Migraine's topics - tribe.net

Sudden increase in migraines

2007-10-15T22:30:26Z

I had been a Department Head for 12 years with a tremendous amount of stress in the last couple years, I had been taking 750 mg Keppra and then was switched to 200mg Topomax as a prophylactic with 40mg Relpax for attacks. On the Keppra, I was having maybe one in a quarter and they were fairly mild, but since it was off label, my new insurance company refused to pay for it, so I was switched to Topomax on which, I was having about one good Migraine a month, sometimes tolerable, sometime not. I finally got into the job I wanted, great boss, very little stress, great people to work with and suddenly the Migraine count has gone to 1-3 a week and is taking me out of work completely. Do you think it is the sudden change that has caused the flair? This has been going on for a month now and I am wondering when it is going to let up. Can topomax be increased? I am going to see my Pain doc tomorrow finally, but it has been extremely frustrating, having worked in an environment that I was constantly having to watch my back, not to mention having people in my face all day long to a very busy and hectic job, but very little stress, one I am happy in (some people would be stressed out, but after my experiences, this is nothing) and a boss who has been very good to me through it all.
Any suggestions? I'm exercising daily (when I am not having a migraine), being very careful as to what I eat and getting plenty of rest.

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

So who's eating what pills?

2007-10-14T16:40:21Z

And are they working?

It's been quiet in here lately, just wondering what everyone is doing for their migraines.

I'm really happy with my cheapo, old-school Fioricet/Fiorinal with codeine (butalbital, caffeine, codeine, APAP) + usually some Phenergan (anti-nausea). I was in a study at the Clinical Research Center recently, and they gave me some more Relpax, which I LOVE.

Apparently, the triptan family is good to me.

They also gave me some Zomig to try (took one this morning about 30 minutes ago, it's sort of working so far), and 2 doses of injectable Imitrex, which I'm really scared to try. (There's a thread in here talking about Imitrex side effects, and they're scary like whoa!)

posted in Migraine - 5 replies

New Migraine site looking for volunteers

2007-05-22T02:21:03Z

I just spoke with Vanessa and have agreed to help out with the site MovingHealth.com. I'm passing along this information for anyone who would also like to help.

Hi Pam;

my name is Vanessa DiMauro and I stumbled upon your site yesterday while doing some research about migraines. After spending some time reading, I am struck by the power of your blog and the group that you have created through it. It is an amazing place for migraineurs.

I noticed that a lot of people on your site have migraines and I wanted to ask if you would consider getting involved with a new site that provides research and resources for migraineurs. At a later date - once the site is built we will feature bloggers and people who have a perspective that is helpful to others.

http://www.Movinghealth.com is the site - ( we are still building it) and are endeavoring to create a resource of top information about Migraines for people who are looking for information on the web. We are working with a group of health professionals to do research on the web and find the best information for people - to take some of the difficulty out of searching for migraine information.

In order to make this new web site a success we are looking for volunteers to help review the information the health professionals have found to tell us what is the best, based upon their experience. This website does not compete with your good works and in fact compliment your community with research. we are not providing any support at all- just information from the best traditional and complimentary health sources on the web.

Would you have any advice for me on how to get the message out to fellow migraineurs. You are a hub of people and I hoped you would have a few ideas you wouldnt mind sharing with me.

thanks in advance!
Vanessa

Vanessa DiMauro
Movinghealth.com

posted in Migraine - 0 replies

Oxygen for migraines?

2007-05-05T18:57:44Z

I read an interesting article recently that talks about migraines and oxygen. Does anyone here use oxygen (I mean, pure Oxygen in tanks, not just...uh...breathing the air) treatment for migraines?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070429/hl_nm/migraines_dc

posted in Migraine - 6 replies

Howdy

2007-05-03T18:42:08Z

You know, I've posted a couple of times in the last 24 hours, and can't recall if I ever said "Hi". So, Hi : ). I'm Grrr Argh, and I've had classic migraines since I started the pill when I was 18. I've been off of it for over 10 years, but still have the headaches...blah. Now they seem to be linked mostly to barometric variations (like today!) and caffeine rebound (not always at the same time...I have gone *years* without caffeine and still had migraine, so I don't support that particular theory completely...but I adore my black tea). Now, I have a doc that thinks I'm having vestibular migraines, which is why I've been trying prophylactics (see the Verapamil thread).

Anyhow, I dunno why *this* headache suddenly made me chatty, but there ya go : ). Nice to meetcha, fellow sufferers, if I didn't do an intro already and just forget <lol>.

posted in Migraine - 0 replies

verapamil

2007-05-03T10:17:11Z

I just got on it- has anyone tried it?

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

Migraine & Heart Attack RIsk

2007-05-03T05:41:32Z

Y'all seen this?:

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/science/migraine-men-face-greater-heart-attack-risk-$1078892.htm

As if the pain weren't enough....

posted in Migraine - 0 replies

Hemipegic Migraines

2007-04-07T14:14:32Z

Hi have just found this tribe and was looking through the notes i suffer from hemiplegic Migraines and have not heard of all of the drugs you guys talk about i take endone and endepp but nothing stops the migraine except morphine PLEASE help

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

Newbie/Oldie??

2007-04-04T17:35:49Z

Ok so I was in the tribe previously and left (under no fault of anyone) and decided to join again...

If this has been brought up you can disregard this - but myself and my mother are both migraine sufferers.
My mothers are bad, she is on all types of medication. Recently my sister saw a news report on Botox and how it helps decrease migraines. So my mother tried it. She got three shots in the back of her neck. It has been about three weeks, and she has gone from having about 20 headaches a month, to only have two bad migraines in the past three weeks. I am so happy for her.

Just thought I'd let you know what was working for her!

posted in Migraine - 0 replies

Thyroid hormone levels and migraines

2007-03-23T20:13:09Z

I take Levoxyl for my thyroid - a nodule on the thyroid, not over or underactive thyroid.
Went to the GP and he blood tested me for my physical and said my thyroid levels were too high.
He put me on a lower dose of Levoxyl and my migraines have really cut back in the number I suffer every month. I was getting at least 9 to 12 a month, and now it's maybe 3-4.

Anyone else on thyroid hormones?

posted in Migraine - 0 replies

Silent Migraines

2007-02-24T20:40:01Z

Has anyone here ever heard of this? Silent Migraines?
Along with the very painfull one's I get these weird ones..
Its like looking through water spots on a camera lense,
but rarely painfull.. impossible to read with one and
they're treated the same as the painfull ones..
I'm curious as to how common they are.. I know of
exactly three people including my self and my Mom
that get them..

oh yeah.. Hi All :o) I'm new here...

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

long term health problems from Imitrex

2007-01-22T22:48:07Z

I am wondering if anyone knows what potential damage long-term usage of imitrex (or any other in that class) can cause? I am using the max dose either by pills or injection about 3-5 times per month.

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

New Tribe: Migraine Theory

2007-01-21T00:35:37Z

Everyone in the Migraine Tribe is invited to participate in the new Migraine Theory Tribe. The Migraine Theory Tribe is for those interested in discussing the causal mechanism, the science, the nuts and bolts of migraine and other primary headaches. The Migraine Theory Tribe is not for those seeking support or commiseration.

I especially invite Allen! I miss you!

Also I'd like to invite everyone to visit my website, caffeineandmigraine.com, where I blather as concisely as I can manage to about my unorthodox view of migraine, and savagely critique the many myths about migraine in currency. Fun!

