8 days of migraines in a row

[Carolwoodpr]

I am going to the neuro again tomorrow.

I also have issues at night with my migraines. Something happened last night that made this 3 week headache even worse than it had been. And usually I wake up with them.

Hormonal migraines are what I have most of the time - two times a month like clockwork. The others I get I have termed the DEVIL migraine. Always wakes me at night and feels like my brain is trying to escape my skull. That is the migraine that makes me wish we had a loaded gun in the house each time I get it. This 3 week deal - makes me wish the same thing because it has been horrible.

After my post today I did talk to the eye doctor because of the eye involvement this time, and excrutiating pain in the sun, even with sunglasses on. She thinks it is a problem with my occular nerve in the brain and said to see the neuro again before making an eye appointment and wasting my money.

Do you often throw up with your migraines? I do frequently but this one has been different in that respect as well - I throw up every couple of days because of the pain.

The other problem and it was mentioned earlier is stroke. I don't know what happens with your blood pressure during a migraine, but mine sky rockets into scary ranges so I am hyper aware of stroke symptoms so I can call the doctor immediately if I notice anything.

You also mentioned Fioricet. Have you tried Fiorinol? It is non narcotic and I have better luck with that. Codeine makes me itch like there is no tomorrow so Fiorinol is nice in that respect as well.

I will definitly remember you in my prayers tonight! Take care of yourself and know that you can go to your doctor and ask for a shot of Toradol. It is migraine magic! Unfortunately it didn't work for me this time, but every other out of control migraine has been stopped cold with Toradol.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Well I woke up with no pain and have been ok for 1 1/2 hours now so it's looking promising. Now as long as I don't eat or smell anything irritating I might be ok. These headaches are such an annoyance, I won't dare to leave the house because I can't risk getting hit with smells like perfume, detergent or smoke and even exposing myself to fluorescent lighting could stir me up again. Housebound uggghhhhh, but still no pain at the moment so I'll count my blessings. My fingers are crossed for the day, if I make it through the whole day I'm ok but I will be ridiculously sensitive for the next 24 hours.

Carolwoodpr, I really feel bad that your pain intensified last night. Do you have any idea what is was that bothered you? Did you change rooms? Expose yourself to a smell? Spend too much time looking at a regular computer screen? Are you on new medicine, use a new hair coloring product with a different smell? It is so hard to figure out what the change is but it has to be something. It might not even be you but someone else in the house or close to you. In my case I know it was my Thyroid and now I'm kind of scared of what next month will bring.

Thankfully I have only thrown up a few times, I have an iron stomach which kind of stinks because so many people i talk to tell me they feel better afterward. I get no relief from the nausea, once it starts there is no stopping it.

I always get sent to the Neuro for my neurological symptoms too, come back and let me know what they said to you. I've gone completely blind, lost peripheral vision, had my vision slow down to snap-shot still photography, had my face go numb, gotten the kaleidoscope thing. I know the eye pain you are talking about too, but I just get it in my left eye... it's awful, I can feel exactly where the path of the optic nerve follows into my head. The weirdest though are the smell hallucinations where I smell fires that aren't there, I've been checked numerous times for seizure disorder but nothing comes up so again they said it's just my migraines. The last time I was with the Dr it took some pressure from me but I got a rule of thumb to go by, if the symptom lasts more than 15 minutes I need to get to the ER which is good to know. So far the really strange stuff just comes and goes, it scares me a lot but what can I do... it's just my normal.

I don't know what happens to my blood pressure during an episode. Like I said I don't seek out medical care because they are so unkind, I tend to curl up alone whimpering and wait it out instead. I suppose this is why I've never gotten Toradol but it's something to remember the next time I end up like this. There is always a next time.

I wish I started this thread a few days ago, I would have done things differently. This has been a very good thread, I really did learn a lot & appreciate all the kind words and advice. If anyone else has anything useful to add I'm all ears.

 

[excitedfamily]

Please don't call me crazy! I've been battling migraines for almost 10 years and i have finally reduced them (mostly)to the "hormonal" ones which I have no control over. However, i lead a very restricted life.

