain. It is feels like my brain is too large for my skull and every time my heart beats, my brain bounces off my skull. I suffer from migraines and the related issues almost daily and have for at least the last month. The migraines started at the end of my pregnancy with my son and the doctor initially attributed them to being borderline pre-eclamptic, but then they got really bad after I stopped breast feeding my son. I would love to join this group and learn more about ways to deal with the migraines as the doctor's seem to be at a loss right now. However, as I have read over the posts, I have noticed that there are members that I perhaps have not seen eye to eye with on more than one occassion. I realize that they were here before I was and I do not wish to make them uncomfortable in any way, and I hope that we can overlook those differences and come together on this common issue and perhaps find ways to bring each other support and relief. If I am not welcome here, I completely understand and I will happily not return.

[lawyerlee]

I don't see any reason you shouldn't come here for support and encouragement, LyLMyssChaos. I can't even imagine dealing with all this and the little ones to boot. :( I hope you are able to get some relief in time.

[Hula1974]

Welcome LyLMyssChaos

Don't know if any of you saw my other posts but wanted to stop in and let you know that on Friday my doctor gave me Botox injections.

I received 8 shots in total. All in my forehead (that's where my headaches always are). So far, no side effects though my forehead feels very tight. I had a bad headache that night and one the next day. The Dr. said I could have a bunch for the next few weeks. I took my last 2 Indomethacins Friday night (he said no more if TTC). Now, I'm taking NOTHING at all. I've been using ice on my head when I get a headache and trying to sleep it off.

I can't believe I'm not taking any meds. I'm scared! Wish me luck.

[floridarealtor7]

I am taking vitamins daily and trying not to drink red wine or eat as much chocolate.. as I have heard those contribute. Whenever I feel a migraine coming on, as strange as it seems, I pinch my earlobes very tightly and it seems to alleviate some of the pain..

[LyLMyssChaos]

I don't see any reason you shouldn't come here for support and encouragement, LyLMyssChaos. I can't even imagine dealing with all this and the little ones to boot. :( I hope you are able to get some relief in time.

Thanks so much! Yeah, it has not been fun, but I just add it to my list of ailments. I think that headaches are just the absolute worst especially with screaming kid's running around and stuff. I swear, if someone wants to torture a prisoner? They should make them get a migraine and subject them to small children for hours on end with no relief. I can guarantee they would not offend again! LOL I am really looking forward to seeing what methods you ladies use to relieve your pains and perhaps offer up any that I may discover along the way. I am so sorry to hear about the issues that you are having right now. I remember reading about your feelings on your grandmother passing and I am sure that has not contributed positively at all to your medical condition.

[meagle]

Hi all! Count me in, too. I get migraine with auras that look like this:
http://www.kopzorgen.nl/images/aura.jpg
The aura usually starts about 20-60 minutes before the pain and after the pain comes the nausea. It starts as a swirly thing usually in the center of my vision and slowly moves out to the edge of my visual field. The aura is kind of a blessing (other than the loss of clear vision for up to an hour) because I can take medications before the pain sets in. Because of this, it has been much easier to get by.

My migraines are definitely hormonally linked and they are also hereditary on my mom's side. They started shortly before my first period and I currently use charting to avoid as birth control, so I can totally see where they come in - my pattern is most often but not always on CD4, the day of ovulation, and usually around 11-12 DPO. Also, while I was on the pill, they went into remission for a bit. It is because of the migraines that I no longer take the pill, however. Studies have linked migraines with auras to increased risk of ischemic stroke (I'll see if I can dig up a link later) and BCPs are technically contraindicated in women with this type of migraine that causes neurological symptoms.

I tried triptans - Imitrex, specifically - for a bit in college but they left me feeling too dopey. I use Aspirin now and if the pain is too bad, I take one Tylenol after the Aspirin. I started using magnesium and B6 a couple of years ago and the supplements have really helped with the severity. Although I get about 2 migraines a month, only 2-3 a year currently knock me out. I'm also on Elavil/amitriptyline for a different conditiion (chronic pain) but it seems to be helping with the migraines a bit. I'd need to look at my migraine journal, but I think I've had about a 25-30% decrease since being on the meds.

[kadee_29]

Tiffany have they suggested the migraine clinic in Ann Arbor?? I guess your dr needs to send them some info and they will look it over and see if you are a candidate (which I'm sure you are) and then I have no idea what happens. I finally got my info sent after going to the ER Wednesday and then getting extremely bitchy with a few people Thursday and Friday when I finally got seen.

Just something to think about. If it works its definitely worth it.

Here is a link http://www.mhni.com/

[lawyerlee]

Don't know if any of you saw my other posts but wanted to stop in and let you know that on Friday my doctor gave me Botox injections.

I received 8 shots in total. All in my forehead (that's where my headaches always are). So far, no side effects though my forehead feels very tight.
I'll be very interested to hear how the botox works for you. :)

I am really looking forward to seeing what methods you ladies use to relieve your pains and perhaps offer up any that I may discover along the way. I am so sorry to hear about the issues that you are having right now. I remember reading about your feelings on your grandmother passing and I am sure that has not contributed positively at all to your medical condition.
It definitely hasn't helped, but I'm hoping that as I am able to move on the migraines might start to be a bit better, too. My grandma wanted that for me. No matter how ill she was, she always asked how I was doing. :(

Some of the things that help me are the following:

- gel ice packs
- massages
- guided relaxation - Relaxation Body Scan (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000AGUCJ/qid=1128395716/sr=8-6/ref=pd_bbs_6/102-9645522-3248910?v=glance&s=music&n=507846)
- Peppermint Pulse Point Therapy from Bath & Body Works
- warm neck wrap - Earth Therapeutics Anti-Stress Comfort Wrap (http://www.mailordercentral.com/earththerapeutics/prodinfo.asp?number=4005&variation=&aitem=2&mitem=9)
- Origins Peace of Mind On the Spot Relief (http://www.origins.com/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY5786&PRODUCT_ID=PROD54)
- AcuBead Headache Beads (http://www.allegromedical.com/personal_care/pain_management/acubead/headachebeads.P190888)
- Head On Headache Relief (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=91465&catid=9320&trx=PLST-0-SRCH&trxp1=9320&trxp2=91465&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-SRCH) from Drugstore.com

Things I'm testing out:

- Isotonic Pillow (http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=101656&RN=35) from Bed Bath & Beyond
- CO Bigelow Rosemary Mint Body Lotion

[LyLMyssChaos]

Tiffany have they suggested the migraine clinic in Ann Arbor?? I guess your dr needs to send them some info and they will look it over and see if you are a candidate (which I'm sure you are) and then I have no idea what happens. I finally got my info sent after going to the ER Wednesday and then getting extremely bitchy with a few people Thursday and Friday when I finally got seen.