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

[long] What Is A Migraine

2007-01-20T21:27:21Z

Here's a paper I wrote on migraines highlighting the some of the most recent neurological and biochemical discoveries, but written in non-techno-babble ^_^

http://www.pamcurtis.com/What_is_Migraine-Pam_Curtis.doc

Excerpt:
======

What Is A Migraine?

Not caused by blood flow changes

In this article we’re going to look at what happens when a migraine occurs. We’re going to focus our observations based on how the migraine affects the neurological and chemical systems of the body. Neurologically, we’re going to look at the brain and nervous system. Chemically we’re going to look at neurotransmitters (the chemicals that carry messages through the brain), hormones, and the chemicals that make up the nerves themselves. Together, the changes in these systems combine to make up the event that is experienced as a migraine.

New studies show that neurological changes are responsible for the generation of migraines and that these changes are also behind the mechanisms of migraine, including vasodilatation . This is a huge breakthrough, because as far back as the 17th century it was believed that changes is blood flow were responsible for generation of migraine and the resulting neurological effects, not the other way around. This outdated theory is known as the vascular theory of migraine generation. Most doctors and nurses currently practicing were taught the vascular theory of migraines.

Much of the documentation made available to the public still explains migraines using the vascular theory, and much of the documentation on the neurological basis of migraines is restricted to scientific articles and medical journals. They are not written for the general public and can be very difficult to understand without advanced education in the field. Though authors of books and articles written in the last twenty years should know about the neurological theory of migraines, the theory was widely debated until discoveries made in the last few years. We now know that neurological changes are behind all the mechanisms of migraine, from aura to vasodilatation to pain. Though there are still many discoveries to be made, we are now pointed in the right direction to make these discoveries.

To start, there are many mechanisms to migraine and not all of them are fully understood. In this article, I will give you a comprehensive view of exactly what is thought to be going on in the body of a migraineur, for indeed, it’s not just the head of a migraineur that is affected, and indeed it is not just during the headache that migraine mechanisms are active. I’ll be taking you deep into the brain to the trigeminal nerve: the nerve that processes all sensory input and connects the brain stem to the nerves of the head and face. I’ll be discussing many brain chemicals—neurochemicals—used by the brain and nervous system. We’ll look at the strange phenomenon of Cortical Spreading Depression (CSD), once though to be the key behind visual auras, and now known to be part of migraine pain as well.

The brain of a migraineur is different than that of other people. Even when not in the headache phase, there are chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters such as Substance P, dopamine, serotonin, and magnesium, to name a few. The average concentration of Substance P in migraineurs is nearly double that of controls. The average concentration of serotonin, which is depleted during a migraine attack, was about 25% lower than controls during non-migraine phases. And when given nitroglycerine, a vasodilator used by some heart patients, “a delayed migraine-like headache [resulted] in migraine patients but not in control patients.”

I’ll talk about some of the symptoms that go along with the different phases of migraine, although the list I provide will be no where near complete. Just as each migraine may manifest in different ways, so is each migraineur and their experience of symptoms different. Hopefully the information I provide will give to you what it has given to me: insight into my own condition and several realizations as to, ‘Oh! That’s why that happens!’ And while it may not take the pain away, knowing that I’m not alone in my symptoms and that I’m not imagining things has been a great comfort.

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

recent trouble - Moderator here

2007-01-20T11:13:33Z

Sorry for the recent trouble, folks. I haven't been actively watching the tribe, but not for lack of wanting. If there is any trouble in the future, contact me at pamc@pamcurtis.com and I'll get rigth on it.

posted in Migraine - 8 replies

websites and a few snippets

2007-01-19T00:40:46Z

www.migraines.org

MAGNUM: Migraine Awareness Group: A National Understanding for Migraineurs
___________________________________________________________________________

www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/migraine.html

National Headache Foundation
___________________________________________________________________________

www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/migraine/migraine.htm

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
___________________________________________________________________________

www.achenet.org/support/

ACHE (American Council for Headache Education)

support groups!
___________________________________________________________________________

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/migraineheadaches/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier

A free collection of articles about migraine headaches published in The New York Times.
___________________________________________________________________________

www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=12

Herbs, vitamins and minerals. There is some evidence that the herbs feverfew (Tanacet, Tenliv) and butterbur (DoloMed, Petadolex, Petadolor) may prevent migraines or reduce their severity. A high dose of riboflavin (vitamin B-2) also may prevent migraines by correcting tiny deficiencies in the brain cells. Oral magnesium sulfate supplements may reduce the frequency of headaches in some people, although studies don't all agree on this issue. In addition, infusions of magnesium sulfate seem to help some people during an acute headache, and they seem to relieve migraine pain in people with magnesium deficiencies. Ask your doctor if these treatments are right for you. Don't use feverfew or butterbur if you're pregnant.
___________________________________________________________________________

www.migrainetrust.org/C2B/document_tree/ViewADocument.asp?ID=28&CatID=24#prevent

Rescue medication

There may be times when acute medication does not give enough relief from an attack. Your doctor may prescribe different medication to use at these times. ‘Rescue medication’ can be used if your acute treatment does not work. An antinausea (antiemetic) medication (to stop sickness), plus an anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication may be prescribed. You should write down when you use rescue medication in your migraine diary. Using rescue medication a lot suggests that your acute treatment needs changing.

___________________________________________________________________________

http://womenshealth.gov/faq/migraine.htm#7

How is a woman’s menstrual cycle related to migraine?

More than half of women with migraine have more headaches around or during their menstrual cycle. This is often called “menstrual migraine.” But, just a small fraction of these women only have migraine at this time. Most have migraine headaches at other times of the month as well.

How the menstrual cycle and migraine are linked is still unclear. We know that just before the cycle begins, levels of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, sharply go down. This drop in hormones may trigger a migraine, because estrogen controls chemicals in the brain that affect a woman’s pain sensation.

Talk with your doctor if you think you have menstrual migraine. You may find that medicines, making lifestyle changes, and home treatment methods can prevent or reduce the pain.

posted in Migraine - 18 replies

Sugar

2007-01-18T23:18:02Z

Like the caffeine discussion... what about sugar? I know it's terrible for you and has anyone found that completely irradicating it from their diets helps get rid of migraines?

posted in Migraine - 78 replies

Emergency medications for travel

2006-12-17T05:51:46Z

I am traveling to Costa Rica in a few weeks and I will be in a remote area for part of the time. I want to ask my neurologist for something strong- just in case. Since I yak so much when I get migraines, it needs to be a nasal spray, shot, or suppository. I have imitrex injections which work about 70% of the time and I have compazine suppositories. When it get so bad that nothing is touching it- I end up at the ER with an injection of demerol/and some anti-nasea med. Are there any barbiturate or narcotic nasal sprays or suppositories?

posted in Migraine - 7 replies

Tried this on a migraine...and it worked!

2006-12-11T23:45:36Z

Wow, this is a crazy post that I found in another tribe, that apparently came from some source on the internet (I know, reputable!)....but I've been fighting a low-grade migraine all day, and it WORKED! I've gone months without migraines recently, and all of the sudden, had 4 in the past week and a half....and the days I didn't have a "full-blown", I've had that icky almost-migraine, low-grade-constant-pain-in-back-of-neck feel...which SUCKS.

Cold pack didn't work.
Having a beer didn't work (yes, that works for me sometimes!)
Taking 5HTP and more feverfew and magnesium didn't work.

