Hello Migraine Sufferers....
I have been living with Migraines since Ive been 15. I swear, the older Im getting, the worse they are. On an average month I would say 10-15 days per month I suffer.(sometimes more)I Have studied everything out there, read books and Journals.I have seen Doctor after Doctor, Catscans, and MRI's.PhysioTherapy, Chriro(ended up in the hospital next day, my neck felt like it was on fire, and I felt like I my head was ready to explode). Every Theraputic Pillow out there, potions, and lotions.Icepacks, and heatPads. Then there are the drugs.(I worry about my liver!) Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Triptans after Triptans. I recently tried the latest called "Axert".The first time I used it It worked, then my headache returned 2 hours later. Second dose didnt help. I tried again a few weeks later, and I swear that day anything I took made it worse. Its like sometimes I can hear my head throbbing against my pillow. I have had so many conclusions....from Barametric pressure(in which is true when a storm moves in) Then there are Tension Migraines...One of the worse. I feel it in my back, up to-between my shoulderblades, then feels like an elastic band tightening around the top of my head. My neck can barly move. I also start one before my Menstrul cycle-excrutiating pain! Then while I ovulate, that is a doosy one. Then the food triggers...I know them all..Yes, MSG, Nitrates (bacon sausage etc.),Tetrazine, Benzoate, Pickled goods,Chocolate Cheeses, Corn and Bananas are bad ones.Also Fresh yeast baked goods. I can go on, oh yes Eggs are a no, no to! Many times pain killers give me rebounds. Im a 33 year old mom of 2 babys.1 year and 3 year old. I hate when I cant be a happy mommy. Mommy has a headache? I pray everyday for a good day, I will even take a mild one! My Neurologist recently put me on Amitriptiline(Anti-depress.) to help with Chronic pain...I was a walking Zombie, I felt horrible!When I feel tense more up, when I know I have a migraine starting, Adavan helps, but can be addictive. Also gives sore throats and Cancer sores. I dont want to be addicted. Not for me, I have responsibilities.God, I envy those who have pain free days! (touchwood) Anyways, I just wanted to share my story,Perhaps there is someone out there who this sounds all to Familiar,(Or know theyre are) or perhaps just someone who has some advice. Best to you all.. Take Care...Mellisa

Mellisa <lmorwood@hotmail,com>
Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 20:49:49

I have suffered from migraines since I was 14 or 15. I am now nearly 48 and the migraines have become so frequent - 2 to 3 a week. I have tried everything as well. My daughter was married last year and I ultimately resorted to topamax in order to get through the wedding. I was a zombie for the most important day in my daughter's life - and not even migraine free! I had to take Relpax on top of the Topamax. I vowed never again! I weened myself from all of the meds I was on - include OTC meds like Excedrin and went to see a homeopath. We've been working on my headaches for a year now and both the frequency and intensity has improved. Instead of 2 or 3 a week I get 4 a month and the intensity seldom increases beyond that "beginning" stage. I was not a true believer in homeopathy before this but something worked even if it was just the practioner being simpathetic that I might truly be suffering. I figured - what did I have to lose! Fortunately, my insurance covers the office visits. The best part is the rememdies cost a fraction of what the prescriptions used to cost. I seldom spend more than $50 or $60 a month on rememdies. You can't say that about relpax or topamax.

Laura <azcorra@aol.com>
Monday, July 3, 2006 at 05:36:33

Hi everyone,
I started getting migraines when I hit puberty. Most of the migraines were triggered by food and when I threw up, the worst of the pain ended. However as I got older I was getting them more and more frequently, about 2 a month,. When I turned 20 I went on the combined pill and for two years, not a single migraine! Wow! Then I moved to a different country and my prescription ran out. The Dr. in the new country refused to refill my combined pill prescription as I was a 25% increased risk of having a stroke due to the type of migraine I have (classic) and taking the combined pill. So I started to take the progestrogen only pill and my migraines came back with a vengence. Was getting 3 a week. I tried every single over the counter migraine medication available. My Dr. started at the top of the list and we worked our way down that list. Nothing at all worked. So then I quit the pill. Apparently the progestrogen only pill has the side effect of migraines. Hmm...
I was still getting the occasional migraine so I was put on beta blockers. I've been propanolol hydrocholride for a year now and I have had only one migraine, which was ages ago. The only side effect was some weight gain, about 10 pounds, but as my Dr. said, 10 pounds or a migriane? I'll take the 10 pounds! I recommended the beta blockers, they are cheap, only about $25 for 100 (take one daily). Saved my life!
~kristin

Kristin <crazytrowel@gmail.com>
Monday, July 3, 2006 at 00:57:30

Hi
I have had migraines for 20 years or so...Tried everything under the sun! I have an appointment with the Diamond Clinic in Chicago in a couple of weeks and was wondering if anyone had any dealings with them? I am to the point to where I am desparate to do anything...Any help please!
Thanks,