Just something to think about. If it works its definitely worth it.

Here is a link http://www.mhni.com/

Ohhh, THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!! I will definitely look into it!! What is crazy about my stupid migraines is that I have no indication they are coming, no specific triggers that we've figured out, I'm not on birth control, and I'm already on meds for my chronic pain, so it's like, just aggghh. LOL I tell ya, you and I really NEED to make it to a GTG, I keep finding we have more and more in common all the time! :)

[kadee_29]

The only thing that triggers my migraines, well at least the only thing I could come up with, is my sleeping pattern. If I go off it by more than an hour I will get a migraine. Other than that they cant figure anything out.

I do drink pop. I have my entire life and there is no way I am putting myself through withdrawls just to prove that its not the pop. Stupid drs.

[lawyerlee]

My appointment went really well today. And I had such a good attitude until I came back to check in on my mod duties here. :rolleyes: Anyhoo . . . ;)

My neurologist increased my Topamax dose, put me on Neurontin, and prescribed another steroid pack to stop this cycle of migraines. I'm taking that pack with a Frova every day. She said that even though the Frova is one of the lower dose triptans, it stays in your system longer, so it is a good choice for this kind of thing. She gave me samples of the Frova, too, so that's even better! I'm going back to follow up in two weeks. So . . . we'll see what happens! :)

[LyLMyssChaos]

Ohhh good luck!! Sorry this place triggered some migraines for ya! It does that for me frequently and that's why I'll often step away for a few days. I hope that the new treatment works for you. Here's to hope!

[lawyerlee]

I can't blame ya one little bit. ;) I'm not going to be a mod anymore, so I'll be able to do that without feeling guilty now, too. :D

[libelle]

Well, since I seem to be stalking lawyerlee, I thought I'd follow her in here as well. I'm Sarah, relatively new to the board & like another poster in here, a 4th generation migraine sufferer. Growing up my parents (even though my mother had migraines) refused to believe that my pain was as bad as I would make it out to be. I was 6 (17 years ago) when I first complained about my head hurting, and I was 19 before I sought treatment. I was having migraines 4-5 times a WEEK, if I could make them go away, if not, I just had a continual migraine. (Before then, because I had been dealing with them for so long, I had learned to work "through" them and I figured that EVERYONE hurt that bad all the time!)

I started out on 10mg Amitriptyline (aka Elavil/Endep) and ended up adding 90mg and 20 pounds (which, because of other health problems was a GOOD thing) before my DO took me off of it 18 months later. I was given Imitrex & Maxalt for break-through migraines, and it worked if I took one kind every other time I had a migraine.

I was AMAZED to watch my migraine headache charts go from 4-5 a week to 1-2 a month! It was THRILLING to know that I could live pain-free!

She switched me to Inderol, which I took for about 8 months with good results, then one day suddenly they were back. I went from that 1-2 migraines a month to 5 a week again. It was awful. Because I had spent almost 2 years without such horrible pain, I didn't know how to deal with things, but I did still have a prescription for the abortive medications that still mostly worked.

Onto medication number 3 - Depakote. I lasted THREE days on this before I had to stop. It made my panic/anxiety levels shoot THROUGH THE ROOF and I couldn't function for three days. It was awful.

Then we tried Verapamil, which kept me in check for about two months. I started seeing a neurologist, an acupuncturist and a physical therapist (for chronic upper back/neck pain) at about the same time. My referrals (psychotically) ran out about the same time as the Verapamil stopped being effective, and so it was time to switch things up again.

I'm currently on:
~300mg Neurontin 3x/daily - which has gone up from 300mg 1x/daily (four months ago)
~100mg Zoloft - one of the only anti-anxiety/anti-depressants that works for my eating disorder, my anxiety & my PTSD (otherwise I'm on three separate meds for them)
~Ortho tri-cyclen - I have to be on a hormonal form of birth control because of ovarian cysts and OTC seems to keep my skin decently clear as well. If I lessen the hormones, my cysts come back (and they hurt like hello operator, please give me number nine!) ... we've tried pretty much every hormonal BC but the patch at this point. Being on the Zoloft & the BCP drives me nuts. They are both known to cause more migraines, but they are the only thing that works for other issues in my life ... My doctors and I have tried to figure this junk out, and if you have any suggestions, please share!
~5mg Ambien - I take this normally when I can't sleep due to a migraine because I can hold it down and it will knock me out cold for 6-7 hours.
~I also just recently started taking Vitamin E & Fish Oil in hopes that getting
some more vitamins in my diet will help me.
~I have Relpax prescription right now that I take for any break through migraines, but it's beginning not to work ... and that freaks me out, because Imitrex, Maxalt, Midrin & Zomig don't work with me anymore.

I’m at the point now where I’m both sick of being on medication all the time and sick of having migraines. It’s that rock & a hard place “they” speak of … and it’s frustrating.

I’m waiting on calls from the acupuncturist & the chiropractor I’ve been referred to in order to see if some more natural stuff won’t help me. I got lucky with the neurologist I have now and she’s made every effort to help me out with meds & referrals when I’ve needed them. I encourage those of you who haven’t seen a doctor for your pain to do so!

Wow, that was long. I owe those of you who made it to the end a migraine-inducing-free cookie or something!

[lawyerlee]

Stalk away, Sarah! I'm so glad you came in and posted. :D

Sarah and I have been chatting quite a lot about our migraines via LJ and e-mail, so we've been sharing our treatments and experiences. I think it is so helpful to share ideas and empathize with one another. Some people think the impact of migraines on your life can be likended to that of a cold or the flu, so I think it is invaluable to have people around you who know strongly how untrue that really is. :)

I have taken Depakote and Inderol in the past, too. I had absolutely no success with either of them, though I didn't have terrible side effects with either of them, so I guess I was lucky.

