Hello. I have been with headaches since I was 8 and a migraine sufferer since I was 17. I am now 38. I would get them on and off through out the years and had to deal with them with work and kids. I have been a stay at home mom for 8 years and 6 years ago I had a ATV accident and hurt my neck. Well 1 year later I started with this extreme pain in my head after painting my home. Well the pain lasted every day for 1 month. Since then that pain will come and go. It will stay for a month sometimes a few days. The pain would start from my neck up to my ear, temple, top of my head to the bridge of my nose like a sinus headache. If I didn't control the pain which was very hard without the right medication, which I haven't found, I would get a migraine with the vomiting. I've been okay lately, trying to exercise, drinking lots of water.
I just take Excedrin. Tried Zomig, got a rash and tingling burning sensation on my head. I'm waiting for an appointment with a nuerosurgeon. Haven't been to one in quite sometime because I was exhausted with the ending result which was "nothing". I have had CAT scans and an MRI. They did find lesions in my head. Want to know more info on that. My regular doctor didn't explain much. All she said was she's not worried unless I was 8 or 40. Well I'm 38, close to 40.
Well I hope we all find some relief soon.
God Bless

Linda

Linda <lborge@charter.net>
Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at 11:08:39

I have read a number of entries and I am not sure if anyone still keep up with this, however, it was a breath of fresh air to know that there are people out there who understand what I am going through and vice versa. I have been sufering from migraines from the time I was a child, so I would say at least 20 years. I was not formally diagnosed with it until 1997 while in the Navy. I have been on various meds and I have seen variuos types of doctors, but I still have about 3 migraines per week. The weather, stress, scents, light, foods, seasonings, can all trigger a migraine. During an episode, I usually vomit or almost always have nausea, I am weak and tired and want to crawl into the cocoon of my sheets and comforter and hide from the world. I get depressed because I am yet again sick. I have passed out so many times I can not count anymore. The military has often treated me like I have the plague or God only knows what else, because to them "you don't pass out from migraines.' I can't really work out (push ups, sit ups, running, stairmaster/treadmill) because it gives me migraines. Sometimes even intimacy gives me migraine! Right now, I am taking Depakote, Lexapro and Zomig for pain. I want to ask my doctor about topomax because a co-worker of mine takes that. Has any one tried that yet please let me know? I would gladly take any advice that anyone gives.

Andriea <andrieajohnson_1@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 19:06:53

It's me again. I was continuing to read the entries on here. You know, I felt compelled to write again. Most of you experience what I also experience with my headache.

I have a warm feeling like a hot flash before I have a strong burst of pain with my headace. People view me as "flushed" and I can see blotchy redness all over my face and neck. I usually get a red ear. It's so red, like Rudolph. I also feel tingly from my toes all the way to my head. I feel very "weid." I also have the white lights and "burned" images in my mind or when I close my eyes. I have passed out on several occasions and have been hospitalized, too. I have had the MRI and CT that reveals nothing. I have had the EEG that revealed seizure like activity but nothing definitive. I do have one side of the body that is only affected. I have shakes, or tremors, in my hands and neck, espeically. I feel like it's more of a jerking sensation.

I had been on birth control since I was 18. Remember, I developed the migraine at 13. I am now 28. I have only been off the BC for 5 months. My headaches haven't stopped. They haven't worsen. I do have more of a headache during my period but I have had that since I was 12.

Also, I told you I was prescribed Zoloft. It helped me calm down in the sense that when I used to close my eyes all I saw was "electricity" and now I don't see that. It's been a month that I have been on it. I can rest without seeing the spots or electricity. I am able to fall asleep easier, too.

OK. Enough for today. I'll write more later.

Martha <Stina575@Aol.com>
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 09:42:00

Incredible. Thank you for allowing me to hear your point of views. I suffer from daily migraine headaches. I'm 28 years old and began suffering from migraines at 13 years old. Although I am not new to the "pain and suffering" I still become depressed and angry because of my headaches.

Much like others, I have been through all medications. Most make me deathly ill and I cannot stomach any of it. Makes me wonder how kids can get high on pain killers for fun. I was in a roll over car crash 2 years ago which only aggravated my migraines. I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyaglia, too. I am on my way to the Mayo Clinic in a few weeks to investigate further what damage was caused as a result of my crash. I broke several vertebra in my neck and spine which obviously doesn't help relieve my pain.

Sometimes I take the usual medication for my migraine and it won't work. Other times, I can take it and it will work like a gem. My pain level is usually at an 8 on a daily basis. I wake up frequently with a headache and it contributes to my irritable mood and attiude.

I am most frustrated trying to explain my situation to people. No one understands unless they also suffer from migraines. I hear people say, "It's just a headache." I am disgusted with their apathetic attitude. If it was "just" a headache I wouldn't have even said anything to begin with. I can't be touched to relieve my pain because of my fibromyalgia so pampering myself at the spa is out of question.