Lisa

Lisa Yeatman <yeatman@cableone.net>
Saturday, June 24, 2006 at 11:20:04

I am 23 yrs old and have been getting migraines since I turned 12. I went through a period where they were really bad when I turned 16/17. Was put on Depakote (it didn't work). Was weened off of that. Then was given Verapamil. This worked. Took this for awhile. My migraines called down. Was taken off Verapamil. Went to college, and they went away for awhile on their own (i know, its a miracle). Graduated, and BAM, they came back. I know that stress is a factor that makes you more sensitive to your triggers. I was getting migraines left and right. Went back to my neurologist. He put me on Topamax. I take this now every day 200 mg. I also take Magnesium 400 mg. The migraines calmed down. I also am getting headaches during the week. And was getting mentrual migraines. I seeked out an acupuncturist. He did 2 treatments, and for the first time in one year, i did not get the debilitating menstrual migraine with my cycle!!!! He has also helped to reduce the amount of headaches I'm getting during the week. (since my neurologist said he can't help me with those, go figure). So there is hope out there. I also had to quit coffee and all caffeine (which was sooo hard!) So there are tons of steps you have to take. No alcohol. So its hard to socialize sometimes. Exercise. To get your endorphins going in your body. All I want is for a wonderful preventative to be developed and for all of us to feel great everyday. Wishful thinking....

Dee
Friday, June 23, 2006 at 18:06:24

I have had migraines sense I was about 7 years old. I am now 35 and still having the pain and seems as if they are getting more intense as time goes by. I have the major pain on the left side of my head most of the time, but it does shift to the right from time to time. I maybe have 4-5 days that are without a migraine. I have seen doctors about this and neurologists and now I have a dr that gave me that new med cymbalta, just helped in the beginning some.
Now I am still taking cymbalta and just started adding seroquel. I just feel really irritable and shakey?? I have taken so many different kinds of prescriptions, I am tired!!! I feel like I finally found a site that people are talking the way I feel. What do I do when the really bad ones come and alls you want to do is die??? I always have the worst time when those hit..

Jeannie <jeanniewith6kids@msn.com>
Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 01:19:05

I wish more people would post and say how there Migraines have gotten a lot "better" over the years... I started getting mine in highschool, and it's 15 years later, still getting them. Until recently I never went to a doctor about them because while I did get pretty nasty ones, I only got them about once a year, which on the grand scheme of things isn't all that bad. This year I've had 6 so far, 3 of them in the last week and with all new symptoms (my latest one was loss of speech, which I understand isn't all too uncommon, but scared the heck out of me.) Anyway, off to the neurologist, 15 years late, but better late than never...

Dennis Stalnaker <pariah131@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 11:45:05

Hello everyone, my name is Shelley. I am 33 years old and have suffered with migraines for most of my life. They have gotten alot worse over the last 2 years, increasing from 3or4 per year to 3or4 per month lasting for 3 days at a time. I am looking to share information and support with other migraineurs. So check out my webpage and feel free to drop me a line. The webpage is my first attempt so forgive the quality.

Shelley Kirby <fit33fan@yahoo.ca>
Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 15:41:05

I have migraines. I've always had them! They've been getting much worse in the last three years. It's really bad because I'm doing my final year of high school this year. AHhhh.

Katja Bak <katjabak@hotmail.com>
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 at 22:41:07

My daughter has been suffering for two years with migraines. It has been difficult getting help for her in DC. They have really been bad. Do any have have any ideas about 504?

Wilma <ladywg@yahoo.com>
Sunday, June 4, 2006 at 18:06:52

Hi everyone! I am feeling a little bit better. I had surgery 2 weeks ago. Dealing the pain from surgery and the migraines has been hard, but I am on the mend. I have had to go to the hospital twice since the operation. The doctors were actually easier to deal with for the meds, but I am sure they will be horrible again when I have recovered from the surgery. My family has been great. Hope everyone is doing well talk to you soon.

kym <ktstod4@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 16:52:08

Hello everyone. I am new here. I am 31 yrs old and have suffered from migraine headaches on and off for the last 3 years. I have always had the kind where it was all over my head, but this past week, I had the kind with numbness, sharp pains on the right side of my head and behind my eye. I have only had to go to the ER once for a migraine I had last October. Last year, they gave me a Demerol shot with Benadryl and sent me home with a hydrocodone prescription. I still had some hydrocodone left so I took it this past Friday night. Almost immediately after I took it, my headache felt better, but my neck became numb and even a tooth started tingling. I was worried, but thought it was part of the migraine. I woke up yesterday morning with the same headache. I couldn't even raise my head. I took another hydrocodone which made me feel better and I was able to get up, but a few hours later my headache came back. I took another hydrocodone. Today I could feel my headache coming back and took a hydrocodone, but this time my headache went away and my throat felt like it was closing up. I went to the ER where the doctor told me that it was just an unpleasant side effect of hydrocodone. He told me to stop taking it and wrote me a script for Fioricet. I haven't filled it yet, but I'm sitting right here wishing I filled it earlier because my head is starting to hurt again. I always had BAD headaches around my period, but I stopped taking birth control about 3 months ago. Could that be why my headaches have become debilitating? I don't want to go back on the pill. Does Fioricet work? I would appreciate any feedback. I'm going to go to a regular doctor next week I guess, but I am always afraid to ask for any narcotics for fear that they will look at me like I'm just some druggy. I've never had any problems with addiction, but I can see how I could become addicted if my headaches don't get better.

