Migraine help needed

[Wagamama]

Originally posted by tkyes

I know this is really gross but my headaches always used to feel much better after I threw up (yuck).

i totally agree. also, computers and tv make migraine's worse. my doc also told me to stay away from hot dogs and chocolate when i get migraines. i hope you feel better. migraine's are a pain in the caboose.


OH! i just remembered! CC, cup your hands, put them over your nose and mouth and breathe into them. i know it sounds weird but it really works!!!

 

[Pam]

(Kids helped with my headaches? or maybe just substituted the type of headache...)

Me, too! I still get migraines - but when I was in my teens and early 20s, I would get a migraine at least 4 times a week - sometimes every day if the stress level was high at work! I only get them every couple of months now!!!!

 

[piratesmate]

Originally posted by Teejay32
I haven't done that in a while though...that was BK, before kids.

(Kids helped with my headaches? or maybe just substituted the type of headache...)

I used to get the most horrendous migraines before I had my kids. I didn't realize it at first, but I stopped getting them about the time I got pregnant with my first. I've probably only had about 5 - 10 bad ones since 1979. (I did get one that lasted 6 weeks, though, from a medication I was on for my knee. That sucker had a LONG half-life!)

Now I get "ocular migraines" - at least that's what the doctor called them. However, the pain is negligible - at least by comparison to the ones I had when I was younger.

Deb

 

[luvindisneyworld]

hi, when i get a migraine, i take 2 goody powders and they work wonders.hope you feel better soon.
misty

 

[BethR]

{{{HUGS}}} CC. I hope that you are feeling better soon.

This will not help you now, but have you visited a doctor that specializes in the treatment of headaches?

DD has had migraines since puberty and doctored with them for about 8 years. She was prescribed Imitrex - but used TONS of over the counter pain meds. One time I mentioned her migraine problems to my neurologist's nurse and she said "You MUST get her to Dr. K - he is not on our group - but he is the BEST!" So we made an appointment for the first available time slot - months down the road. In the meantime Michelle had to fill out a complete health history and a headache diary. When she saw this doctor, she spent well over an hour first with a Physician's Assistant, and then with the doctor. Michelle said that NO ONE had ever been so thorough with her before!

Here are a couple of things that the doctor did: told her that she could take NO MORE over the counter pain meds. She was experiencing a rebound effect - and that caused headaches itself. And he precribed an anti-inflammatory med to use for "regular" headaches and other kinds of pain. He prescribed doxipin - a anti-depressant that raises the level of seratonin in the system. Fluctuations of seratonin cause headaches. He adjusted her dosage of Imitrex. And he precribed an anti-inflammatory med to use for "regular" headaches and other kinds of pain.
Michelle has seen an improvement in the frequency and the "quality" of her headaches. Although she is not migraine free - she knows better how to manage them. She sees this doctor every 6 months and they discuss her headache history and they make adjustments in her care.

The last time that she was there they prescribed the Imitrex injector for her. She was taught how to use it (pretty easy) and was told to only use it when she absolutely needed to have immediate relief - such as when she would be having a test at school. They also switched her from her doxipin, which was causing her to really gain weight, to another drug of its kind.

I don't know how many doctors like this are out there. I know that a girl who works with my mom - 2 hours away from here - sees this doctor. They are now scheduling appointments for August. So there are not many around here. But it would be worth your while to seek someone out. Start first by inquiring at a teaching hospital in your area. Or at a medical school.
I hope that you can find some relief, Cathy.

Grinningghost is right about the constricition of blood vessels not being good for headaches. That is why the caffiene helps - it opens blood vessels. But if cold cloths work for anyone - who can argue with success?

Also CC, do you use Nutrasweet? It is something that sometimes causes migraines. Michelle has substituted saccharine or Splenda for Nutrasweet. So no diet Coke - but Diet Rite is ok.
I hope that you find YOUR answer sometime soon...

 

[Towncrier]

DW has Imitrex pills, nasal spray, and shots. Her doctor told her that the digestive tract shuts down during a migraine and that is why the pills don't work very well if not taken early enough.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Does anyone else take the Imitrex nasal spray, or do you take the pills? I took the pills, but they did absolutely nothing. Maybe if I'd tried earlier on in the headache. However, the Imitrex Spray works instantly for me, and I mean that literally-instantly. It was such a strange feeling-to have a migraine headache for several hours-then one "sniff", gone!

 

[Blondie]

I started getting migraines in 5th grade! Ugh! They were pretty bad back then, I'd throw up, then get the bad headache.

I continued to get about one a month until my first pregnancy. They backed off then, and I only had 3 or 4 the entire time. Now I rarely get them anymore, knock wood!

My pre-cursor to a migraine is the "aura"; a crescent shaped area in either eye, filled with squiggly lines. That entire area would be blinded out by the squiggly lines. Nasty I tell ya!