I'm seeking support. This site helped me. It almost made me sigh with relief that others actually experience the burden I live with daily. I enjoyed taking Topomax but it created kidney stones. I had 6 total. Hello. I don't think anyone needs to experience that. I didn't have a headache for 2 weeks straight. Isn't that Murphy's Law?

I take Zofran on the occasions I am overwhelmed with nausea. It really helps. I do inject myself with Imitrex and take Phrenilin for major accute pain. I am on Depakote for prevention but that isn't helping. It causes more of a distress on my stomach than assist me with pain relief. The doc decided to give me Zoloft because I am anxious and depressed. Hello. Why would it be any other way? I have to say it has helped calm me down but let's look at the totality of the circustance.

Sometimes I feel invisible to others. I hear that I look great so I should be OK but I don't feel that way. I hear that I am so young that only old people suffer from my medical marvels. I hear that I am just stressed and need to learn to relax. I am sick of listening.

My headache is in my neck. I hurt so bad. It pounds so heavy it's like a percussion section with symbols inside my head. I can hear my heart beating inside my head. I do feel a spinning sensation and can vomit instantly if I don't lie down. I need a dark room with "white" noise like a fan. I use a side sleeper body pillow because I deem the fetal position appropriate. I should buy stock in ice packs. I use them endlessly.

I've stayed away from caffeine, wine, cheese, MSG, and omega. La La La La La.......... To no avail. I think my nero thinks I am crazy and he is ready to pull the plug on me. That's why I am going to the Mayo. I live in Minneapolis so it is not a burden to go.

Sometimes I feel like I am in a bubble of hopelessness because I keep having terrible migraines and experience the gift of a good day so rarely. I hear the same story from doctor to doctor that I don't even want to go back to the doctor. My husband is truly supportive and has encouraged me to go to the Mayo. He said that the limited scope of vision with my current doctors prevents me from seeking greater assistance.

Anyone who has had a migraine knows how hard it is to explain why we can't get out of bed, why we had to cancel plans, or why we can't go to work. Daily routines are difficult and that creates more anxiety and frustration.

Keep writing. I want to hear your story. Warm thoughts and prayers to everyone with pain.

Martha

Martha <Stina575@Aol.com>
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 09:23:39

I'VE HAD MIGRAINES FOR SEVERAL YEARS.I THOUGHT I FOUND THE WONDER DRUG WITH TOPAMAX.I TOOK 100MG TWICE A DAY FOR APPROX.3 YEARS.MY CO-WORKERS/HUSBAND FIRST NOTICED I HAD PROBLEMS WITH WORD FINDING/OR THEY HAD TO FINISH MY THOUGHTS.I LIKED THE SIDE EFFECT OF WEIGHT LOSS,I LOST 40 POUNDS & DIDN'T CRAVE SWEETS LIKE USUAL...BUT IN 2/05 I STARTED HAVING INCREASED PROBLEMS WITH MY COORDINATION(I COULDN'T FOLLOW SIMPLE COMMANDS)ALSO I STARTED STUTTERING & HAD PROBLEMS WITH WORD FINDING WHICH WORRIED ME.THE NEURO'S PA WAS SURE I HAD MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.MY S/S WERE GETTING WORSE & MY NEURO'S OFFICE WASN'T BEING AS HELPFUL/CARING AS I THOUGHT THEY SHOULD BE,SO I WENT TO EMORY.THAT MD PROMPTY TOLD ME TO STOP THE TOPAMAX,HE WENT AHEAD & CHECKED FOR MS EVEN THOUGH HE REALLY DIDN'T THINK IT WAS THAT.STOPPING THE TOPAMAX HELPED,IT STOPPED THE SYMPTOMS PLUS I NOTICED I WASN'T NEAR AS FATIGUED.(I DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE THAT WAS CAUSING ME THAT)....I DON'T WANT TO DISCOURAGE ANYONE FROM TAKING THIS DRUG,I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW MY S/S..I PLAN ON GOING TO A NEW NEURO & TRYING XONOGRAM & SEE IF IT WILL HELP ME....GOOD LUCK...

luvanurse <luvanurse1@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 03:24:35

I was just searching for a Migraine support group and happened upon this site. I totally sympathize with all those entries I've read, having been a sufferer myself for the last 11+ years. My diagnosis came by accident, when I went to the doctor for a totally different reason. He thought I looked awful and I said I'd had this incredble headcache for the last two days. When I described all the symptoms, bloodshot eyes, light sensitivity, trememodous pressure and pain, etc. etc., he automatically knew it was migraines (he gets them too!) and prescribed Fiorinal. It works ok sometimes, but if I wake up with the headache, it takes 2 or 3 doses to get any relief - I metabolize any drugs very quickly, lucky me! :( One day it was so bad I went to the ER at the hospital, and they gave me a shot of Toradol (Ketorolac) and within 30 minutes, it was much better. I had to practically beg my doctor to give me a few pills - he said they're very bad for your stomach...what isn't?! Anyway, just wanted to wish you all: empathy and compassion from your loved ones, and no more Migraines. May they find a cure for this...soon.