That is a really tough issue about the BC, Sarah. I tried the patch for a while, and it just made me a raging hormonal mess. But my best friend uses it and really likes it. Have you tried any of the newer low dose pills, like OTC low, or is that what you're on now? I'm such a bad source of info. because I can't really tolerate any hormonal BC in any way, shape or form. :(

[LyLMyssChaos]

Welcome Sarah! I saw your intro post in the new members section, but called away by my children just as I was about to respond, I really liked the title of your post! Very Unique! We need more of that around these parts--even if you're a leftie! ;) :D

That whole BC thing just baffles me. The doctor asked me repeatedly are you sure you are not taking any, and I told him no, I took it as a teenager to try to regulate my periods, but it wound up giving me constant periods, so I said I'd rather take my chances and just use condoms, so no hormonal BC for me. I do however wonder if hormones are playing a part in my migraines since they didn't start until the end of my pregnancy with my son and then really kicked into high gear once I stopped breast feeding him?
I did however go to that website that kadee posted and they already called me back. I have to call them today to talk to one of their doctors and they sound like they are very interested in working with me, which would be great!! I really hate that I'm in another "flare-up" right now, because not only do I have the migraine, but now I also have all my other pain that goes with. :(

[lawyerlee]

I did however go to that website that kadee posted and they already called me back. I have to call them today to talk to one of their doctors and they sound like they are very interested in working with me, which would be great!! I really hate that I'm in another "flare-up" right now, because not only do I have the migraine, but now I also have all my other pain that goes with. :(
Hey, that's awesome about the clinic! I hope they are able to see you soon and provide some new options. I'm sorry to hear you're in pain today. :( Feel better. (((hugs))) :)

[dzmattie]

Quick question - I was taking amitriptyline for my migraines - 30 mg per day - and I gained 20 pounds during that time. Has anyone else had an issue with that? I am off it now and struggline to lose the weight. It helped slightly with my migraines but I have gone off it because I was really tired in the morning and had a really hard time functioning - I am a SAHM of a 20 month old...so not functioning wasn't an option.

[libelle]

Quick question - I was taking amitriptyline for my migraines - 30 mg per day - and I gained 20 pounds during that time. Has anyone else had an issue with that?

I made my "entry" post a few back and wrote about this exact fact and why my DO took me off of the Amitriptyline for my migraines. I needed to gain the weight and so that's part of the reason we used that drug, but as soon as I had "enough," I was done.

How long have you been on it?

[libelle]

Welcome Sarah! I saw your intro post in the new members section, but called away by my children just as I was about to respond, I really liked the title of your post! Very Unique! We need more of that around these parts--even if you're a leftie! ;) :D

Thanks for the warm welcome, and no worries about not replying in the new member's section, I've already made myself "at home," around here, and so most likely you'll see me all over at this point. Hehehe!

There's nothing wrong with being a leftie, just as there's nothing wrong with being a righty ... just as long as you can support what you believe I'm all for whatever! :)

[LyLMyssChaos]

Just a quick question, because I'm currently experiencing a whole new ackk....thingie(I can't think of the stupid word to save my life!) with my migraine right now and I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced loss of vision or like what seems like black framing to your vision??

[lawyerlee]

Just a quick question, because I'm currently experiencing a whole new ackk....thingie(I can't think of the stupid word to save my life!) with my migraine right now and I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced loss of vision or like what seems like black framing to your vision??
Is it aura you're experiencing? About half the time I experience aura that is characterized by yellow spots across my field of vision. Very rarely, I feel as though I might black out. Is any of that how you are feeling? I could imagine that might be very scary if you're at home alone with your kids during the day. :( Take care.

[LyLMyssChaos]

It could be aura, this is the first time it's ever happened, and luckily I'm not home alone, my DH is here, it just, I couldn't see anything at first, and then after a little while, I could see again, but in a limited way. I tell ya, it's a whole new world to get used to. Thanks for responding so quickly!:)

[lawyerlee]

It wasn't any problem at all. I was online and saw your post. I could only imagine that what you were experiencing was probably as the least a bit scary. Don't forget to tell your doctor all this stuff, even if you have to write it down. I've definitely had to do that, and it really does help with important things to share at appointments. Have a nice evening. :)

[dzmattie]

I was only on the med for about 6 months - now I have been off it about 6 weeks.

I have also had vision issues - mine happen about a half hour to 3 hours before I get the migraine pain. I usually see "snow" speckles and once have lost vision for alittle while. Yuck....sorry this is happening to you...

[lawyerlee]

Hello, everyone. :) I hope this message finds you doing OK or at the very least better than last time you were here. ;)

I am doing really, really well. It feels like a miracle. I think my neurologist hit upon a very helpful combination of drugs for me during this week's visit. It is a wonderful feeling!

I also wanted to share this article that I was just reading because I think it has a lot of helpful tips. I know I'm going to try to incorporate some of these ideas into my nighttime routine. :)

Migraines and Insomnia: Some Coping Skills (http://www.healingwell.com/library/migraines/mcelhinney5.asp)

[meagle]

Quick question - I was taking amitriptyline for my migraines - 30 mg per day - and I gained 20 pounds during that time. Has anyone else had an issue with that? I am off it now and struggline to lose the weight. It helped slightly with my migraines but I have gone off it because I was really tired in the morning and had a really hard time functioning - I am a SAHM of a 20 month old...so not functioning wasn't an option.

dzmattie - I currently take 37.5 mg of amitriptyline for chronic pain and I've had problems with my weight, too. (It has helped my migraines a bit, too.) I started last fall on 12.5 mg and moved up to 25 mg and did pretty well for a while - I even was losing weight until April (deliberately, with diet and exercise) when my dose increased to the current level. Since then, the pounds I lost have slowly crept back on. I'm hoping to wean off of the drug early next year....

LyLMyssChaos - What you experienced with the vision sounds like how some of my auras start. I often feel like my vision is tunneled before the light show starts.

[libelle]

Right now? I hate my body.
I have had a migraine since Thursday.

I have tried hydration. I just pee a lot.
I have tried protein. I was full after dinner.
I have tried Relpax. Nothing.
I have tried Vicodin. Numbs me but my head hurts when it wears off.
I have tried sleep. My Ambien knocks me out but I wake up with pain still.
I have tried a warm heat wrap on my neck. Sweated.
I have tried a cold pack on my neck & my head. Had to put on a sweater.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
I've been sleeping like normal, taking my Neurontin like normal, not eating a lot of sugar or other triggers, but NOTHING.

Any suggestions?

I started my period on Friday, but I've had very few migraines that NOTHING touched. I'm tempted to call my doctor to see if she can't shoot me full of Demerol or something.

HELP!

[houseblend]

Sarah - I'm so sorry you have such a horrible migraine! :( It sounds like you have tried a lot already. Some tricks that sometimes work for me:

- take a couple of aspirin and drink a Coke (the caffeine and carbonation somehow make the aspirin much more effective)
- try soaking your feet in hot water with a cold press on your neck (if it's too cold, try wrapping a towel around it)

My wonder drug is Zomig - wish I could send some your way! When I've been at my all time lows with migraines, I've gone to the ER, but if you can wait until the morning, then I'm sure your doctor could help, too.

Hope you feel better soon!!!

lawyerlee - So glad to hear the happy news! Hurrah!

[libelle]

- try soaking your feet in hot water with a cold press on your neck (if it's too cold, try wrapping a towel around it)

My wonder drug is Zomig - wish I could send some your way! When I've been at my all time lows with migraines, I've gone to the ER, but if you can wait until the morning, then I'm sure your doctor could help, too.