The one trigger which took me the longest to figure out which causes the biggest problems is EMF (electromagnetic frequency). I CAN NOT use a cell phone. I CAN NOT be too close to an appliance which is running. I have to keep a certain distance from my computer (both monitor and actual computer), and so on. We had to get rid of cord-less phones. No baby monitors.

The best buy of the decade for me was a gaussmeter which measures the EMF around. I have a lot of air purifiers fo allergies and i have to stay away from them as they give off a lot of EMF.

I am always better, both migraine wise and environmental allergy wise when i am in a hotel????? One theory is distance from appliances and furnaces??? Also, the buildings are more likely to be metal or concrete which "block" EMF more.

I know people are thinking I'm crazy but maybe one person currently suffering may get some relief by trying to avoid using their cell phones or laptops for a while. I get a migraine if my husband leaves his phone on in the house. Like I said, it took me years to figure out this trigger but once I did i got such relief.

Hope this helps someone.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I won't call you crazy Excitedfamily. The medical community knows so little about our brains that it's impossible to say what does or doesn't bother people. If I can accept that my migraines get stirred by temperature, weather changes and the time of day I can accept that electromagnetic fields can bother other people too. Our nervous systems are so incredibly complicated and sensitive to such small impulses, who can say that a quirk in nature didn't render some of us more sensitive to things that don't effect people with normal brains. BTW, I don't think there is anything at all normal about a migraine brain. At the very least my brain shouldn't have spots on it.

Unfortunately, my migraine seems to be back. I can stand it for now, I'm at a level 3 or so and I've decided to not take anything until I'm at an 8 just in case it's rebound pain. I don't think rebound is the same intensity as a regular migraine. I guess I'll know soon. I'm not going to move for a while and see what happens. Good thing I have "Grey's Anatomy" to keep me entertained.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Uh-oh, I just talked to my husband and discovered today is Friday, I seriously thought it was Wednesday. WOW, what is going on with my head. I'm a bit scared.. what on earth am i supposed to think about this???

 

[shortbun]

Can't help noticing all the migraine threads lately. My son has had an episode that is lasting about 3 weeks today. We've been to the ER and had IV pain meds which took the pain for about 36 hours. I took him for an accupuncture treatment yesterday and we are lined up for a physical therapist to do some muscle and energy work. I am searching for biofeedback practitioners. He takes Magnesium and B2 every day. He is 15.
What is in the air? Must be something with everyone having such trouble.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Peanuts are a huge trigger for me - even eating 1 is migraine city for me. That could be part of it. Have you tried to treat with meds? IF so you may be getting rebound headaches. Have you been drinking enough fluids? You could be dehydrated which is perpetuating the problem.

Go to the ER or an Urgent Care and ask for a shot or IV of a triptan like Imitrex and IV fluids.

I hope you get some relief soon! Have you talked to your doctor about preventatives?

I've used Imitrex shot with success except they only last for 4 hours at a time
And since there are so many limits on how much I can take in one day I abandoned the medicine. still, if having one so long without a break is dangerous I'll reconsider.

Can't help noticing all the migraine threads lately. My son has had an episode that is lasting about 3 weeks today. We've been to the ER and had IV pain meds which took the pain for about 36 hours. I took him for an accupuncture treatment yesterday and we are lined up for a physical therapist to do some muscle and energy work. I am searching for
biofeedback practitioners. He takes Magnesium and B2 every day. He is 15.
What is in the air? Must be something with everyone having such trouble.

I've noticed it too, not just here but many of my friends with them have also been having bad flare-ups. I think the change in seasons and temperature have something to do with it. I hope your son feels better, I feel bad for him. mine started when I was 10 and it was so horrible to miss out on fun kid stuff over migraine pain. I remember hiding in my room and covering up the windows with my construction paper I was playing with. I didn't get the only thing that helps me, Fioricet, until I was 20 but by then I had already given myself Ulcers from overuse of Motrin and I think it contributed to my Ulcerative Colitis. watch him closely and make sure he understands the dangers of over medicating improperly... I wish someone had talked to me about it but I just got Alka Seltzer


I'm trying to decide which headache center to visit. Years I went to Montifiore in the Bronx and another time to one in NYC. At the moment I'm thinking the Botulism thing might be a good non-drug fit for me and the place in NYC supposedly was one of the first to do it. We'll see if I'm a good candidate

 

[beachlover9395]

Can't help noticing all the migraine threads lately. My son has had an episode that is lasting about 3 weeks today. We've been to the ER and had IV pain meds which took the pain for about 36 hours. I took him for an accupuncture treatment yesterday and we are lined up for a physical therapist to do some muscle and energy work. I am searching for biofeedback practitioners. He takes Magnesium and B2 every day. He is 15.
What is in the air? Must be something with everyone having such trouble.