AFG <branwenrose@yahoo.com>
Sunday, April 24, 2005 at 17:32:22

I started getting migranes when I got hurt playing soccer. Docters don't know if it was coindence that i got hurt at the sane time i got hurt b/c my mom gets them. But my migraines are really bad That one half of my body goes numd, my tongue goes numb people can't understander what I say (but i know what i want to say), My one hand draws up, I can't see out of my one eye, my mouth draws up. The side of body that goes numb is the opposite side of my migraine. It is just like a stroke. But the docters can't find any signs of stroke. Even though Reality of a Migraine can be stroke. When my mom Found out that migraine can be involved with a stroke we are getting a second oppion now. Even thought i have have MRI's, MRA'S, and CT's. But if there is any one else who reads this with the same problem, please e-mail me a tell me what you have done or what your docters have said. Thank You

Samantha <sammejane@yahoo.com>
Friday, April 22, 2005 at 09:14:14

I am a 52 year old transgendered woman and have had twice weekly migraines since 5 years old. When I was younger they only lasted a day, now they last for three but they are far 'easier' to manage now. When I was a child my parents owned a bakery and I ate cakes and bread all the time but no one understood why I spent most of my childhood with my head down the toilet! As a child I was sick with no pain. When I hit my teens, I got pain and was never sick. So as I got older I found my body did not like wheat. Drinking plenty of water and getting a good amount of exercise has done wonders for me. I walk on a treadmill every day at home and do yoga after. It has all made a good difference. Also slowing down and taking things quieter works for me as well but that's a consequence of getting older I think. However, I could still take 50mg of Sumatriptan every day if my doctor let me! I am unfortunately addicted to aspirin. My secret is...what you are allowed, take in moderation. I will not get a migraine if I eat one slice of bread but will if I have four. One late night is okay but two is not. One piece of excitment is alright but three is not. Walk the middle path. I am also doing what I love best; writing and I am now a published novelist. Is self respect tied up with illness? One of the best things I have found is simple; a frozen bottle of water at -20C held close to the eye, on the neck or next to the temple. I have had about 8,000 of them and my mother had them and her mother as well. How did they cope without drugs?!

Jean winchester <jeanwinchester@tesco.net>
Thursday, April 21, 2005 at 09:23:40

Hi, I'm a 14 year old girl who gets minor migraines compared to some of you. As I was reading some of the entries posted I began to relize how very lucky I actually am. I have migraines(ovbiously), but I never have had any like the ones some of you have. I've never fainted, missed school/work for more than a couple of days, or been hospitalized. I always thought that when people complained about having a headache that its nothing and all they have to do is take some medicine, but now I know that I may be wrong and that they may actually be suffering.
I admire all of you that have had the worse of the worst when it comes to migraines. I feel so guilty thinking I was having some of the worst. Now I relize my migraines are nothing but little headaches. May God bless you all with relief and take pity on you. I hope one day you all have sweet relief.

GOD BLESS,

Maggie

Maggie <maggs_babes017@juno.com>
Monday, April 18, 2005 at 20:15:59

Hai there...
I'm 23 years old female and i'm from Malaysia. I started having this migrain since i was 6 years old. I really could not stand with this pain. It attacks me when i'm stress, hot weather, missed meals, etc. My headaches came on 5 to 6 per weeks. I have this really pain on my neck and my whole head. Sometimes i could not open my eyes because of sensitive to the lights. I also sensitive with the sound and smell. Usually, when i got migrain, i just only lie down in a quiet dark room. I tried a lot of drugs medicine and tradisional medicine since past few years. I tried the toxin extractor pad, 'bekam' treatment and reflexsology, etc. It's just help me prevent this pain around 2 or 3 months only, and then it came back. Having this migrain really effects my daily activites especially on my study. Sometimes i just want to hit my head on the wall when i'm stress with the pain. Right now, i'm just depending on the drugs medicine.I hope someday there will be cure for this things.Thanks for listening.

-aki- =)

aki <aki_ross111@yahoo.com>
Monday, April 18, 2005 at 03:45:25

Hi everyone,
I'm so sorry that there are so many people who are suffering as badly as I am.