I've not tried the hot water on my extremities trick yet but might have to. I have a cold press on my neck right now, and it's DIRECTLY on my neck and that has taken some of the pressure out of my head. Normally it only makes it worse. That's how I know this isn't a "regular" migraine.

Zomig doesn't work for me anymore. I take Relpax for the break-through migraines, but this time a Relpax didn't even work. Not a happy camper there. I'm not in enough pain to go to the ER just yet ... and I haven't been vomiting (which means I CAN hold down pain meds and don't NEED the ER) and so I'm going to try and stick it out. We'll see what happens.:cool:

[lawyerlee]

I've not tried the hot water on my extremities trick yet but might have to.
It works for me. I have broken a really severe migraine that way. I even put it in the memories of my LJ. I ran my hands under as hot of water as I could stand and put a cold pack on my head. And I also put some peppermint stuff on my pulse points, IIRC. It worked. I'm sorry you're suffering so horribly. :(

[libelle]

I ran my hands under as hot of water as I could stand and put a cold pack on my head. And I also put some peppermint stuff on my pulse points, IIRC. It worked. I'm sorry you're suffering so horribly. :(

I have done the hot water trick on my hands before, but never with a cold pack on my neck/head as well. Unfortunately the water at work doesn't get really hot and so I'll have to wait until I get home to try it fully, but I am going to ... because I still have a headache.

It's morphed into a full-on-raging migraine to a steady headache that could, at any moment, morph back into the killer migraine ... and so I'm having some caffeine today (which sometimes helps) and remembering to deep breathe.

Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
This is day five. I'm not pleased with my meds today. (I have emailed my neurologist and will call my doctor at lunch if I can't get it to go away.)

[Hula1974]

Sarah - I'm so sorry you are feeling bad!

When you use the ice on your neck....are you putting it heigh enough up on your head so it's on those two bumps that are your occipital nerves?...up in your hair. Supposedly by putting ice on that exact point it will radiant to your entire head.

I'm not able to take any meds right now so ice packs are what gets me by. I bought a reusable one from Walmart for about $1.59 and it's nice and flexible.


I think I will try the hot water trick next time for me. I have never heard of that. Thanks for the tips. This is a great thread.

[LyLMyssChaos]

I am sorry to hear you are so miserable right now Sarah! I wish I could offer some advice! The only thing I can tell ya is that you are not alone!! I have had a horrible migraine for days now too that nothing is touching, but we just keep chugging along, right?
I have learned some really awesome tips that I can't wait to try out, in fact I'm going to try one now, because if I don't get some relief soon, I'm just going to scream!
I was glad to see that things seem to going well for you lawerlee! That is wonderful!! It is so wonderful that you seem to have found some relief!
I hope that everyone else is doing fine and that their health is not giving them too much distress!

[greenbunny]

I checked back through the pages and I was sure I'd posted, but I can't find anything. So here I am.

I don't get migraines nearly as badly as most of you seem to. I use Imitrex pills, and it's rare that I need to go in for a shot. Only two or three times have the shot, or two pills, not done the trick for me.

My migraines are very strongly related to my period. I have been on BCP to control my periods for seven years with little success. My gyn put me on a three-month cycle two years ago, which is a blessing. Since I only get four periods a year now, my migraine cycles have also decreased.

I've recently undergone more testing for endometriosis (they do this every few years) but still nothing definite. The gyn now wants me to stop the pills for a few cycles and see what happens to my flow and mental state. I stopped the pills two days ago and I'm very nervous. I feel like this cloud is circling over my head, waiting to knock me out.

[kadee_29]

I just need to vent.

I started Maxalt on Sept 30. Up until Thursday I had maybe 3 migraines which is really good for me. Thursday I woke up at 5:30 am with one and took a pill. It did nothing. I took another one around 10:30 and that stayed in my body for a whole minute. I took a third around 4. I finally got the migraine to go away until around 11 pm. I finally broke down around 1:30 and took a 4th one. I woke up Friday and felt really good considering the day I had Thursday. Did a few errands and ran to the store. I felt another migraine hit as I was writing the check and before I got to my car it was full blown. I called my dr's office and went straight in. They couldn't do much for me because the injections they use don't work. :mad: Even a trip to the ER would do me no good because last time they gave me morphine and even that didn't help me. I took one of my pills with me and took it in the office. I thought I had one more at home. Unfortunately when I woke up this morning at 5:30 with yet another full blown migraine I had nothing for it. I finally got ahold of the pharmacy at 9 and then they tell me that my damn insurance is still giving me a hard time about getting them filled. Yes, I really do understand that I shouldn't be taking that many in a month. But I don't know what else to do. All my papers have been faxed to that migraine clinic so now I just wait until my dr hears from them. And wouldn't ya know, another migraine just kicked in about an hour ago. :rolleyes:

I am wondering if it is just these pills?? Every one I've tried seems to put me into rebound headaches. And of course all this happens over a weekend. And I have 2 papers due on Tuesday and I am having such a hard time that I just can't work on either of them.

Thanks for letting me vent. I really needed to get that out with people who actually understand how sucky this is. I love my DH but he is so freakin clueless.

[Hula1974]

kadee - I'm sorry your stuggling right now. I can certainly relate to that feeling of getting no where. :(

I'm not sure that there is anything wrong with the Maxalt pills, most likely you just aren't responding to them. I've not had luck with a lot of those analgesics (is that the right word?). Imitrex, Maxalt and Zomig do nothing for me. Relpax and Axert were good ones. So was Tylenol PM. Maxalt just might not be for you.

You said you don't respond to anything from the hospital either? Demerol or anything?

What I can offer you input on is the pill count. Most all of those analgesics are only to be dispensed in a 6 count. Insurance companies will only pay for that amount each month. Yes, it SUCKS. It would be nice if they could bend that rule while you are trying to figure out a perventative med that works for you. Because really, until you get that right --- who knows how many of these pills you might need a month. I sure went through much, much more than 6. One time, one rolled under the fridge and I kid you not, I made DH move it to retrieve it. :o

What you can do, if your Dr. ok's is ask him for some free samples. These drug reps are always knocking down the doors or the neurologist and always leave tons of samples. My Dr. was always good about giving them to me to hold me over. Of course, you could also just pay full price but that's hefty.

Hope you get some relief today.

[ysolde]

Maxalt works for me, Zomig does not. Different things work for different people. It is trial and error, and the errors are painful.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Awwww..k!!! Sorry to hear things are so rough right now!! I've been scarce because, well, my med regimen has just, it's not working now, just when I thought it was, so I've got to call the doc to let him know that he needs to try something else, or perhaps, he needs to give me something for "breakthrough" because the frequency of migraines has gone down considerably, but I am still having them, so I guess I'll see what he says, and it seems like now I'm just having "run of the mill" migraines, just really bad ones. I really think a lot of it has to do with our weather turning cold and dry here. Which flares up the fibro and allergies too! I hope that you find some relief soon!