However, THIS WORKED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY! Try it sometime, let me know if it works for you!

-------
Taking cayenne inside the nose helps to open up the blood vessels. This enables the blood to get nutrients to all parts of the brain. Warning - this can burn a bit, so keep the grains of cayenne down to as few as possible.

To stop a migraine follow these simple steps:

* Open the capsule and dip the flat end of a dry toothpick into the cayenne to pick up 3-4 grains.
* Block one nostril and gently put cayenne up the other nostril.
* Sniff deeply 3-4 times until you feel the flecks of pepper in your throat. (If you don't feel this, do it again).
* Once you feel the warmth in your throat, you headache should be gone in minutes

-----
Heatherlyn says: I did this with BOTH nostrils (and then repeated a few minutes later to be sure, since the burn almost felt better than the migraine!), and yes it burned like a motherf-er, but poof, migraine is GONE!

posted in Migraine - 20 replies

Vicodin for Migraines

2006-12-11T23:43:36Z

I typically take 600mg of Ibuprofin for my migraines, and it typically works. Recently, I broke my wrist and got a prescription of Vicodin. With my last migraine, which I get on a weekly basis, I took 500mg of Vicodin and my migraine went away, and fast.
Typically, Tylenol does absolutely nothing for me. But. I tried the Vicodin again with last week's headache and it's still working well.
Has anyone been prescribed Vicodin for migraines?
Scott

posted in Migraine - 51 replies

Caffeine

2006-12-11T23:18:03Z

Have any of your docs told you to not drink any caffeine at all?

Has it reduced your migraines, for those of you who've complied?

posted in Migraine - 20 replies

Chocolate? dark chocolate?

2006-12-11T22:38:47Z

Ok, today and yesterday at lunch I was starting to get one of my cycle-related migraines and both days purchased and ate a Hershey's Special Dark.
And both days within an hour of eating it that "pain in the neck" pre-migraine pain was gone.
I thought that chocolate was supposed to be a trigger? like red wine and aged cheese?
Geez, if all it takes is dark chocolate to get rid of a potential migraine....

posted in Migraine - 9 replies

Migraines & birth control pills?

2006-12-11T18:47:05Z

So, I've had migraines for about 10 years now.
I've ALSO been on hormonal birth control for about 10 years now. I think I had migraines before I started the pill, in fact I'm pretty darned sure I did, but they were just starting. I haven't been off "the pill" for the whole 10 years (NO WAY in hell I'd ever want to get pregnant or just rely on condoms or whatever), but I've switched up my pill brands/formulas, to no real "cause/effect" I could see. My migraines don't follow any known pattern ,time of month, etc etc..... so I just sort of figured that the hormones didn't really have any effect on them.

Anyway- long story short- I got my tubes tied on Friday. And, am for once and for all, OFF birth control pills (yay!). I'm really curious to see what my body does, if my migraines stop, or get WORSE now that my hormones will be freely fluctuating, or....what.

Anyone else had experiences with migraines getting better, or worse, with hormonal birth control pills?

posted in Migraine - 9 replies

Food Triggers

2006-12-10T21:52:34Z

Just wondering if anyone has the same as me...
Nutra sweet AKA aspartame -- This one is brutal, a can of diet soda will take me down for 3 days.
Dark beers -- I traced it to the roasted malts. I can't drink guinness, why does God hate me?
MSG -- This one's not bad, I have to get a lot of it.
Fennel bulb -- ????

Red wine keeps the headaches away for me. Go figure.

posted in Migraine - 7 replies

The Migraneurs Bill of Rights

2006-12-10T01:11:33Z

As a long term migrane sufferer (chronic, intractable migranes 3x per week for over a decade), I can relate to a lot of what people are stating on these forums about problems dealing with doctors, medications, and, oh yeah, trying to get the pharmacist to FILL those meds.

I hope that this Bill of Rights empowers some of my fellow migraneurs to intereact more proactively with their Drs, specialists, and pharmacists.

The vast majority of migraneurs are NOT drug addicts. We deserve to be listened to when we have a suggestion. We deserve to be treated like any other customer when we get our medications filled by a pharmacist.

So, with that in mind, I would like to present :the "Bill of Rights" of migraneurs as written by The American Council for Headache Education.

Please read and consider. Thanks for your time.

_________________________________

I have a right to be taken seriously by my physician when I go for treatment of my headaches.

I have a right to complete and thorough medical examination, including a medical history and complete neurological evaluation.

I have a right to appropriate diagnostic testing, including neuro-diagnostics, CT scans and MRI scans, if necessary, when my headache is first evaluated, and when the headache pattern or severity changes.

I have the right to be referred to a specialist - for example, a neurologist, a headache specialist, or a headache clinic if my headaches do not respond to my primary physician's treatment, or if my primary physician feels a specialist's care is needed.

I have the right to receive specific headache therapy, if needed, instead of non-prescription drugs, narcotics, or combination analgesics that may increase the problem.

I have the right to ask for a comprehensive, written treatment plan that will tell me exactly how to use my preventive medications and non-drug preventives and, complete instructions on what to do when a headache occurs.

I have the right to return for additional help whenever my treatment plan seems to be inadequate to control my headache.

I have the right to be treated courteously and responsibly in emergency room, if a severe headache fails to respond to my usual treatment plan.

I have the right to expect my insurance company to recognize migraine as a legitimate medical illness as any other illness such as diabetes, arthritis, etc.

I have the right to expect those around me - family, friends, co-workers, and others who come in contact with me to make an effort to understand my illness and to cooperate with me in my efforts to live a full, rich life.

-----hope this helps, all! :)

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

Has anyone tried or are you currently trying....

2006-11-26T13:23:47Z

Botox injections or Myla block injections (sp?) or perhaps even the DHE injections? If so how is this going for you and what are you taking for the times in between the injections?

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

Neurontin, is anyone on it?

2006-11-16T13:32:36Z

I was prescribed Neurontin a few years ago to try as a migraine preventative. I did not like the "out of it" feeling I got in the a.m. after taking it the night before. Feels like my head is going one way, and my body another. Kind of like being drunk. So I stopped taking it.
But... the migraines have been so frequent lately that I run thru my emergency med - Imitrex before I can get a refill.
My migraines have gotten much more frequent although they are milder.
Thought I might try the Neurontin again, but for a longer period of time to see if the spacy side effects go away.
Is anyone else on Neurontin regularly?
Did you eventually adjust to it and not feel so spacy after taking it?
-Z.

posted in Migraine - 5 replies

TENS units (electrical stimulation) as cure for migraines?

2006-11-11T03:33:46Z

Anyone ever used one?

I just read an interesting article in the NY Times about some studies they have going on right now, with implantable (shudder) electrostimulation devices, and also a study with an EXTERNAL magnetic-wave-producing device that is supposed to help cure migraines.

I'm curious if the commercially-available TENS units like this one (http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__ME700) would work for migraines. But I also don't want to kill myself trying...!

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

my neurologist

2006-11-11T00:49:06Z

is a nut job.
She doesn't believe in the use of narcotics, so when I asked for a pain pill to take on my long vacation in a primitive part of the world, she perscribed zyprexa.
Has anyone heard of this for migraine or even for pain management???

grrrrrrrrrrr. It's not like I ask for stuff ever . . . fuck I hate when they make you feel like a junkie for even thinking of asking!

Fuck.

posted in Migraine - 13 replies

potato chips? salt cravings?