Rita <rj1061@yahoo.com>
Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 2:00:29

Hi, my name is Tonya and I've had severe migraines since I was 18. I'm 38 now. I have a 'bad' neurologist who only see's me for 5 minutes, once a month and says "continue on the same medications, or go to the ER if the migraine lasts for longer than 5 days". NICE, right? He has me on a preventative, Verapamil er, and was on Midrin and Fiorinal, which did little to help. Relpax 40 mg for the attacks, and now Maxalt, which does nothing at all. I have taken so much aspirin that it is upsetting my stomach. A typical migraine will last many days. The one I am currently experiencing has lasted over 20 days (no I didn't go to the ER), with left sided pain, vomiting x about 2 weeks, sensitivity to light, sound and smell. I am constantly hiding myself in a very dark room, ice packs on my eyes, and very close to a bathroom. But does anyone out there get the migraines for longer that a few days??? My neurologist is an ass. He doesn't listen, and always recommends the same things. If I go to the ER, I do usually get relief. Usually IV Dilautid or Morphine and Phenergan. I need help and went to the ER but the wait was about 7 hours. No way was I going to sit there with a migraine and vomiting for 7 hours just to be seen. Please e-mail me if you have any advice or comments.

Tonya <antfan@earthlink.net>
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 4:01:58

caution of some topamax users:
Hello everyone, I also have many headaches per month, I have been to all of the doctors, done the MRI, etc. all that other stuff, including differet medications, well tonight I quit taking my topamax. In the last 2 weeks my doctor had increased my dose for the first time, until then it seemed like it had been doing well for my headaches. In the last week I have had suicidal thoughts and had a hard time being around other people also, I have been very angry and argumentitive with everyone lately it seems that I will just pick an argument for no reason and later when im alone I wonder why I even cared. I hate everyone and everything I just want to be left alone. I got so angry last night I punched the wall and hurt my hand really bad, and there was really no reason for it all. I have never in my life felt this way. It is the most horible feeling. I hope it is all over soon,and I have a new relief for my headaches too.

mandi <miyakorin80@yahoo.com>
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 11:52:32

ITS MOTHER'S DAY!

Here I sit having been broadsided by two events. First - the ongoing chronic disabling migraine. Next - a letter of rejection of disability benefits.

How does one explain to one's children that you are sick again/still? How do you explain that you just can't get up and go out to celebrate the day when everyone else is? How do you explain the frustration and despair that is welling up inside you and threatening to swallow you up?

How do you deal with an appeal to a government agency when you are feeling physically and emotionally overwhelmed? How do you explain the nature of pain? How do you differentiate yourself from all the thousands of others who are in the same situation?

How do you face yourself in the mirror in the morning (if you can make it to the mirror)? How do you get over the feeling of hopelessness as you face losing your home, your life? How do
you face yourself and your children on a day like today when disaster and ruin stare back at you?

Oh, you take a course in "Anger Management" to deal with your frustration. You take pain meds so others don't have to deal with you. But you can't take too much. You can't take the "heavy stuff" because it is so bad for you, You could even become dependent or you could end up overdoing it or just looking for rebound headaches! So you go to natural means. But medical insurance doesn't cover that and you can't afford the supplements and remedies because (remember), you don't have income or benefits.

But please, don't be ANGRY. This is not a "good thing". You are not "allowed" to get depressed. Depression is also not a "good thing". We don't want you to get depressed, so take more medication and become a zombie. Now THIS is a "good thing". It will keep you calm (comatose); it will keep you out of the way; (stop you from putting forward an effective appeal) and we won't have to pay you!

I don't want to be on medication that makes me foggy. I don't want to be on medication that takes my days and nights away from me. I want to LIVE LIFE AND LIVE IT SIGNIFICANTLY! I want to wake up in the morning and enjoy the world. I would love to be DOING something instead of wishing for the pain relief (physical and emotional), oblivion brings.

Is it always about money? Is our world always going to be about how much we can squeeze out of each other? Will there ever be a world where we care for each other, just because we CARE? Will there be a world where we SHARE with each other? Or will we continue to be one step above the animal kingdom where it is still the survival of the fittest and some are left to wither slowly?

OH, AND BY THE WAY, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Lynne <lynneisaacs@yahoo.com>
Sunday, May 14, 2006 at 12:00:29