I've suffered from migraines for about 15 years and probably 90% of mine are caused by being allergic to certain types of mold, dust, tree and grass pollens. Spring and Fall are my worst times of year. So, right now for me, your question about "What is in the air" is grass, ragweed and chenopod pollen.

Did your son have any type of steroid shot, like Kenalog? Kenalog always takes my pain away, sometimes within hours. Of course, this may not be the answer for him, but perhaps asking about a Kenalog shot could be of assistance. Kenalog lasts about a month and allows me to function as a human being and not be in bed with a bag of ice on my head. I usually only have to get one or two shots a year, when the pollen counts are off the charts. Hope he feels better - I can imagine how bad he feels, and how bad you feel for him.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

LuvOrlando - just wishing you the best of luck on your current quest for relief!

I had migraines since I was 14 (complete with vision zigzags, aurora, headache lasting for 1-2 days, vomiting, and left side weakness). But I think I finally found my trigger (I talked with you on a previous thread) - mine is caused by pressure in the area of my carotid artery on my right side neck. Even just a few seconds of pressing on this area could cause the headache episode. I been very careful about posture and making sure nothing touches my neck (whether my arm or shoulder) and I haven't had a migraine since May. This is wonderful - I can't remember the last time I went that long without one.

I also remember a funny pattern to my migraines - I would sometimes get one when I was the passenger in a car, but never when I was the driver. That really confused me! Took me awhile to find the connection - when I am a passenger, the seatbelt goes over and presses on my right side neck (I am very short); when I drive, the seatbelt is on the left. Ah ha! Now it all made sense.

I am sure I will still get migraines here and there, but I am so happy I haven't had one in over 4 months, it's a great start.

Luvorlando - keep us posted!

 

[LuvOrlando]

beachlover, does Kenalog have the same side effects as other steroids? I'm sort of familiar with the dangers because my kids have Asthma and the Dr's hate to give them anything systemic. Still, I guess it's better than the pain if it lasts for a whole month. How often do they let you have it or is it only ok when they get out of hand?

 

[LuvOrlando]

LuvOrlando - just wishing you the best of luck on your current quest for relief!

I had migraines since I was 14 (complete with vision zigzags, aurora, headache lasting for 1-2 days, vomiting, and left side weakness). But I think I finally found my trigger (I talked with you on a previous thread) - mine is caused by pressure in the area of my carotid artery on my right side neck. Even just a few seconds of pressing on this area could cause the headache episode. I been very careful about posture and making sure nothing touches my neck (whether my arm or shoulder) and I haven't had a migraine since May. This is wonderful - I can't remember the last time I went that long without one.

I also remember a funny pattern to my migraines - I would sometimes get one when I was the passenger in a car, but never when I was the driver. That really confused me! Took me awhile to find the connection - when I am a passenger, the seatbelt goes over and presses on my right side neck (I am very short); when I drive, the seatbelt is on the left. Ah ha! Now it all made sense.

I am sure I will still get migraines here and there, but I am so happy I haven't had one in over 4 months, it's a great start.

Luvorlando - keep us posted!

I do remember you, funny you mention this. I was checked for my arteries when I was about 20 with either an MRI or CT scan and they were clear but not since, I'm 40 now. However, these days I do see stars when I turn my neck sharply, like when I shave under my arms or back the car out. I assumed everyone has this but my DH told me it never ever happens to him so maybe this is something else I should bring up to the Dr. I'm short too, only 5'1" so maybe there is something to your seat-belt link. I'm going to pay more attention. I also wonder if there is something going on with my arteries in my neck due to the inflammation caused by my recent Thyroid surgery... it could be I guess. I keep seeing shooting stars out of the corners of my eyes lately... i wonder if this might not be a part of my recent problem. Thanks for mentioning it

Seems like i need to find a Dr soon and cover some ground. I just got a letter last month that my Neurologist, who I really didn't like all that much anyway, has retired.