2006-10-26T18:12:38Z

I rarely eat salty snacks. Sometimes when I feel like I'm starting to get a migraine and I eat potato chips it stops it. Thought it might be the salt, but other salty snacks like crackers don't seem to help.
Anyone else with this anomaly? or something similar?

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

Beta Blockers

2006-10-26T00:20:30Z

How many of you are on beta blockers, and what have your results been?

I've been prescribed propranolol (actually, inderol LA, but my insurance didn't cover it).

A friend of mine has had great success with propranolol.

How about you guys?

posted in Migraine - 23 replies

Indomethacin

2006-10-24T16:59:45Z

Anyone on it?

Anyone know why it is supposed to be better than the other NSAIDS?

I didn't get enough time with my doc to ask enough questions and write it all down...

posted in Migraine - 2 replies

Feverfew

2006-10-24T16:54:08Z

Deena and others-

How much, how often, and where do you get it? What brands? Anyone buy it in bulk? Teas?

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

Neuro Visit...kinda weird

2006-10-18T20:11:22Z

Well, I went back to the neuro eariler this week. He gave me a script for Stadol, topomax, pamelor, fiorcet, imitrex 100's. Which I found totally strange because he told me from the begining that he did not prescribe addictive pain medicines. And then to make the weirdness even weirder he didn't take my blood pressure, weight, or ask about any current medications I was taking. He didn't check my vision or ability to track, didnt make me walk on my tip toes. Nothing.. It was so weird that I forgot to give him my copay.
This was my second visit to this particular doctor. I swear I was not in there 15 minutes. I am a little leary of the Stadol. I think I have taken pamelor in the past but stopped because I gained weight? Anybody else tried pamelor? Or stadol ? Did either work for you?
Thanks,
Crys

posted in Migraine - 12 replies

what's your migraine like?

2006-10-13T20:33:56Z

Hello all... I'm brooke and I, like allen, am a reactive-hypoglycemic and migraine sufferer. I got my first one about a year and a half ago and found that, by following my hypoglycemia diet *no white starches or sugar, high protein/low GI impact* that I've had virtually no headaches.

However, in the past two months I've been buying my first home... that equals TONS of stress. I started getting migraines again two months ago, but this time they're even worse- I get the usually sharp pains and pounding, but I'm getting more of the weird, tingly feeling in my left side of my face and arm. I went to the Emergency Room last night because it was so bad. They did a CAT scan and it came up clean.

My doc saw me today and said that it's definitely a "Complex Migraine" and that I should start seeing a Neurologist. The weird feeling in my face and arm are apparantly a weird nerve response *I can smile and frown evenly on both sides and still use my arm, so they're not scared of a stroke or anythign*. Also he suggesting cutting out certain foods, like beer, wine, bitter nuts *almonds, walnuts*, and cut down on my aspartame intake.

So, I guess my question is this: do any of you get the funny feeling on one side of your face or arm? And, if any of you do, is there anything you found that helped? Did a change in diet help?

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

So....(x-post)

2006-10-11T18:31:01Z

I’ve recently discovered that I never actually introduced myself (*sings “If I Only Had A Brain”*). This just goes to show that most days I’m not with it *winks*. I’ve been on the tribe for awhile (don’t ask how long – see above singing) I don’t usually say much because by the time I get around to it, there is already so much wisdom put forth from the others. I love the laughter, sharing andgreat advice, it’s a joy to sit back and read.

I do have fibromyalgia and migraines along with a myriad of other things that I won’t list as I want to keep this short. I was “officially” diagnosed in 1998 and I’ll have to say that my fibro currently isn’t as bad as my migraines – they outrank them in intensity level department. Anyway…I did just want to peek out of my shell to say Hello – I’m an open book so feel free to ask away.

*cross posting this – and yep I’m still singing the song*

~Gentle Hugs~

posted in Migraine - 12 replies

Injections vs. tablets

2006-10-09T00:38:29Z

I just tried my first imitrex injection last week.

Then i had another migraine today and just took a tablet.

What have your experiences been like, any different, between the two?

The injection wasn't as scary as i thought it would be. It did hurt though, but i can handle that. And besides... takes your mind off of the head pain for a moment, right?

posted in Migraine - 16 replies

Interesting treatment for migraines:

2006-10-06T16:11:29Z

Read this on Wikipedia today while browsing....hmm, any excuse to eat ice cream is good for me!

"A simple treatment that has been effective for some, is a counteracting "ice cream headache", briefly provoked by placing spoonfuls of ice cream on the soft palate at the back of the mouth. (Hold them there with your tongue until they melt or become intolerable.) This directs cooling to the hypothalamus, which is suspected to be involved with the migraine feedback cycle, and for some it can stop even a severe headache very quickly."

posted in Migraine - 16 replies

Occipital Nerve Block

2006-09-23T00:20:58Z

Anyone get one/some before?

posted in Migraine - 12 replies

so tomorrow i go for an MRI

2006-08-15T01:22:17Z

i guess we'll see how it goes. :)

posted in Migraine - 5 replies

Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

2006-07-30T20:16:27Z

Ok. I'd like to know more about what i can do to prevent or lessen migraine pain in the area of supplements.

I've got my imitrex and such, but what can i do on a daily basis to help out?

I've always heard that Calcium-Magnesium helps headaches.

I've read here that Vit B complex helps.

What else?

And links to articles and such would be greatly appreciated!

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

Migraine-related Strokes

2006-07-18T23:17:40Z

Well, on my last visit to the neurologist, he informed me that the bad headache I had on Oct 2 was apparently also a stroke, which would explain why I forgot my ATM PIN.

This was the second one, the first being caused by my first try at Zomig.

What was upsetting was the way the neuro non-chalanted the entire incident. I'm not real happy with his attitude, or the apparent possibility that this could happen again, and that there's not much that can be done.

But I feel better for having shared it here.

posted in Migraine - 9 replies

Hypoglycemia Headaches

2006-07-07T02:20:37Z

So I'm 99% sure now that my headaches are caused by reactive hypoglycemia. I went on the appropriate diet (no white flour, white sugar, or caffeine, and avoid alcohol), and I almost never get headaches any more -- unless I depart from the diet.

It seems to have stabilized my blood sugar, so much so that I am much more susceptible and sensitive to these foods than before. Example: I ate a single Altoid mint, which contains a dash of sugar, and within only 5 minutes began to get a headache. So my headaches, which seemed to be slightly more random before, now have a direct cause-and-effect relationship to these forbidden foods. It's just like having a food allergy.

When I stick to the diet, I never get a headache. But I also have to be sure to snack a lot to keep my blood sugar stable.

If I do get a headache, what works remarkably well to kill them are over-the-counter caffeine tabs, like the kind truckers use to stay awake (250 mg ea.). They are cheap, and unlike migraine medicine, actually work.

I started a Hypoglycemia tribe to talk more about this stuff. You can get to it through my profile...but I am so glad to have finally cracked my headache code. It really often ruined my quality of life.

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

auras

2006-07-05T18:01:12Z

does anyone get them? wish i did. i get the sensitivities and pain, but no psychedelic silver lining. sigh

posted in Migraine - 20 replies

I M I T R E X - Side Effects

2006-06-30T20:49:50Z

Okay, I know prescription medications generally have the same side effects but I am curious what YOUR personal experience with IMITREX
is....what side effects do you get after taking the pills, spray or injection?

I take the pills and afterwards I always get a really sore back, achey legs, arms, neck and feel real lethargic -oh and feel very very hot. Please share yours. Thanks....

posted in Migraine - 23 replies

migraines increased due to reducing other meds?

