Migraine Journal

The on-line migraine journal is intended to be an area for migraine sufferers to post their migraine histories and experiences.

The journal is intended to be a place to accumulate experiences and information, which can be used as a reference to those who wish to learn more about what it is like to be a migraine sufferer.

Please note: Posts are no longer being added to this journal. Please use the discussion forum for question/response types of entries.





Still not taken any analgesics and still taking the 2 anti inflamitories and no migraines yet, almost 2 months. The first month or so off analgesics I had some mild to moderate headaches but no migraines and the last few weeks only a couple mild to moderate headaches. Seems to be working. I will update in a couple more months. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Oh, I have been running, also, most weeks 5 days and am now up to 3 miles with a goal of 5 miles, 5 days a week. I think the stress reduction from running is a component too.

Dennis McCowan

dennis mccowan <dennismccowan@yahoo.com>
Wednesday, July 28, 2004 at 11:43:09



I have been suffering from "weather" headaches all of my life ehich is a self diagonosis due to be diligent observations and studying of my symptoms and tracking. After years of visiting doctors with no relief and no proper diagonosis, I took it upon myself to conduct the necessary research and treatment remedies.
To date, once i have a barometric migraine the best relief I can get is from 100% peppermint oil rubbed onto/into my nose to absorb the minty aromas to calm the headaches acute pain. This along with aspirin, ibruprofen and ice packs with gingerale to settle my stomach is the only treatment that gives me any relief.

Linda from Atlanta

Linda D Garland <LDGXOXO@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, July 20, 2004 at 15:24:12



Hi! Is there anyone out there who has tried marijuana for migraines? I've been trying it for over 6 mos now with positive results. I'd love any kind of feedback on this topic or any other migraine-related topic!

Thank you,

Angela

Angela McC <mcjane23@hotmail.com>
Saturday, July 10, 2004 at 22:00:52



I need info about"ice pick " headaches.

Jeannine <happynene@aol.com>
Saturday, July 10, 2004 at 07:54:22



Sorry, this is long...but I have a long history - good news...there is hope in sight. I hope this helps someone else.

I'm almost 38 and have had migraines since I was 12 and started my menstral cycle. At first, I had menstral migraines, then they came and went...always very quickly and very dibilitating. I had an incredible doctor when I was 14 who soon was appointed a position at the National Headache Foundation. She taught me of the many food triggers (dairy, chocolate, citrus, pork products, vinegars, sodium nitrates, MSG, caffeine, red wine, bananas, etc.) and I began to experiment. Thank God small doses of chocolate were not a factor...but vinegar is in a lot of things and my daily banana at track practice produced migraines at least twice a week. Of course good sleep and bad stress are always factors, but they are easier to control. I've also had a few cluster headaches....not so easy to control!

My biggest factor is weather. I've started keeping a weather journal from a graph you can get from www.weatherunderground.com. I've found that sudden changes in barometric pressure and possibly wind speeds cause unavoidable headaches...and until now I thought I'd tried every medicine seemingly on the planet since age 14. I'm finally onto something that's working...more soon.

I also have fibromyalgia, myofacial pain syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome. I'm a big pain in the neck - literally. The pain was creating migraines as well. I started injection therapy...phenol and cortisone in several trigger point areas for the first time last July...the beginning of peak migraine season which corresponds with peak thunderstorm season. I didn't have a single migrain until January when I was ready for my next treatment. I was utterly amazed.

In January, I had another round of treatments (understand that there can be several weeks during a single "round" depending on how many trigger areas you have and how much of the painful injections you can stand (take darvocet before you go and have someone drive you home!). Well, the second round did virtually nothing for my migraines, but was effective with my fibro, etc.

Not able to get into see my neurologist for six weeks, I went to my regular doctor. He prescribed Axert to take at onset. At the time, I was having at least 12 headaches a month and 95% of the time, it aborted the headache within 45 minutes. Amazing! However, I still wanted to find a way to lessen the frequency of the headaches. I went back to this same doctor for another issue and mentioned the headaches, along with some unexplained numbness in my extremities and groin that I'd never experienced with my other symptoms. He prescribed Nortryptilin 10mg. It is an antidepressant as a higher dose...but in lower doses works with pain syndromes and such. It's been 30 days, we've had thunderstorms almost daily and I've only had one start of a headache (took axert to abort it) and it was because I forgot to take the meds two days in a row. From 12 to one in a month...I'll take it. And the Nortryptilin is CHEAP.

I still have that appointment scheduled at the same neurologist office...the one who continues to put me on expensive medicines that don't work and cause terrible side effects. I still need to keep some pain meds handy for the headaches that do come...but can't wait to say that otherwise, I hope I can avoid being the continual human guinea pig I felt I've been for so many years.