[lawyerlee]

I'm heading back to my neurologist tomorrow for a follow-up from my last visit. I'm still doing much better than I was before that visit. I'm not experiencing pain on a daily basis anymore and more often than not, I'm sleeping better. I've only had one severe migraine in that two week period and about four moderate migraines. That is definitely an improvement for me.

[lawyerlee]

I read this on the LA Times website today and immediately thought that I should share it with you all, so here goes.


Gluten can lead to migraines (http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-pharmacy17oct17,0,7884088.column?coll=la-home-health)
LA Times

I suffered from migraines for more than a decade. A few years ago, my condition worsened and I had headaches almost nonstop. I took prescription painkillers, but I mostly lay in bed in a dark room. Then my family doctor suggested a gluten-free diet. I gradually got better, and after several months I was 98% headache-free. Please share my story so others can benefit.

Migraine is not often recognized as a symptom of celiac disease, but we have heard from others like you who suffered until they eliminated gluten from their diets. Celiac is more common than many doctors realize.

In this condition, sensitivity to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) can result in fatigue, anemia, nerve pain, memory loss, osteoporosis, infertility, flatulence, diarrhea and digestive-tract distress.

[princesse]

Hello friends, I am one of you:confused: I am new here and was going to start a post so was so happy to find this. I've had bad ones since my 20's and have been through the gammut of allergy shots, chiropractors, otc meds...

The past few weeks have been really hard for me. Last week I ended up in the ER after having a migraine for 12 days. I had been to my PCP (I was already on zoloft, continous BCP, verapamil and relpax) and she gave me migrinal but I felt they were just tossing meds at me since I was going to run out of relpax. By the grace of God I was lucky enough to get in with the nuerologists at the UPMC Headache Clinic on Monday where the dr put me on topomax and gave me a steroid pack to blow this one out. Tuesday it was so bad I couldn't take another day so went to the hospital where they gave me 5 rounds of IV drugs (I was literally unconscious and have no idea what it was) and kept me for about 6 hours then sent me home to sleep it off. After a few foggy days I am feeling better and learning about the side effects of topomax. The tingling feet and hands are pretty significant...do they go away? Soda is horrible but that is no big deal. I read a perfect description of how my brain feels "dumb as a box of hammers".

When I read the meds that people like Diane are on I feel thankful to be taking so relatively few. What on earth did people do before medication? I'm sure there had to be migraine related suicides, they are just so horrible.

I will check in regularly to lend an understanding ear to anyone who needs a shoulder to cry on. I understand........ I'll keep you all in my thoughts. Thanks for being here!!!

[lawyerlee]

Welcome to our little family, princesse. :) It sounds like you're getting some really good treatment. I'm just sorry you had to suffer the way you did. :( I've been on Topamax for quite a while, and I still experience the heavy tingling in my feet. Of course, I doubled my dose two weeks ago, so I could still be adjusting to that, but I've definitely noticed that symptom a lot lately.

My appointment with my neurologist this morning went very well. She seemed really excited to hear that I'm doing better. Since my neck is still bothering me & I'm not sleeping as well as we'd like, she increased my Neurontin dose from 300 mg at bedtime to 300 mg in the morning and 600 mg at bedtime. She is also going to have me continue taking the Frova regularly, but reduce that to every other day, instead of daily. Best of all, she gave me 8 Imitrex injection samples. I go back in 1 month for a follow up.

I'm not feeling all that hot today, but I know it is because of the weather. It is a rainy day here, so I'm sure the barimetric pressure is the culprit. Unfortunately, there just isn't much I can do about that. Oh well. At least everything else is improving. :)

[princesse]

Oh honey, I feel bad that you have to take so much stuff. Don't you feel like you are always at the pharmacy? I do and I am on half that much you poor dear. Management is the key though and if it is better living through chemistry then all good:-)

Have you done the injections before? Imitrex was my first migraine drug in pill form and it wore of in effectiveness so I went to the injections. The first hard part for me was finding a good injection site. I found inner thigh to be the best, but they still hurt like hell to me and I frequently missed (a sheer miracle as my thighs are hard to miss) a sweet spot and bruised. Sometime I had someone else give them in my arm. I could feel them shooting open the blood vessels in my neck and wasn't crazy about them but you know that everyone is different. I know peeps who have loved them.

I forgot to mention before that I am also on Maxalt now. He gave me a ton of samples and a script. It seems like good stuff, but they package them I swear to tick you off....you need scissors and that seems unsafe as when I am in need of one I am the last person you want to be using scissors. Ah well.

I am glad you had a good appointment this morning. I fell in love with my neuro. He spent 30 minutes with me and was so understanding. You know how many drs are like "maybe it's your period?" DER.

I wish you the best night's sleep in ages:-)

[lawyerlee]

Oh honey, I feel bad that you have to take so much stuff. Don't you feel like you are always at the pharmacy?
Yes! Or it seems that between my husband and I one of us is always there. ;) It's pretty crazy.

I've been using the injections for a number of years now. They can be pretty tricky. I inject in my hip area, and sometimes I bruise like crazy. Other times I hit a blood vessel and bleed like nobody's business (which is what happened to me at work this afternoon!). But they work the best for me, so I don't mind all that stuff. :) My other main treatment med are the Zomig nasal sprays. The works pretty nicely for me, but a lot differently than the injections.

There should be a law against difficult packaging of migraine meds. That is just stupid! :( :confused: :(

That is wonderful that you have such a great neuro. Mine is pretty awesome, too. She is a migraine sufferer herself, and I think that makes a huge difference.

Take care, princesse, and the rest of you out there! :)

[princesse]

Have a headache free day friends!!!

[lawyerlee]

Right back at you. :)


This article really resonated with me, not only because the frequency and severity of the migraines I've been having for the past couple of years, but also because many people in my workplace have been so judgmental toward me during this time. :( However, I am *very* lucky because my family is incredibly supportive. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that many people in my family have suffered from migraines themselves (my dad, my deceased grandmother, my aunt, my cousin, etc.). ;)

European survey underscores migraine burden (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=30900#)
Medical News Today
21 Sep 2005
Half of all migraine sufferers are incapacitated during a migraine attack leaving them feeling socially isolated, guilty and dependant, according to results from a pan-European patient survey presented at this week's meeting of the European Federation Neurological Societies (EFNS) meeting, Athens, Greece.