2006-06-30T16:53:00Z

Has anyone had increased migraines due to reducing other daily medications for something else?

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

surgery

2006-06-19T20:34:55Z

Aloha everyone,

One of my friends contacted me about migraine surgery after he saw a show on TV about it. So I went looking online and found the American Migraine Center who does several different kinds of surgery which decreases or eliminate migraines entirely. From what I am understanding, it's for those who have run the gambit of pain pills, preventative meds, triptans, injection meds as well as Botox shots. I've been taking the Botox shots now for 18 months and they seem to help but I can only tell when it wears off and then the cluster migraines come. Then I have to take steroids (Dexamethasone) to break the cycle. This does not make me happy!!!!

It seems like my migraines are worse than ever when I do get them. The DHE injections (Dihydroergotamine) usually will take them away within the hour but not always and then I have to take the Toradol, Valium and the Compazine. These are what my Neurologist prescribed for me so I didn't have to go to ER anymore. They usually knock me on my ass and my whole day is completely lost. Anyway, I'm researching this surgery to see if I might be a candidate for one. Anyone else ever heard of this or know someone that's had this? I feel so desperate to have to resort to surgery but I want my life back! I'm so tired of missing work, social events, family gatherings, MY LIFE. On the other hand, what if it doesn't work? So much to consider.....

What do you all think about this surgery business? I will be doing more research as there are other places doing surgeries too. They are saying too that most insurances will not cover some of these surgeries. I gotta talk to my neurologist as well and get her professional opinion.

Suzanne

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

Avoidance of MSG / aspartame

2006-05-24T03:51:05Z

I avoid the food additive/amino acid flavor enhancer Monosodium glutamate like the plague. (Although i've havent actually been around the plague before!) Look out for this ingredient in commercial soups, sauces, and dressings masquerading under hydrolyzed vegetable protein, even under the name natural flavoring of all things. Also yes, marijuana for migraines! yeah!

posted in Migraine - 6 replies

Supplements

2006-05-02T17:58:41Z

I was reading information that links migraines to gut brain issues and it brought me to a link to a supplement called ForeverWell. Has anyone else ever heard of it or tried it? They claim that it can cure migraines after taking this stuff for 6 months, but I'm skeptical.

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

magnesium

2006-02-19T19:09:02Z

I am wondering if anyone has explored the connection between magnesium deficiencies and migraines. I am starting to wonder if that is the case with me.

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

GelStat MIGRAINE !!!

2006-02-13T15:56:12Z

Okay, I did a search and didn't find anything on this so I am posting now-

I just found out about this new migraine reliever and found it at a
local Rite-Aid. It is called GelStat MIGRAINE. It cost me $5.99 + tax.

I began to have a migraine tonight and finally tried the GelStat- I used
only 2 applications as directed and in about 30mins my migraine was gone. But now as I am typing this, I do feel a little pressure again on my right tempel. So, I will complete this then take a break and see if I feel
100% in a few hours. I urge you to read all about this OTC drug as it may work for you- best wishes as always, buGG.

GelStat Migraine is a new and entirely unique OTC medication for the acute treatment of migraine and migraine-like headaches.

Unlike typical medications absorbed through the digestive tract, GelStat Migraine is absorbed through the rich network of blood vessels under the tongue.

Sublingual administration (under the tongue) provides the following benefits:

?Faster Action

?Fewer Side Effects

?Less Stomach Upset

?Improved Safety

?Greater Absorption

A recent clinical study showed GelStat Migraine to be effective in eliminating migraine pain or preventing its progression in 83% of moderate to severe migraine patients treating early in the course of an attack.

Because GelStat Migraine, like any medication, may be effective for some of your migraines but not all, it is important to try GelStat Migraine (and any medication) several times before determining how it might best fit into your migraine treatment arsenal. Even if you do not experience relief on your first trial of the medication, GelStat Migraine may prove to be a very effective and important part of your treatment regimen – a significant aid in the treatment of most migraine events.

Each migraineur is different, and migraine is a debilitating, difficult to treat disease. You should always consult with your doctor before changing or discontinuing medications, and be sure to ask your doctor any specific questions you might have concerning the use of GelStat Migraine.

For complete and total information including clinical trials-
Here is the company's website: http://gelstat.com/

posted in Migraine - 6 replies

Workplace bull$hit

2006-02-10T04:59:52Z

I am 41, intellegent, some moral standards, dedicated to my family, I take my pets to the vet, I get my oil changed when that sticker on the window gets faded. Then why do my co-workers act like I am getting my nails done and having a tanning session when I call in with a migraine??? I don't do it an excessive amt. I believe this entire year I have used 6 full days and three part days of FMLA for them. I look like hell the next day. You can tell I have been up puking for hours on end because every capiliary in my face and eyes are broken. And the really, really bad ones, I swear my face looks like I had a stroke. So, why do get the "look" and the "giggle/ shrug" when I tell them had a migraine?

My point is, I had a bad one on Monday. If its not my period giving them to me then its the rain. I hate when it rains. That will throw me out until the front passes. So, I tell these two tramps that I had a bad migraine because of the rain. They look at me like am lying. So, I tell them the "truth" Hangover....got drunker than cooter brown and couldn't pull up my panties at the bar on Sunday night....no way could come to work smelling like JD.
Do you know what the tramps said???? "Girl, we thought it was something like that, giggle, giggle, we do that alllll the time". So wait for a bulb to go off in their pretty 20 year old head...the waiting was giving me a headache...and then I told them I was serious about my migraines and my pain level.
Then they decided we couldn't be buds anymore.
Should I be crushed or just go and make friends with the nerds?

posted in Migraine - 20 replies

Test your knowledge on food triggers

2006-01-25T15:41:39Z

What you may not know is that hidden inside some of your favorite foods are
chemicals that can also trigger migraines.
Be sure to avoid foods containing these triggers.
Migraine Triggers TEST -short and very informative!

Test your knowledge on food triggers below.
http://www.migrainehelp.com/food_trigger_test.html

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

Anybody trying anything new???

2006-01-05T19:42:57Z

I have a neuro appt on Monday and I was wondering if anyone has tried any "new" meds or treatments.
Thanks,
Crys

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

massage for migraines

2006-01-05T19:25:23Z

I first decided to become a massage therapist when my 17 year old friend in high school was put on a medication that had cocaine in it by her doctor as a last ditch effort to give her some relief. Armed with my basic massage book, I gave her a head and shoulder rub, and she said afterwards she got the best night's sleep she'd had in 10 years and had reduced pain for 4 days afterwards. Five years later, she gets massage once a week and gets migraines once every 2-3 months instead of twice a week.
I'm on sabbatical in the UK for a year right now, so rest assured that my intention is purely to offer another possible avenue for people to try, not to sell anything!
I have focused my practice on migraine sufferers from the beginning, and, while I don't have any scientific studies about it, I would guess that 80-85% of my clients see distinct improvement within 3-5 treatments. It makes physiological sense, since the mechanics of a migraine are usually vascular, and ongoing massage is wonderful for normalizing circulation and in the process relaxing and toning the muscles in blood vessel walls. And of course reducing tension in neck muscles allows everything to flow better, and keeps a person more comfortable all the time. So when a trigger comes along, the body is in better shape to respond in a more normal way, and symptoms are hopefully reduced.
My focus tends to be less on instant symptom relief (though it does sometimes happen) and more on ongoing care, so that over a period of time the severity and frequency of migraines is reduced.
I'm the first to acknowledge the relief that meds can give, but I'm committed to helping my clients minimize their intake as much as is possible for them. Putting substances into the body, no matter what they are, stresses the system and affects its ability to regulate and heal itself.
And the best thing about massage is that the only side effects are good ones! I don't pretend that massage is a miracle cure, but no matter what, it feels good to be touched and taken care of, and time in a soothing relaxing healing space is time well spent.
I would encourage anyone to try it, and feel free to contact me with any questions you have!