Best of luck to all migraine sufferers...keep a journal..keep reading this stuff...there's hope!

Jolyn
Wednesday, July 7, 2004 at 14:02:32



I am trembling right now. Just finding all of you makes me want to jump out of my skin. I am so afraid to talk to you about this. It is every day, every day............it moves in sometimes on my morning coffee and quiet time with God. What an invader. What does M have against me. I haven't done anything wrong. I keep track, I try not to over stress. I stay as open, honest, healthy and whole as I can possible stay and still the m's persist. I do not believe that stuff about rebound........I have tried one doc's idea of getting off all meds. So much for trusting him. I then was left with the suffering and the migraine. I went back to my original neurologist who will let me try about anything I can think of and offers support even though he cannot fix me. No more suffering for me. I take Imitrex when I need it....mostly every day.....sometimes I get a reprieve for a day or two in a row but not often. Right now I am trying Wellbutrin 150mg plus an attempt to increase to 300mg. My counselor (and I am also tired of paying for counseling along with the meds) suggested I may need an antidepressant. The W seems to be helping something. I am really afraid of me and medication. Got addicted to pain meds once and had to go to treatment. Everyime I have to take a medicine, I want to run away and resist. But I am going to stay with this Wellbutrin and see what happens. At least I feel different. Anyone would be depressed living with daily headache invaders. They are mind snatchers. Lifestyle threatening. And robbing my life one day at a time.
I am so glad you are here. Maybe writing about it with you will help. I want to cry.

Donna Carpenter <donnacarp@aol.com>
Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 11:30:40



I have now gone several weeks with no migraines and only a few very mild headaches. The pain in my temples and eye sockets is still present some days. I have taken no analgesics. Perhaps, the anti-inflammatory drugs are working. Time will tell. I will keep you posted.

Dennis McCowan

dennis mccowan <dennismccowan@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 10:45:26



I got hit with migraines two years ago. I'm a 43 year old female.
The migraine frequency increased pretty rapidly until I was/am having migraines everyday.
I haven't been able to work in two years.

I tried Lamictal, topamax, and Neurontin. The Neurontin started to really help after about a month. So for three months I was getting about 16 migraine free days a month.
I have gained a lot of weight since I started on the Neurontin.
A couple of people have told me they did too.

It stopped working for the most part, I can tolerate light and sound, after I had a hysterectomy on 4/6/04.

My neurologist started me on Depakote ER on the 10th of June. I've had four migraine free days since then so I'm hopeful.
I'm still take a daily dose of Neurontin also,for now.

I'm also on Relpax now. It's pretty fast acting. My insurance company will only give me 18 tablets per month.
My doctor pads it out with samples, thankgoodness.

I've been getting Botox injections since December and found they do really help the pain level. It just takes three weeks or so for the Botox to kick in. It seems like forever.
My doctor sent me to another neurologist for the injections because he doesn't do them. I only get charged for the Botox but it's still so expensive, 537.00 every three months.


I thought I was nuts because some mornings I just can't drink my cup of coffee then 2 to 3 hours later I will get a migraine.
This was 100% accurate for a year. I finally remembered to ask my doctor.

He said I have a taste aura. Does anyone else have this?
I don't get the light aura.

I'm so happy I found this site. It's nice to know I'm not alone in my battle and that I'm not nuts.. I'm sorry we all have to go through this.

Tracy <nodosagal@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 07:48:29



Oh my God!! This is so unbelievable to read about people that are going through the same exact thing that I am starting to go through. I am 36 years old, and I had my first migraine after a bowling tournament in Cinncinnati Oh, in 1998. I start seeing aura in my vision and at the time I did not know what was happening to me. After the aura, I had the worst headache I had ever had in my entire life. Completely Immobilizing. I vomited and seemed to feel better afterwards. I had the migraines maybe once every six months, and here recently they have become very frequently. I have been taking motrin 600mg at the first sign of aura for the past two weeks and I have not had a headache at all. BUT!!!!!! I have been experiencing some real serious dizzy spells lately. These spells are so intense that I literally have to grab on to something. I had one on the expressway the other day, and was able to pull off at the next exit to gain my composure. I have been give samples of relpax which seems to work well, and have a few side effects. Now that I have found out that blackouts are associated with these dizzy spells I am almost afraid to drive. I have my first appointment with a neurologist in 2 weeks. I am wondering now if it is even worth it. I heard about the magnesuim and B2 with riboflavin from a coworker of mine. I have had to call off a couple days due to migraines, but not many. I think I am going to keep praying. All of you, keep praying, because god is real and prayer changes things. I have 2 boys, 2 and 9, and I have a long way to go with their lives, I dont need this.

