Migraine

[livingwith]

I have been suffering from migraines for about the past 5 years. They started simply enough and were easily treated with Imirex. Although I hated the tighness in my chest from the Imitrex it was worth taking because it would always get rid of the migraine
There was only one time that the Imitrex did not work and I saw my doctor who reccomended a demerol shot which was like as he said, “a reset button”. And he was right, it cleared up my migraine by the next morning. That was a...Read the full article

[surprisemom]

Elizabeth, I know how you feel. I suffered debilitating migraines with aura and pain from age 10 to 25. Then suddenly they stopped. Now here I am at 45 and have just been diagnosed with migraine with aura, without the headache! It happened because I had a baby 5 mos ago and about a month after he was born I got dizzy, nauseous, severe stomach pain, anorexia, tingling arms, legs and feet, confusion, memory loss. I thought maybe I was just really sleep deprived and depressed. But this has continued for 4 mos now. Finally I went to an ENT doc who asked if I had ever had migraines. I had the MRI, the CT, stress test, echocardiogram - all normal. THey tried me on Topomax, Paxil, Metoclopramide, anti-anxiety meds and even valium. Nothing has helped. I now have a scrip for Ambien, I told the doc that lack of sleep always triggers or intensifies the dizziness and I usually have severe insomnia.

In addition my husband works third shift at a factory and with the baby I have no way to establish a regular bedtime routine. Same thing for eating regular meals. I tend to skip them and then get so sick dizzy weak and eat only to feel even worse.

The annoying thing is that most people when they hear I ahve migraine without pain think wow that must be lucky. I only wish. I still have all that confusion, feeling unwell, unable to function but since I dont have the headache even my husband at times just thinks i am a whiny complainer. I try to explain by saying that my pain is so bad my body cant even register it, sort of like a dog can hear sounds that are too high for humans, it doesnt mean those sounds arent there any more than my pain is not causing symptoms for me.

I have become nearly suicidal many times over this. Topamax has not helped, nothing has helped. Sleep does some, WHEN I can get it. I am going to try acupuncture and chiropractic next. I am taking CQ 10 and it seems to actually be helping. I also plan on getting some 5 htp (tryptophan) cause I read somewhere that it helps too.

Keep in touch. Lets pray that we both are releived of our misery soon.

Alisa Ashouri

[jtruemper]

I hope you have gotten some relief this month! My 17 yr old daughter's migraines progressed to chronic daily headache. After receiving disappointing care from a pediatric neurologist & 2 neurologists at a nearby teaching hospital/medical center (with a great reputation), we recently found care at a Headache Center. This neurologist/practice addressed our concerns & answered our questions without us having to ask them. We are encouraged that at least we have a Dr. who understands our circumstances. I encourage you to find a headache center in your area. It can be very frustrating, you are not alone in your suffering & I wish you the best.

[lostintransit]

On April 21, 2007 I was diagnosed with status migraines and have not found any relief thus far. As the one year mark quickly approaches I can not help but think that there has to be something the doctors can do. I am only 17 years old and dealing with chronic pain. I have tried every preventative medication on the market, tried most intervention medications, and am now forced to take pain medications that leave me in an unsocial blur. I go up to a university medical center on April 9th for yet another test. This time a dynamic CT is the order from the all knowing physicians. I have become very depressed in dealing with this to the point of attempted suicide. I have been praying for miraculous healing or divine intervention, but thus far my prayers have not been answered. I wish you the best of luck and share your pain. I will keep you in my prayers.

[catch037]

Hi, I read your story and I am sorry to hear about your migraine trouble. One thing you could try is magnesium glycinate supplements from organicpharmacy.org. This has helped me and I take one every day before or after lunch. I noticed a difference almost right away.

Also, I don't think you said a whole lot about what your triggers are....I have a lot of triggers for my migraines, so it is sometimes hard for me to tell, but sometimes you can pin it down if you are paying close attention.

I have been having migraines since I was 6 or 7 years old and am now 27.
Here is a list of some triggers for me (maybe you have some of the same):

- neck/back tightness/pain (I have had myofascial release done for this and it really helps - it's a type of massage)
- not drinking enough water throughout the day
- not eating meals at appropriate times (letting myself get too hungry)
- sleeping too much or too little
- weather changes (shifts in pressure systems)
- eating too much sugar in the afternoon
- eating too much chocolate in the afternoon
- working too much on the computer (glare)
- rebound migraines

Try to figure out what triggers them and stay away (This is hard, I know). Although you cannot do much about weather, you can do some things about the rest. I am prone to getting migraines from 1pm to 5pm, so I am extra careful during this time. I eat crackers instead of chocolate in the afternoon (or just have a very small piece like a hershey's kiss instead of a whole candy bar), I try to drink extra water after lunch, etc.

Oh yeah, I did notice that you said you get migraines a lot when you wake up. Have you talked with your dentist? I have heard that some people clench their teeth while sleeping and this can cause a migraine.......Check with your dentist if you have not already done so. They can make something for you to wear to prevent you from clenching your teeth while sleeping (if you are doing this).

I hope you are able to find some pain relief. Migraines are awful and no one should have to have them.

-CAF