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

MUST READ!!! Are Migraines All in Your Heart?

2005-12-16T18:07:01Z

Are Migraines All in Your Heart?
By Jenny Cutraro

Story location: http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,69614,00.html

02:00 AM Dec. 13, 2005 PT

Doctors treating patients with a congenital heart defect have found an unexpected side effect of their work -- repairing the heart condition apparently relieves migraines. Now, a company that developed a device to fix the heart defect is seeking approval to use it specifically as a migraine treatment.

Cierra, of Redwood City, California, manufactures the PFX Closure System, a device that uses energy to close the heart defect known as a patent foramen ovale, or PFO -- an opening in the heart.

Doctors thread the device through a vein in the groin and snake it up the torso until it enters the upper right chamber of the heart. There, the device lands on the PFO, applies suction to hold it closed, and directs radio-frequency energy at the closure site, essentially "welding" the tissue together.

The device is in the midst of clinical trials in Europe, and Cierra president and CEO Erik Engelson expects it to be approved as a PFO treatment in Europe by mid-2006. The company also plans to launch a clinical trial of the device in migraine patients in the United States next year.

"This will be a pivotal trial for the migraine indication," Engelson says. "We're looking at a pharmaceutical-sized market for a medical device." If approved for use in the United States, he predicts, the treatment could be an industry in the range of $2 billion.

Cierra's system is the first to close PFOs without leaving behind a device implanted in heart tissue, and this was a key factor in developing a treatment specifically for the migraine condition, Engelson says.

"Migraine patients tend to be otherwise healthy and young," he says. "Implanting something permanent in these individuals didn't seem to be the appropriate level of risk, whereas leaving nothing behind seemed to be a better approach."

While rare, those risks may include blood clots or bacteria forming on the devices, according to Dr. Jonathan Tobis, director of interventional cardiology research and professor of medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles. "The severe risks appear to be minimal, but there is always concern that the side effect of a drug or procedure could be worse than the disease itself," he says.

Cardiologists currently close PFOs with one of two implantable devices, and only perform the procedure in the case of cryptogenic stroke, which occurs when a patient has no known stroke risk factors such as heart disease. Many of these patients also suffer from migraines, and in a majority of cases, their headaches disappear after having the heart defect fixed, Tobis and his colleagues report.

But cardiologists still haven't found an explanation for the connection between PFO closure and migraine relief, and they point out the relation remains a correlation, and not a cause-and-effect relationship. "It's an unproven hypothesis -- that's a leap of faith right now," says Dr. Carey Kimmelstiel, associate professor of medicine at Tufts University and director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Tufts-New England Medical Center. Kimmelstiel's own research also has pointed to the correlation between PFO and migraine.

Tobis concurs. "It's all too premature," he says, adding that even if trials do support the connection that PFO closure relieves migraines, further trials will need to assess which devices on the market are best suited for that treatment.

Still, Tobis remains optimistic that countless migraine sufferers will have a new treatment option in the future. "I'm confident that this approach will work," he says of closing PFOs in migraine patients. "In the future, millions could be treated for migraines in this way."

Kimmelstiel takes a more cautious view. "Nobody dies of migraine," he says. "You're putting tubes in people's hearts, and these can be complicated procedures."

----------------------------
wow- anyone hear of this procedure? what are your thoughts on it?

posted in Migraine - 1 reply

Lamictal and migraines

2005-12-16T08:51:45Z

My doctor said that one side effect can be send-you-to-the-ER migraines. I've read here that some use it as a prophylactic.

Any comments?

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

migraine books?

2005-12-16T07:57:17Z

Has anyone read any books on migraines that they've liked?

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

menstrual migraines

2005-12-13T22:03:42Z

Is anyone currently being treated for them and what are you taking? My neuro just gave me a script for Estradern patch to be used 2-3 days before my period, during my period, and 2-3 days after. He also asked me if I would be interested in Lamaticil but I told him I would give this a shot first.
Thanks,
Crys

posted in Migraine - 20 replies

Migraines and the shrink

2005-11-26T21:14:48Z

So, Its been suggested by my neuro that I go see a shrink because I'm so many mind fucking drugs to help me with my migraines. Do they help them? Yes, but mentaly, I'm a basket case because of them. Has anyone else come accross this?

posted in Migraine - 2 replies

Topamax

2005-11-20T06:21:29Z

Does anyone take this as a migraine preventative?

I received 3 sample packs of 42 pills each, from my doctor, and after reading up on the side effects and assorted other stuff--- I think I'd rather try and deal with migraines another way.

That being said, does anyone currently taking this medication want it? I obviously don't need it...and would rather it go to good use, since I can't give it back to the doctor.

posted in Migraine - 9 replies

Need Prescriptions & Can't Afford Them?

2005-10-20T20:21:51Z

check out this site:

https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. Many will get them free or nearly free. Its mission is to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible. Through this site, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. To access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance by phone, you can call toll-free, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669).
https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php

posted in Migraine - 6 replies

jaw-clenching side effect

2005-10-09T03:48:03Z

The last two times I've taken Compazine I've noticed a jaw-clenching side effect. I took the pills 29 hours ago, and am still clenching.

Anyone else have this side effect?

Is there any way to prevent/stop it?

posted in Migraine - 9 replies

My Adventure With Maxalt™

2005-09-23T12:21:00Z

I tried this stuff out once years ago for a migraine, and it seemed to work. It was also specifically attractive to me since due to nausea and occasional vomiting during a migraine, I can't keep pills down.

I recently got health insurance again after years of going without, and I asked my new doc for some. He had to bug the insurance company to get them to cover it, but I finally got it weeks after the doctor's visit.

So I was suffering a nasty headache, and put one of these on my tongue. It dissolved instantly, which is very cool when you can't take a pill.

My headache did indeed diminish, but was replaced with the most intense nausea I've ever had, comparable only to alcohol poisoning (another story); it was clearly a poisoning reaction to the Maxalt. I vomited every hour or so for an entire day, over a period of about 10 hours. It was one of the most miserable days I've had in recent memory.

Needless to say, I'm scared of the Maxalt now (and reading the long list of possible side effects online didn't do much to bolster my confidence in it). Which is too bad, considering all of the trouble I went through to get it, not to mention waiting years for insurance so I could afford it. The doc suggested that I take half a tab next time to test it, but since I am very busy, I can't afford to lose a day of work just to see if it does the job. These are the 5mg tabs, by the way, not the 10mg.

Anybody have similar experiences with this stuff, or any advice?

posted in Migraine - 6 replies

marijuana for migraines

2005-09-17T19:38:43Z

Has anyone tried either smoking or eating marijuana to reduce the number and severity of their migraines on a regular basis? Or tried using it as an abortive when I migraine hits. I know here in SF many people can cannabis cards because of migraines, but I am curious as to how exactly it is used. Also, could it cause migraines if you are a regular user and you stop?

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

Allergies - and I'm not talking about JUST sneezing....

