Question about Migraines

[Starwind]

About this whole Excedrin bounceback headache thing. Sure, if you take it every day or multiple times a day you might get a bounceback. But it's probably the caffeine that's causing it.

And if you get relief from Excedrin but not from Tylenol, it's probably the caffeine that is the difference. Because of the vasoconstriction that the caffeine produces. You can get practically the same effect by taking a couple Tylenol with a cup of strong coffee. That's my Go To remedy if I get a migraine and am away from home.

FYI, aceptaminophen on its own is capable of causing medication rebound headaches if taken on more than a certain number of days in a month.

See: http://www.amentheadachecenter.com/headaches/rebound-headaches/
QUOTE: Rebound headaches, also known as Medication–Overuse Headaches, are caused by the near-daily use of a headache medication. Rather than being the solution, the medication becomes part of the problem. A rule of thumb is that if you are taking medication for your headache 10 or more days of the month, the medication may actually be perpetuating, or even causing the problem.
....
Rebound headaches can be caused by a number of very common over-the-counter medications, as well as medications frequently prescribed by your physician. The most common over-the-counter medications causing rebound headache include: Tylenol, Excedrin, Excedrin Migraine, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.). The most common prescription medications causing rebound headache include: Fioricet, Fiorinal, Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol with Codeine. Even migraine–specific medications can cause rebound, including: Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, and other triptans. In fact, even non-medications can cause rebound – caffeine in excess quantities, for example.

Also see http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rebound-headaches/basics/causes/con-20024096

SW

 

[Starwind]

OP: While at Disney I find the following helps with preventing migraines or giving some relief when I do get one:

- take all meds on schedule as in indicated by doctor
- keep hydrated
- wear good sunglasses (I use Solar Shield fit over the eyeglasses style) whever outside in daytime and sometimes inside
- wear a hat with a wide brim all the time when outside during daytime
- get enough sleep

- carry relief meds to deal with a migraine that starts while you are in the park: mine includes an apropriate triptan as well as anti-nausea meds (both less strong and also strong ones that i can take if the nausea is bad or if I am vomiting (different solution for both))

- i always carry SeaBand anti-nausea bands and find they usually help quite a bit -- if they aren't it is usually because they ahave slid out of position; they don't make the nausea go entirely away IME, but they can take it from you feeling like you will throw up any second to an annoyance that you can tolerate, at least for me. Usually.

- I have ginger ale in my resort room. since we fly, it is part of my Garden Grocer order. I like Canada Dry ginger ale, so that is what I get. helps with nausea.

- I bring ginger snap cookies. they also help with nausea. I like the Shasha brand: http://www.shashabread.com/products/original-ginger-snaps

- I take advantage of late closings and EMH at night so that I can spend a good chunk of the park at nighttime when the sun is sleeping. we will often sleep in, making sure to get enough sleep, and then spend sometime in the afternoon until close in the park(s). One year I literally never made it to Epcot in daylight -- only saw it at night as we would parkhop there after our main resort of the day had closed.

SW

 

[kandb]

I have the greatest sympathy to all the headache sufferers and especially to those who are negatively affected by Florida/Disney. I come from a cold Midwest/barometric nightmare climate and Disney always makes me actually feel better. It's one of the reasons I bought into DVC.

I am a very long time Excedrin user as I've had daily headaches for 40 years. Can't take Triptans and the other big-time meds scare me even more with their own particular serious, sometimes life threatening side effects.
Excedrin usually 'helps' and if not, I go to Fiorinal or Fioricet. Both of which are no longer covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which is unfathomable. The headache never goes away completely but can be tolerable.

Just an FYI.....Excedrin Migraine is EXACTLY...and I mean EXACTLY the same formula as the other Excedrin packages. It's just marketed for Migraine. Prove it for yourself and hold all the packages side by side.

I stay away from Ibuprofen after my boss and very dear 50 year old friend died from Stevens Johnson Syndrome by taking Bactrim for a UTI with Ibuprofen. Both of which are #1 and #2 allergic reaction triggers for SJS. She was allergic to nothing so we are all still in a state of shock.