The ‘Migraine Experience' survey (1) analysed the impact of migraine on the lives of 2,061 sufferers from the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark.

According to the results, 69 per cent of migraine sufferers say that migraine makes them feel left out of every day life and half said their migraine makes them feel miserable, helpless, frustrated, stressed and defeated. 81 percent reported that their social life comes to a halt with a migraine attack and 54 percent said it impacts on their ability to take care of family or children.

The survey also found that migraine sufferers feel their attacks decrease their productivity, with 75 percent of respondents claiming migraines negatively affect their performance at work or school. Nearly a quarter of respondents feel their career progression has been affected by their condition.

Ann Turner, Director of the Migraine Action Association in the UK says “These results highlight the considerable lack of understanding the general public have about migraine. It is imperative that we continue to increase awareness so that people with the condition are no longer isolated in society and are able to enjoy an improved quality of life instead of suffering in silence.”

[Hula1974]

WOW lawyerlee....yeah, that's pretty much ME. :o

[princesse]

I think what the article and really all of us are trying to say is that people really stick! To quote the vernacular "mean people suck!"

[KarenS]

I have a question for you migrane sufferers. Every so often (about 3 or 4x a year) I get really bad headaches that cause me to throw up. Sometimes once I throw up the headache goes away and sometimes it just lessens enough that I can go to sleep and when I wake up it's gone. Right now I have a low level, nagging headache that has been going on for about 2 days. Yesterday it made me sick to my stomach pretty violently (I have a black eye from throwing up so hard) and I was exhausted. I think I slept about 12 hours last night and this morning. Today I'm not queasy, but the headache is still there. Advil doesn't touch it although today it's not as bad.

A couple of people who I know have told me that these are migraines, but I don't know. I'm really reluctant to label it a migrane; one of my pet peeves are people who always exaggerate their illnesses - they're never just under the weather, they have flu or bronchitis; they never have a headache, it's always a migraine, etc. I think it's kind of disrespectful of people who really do suffer from those ailments. Also, aside from the throwing up, I don't have all the symptoms of what I've heard or read make up most migraines: I don't have the light sensitivity, or the flashes of light, or sound sensitivity, etc. Cold compresses sometimes help, but sometimes not and rarely once I've gotten to the nausea stage.

I could go to the doctor but always before by the time I'd have gotten to the dr, the headache is gone and I don't really feel the need to see anyone.

So all of that to say: those of you who have more migraine knowledge than I do ... is this a migraine of a type? Or is it just a really bad headache? I had a complete physical only a few months ago and I am healthy otherwise - so I really don't think this is anything that serious - especially since I've been having these headaches for years. I dunno. Should I go to the doctor or should I just deal with them 3 or so times a year?

Karen

[Rose]

Karen it's possible. Everyone I know who is diagnosed with migraines, including myself get them pretty often but I don't know what you headaches are. Either way I know how painful they are. DH gets about two headaches that are horrible a year. I know they are similar in pain to a migraine but my medicine that is specifically for migraines doesn't really help. I usually give him a fiornal w/ codeine which I also have for migraines. He doesn't like taking them but that seems to help with an excedrin. I don't know that I would classify his as a migraine, but if I didn't already have the medicine I would insist he go to the Doctor.

If I were I would go and find out if they are migraines or something else, and what you can take.

[lawyerlee]

Is the headache more on one side of your head than the other, Karen? That is characteristic of a migraine.

I really think you should ask your doctor about it so you can get a diagnosis if you do have them. There isn't anything wrong with inquiring about the symptoms you are experincing. And there are so many good treatments meds out there these days that there isn't any reason for you to suffer that way. Most doctors even have samples for you to try so you don't have to commit by purchasing a prescription until you know which one works best for you. Most of us use one of the triptans for treatment, such as Imitrex, Zomig, Maxalt, Relpax, etc.

Please feel free to hang out with more questions, particularly if you get the diagnosis, OK?! :)

ETA: Also, I meant to ask about the black eye. Did you pass out or something? That kinda scared me for you when I read about that. You should definitely see your doctor if you passed out or something, cause that's not good at all. :(

[Hula1974]

Karen - I have been diagnosed with "migraine" but I never have thrown up, see an auro or have pain exclusively on one side of the head. They say the symptoms of migraine can be different for everyone.

I'd definately go to the doctor and get some meds to deal with the headaches when you get them. Likely you won't need daily preventative meds like most of us are on since you only get a few a year. However, if your headaches really are migraines, you need Rx drugs to get rid of them, OTC stuff like Advil and Tylenol won't touch a MIGRAINE. And, you don't need to have the headache when you go to the doctor. I've been to the neurologist hundreds of times and sometimes I've coincidentally had a headache and it hasn't changes what they do to me.