2005-09-16T21:37:24Z

~Hello fellow pain sufferers. I have been researching the migraine mystery for a couple of years now (since mine have gotten worse and worse over time), finding very little relief. Even the drugs that have managed to cover up the pain are not all that sucessful in helping me anymore.

This Wednesday, I had an allergic reaction after eating watermelon (it was almost right away). A headache was part of it, as well as itchy watery eyes, sneezing, congestion, and being bloated. I got to thinking.... hmmm, if food can cause these types of things, why couldn't it cause a reaction that leads to a migraine? I also ate eggs for the first time in a long time last Friday. On Friday afternoon, I was in extreme distress. My head was pounding, I was dizzy, I was sweating profusely (in the face, neck and chest area) and I was VERY nauseous. I couldn't figure out what in the world was happening. Now that I'm thinking about all of this (hindsight is 20/20), it makes sense that my body had a delayed allergic reaction to eating those eggs. My fiance feels certain that my sinuses may be triggering my migraines, and if that's the case, then would it be that far-fetched to think that foods could trigger an allergic reaction, which could also cause other things? I began to research something different, and this is what I found. It's EXTREMELY interesting to me. I've known all about the msg/caffiene/chocolate/aged cheese, etc. relationship to migraine, but I never considered that other foods could be the culprit. Allergic reaction=swelling (couldn't it swell in the head/brain too?) Think about it... when we have tonsilitis, for example, don't we feel achey in other parts of our body? I know that I ache all over whenever I get any kind of respiratory infection. They say that this is, in part, due to the fact that the body's sick cells (at the site) communicate with all other cells. What I'm saying is - it's ALL connected!!!~

The following is an excerpt from the website:

http://www.foodallergytest.com/migraines.html

"Migraine headaches are simply a result of an inflammatory response in the brain to the presence of delayed food allergies.

Dr. U. C. Beneman writes in his book "Basics of Food Allergy" that nearly 60% of the adult population has hidden or delayed food allergies. These are now known as "non-IgE" reactions in the medical literature and can be determined by a food allergy test.

Migraine headaches are often caused or triggered by delayed food allergies. A few years ago a study showed that 85% of migraine sufferers experienced migraine relief after eliminating their delayed food allergies.

Migraines can be traced to an overactive nervous system some research suggests, while others believe that migraines involve an overactive immune response to delayed food allergies. Migraine headaches occur in people with a hyperactive immune system which is an excessive stimulation from too many delayed food allergies.

We are talking about the body's serious reaction to delayed food allergies. That is to say, the body's immune system response to a foreign substance (food) is an allergic response. The words food intolerance and food sensitivity are alternative terminology to describe this phenomenon.

Some people believe that in addition to foods, stress or muscle tension trigger migraines. Others believe that sensory triggers like light, smells or motion bring on the migraine headaches. Of course, to some the weather brings on a migraine and to others it's a Chinese restaurant syndrome (MSG). Whatever you believe, a cause of migraine headaches still boils down to an overactive immune system burdened by the patient's delayed food allergies. The underlined cause of migraines can be determined by a food allergy test like the Sage Test.

If you are familiar with other food allergy tests, then none of this migraine treatment or prevention information is truly new to you. However, if you're not familiar with delayed food allergies and our migraine treatment concept makes sense to you then you should consider having your doctor order this test for you. Treatment is simple - identify the reactive foods and change your diet. "

~Personally, I think it's a combination of many things, but I have never been so hopeful as I am right now. I had my blood tested for food allergies (SAGE test) 5 years ago (before migraine medications stopped working so well and before my migraines hit an all-time high) to try and help with some stomach problems. As it turns out, I am highly allergic to gluten, milk, and eggs. I tried changing my diet back then but it was "too hard" and I gave it up. I guess I just hadn't experienced enough pain yet. Now, five years later, I'm ready to give this a shot. I have already begun eliminating these things from my diet and I hope that I have excellent results.

I also read that people who are very bothered by ragweed, are more inclined to being allergic to watermelon, cantelope, and bananas. BINGO.. that's me. It's because of allergy season recently starting that I decided to try and tie all of this together. I think I may be on to something.

Has anyone else experimented with food elimination and had success in either lessening their migraines or getting rid of them?

Blessings,

~Sandi~

posted in Migraine - 2 replies

excedrin variants

2005-09-14T08:54:11Z

so these might not be new, but i just saw for the first time two new types of excedrin that folks might want to check out. one is called 'excedrin tension headache' and it contains tylenol and caffeine. the other is 'excedrin sinus headache' and it contains tylenol and phenylephrine HCl (a decongestant).

i like the idea of taking excedrin without aspirin, if that ends up working for me. the sinus headache drug combo is probably available much cheaper in several different forms at a drug store. not sure which of the name-brand sinus meds it replicates, off the top of my head.

posted in Migraine - 6 replies

Compazine

2005-09-12T16:22:22Z

The worst migraine I've ever had in my life brought me to the ER because it wasn't responding to anything I was taking.

They gave me compazine through an IV. It worked. I even slept a little at the ER.

Now I take compazine pills. They work pretty well for me. 10mg usually isn't enough, so I just start off with 20mg if I know it is going to be a bad migraine. 10mg will work if it isn't a real bad one coming on.

I've taken imitrex, midrin, and cafergot, as well as lots of OTC things with them, and they didn't ever work as well at the compazine did.

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

Has anyone tried....

2005-09-10T10:31:58Z

the nasal spray to be used when a migraine wakes you up in the morning or been prescribed Topamax (sp?) and had any luck with it?

I was reading about them in Redbook I think it was.

Sage

posted in Migraine - 8 replies

Relpax!!

2005-09-02T22:04:31Z

Has anyone else tried this?

Apparently it's supposed to be similar to Imitrex, but better for those folks who don't respond well to it.

It's AMAZING. Works perfectly for me, and while I get a little sleepy after taking it, I don't NEED to lie down and sleep, if I catch the migraine early enough. My doctor gave me a ton of samples, they're pushing it since it's a newer drug, and I'm really loving it.

It completely gets rid of the migraine, not "goes away for a little while, and then comes back later for a day or two" like other drugs.

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

Topamax SUCKS!!!

2005-09-02T03:50:20Z

So, I've been on 600 mgs of topamax for a while now. That sounds like a high dosage, but I have seziures, and migraines, and the tpamax releives both. Granted, I've NEVER come accross anyone whos been on a dosage as high as me It totaly helps the migraines. The side effects though are killing me. I hate the vertigo I get from it I run into walls every AM when I wake up my vertigo is so bad. I get this horrible burning tingling in my feet and hands. My hair is falling out. Pardon me if this is too personal, but I HATE the fact that it takes me a billion year to have an orgasm when I'm even INTERESTED in sex. My mood swings are craxy. The constipation is horrible even WITH the help of laxitives. I have mixed feelings about the drug. a very love hate relationship with it. I'm contemplating weening myself off of it, and trying an hearbalistic approach. Has anyone else tried any kind of natural drugs?

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

I could be a poster adult for migraines. LOL An introduction

2005-08-22T15:54:07Z

Hello everyone. I go by the name of Sage. I've had migraines for as long as I can remember and they've yet to figure out why. My 25 yo daughter gets them also. I've never tried Relpax but it works for her as do the 100 mg tabs of Imitrex. I inherited migraines from my mom.