Tylenol is positively laughable for headaches. Like taking Smartees.

P.S. I cannot live without BioFreeze and China Gel. Both of which I order from Amazon.

What is BioFreeze and China Gel?

 

[kandb]

I've suffered from Migraines my whole life. Since you've already received some great advice, I just wanted to share a great Disney migraine related experience with you (well, as great as any migraine experience can be anyway.)

A few trips ago, I woke up with a migraine on our very first full park day (MK.) I think the previous day's travel combined with eating at Ohanas (MSG?) that night is what did it. After taking my meds (triptan) I tried to do the park, but ended up in my hotel room by noon and puking up those and any subsequent meds all evening. Sadly, we had Mickey's Christmas Party tix that night and so my mom and daughter had to go without me. I was so bummed and also upset that I had just wasted $60.

But...the next day I woke up and went to Guest Relations to explain what had happened. They did not hesitate to refund my ticket money. That was the best medicine for my post migraine "hangover."

I just wanted to let you know in case you happen to have a hard ticket, show, or pre or post park event purchased that you end up missing due to migraine. Don't hesitate to let Guest Relations know. They are great!

My 12 year old son has been getting migraines for around 6 months now. He has had a lot of tests/blood work, with no answers to why. Went to 2 neurologists, the first said take ibuprophen, did nothing. The second treated him with imitrex and a nausea pill (given mostly to chemotherapy patients, sorry I forgot the name). He had a migraine this past weekend and both pills worked fabulous. The secret was the anti-nausea pill, he was able to keep down the other pill and therefore it was able to help him. Within an hour he was 80% better, not like before when he was vomiting and then sleeping for 4 hours after it. I hope these meds will continue to help him. It was terrible to watch him suffer so badly.

 

[DVCjj]

What is BioFreeze and China Gel?

Bio Freeze & China Gel are in a 'category' of the Hot/Cold Pain Patches but much better (in my estimation...even though I do use Pain Patches occasionally on my forehead). BioFreeze is closely related to the Pain Patches because it is mainly Menthol/Camphor but it different formulations. I use a Roll on and a spray. I even have it on my nightstand as I get headaches during the night and I reach over for it. Definitely soothes and helps me.

China Gel is different. See below. I wouldn't have thought to use for headaches until I kept reading reviews on it when I googled and accidentally came across it on Amazon. I am thankful for it.

An herbal topical pain reliever, China-Gel helps to relieve muscle aches and joint pains. It contains menthol, camphor, ginseng, angelica, lavender oil, witch hazel, and aloe vera. It does not have a harsh or medicinal odor but rather a soothing and relaxing aromatic scent.

I Use Bio Freeze or China Gel on the back of my neck and on my temples. In fact I use one or the other for a myriad of pain problems.....anything from a broken ankle loaded with metal that still aches 2 years later to an aching hip that was abused by hopping of that 'other' side when the ankle was non weight bearing for 3 months.

While I was doing PT for that ankle, I happened to notice they use both BioFreeze and China Gel and because they knew I was a chronic headache sufferer, they said they knew many patients who use it on the back of their necks, temples and foreheads....being careful not to get near eyes.

It is the on the top of every Travel List I make. Wouldn't go to Disney or anywhere without either. In fact, I keep a tiny spray bottle of liquid BioFreeze in my purse at all times. China Gel is in the car.

 

[Robinjay]

3smithboys - reading your responses is like reading about me! (With the exception of my occasional vertigo.)
Topomax is a twice a day ritual for me. Zomig is always with me. Naproxen is my back up. The only difference is my Propanol. I also have allergies and sinus issues!
I was getting 3-4 migraines a week and the Proponol thrown in the mix has made a huge difference! Weather is my main contributor and lights are the devil! I always have sunglasses on.

My biggest issues at Disneyworld was Rock and Rollercoster and Mission Space. Needed time after both and won't do either ever again. I suppose I wanted to try them, but not particularly worth it. I used ginger vitamins and motion sickness pills before them, but they threw me off balance for quite a while. Messed me up, but I was able to recover within an hour. I had to close my eyes on the Rollercoaster. Not pleasant! Too much stimulation and lights/strobing.