Not too much has ever worked for me...they just had to run their course, usually a couple of hours, and I'd be okay again.

Hope you're feeling better by now.

A friend of mine uses Stadol Nasal Spray, a heavy narcotic. She says it does the trick though...even if she is wearing a cloud for a hat!

 

[Lynn CC]

So sorry you are not feeling well CC.

My mom suffered from migranes since I was born. While I was growing up she used to spend sometimes 3 days in bed with the lights out, cold cloths, throwing etc. She tried all kinds of medications and nothing helped her until one day when she started taking this all natural drink each day and if she felt like she was starting to get a migrane she would drink an extra drink added to her 4 a day.

She has been medication and Migrane FREE for 1 year now.

The website to learn more about supergreens is www.innerlightfoundation.com.

FAQ has something on migranes. I think it's worth a try. It not only works for migranes but your whole self health. My family and I started drinking it and have never felt better. More energy and just really nourished.

If you would like more info just PM me and I'll tell you how I order it through the internet if you would like to try it.

 

[SuiteDisney]

You poor little thing... I hope you're feeling better soon.

Go to bed. Keep the room very dark and very quiet (you can even use ear plugs). Try to sleep and hopefully you'll feel better when you wake up.

 

[momof2OH]

My DS (12) has been dx with migraines for a little over two years now. Since he is on several others meds he can't take most prescription meds for them so his neurologist has him taking Alleve in the morning and at night. This has been working since he started it. If he gets a really severe one, then he's to take 500mg Tylenol + 500mg ibuprophen + 4mg periactin. My mom used to always take several asprin for headaches, now she just takes one Alleve and it does the trick.

Hope you find something that works for you. Good Luck and I hope you feel better.

 

[WillyJ]

I've never had to deal with a migrane Cathy so no advice. . but I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear you're dealing with them. . sure sounds like it sucks big time. .

{{{{Hugs}}}} my friend; take care of yourself and I hope it passes soon. .

 

[CathyCanada]

Thank you everyone for the well wishes and great tips. The heat did the job. I take Amerge, but it seems the Excedrin Migraine handles it just as well. I used the ear plugs, dark room, Excedrin, hot cloth and no DIS (thanks, Steve! )

Gina, your poor son!! Glad he doesn't get too many anymore.

Beth, I don't know of a headache specialist around here but will check into it.

I used to take a Barley Green, Lynn, maybe I should start again.

Anyway, thanks again for all of your tips and help!
Cathy

 

[DonnaS]

I'm a little slow at seeing this. I'm glad you're feeling better.

I prefer ice and I put it at the base of my skull. I use one of the seed filled pillows too, but in a pinch, frozen vegies wrapped in a towel will work.

I'm glad someone mentioned rebound headaches. It is not just over the counter medications that can cause them-- so can the triptans (like Amerge, Imitrex, etc.) and pain medications like Fiorinal or Vicodin. My doctor limits me to two to three times per week of these meds.

A cost saving tip: If Excedrin Migraine costs more than regular Excedrin-- just get the regular excedrin. They are exactly the same drug-- look at the labels. It has to do with labeling and marketing that they sell them in different boxes.

Here are some good resources:

http://www.headaches.org/consumer/index.html

http://www.achenet.org/

I don't know if there are Canadian equivalents.

 

[BWVDenise]

Cathy, I'm so glad you are feeling better!

 

[paras4ri]

Sorry I can't offer advice but I wanted to send some PD your way...hope you feel better soon CC!

 

[CathyCanada]

Thanks, Donna! I knew you would be a wealth of info! The thought of cold on my head made me want to be sick (maybe I would have felt better after!), but I did warm up the seed pack.

A friend gave me the Excedrin Migraine because it didn't work for her but when I go to buy it again, I will check the bottles. I will check out those links now, thanks again.

Thanks Gail and Denise.
CC

 

[klombar]

How about a warm bath with flower petals floating surrounded by candles with the lights down low and soft music playing in the back ground. Start off with a light robe on, slowly move over to a warm soft table. Lay down for a deep strong hard full body massage. Slowly standing after to just stare at the candles and relax while being held by a tall strong stranger, slowly falling into the rythem of the music you dance as one. By this time the shower will have warmed. Step in and soap up standing there letting the water run down your body. By now the bubbles have covered the tub. Slide into the water and just relax until you are right on the edge of sleep but are still so aware of every feeling in your body. After about 15 minutes rise from the tub into a warmed towel. As you stand there feeling totally relax you write sweet nothings in the fogged up mirror as you slowly move from the bathrrom into the.............

Sorry got carried away! Glad you are feeling better CC!

 

[Serena]

I've only had a migraine once, I don't wish it on anyone. I'm glad you're feeling better CC.

 

[Simba's Mom]

A recent Prevention magazone recommended Feverfew for Migraines. I haven't been able to find it yet. Anyone heard of or tried that?