I've tried the SI Imitrex in the past and hated the way it made me feel, let alone that it didn't even touch the headache or get rid of it. I've been on Midrin 2 times before as a preventitive. It worked neither time. So, they tried me on a variety of anti-depressants. It got to the point where I'd call my doctor's office and by the time I got there, they'd have a shot ready and waiting for me of Toradol. It would take effect by the time I made it to the backdoor of my house.

They've tried me on Demerol as well. I have to admit that it, plus Phenergan, were a good combination except for the rebound headache the following day.

And then those lovely trips to the ER where when you state you have a migraine, they look at you like your a drug addict and only there for drugs. Ummm...no, I wouldn't come here at 2 a.m., risking life and limb in making the drive and chancing that I may start vomiting any second now, just for drugs. It means I've done everything I could think of to get rid of the sucker and the ER is the last resort.

My migraines vary in length, 2-4 days, and also in severity. In 1995 I was dx'd as Bi-polar and heard voices so was put on Lithonate and Tegratol. Didn't help the migraines. When my son and I moved here to California, I was on Zoloft, Neurontin and Ritalin. None of those seemed to have an affect on the migraines. Most recently I was put on Depakote, Prozac, and back on Ritalin (ADD) except that I'm dx with Borderline Personality Disorder. Occasionally my doc will prescribe Fiorinal w/codeine but that is like trying to put a band-aid on a punctured arterial vein.

I look forward to reading all the posts in here as this topic strikes very close to home.

Sage

posted in Migraine - 3 replies

Migraines pretty much gone....

2005-08-17T21:00:05Z

So, I was out on disability for 3 months with migraines.
During that time, I made the commitment to change my career and my life, since I couldn't deal anymore!

Instead of working in a stressful office, staring at a computer screen with fluorescent lighting, I now own my own massage practitioner business. Even with the money problems, and lack of steady salary, it's much better, as I'm creating my OWN reality!

Instead of eating junk food, I really made a commitment to eat things that are healthy for my body. If you think about it, your body is made up of the food you eat. Your flesh = your food. So if you eat crap food, your body is made of crap. I also cut out a lot of things that could be considered "migraine triggers".

I make sure to drink 8 glasses of water a day.
I make sure to get enough sleep.

And, most importantly, I exercise. Daily. I am currently doing 90 minutes of bikram yoga (hot room yoga), pretty much every day. I might miss 1 day every 2 weeks, just to take a break from it.

And the combination of all these things, has cured me. I haven't had a migraine in a month or so, and just a tiny one or so before that.

Before I left my job on disability, I was getting up to 2 migraines per week, missing about 1 day of work per week, and feeling crappy the REST of the time, like that "almost going to get a migraine" feeling.

Those folks who are suffering, I'd suggest taking a good look at your health and your life, and seeing what you can change, to help yourself.

posted in Migraine - 0 replies

New to this Tribe...at my wit's end!

2005-07-31T03:34:36Z

Hi, all.

I've been suffering from migraines for about 5 years now. Reading the previous posts, I definitely don't have it as bad as some of you, but I can get up to 2 a week sometimes, and "almost-migraines" more often than that.

For a while, they were down to 1-2 a month, but now they're back with a vengeance, interfering with my work (which I hate anyway, sitting at a computer under bright fluoresent lights don't help!), and my life. I am getting 1-2 a week again.

I have been trying acupuncture for about 10 visits now (2-3 times a week), and it's NOT helping- in fact, it seems to be making them WORSE!

Before the acupuncture, I think I was starting to be able to control them, by herbal supplements, drinking enough water, and trying to limit stress. I am using:

-Feverfew pills, which DON'T seem to make me nauseous like it does some folks here

-5HTP, which is a chemical precursor to serotonin (my migraines seem to have SOMETHING to do with serotonin balance issues...) has really helped me! I am more alert, respond to stress (trigger!) better, and it was reducing my migraines.

-Melatonin, which I was taking and it seemed to help (but it gave me TERRIBLE scary vivid dreams, and I was a bit groggy if I couldn't get a full 8+ hours sleep)

Now that I've stopped the acupuncture (as of yesterday), I am hoping to get better again. I also want to try an herb called "Butterbur", which I read about in an alt-health magazine and has proven to help decrease migraines....

posted in Migraine - 12 replies

MIGRAINE HEADACHES - posted 04.20.05

2005-05-10T14:41:32Z

MIGRAINE HEADACHES - posted 04.20.05
For information about available treatments for migraine headaches you should consult your personal physician. For general information about the symptom's / causes of migraines you can go to http://www.healingwell.com

posted in Migraine - 0 replies

How much do you depend on your doctor?

2005-05-10T14:41:01Z

Hi,

Just wondered what your thoughts would be on a doctor who basically abandoned me as a patient. She referred me to a neurologist, and I made an appointment with the neuro but they can't see me til Thursday. Soooo, I called the original dr's office last week in an attempt to get her to refill my imitrex so I would not be without it. She denied the refill! So here I am stuck without meds until Thursday. I have an average of 2-3 migraines a week. How am I supposed to go to work, etc? I just find this to be really lousy patient care.

Anyone know a GOOD doctor for migraines in the Seattle area? I don't even much want to go to the neurologist she recommended now.

posted in Migraine - 4 replies

disability

2005-05-03T01:05:24Z

has anyone ever applied for disability due to chronic migraines?

posted in Migraine - 8 replies

Migraine's topics - tribe.net

Sudden increase in migraines

So who's eating what pills?

New Migraine site looking for volunteers

Oxygen for migraines?

Howdy

verapamil

Migraine & Heart Attack RIsk

Hemipegic Migraines

Newbie/Oldie??

Thyroid hormone levels and migraines

Silent Migraines

long term health problems from Imitrex

New Tribe: Migraine Theory

[long] What Is A Migraine

recent trouble - Moderator here

websites and a few snippets

Sugar

Emergency medications for travel

Tried this on a migraine...and it worked!

Vicodin for Migraines

Caffeine

Chocolate? dark chocolate?

Migraines & birth control pills?

Food Triggers

The Migraneurs Bill of Rights

Has anyone tried or are you currently trying....

Neurontin, is anyone on it?

TENS units (electrical stimulation) as cure for migraines?

my neurologist

potato chips? salt cravings?

Beta Blockers

Indomethacin

Feverfew

Neuro Visit...kinda weird

what's your migraine like?

So....(x-post)

Injections vs. tablets

Interesting treatment for migraines:

Occipital Nerve Block

so tomorrow i go for an MRI

Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs

Migraine-related Strokes

Hypoglycemia Headaches

auras

I M I T R E X - Side Effects

migraines increased due to reducing other meds?

surgery

Avoidance of MSG / aspartame

Supplements

magnesium

GelStat MIGRAINE !!!

Workplace bull$hit

Test your knowledge on food triggers

Anybody trying anything new???

massage for migraines

MUST READ!!! Are Migraines All in Your Heart?

Lamictal and migraines

migraine books?

menstrual migraines

Migraines and the shrink

Topamax

Need Prescriptions & Can't Afford Them?

jaw-clenching side effect

My Adventure With Maxalt™

marijuana for migraines

Allergies - and I'm not talking about JUST sneezing....

excedrin variants

Compazine

Has anyone tried....

Relpax!!

Topamax SUCKS!!!

I could be a poster adult for migraines. *LOL* An introduction

Migraines pretty much gone....

New to this Tribe...at my wit's end!

MIGRAINE HEADACHES - posted 04.20.05

How much do you depend on your doctor?

disability

I could be a poster adult for migraines. LOL An introduction