Star Tours was okay. I was prepared as I been on the one in DL many times.

We are teachers and went over winter break. It was extremely humid and hot when we went and wore shorts and t-shirts the entire trip. We made it for EMH most mornings and a few at night (powered straight through every day). Didn't try for DAS, but using Fast Past + and a lot of planning the wait times were not bad for us (they were up to 2-3 hours for others but we did not wait any longer than 30 minutes for anything). We also used touring plans.

Hopefully you can plan for EMH and shows/attractions that will keep you cool and in the shade during the day. Winter break is nothing like summer in Flordia and we were quite uncomfortable when we were there!

Good luck! I literally feel your pain

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

My 12 year old son has been getting migraines for around 6 months now. He has had a lot of tests/blood work, with no answers to why. Went to 2 neurologists, the first said take ibuprophen, did nothing. The second treated him with imitrex and a nausea pill (given mostly to chemotherapy patients, sorry I forgot the name). He had a migraine this past weekend and both pills worked fabulous. The secret was the anti-nausea pill, he was able to keep down the other pill and therefore it was able to help him. Within an hour he was 80% better, not like before when he was vomiting and then sleeping for 4 hours after it. I hope these meds will continue to help him. It was terrible to watch him suffer so badly.

 

[StilAPrincessAtHeart]

Since that trip my migraines continued to increase in the "puking" kind. I did have an ER doc prescribe the anti nausea disentegrating tablets in addition to my triptan. It does make a difference. Previous to that trip, my Max Alt (name brand triptan) was a disentegrating tablet, so I think that helped in years past. But It took me a while on the pills that I swallow to realize that they don't work as well if you can't keep them down. Lol.

Weird, I don't know why this posted separate from my post above. Ithe was meant to be a reply to the quote.

 

[poprouge]

I have suffered from migraines for years; however, they have gotten much, much worse since they last time we've gone to Disney. Since DH and I are teachers, we can only go to Disney this summer when it will be very hot and heat is a major trigger for my migraines. I am very worried about the crowds and having to wait in lines. We are planning on getting to the parks early, leaving after lunch to rest at the resort/swim, and then go back in the evening.

A friend suggested that I ask here about possibly getting a GAC to possibly be able to wait somewhere cooler instead of having to wait in the heat. I do not want to do anything that would be seen as taking advantage in any way! Even though I can have up to 15-20 (or more) migraines a month, I do not want to diminish in any way the guest who have more severe disabilities.

I guess my question is - is there some place I could wait that is not in the heat? I don't mind waiting my turn, I just don't want to end up sick and ending up back in the hotel for the rest of the day.

Thanks so much for any help or advice you can give!

I feel you pain. Most assuredly talk to guest services, but always be prepared for them to say no and have some coping mechanisms so you can still enjoy your time there. Here is what I have done to in the past and been relatively successful with them. Get to the parks early, leave before noon and return after 3pm or later if it's super hot (this is the most important tip I can give you). SUNGLASSES are your friend, wear them!!! Get a mister, wear a hat/visor, bring a cooling towel. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, water is free at counter service restaurants as well as water fountains. Keep your migraine medications on you at all time. I have found most of the rides are actually cooler than waiting out side in the shade. Many have AC, misters, and covered shade, I also found it more pleasant to walk through and enjoy the interactiveness of the que. I have more difficulty with crowds going from ride to ride, but not in the lines. Good luck, enjoy your trip!

***EDITED TO ADD*** depending on how often you have migraines it might be wise to talk to your doctor about preventative therapy. I have taken Topamax in the past and currently take Toprol XL (it not only helps prevent migraines but controls my chest pain). Like one post already said it only reduces migraines by about 50% but for some of us that is a world better than nearly every day. Also there is much better out there for acute attacks than what is over the counter. I take an assortment of medications, but Imitrex or Zomig are definitely worth looking into.