Good luck. Hope you get some relief or at least avoid your next attack for a while!
~~~~~~~~~~

I'm off to the neurologist today so he can check up on my after my Botox injections 3 weeks ago.

[KarenS]

Thanks guys. I'll talk to my doctor about the headaches!

Also, I meant to ask about the black eye. Did you pass out or something? Diana - oh no ...sorry. Didn't mean to scare you or anyone. I did what my huband calls "power puking"! :) I threw up so hard and violently that I strained the small blood vessels around my eyes. I *hate* throwing up, so it becomes a whole body effort for me - and apparently when I did so night before last I gave myself a black eye. I've done it once before when I had food poisoning. It sucks!

But I think you are all right - I need to tell the doctor about these headaches and see what she says. I never realized before that there was so much variation in the symptoms of migraines - although it makes sense. Maybe she can give me something to try that will help the next time this comes around!

Karen

[princesse]

Karen I hope you are feeling better now. They can give you suppositories for the nausea, although that thought inandofitself is enough to make some people want to hurl:-)

Has anyone had super great moods stem from Topomax? I'm only up to 50 mg but I am finding a super mood boost. I can't say I mind at ALL. The tingling seems to be subsiding as well. Soda still tastes like evil acid but that is ok. I have not had a headache in 2 weeks. WOOOOO!

[KarenS]

Karen I hope you are feeling better now. Thanks! The headache is gone as of today but I did call my doctor and make an appointment anyway. Since it's not an emergency, it'll be Nov 10th before I can see her but they did say that if I got a headache that fit the symptoms between now and then to call and they'd fit me in immediately.

Karen

[Hula1974]

princess I never had that mood thing. Good for you. And remember that a side effect for Topamax is weight loss. I will say, I was one of those people who liked to call it "Dopamax" because it sure made me stupid!!! :D

[LyLMyssChaos]

princess I never had that mood thing. Good for you. And remember that a side effect for Topamax is weight loss. I will say, I was one of those people who liked to call it "Dopamax" because it sure made me stupid!!! :D

Score!!! I can use all the happiness and weight loss I can get!! I just got up to the 50mg dose, so we'll see what happens! LOL

[kadee_29]

Yeah I definitely need to call and get my script for that refilled. I am supposed to be taking it but I can NEVER remember it. Hmmmm now that Im thinking about it maybe I can call the office now and get started on it this weekend. ;)

[princesse]

ROTFLMAO..... we all sound like we are ding dongs enough already! LMC I am just on 50 now, too, we must have gone on at the same time. I go to 75 on Monday. I was reading some patient comments and someone wrote that they felt "dumber than a box of hammers". I don't feel that bad.... I have a hard time coming up with the right words sometimes, but FUNNY, let me tell you I can keep the hits coming all day long. One of my co-workers was laughing so hard Friday he was like "Jenm cut the meds already!" I was like "Honey we're only half way there so hang on baby!"

Maybe I am just so happy to feel good that the real me is back:-) Perhaps excited at the prospect of taking off those last 15 pounds of baby weight? (OKOKOK so she's 7 now........)

[lawyerlee]

I did what my huband calls "power puking"! :) I threw up so hard and violently that I strained the small blood vessels around my eyes.
You poor thing. :( That's just awful. I'm so glad you made the appointment. I think what you've been experiencing is definitely something to have a talk with your doctor about. :)


I have had the worst damned weekend. I have been so sick the entire time. It has been just awful. I am finally feeling better, just in time to start the work week all over again. :rolleyes: I hate this vicious cycle. My emotional stability is wearing really thin right now. I just don't know how we are supposed to go on like this with no end in sight. :( I just need a big, long break from my life. I wish I could set my body aside and go on vacation for about two weeks. ;) I hope you all are having a better time of things.

[princesse]

Hang in there sweetie. I hear you. I hope you can find time to get comfie, close your eyes, and spend some time refelcting on 10 wonderful things in your life. Sometimes I try to do that and find myself having more things than I can even count. We are here for you, hang in there babe..

I hear you wanting a vaca from your bod. I had a few bangers this weekend too. Do you find that weekends bring them on? Is it a different sleep pattern? My finger tingles are back with a vengence too. And dumb as hair let me tell you. But happy!

Love you all!

[KarenS]

Diana - thanks ... and I'm so sorry for your situation. Bleah. I've never experienced a chronic illness like that and I can only imagine the emotional and mental toll that it takes. I hope you can feel better.

My headache is back; it's still low level and I don't feel sick - yet. I know that part of my problem is that we desperately need a new bed, which we will be buying after Nov 1st. I'm hoping that will help. But I'm going to call the doctor and going to try to reschedule my appointment for this week.

Karen

[LyLMyssChaos]

Ya know?? It is so good to have people that can totally understand what I'm going through, because I just keep telling my husband "I need a vacation" and he's like "from what?? We just had a weekend!" and my response "from my life, from my body, from my health, from everything!!" And what has been tingling the most in my body lately has been the bottom of my feet and it has been driving me insane. The tingling has really been bad since I started the 50mg 2 times a day of Topamax about a week ago. I got my "real prescription" for it on Friday night, so it's been about 3 days of doing the official 100 mg dosage so I hope that tingling will wear off, but I have noticed a significant loss in appetite, which to me, isn't a bad thing, but it annoys my hubby. I really only am eating one meal a day because I'm truly not hungry. Now keep in mind, I weigh roughly 225 and I'm 5'6" after having 2 kids, so I really want to lose weight, so I'm not gonna complain until I lose say oh, I don't know, like 75 pounds or so! :p

[princesse]

It IS nice to have peeps who understand. LMC do you have anymore 25 mg pills left? My dr told me to go 25, 50, 75 then 100. Can you do 75 for a week then hit the 100 bottle? Perhaps it would ease the transition a little bit.

I hope you are all feeling good today. Make sure you are all drinking enough water so you are nice and hydrated:-)

[kindermom]

But I'm going to call the doctor and going to try to reschedule my appointment for this week.

Karen - I am not sure if this will work at your dr's office but a doctor (with Kaiser Permanente) once told me that if I said I had a headache, they would give me an appointment in like a moth. If I said I had a migraine, they would try to fit me in that day. They considered migraines an urgent matter. I have not tried it with my new doctor however.

The first time I went to the dr with migraines, it helped that I was having one at the time because I was better able to describe the symptoms to the dr.

[LyLMyssChaos]

It IS nice to have peeps who understand. LMC do you have anymore 25 mg pills left? My dr told me to go 25, 50, 75 then 100. Can you do 75 for a week then hit the 100 bottle? Perhaps it would ease the transition a little bit.

I hope you are all feeling good today. Make sure you are all drinking enough water so you are nice and hydrated:-)

I wish. The way the doctor had me do it was this..
1st week:1-25 mg 1 time a day in the a.m
2nd week:1-25 mg 2 times a day(1-am, 1-pm)
3rd week: 3-25 mg 2 times a day(1-am, 2-pm)
4th week: 1-50 mg 2 times a day (1-am, 1-pm)

[princesse]

How are you guys feeling today? I had a headache and the only thing I could pin it on was red dye so I am going to try to avoid. I got the results that my MRI was "normal" so I am happy for that:-)

Although migraines are horrible I feel lucky to have something that is episodal rather than something that you must face every moment like cancer. Hope you are all well.

[libelle]

How are you guys feeling today?

I didn't post about this, but my neurologist severely limited my diet last week. I've been following it really well ... and my husband is helping ... but he gave me ice cream last night and we didn't even think about it as I ate about a cup of "Half-Baked." One hour later? MISERABLE. :eek: Full-blown migraine. :eek: There is SOMETHING in that ice cream (dairy? chocolate? soy products?) that set me off ... and so I have to look at the container tonight to see exactly what is in it so that I can avoid it.