I have had Chronic Daily Headaches with transformed migraine since I was 10 (fifteen years). I have tried almst every medication under the sun and I have the most terible reactions. My neuro tells me that I am a very difficult patient and after 15 years of treatment he's not sure what else he can do for me. they Somtime the pain is so ovewhelming and I can be out of commision for days, weeks, or months. I have accepted that that the preventavives do not work for me and I am trying to jus live with the pain. Right now I have been stuck in a terrible headache pattern for the last few weeks and I have been at a level 10 for the last few days. I have no idea why I am at the computer and if I am even making sense. It is 3:36am and I can't sleep. I have exhausted all of my pain relief options aside from hopsitalization. During my last hospitalization I was there for almost 2 months, developed 2 infections and a blood clot that almost killed me. I am terrified - to say the least - to go back. I am close to losing my job.

I think the part that is kiling me the most right now is the guilt that I can not do simple tasks and I can see this taking a toll on my fiance. He reamains supportive and tells me to relax, but I can tell that this is just killing him.

Thanks for listening.
-Nicole

Nicole <nikobg@aol.com>
Friday, April 15, 2005 at 02:46:24

Hello, My name is Lorrie and I fell 2 months ago down some metal stairs hit the right side of the back of my head. It swelled up and I treated it at home with ice and alieve thinking nothing more of it until.....I started having HORRIBLE pains in my head all the time and headaches if you call these extremely painful jolts of pain a migraine which I have NEVER EVER had and no family back ground of it either. Last week neoroligist looked over my cat and MRI scans and said he say a cyst behind my right ear but mostly suffering from now called my new adventuriest friend a MIGRAINE! I did not sleep at all last night and held my head most of the night and day. I went to my PCP and he said that fluid around the mastoid was full and needed to see a ENT the Ear Nose Throat Doctor said I need to see I neorologist and he said I will see you again in one month after giving me only 6 one tablet samples of Maxalt 10mg. Hmmmm I have used all of them in one weekend and now still suffering very very much I am returning to him tomorrow to ask if he can relive the pressure that is behind my ear that possibly might be causing the jolts of pain throughout my head like lightening strikes! Is there such thing??? Is there a sonagram that they can do?????Help ME!!!!

Lorrie <pattykirkman2004@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 18:44:15

Hello,I have a 20 year old son who is suffering from migraines. my son case is some what diffrent the most on here.my son suffered as a child but over the past 5 months he has had a migrane 24/7 he has been on several diffrent meds.they 1st gave him the amitrex that was costing me 210.00 for ten pills 25 mg (we have no insurance)that did not even help. so the upgraded it to 100 mg that did help but for only 2hrs at a time a person is only suppose to take 200 mg a day. then they gave amitriptyline hcl once at night with 4 asprine. that did not work then they went too metoclopramide 10 mg with 400 mg of bare asprine again it did not work. now he is taking the amitriptyline, verapamil sa 120mg once a day butalbital/apap/caffeine tbmik he has to take 2 4 times a day only 4 days a week and the amitex the other 3 the other day he had a migraine the other day that was so bad he could not move his body for 5-10 mins not that he did not try to move his body just would not move. while this was happening i called his doc who did no get back too me for 3 days. we have another appt in 7 days for some reason know one feels any of this is a big deal

laurie <summer_1_@msn.com>
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 14:16:27

Hello all! I ran across this web site today while looking up sites on migraines. After reading the entries in here, it is nice to know that the pain and symptoms I have from my migraines, are common to others. I started having migraines in 1981 and they have recently gotten worse and last for weeks at at time.. I'm taking so much medication with no relief. Have imitrex shots, migranal nose spray, nadalol, phenergan and even thorizine.. get real tired of the constent pain and my right eye stays blurry all the time.. had to take prednisone last week and then go to my primary dr for injection of nubain and phenergan.. helped for 1 day then headache was back. have used stadol nose spray and it just makes me feel high. Looks like with all the nuerologists and technology in this world, they would discover something to help all of us to stop this madness we live in.. have appointment tomorrow with neurologist. maybe will help..had a mri one year ago that should white spots on my brain in the area that the pain is .. maybe some day they will discover something to help us.. may God bless you all .. take care sheryl

Sheryl <sanns1958@aol.co,>
Sunday, April 10, 2005 at 16:28:42

Hello,I was doing some research on migraine headaches,I saw this site and enjoyed reading the e-mails from people who like me suffer with migraines.I started having them about one year ago.They only happened a few times,Now I'm having them every day,I will have them 4to5 days in a row,then miss a
few days then they start again.They come on very sudden,lasting 10 to 20 min.I have been taking excedrin (migraine) That helps for now,along with darvocet.I'm not sure what type migrains I'm having.From what I've read they sound like clusters.This site tells me I'm not the only person that has this problem.Has any one tried an Otc drug called Gel-Stat? It is used Under the tongue.Thanks for listening.Good Luck to all.

Ruby <therube2000@webtv.net>
Sunday, April 10, 2005 at 13:45:20