At least my Fioricet worked 100% today, that's a good sign for me that they might be easing up. Yesterday the medicine only dropped it from a pain level 10 to a 5 which isn't nearly enough to make things tolerable but at least I could move upright.

Tomorrow is another day, I found some Relpak that my Neurologist gave me I was afraid to try. I talked to my retired RN MIL tonight and think that I may try it tomorrow if she'll sit with me for a few hours to make sure I'm safe. I really am a total chicken with these drugs, the side effects totally scare me. I hope tomorrow I'll be better but if not I think day 11 of a migraine episode is as good a time to take a chance as any. Who knows maybe it will work. Then again with the shooting stars and all maybe it's not such a good idea. I wish I knew what to do but I'm sort of scared to do anything differently.

Uh-oh, I just started to smell fire even though I am in no pain. This really can't be good... what on earth is going on. Usually I get weird symptoms here and there but I've hand many over the past few days from shooting stars and ear ringing to smell hallucinations and slurred speech. If i get pain tomorrow I am gong to the ER, I've never had so much at once before. I really hope it's just that the surgery + period messed me up

 

[beachlover9395]

beachlover, does Kenalog have the same side effects as other steroids? I'm sort of familiar with the dangers because my kids have Asthma and the Dr's hate to give them anything systemic. Still, I guess it's better than the pain if it lasts for a whole month. How often do they let you have it or is it only ok when they get out of hand?

Yes, it does have the same side effects as other steroids, and being that's it's injectable, there is a possibility of fat atrophy at the injection site. Basically, you can have an indention form at the injection site. That has happened to me once (injected in the rear end) but it resolved itself and the indention went away. Personally, that is the only side effect I've ever had from Kenalog - now it does raise your blood sugar, but I don't have diabetes - I do keep this in mind, though. Here's a link about Kenalog:

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-9275-Kenalog+Inj.aspx?drugid=9275&drugname=Kenalog+Inj

You know, I don't know how often they would give it to me, other than every 30 days. I've had to have probably less than 30 shots over a 15 year time frame. And I usually don't have to have more than 2 per year, usually only 1. I only get a shot when I'm beyond miserable because I don't want to take the shot too often due to the potential side effects, even though I haven't had any yet except fat atrophy that resolved. My doctor's office has never denied giving it to me, probably since I don't require it very often. But a Kenalog shot absolutely lets me function when my allergies are at their worst and I'm thankful for it. If my allergies never change, I hope I'll always be able to get it. But long term, I'm probably going to have to go on allergy shots.

 

[Carolwoodpr]

I have had migraines now for 37 years, and for 30 of those years also got the hormonal migraines.

My visit with the neuro went well. He told me that my eye issues are definitely migraine. I did also confirm this with my eye doctor since I wear bifocals. For the past two days I have had blurred vision in my left eye and the same pain on the upper part of my skull, left side. He did switch my meds again. He put me on an anti seizure medicine, an anti nausea medicine (I have been throwing up off an on since the headache began) and a new migraine medicine for me: Migrainol. It is the one that is a mist you put up your nose. That was Friday. Today I feel.... weird. Yes, I still can't handle light - the worst is sunlight, the best is florescent. I am wearing sunglasses as I type because the screen is too bright since the room is dark. My body feels weird, probably a medicine reaction, but my head, while the headache is not gone, it does feel a bit better. Unfortunately the best I seem to get is about 50% - and that will not be good enough to enjoy WDW in a week.

As for all of the changes/questions about changes. No. No new bed, I don't wear perfume because of my husbands allergies and no changes at home.

I live in Colorado and weather changes are a killer for me in addition to the hormones. I did have my annual exam today and the doctor is going to put me on birth control pills after all of her tests come back. She said this will level my hormones and hopefully help with the migraines.

Until then, I will be calling the Neuro tomorrow to let him know I still have the headache, but feel a bit better.

How are you doing now Orlando? Sorry I was MIA. I have a headache