This morning I still had a hangover migraine and so I had a Coke. (When I don't have a headache, caffeine sets me off. When I do have a headache, caffeine helps. :confused: ) I feel almost 100% now, and am hoping to stay that way, as I'm going to my first spinning class tonight!!! :cool:

[kadee_29]

Am I the only one who has problems remembering to take my daily meds??

I have such a hard time that most of the time I don't take them at all. Huge problem when my dr's office wants to know why the meds aren't helping control my migraines. :rolleyes:

[libelle]

I feel like an old man, but I have a pill container that I keep my daily meds in and take all at the same time before I get into bed/while I'm laying in bed. I've found this DRASTICALLY has improved my "memory" to take the danged things!

[kadee_29]

I really thought that keeping the bottles above my kitchen sink would help since I obviously have to feed my family daily but no. I am going to have to look into one of those pill containers I think.

[princesse]

I've turned into a zealot about taking my meds. If I skip or get irregular I am much more likely to have symptoms so I try very hard to set them on the counter, even get the pills out the night before and put them in a dixie cup so I have no excuse to forget them.

I've been trying to eat more fruits and vegs and less sugar hoping that will help. Good nutrition has to be good for you. DUH:-)

[lawyerlee]

Am I the only one who has problems remembering to take my daily meds??

I have such a hard time that most of the time I don't take them at all. Huge problem when my dr's office wants to know why the meds aren't helping control my migraines. :rolleyes:
In addition to counting out my meds in a special container, I also have my computer send me an e-mail reminder every single day. I won't let myself delete that e-mail until I've actually taken them. It really helps me. :)

I definitely think good nutrition and lots of water has to help, as long as we are trying to avoid any of our known triggers, why not? I try to be good about it, too, with some treats built in, too. :)

[kadee_29]

I wrote down all the times to take my meds for the next few weeks. Both my daughter and I are on antibiotics for the next 7-10 days so I have to remember to take those. I look at my calendar a few times a day so hopefully it helps. We will see.

[LyLMyssChaos]

I have a pill container thing too, the only problem is that with all of my meds, is that I've got some I take in the morning, some I take at night, but my DH is usually pretty good at reminding me to take them, cause I'm such a basketcase, I would forget my head if it weren't attatched and it's only gotten worse since the headaches!

[kadee_29]

I would forget my head if it weren't attatched Me too.

[lawyerlee]

I have a pill container thing too, the only problem is that with all of my meds, is that I've got some I take in the morning, some I take at night, but my DH is usually pretty good at reminding me to take them, cause I'm such a basketcase, I would forget my head if it weren't attatched and it's only gotten worse since the headaches!
Yeah, I have to put my morning meds in a separate container. I put those in my purse so I remember to take them to work with me. It's hard to remember everything!

[kadee_29]

Grumble grumble....stupid insurance company....stupid dr.....damn migraine....grumble grumble

[ejs]

My migraines are different than most of yours. I very rarely have pain; mine consist of dizziness (sometimes all-out vertigo) and vision problems. Some things that trigger mine are lots of sodium or nitrates, skipping meals, certain movement, and visual things. By visual things I mean moving my eyes back and forth (such as alternating from laptop to TV) and things like the windshield wipers on cars and driving on a road lined with trees so light and shade are alternating quickly.

Are anyone else's triggered by certain head movements? For example, if I'm picking something up off of the ground, I have to squat because if I bend my head over when I pick it up, a migraine starts.

[princesse]

Can we all get together and scream.......

"I HATE HEADACHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

(stomping feet, shaking fists)

[ysolde]

Can we all get together and scream.......

"I HATE HEADACHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

(stomping feet, shaking fists)


I HATE HEADACHES!!!!!

[princesse]

Amen to that sista. I am about over it over it over it. If I never have another one it owuld be toooooooo soon. How are you girls doing this week? I've beent thinking aboutcha. Have you been taking your meds????

[lawyerlee]

Amen!!! :D

Things are going somewhat better for me, I think. I had a very bad weekend, but now I'm feeling consistently better. I'm *so* tired, though. I think it must be caused by one of my medicines (maybe the Neurontin?), because this is crazy!

I have a very calm weekend at home coming up, so I plan on resting and relaxing and trying to get some energy back.

I'm thinking good thoughts for all of you. :)

[Hula1974]

Forgive me for asking this since I know it's been discussed here (but my head hurts too bad to look for it right now).

What's the trick with hot water and your hands?

[lawyerlee]

Forgive me for asking this since I know it's been discussed here (but my head hurts too bad to look for it right now).

What's the trick with hot water and your hands?
Basically, put a cold pack on your head and run as hot of water on your hands as you can stand. It has helped me break some bad migraines. I hope it helps you. Good luck.

[kadee_29]

How are you girls doing this week? I've beent thinking aboutcha. Have you been taking your meds???? If this says anything....this is the first time I've been on the computer since yesterday morning because of yet another migraine. 3 pills in 12 hours and nothing. I am guessing my dr's office didn't think it was as important as I did because it took them from 8:05 this morning (when I called them) to 3:20 THIS AFTERNOON to call me back. Although when they did call back they finally said they think they should change my medicine. Ummm gee ya think?!?!?!


Sorry that was so bitchy. I am starting to feel another headache coming on but I think that is partially from spending over an hour listening to a bunch of kids scream "TRUNK OR TREAT" at me. It was fun though.

[princesse]

How ARE you sweet cheeks doing? No updates?????? Please check in to tell us how you are. I hit my 100 mg of Dopomax and am dumber than hair but happier than heck so whatevah! A bunch of smaller headaches but they have been knocked out pretty easily by the Maxalt. So come on, how are you little chikcens??????

[libelle]

I hit my 100 mg of Dopomax and am dumber than hair but happier than heck so whatevah!

So come on, how are you little chikcens??????
This smart chicken would like to tell the Dope-a-max "chikcen" that she's been doing okay and sees the neurologist Thursday! I also see the chiropractor tomorrow for the first time ever! WHEE!

Dopomax ... hehehe :cool:

[princesse]

Love ya! Or should I say Lvoe ya!

[kadee_29]

I am actually remembering to take my "dopomax" and no headaches since last Friday. WOOOO HOOOOO!!! I am not sure if I want to go up to the next dose yet or not. We will see how the next few days go.

[libelle]

I see a chiropractor for the first time ever in my entire life today. I'm kinda nervous. I also see my neuro tomorrow. I think I may talk with her a bit more about whether a very very strict food diet really does need to be implemented. We tried, I failed at it, and so we got more lenient with it. I think maybe, unfortunately, we will have to try it again. Blech.

I have a bit of a headache today and my neck & upper back have hurt since I woke up ... so I guess maybe it's a good thing I'm seeing someone today?

[LyLMyssChaos]

Can we all get together and scream.......

"I HATE HEADACHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

(stomping feet, shaking fists)


Can I do it quietly, cause to scream could be quite painful! LOL :)

[LyLMyssChaos]

How ARE you sweet cheeks doing? No updates?????? Please check in to tell us how you are. I hit my 100 mg of Dopomax and am dumber than hair but happier than heck so whatevah! A bunch of smaller headaches but they have been knocked out pretty easily by the Maxalt. So come on, how are you little chikcens??????

I really need to find out what the doctor wants me to do for the "breakthrough" migraines. I see the neuorologist on the 29th, so we shall see, but I tell ya, this is getting pretty old. I think my problem is that I've got the smaller ones all the time, and that just is getting annoying, ya know? So hopefully as soon as we figure out what I can take for those? I'll be all set.

[libelle]

Well, yesterday was a highly emotional day with regards to my mi