Tina Whitfield <TWhitfield58@comcast.net>
Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 23:17:20



In my continuing saga to find relief, I saw a new doc yesterday (the 3rd migraine specialist this year). This doc was trained at the Mayo clinic and runs a headache clinic (big deal!). He took me off all my meds (which are analgesics) and left me only Indocin for pain, which I have had for 3 weeks and does not do much at except make me feel bad. He put me on a dose-pak of Medrol(a steroid) to try to reduce inflammation and wrote 2 scripts for anti inflammitories. I am to try this for a couple months as he is convinced I am suffering from rebound headaches and will have a migraine almost everyday unless I can break this by cutting all analgesics. He also wants me to have an angiogram to check for artery blockage and if I am ok, I can try Imotrex.

Of course, he discounted the theory of the last migraine clinic I saw a couple weeks ago, and didn't think the hypoglycemic diet had merit. It seems each doc I see has his own little pet theory and I will have to keep trying until I can find the one that works for me, hopefully!!

I will keep you posted.

Dennis McCowan <dennismccowan@yahoo.com>
Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 09:49:47



Hi

I've been suffering from migranes for about 5 years now, on and off. But when I get them I get a really surreal sensation and I was just wondering if it was something anyone else has experienced. When my migrane gets bad my vision is distorted yeah I know thats standard but I start to see in slow motion. I dont know how to explain it, its like watching a movie where I only see every other frame.

Then it gets really bad. I cant move my head at all. If I do I lose all vision for about 2 seconds and then its like being in a strobe light seeing everything that I should have seen while moving my head until my vision matches where my eyes are looking now.

Anyone else suffered from this? If so any ideas?

Ange

Angela <anjibabes@hotmail.com>
Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 07:19:01



This is an invitation to all of you who have posted to the Journal page recently to come join us on the discussion board. I don't think that many people read or check the Journal page very often, but the discussion page is always full of action. There are many people there with lots of ideas and support for those of us suffering with migraines. Just click on Discussion instead of Journal on the Home Page. See you there.
Martha

Martha
Monday, June 14, 2004 at 17:00:59



I have had migraines for years. I am 31 years old and they started when I was about 17 or so. The doctors tried to tell me it was hormonal, then psychological. After many, many x-rays and CT scans they could find no reason at all for my pain. So nice to read that others understand what I go through!
I am on Inderal LA 80mg. a day for 10 years now. I tried Midrin, didn't work. Paxil, no help. Imitrex nose spay helps some, but they keep coming back. I am desperate! I have tunnel vision, I get sick to my stomach....I usually have to go to the emergency room for a shot of morphine and phenergan. I cant stand light, noise and its on my right side, above my right eye and on my temple. Sharp stabbing pain that brings me to my knees! God someone help!

Aimee Reeves <diamondriofan@hotmail.com>
Saturday, June 12, 2004 at 19:41:53



Today is my first day back at work after two weeks off. It started with black outs 4 weeks ago and serious dizzy spells. A week past and then I had a typical aura migraine which just floored me. My work colleagues panicked and took me to hospital. After 2 hours I came round and was sent home at my request.
I visited my GP who referred me to a neurologist, had a scan and I was diagnosed with cluster migraines!! I was over the moon with this news NOT!
As a teenager I suffered from aura migraines, I then cut out caffeine and I was fine throughout my twenties. In the last 6-8 months they have returned and now I have clusters to add to my list!!
I vet been put on Piztotifen (think that�s right) a preventative drug which just makes you sleep. I have also requested my GP sends me to the London Migraine Clinic who have years of knowledge in dealing with migraines. Im hoping that this will unearth my trigger so I can have my normal life back.

At this precise time of writing this a have what I call "after shocks" which are sharp stabbing pains in my head and auras popping across my eyes.
I have to admit and being rather scared to venture in public in case im struck down and pass out!!! Oh yes forgot to add that when I get these type of attacks I never remember what happened!!!

Is there any one who has had or having these types of migraines? If so how and what are you doing to try and have a normal life and what treatment you may be using

PS we need more people to sign the migraine petition to get this illness recognised

Tony <Monkeyrush@hotmail.com>
Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at 07:19:32



Well, I just wanted to update those of you that I have changed neurologists, and with much success. My dose of topomax has been adjusted and my doctor has added 500 mg of Magnesium to my daily regimen. So far, no migraines! Actually, what we have done is 'classified' my migraines. I'm actually going to the Headache center in Manhattan and seeing a specialist (what a realif! Someone who understands!). Whan I get a 'regular' migraine, or class 'a' I'm taking Celebrex. Because Fiorocet causes reboud migraines, and I cannot take Imitrex, Celebrex helps with the inflamation, or the pain related to the migraine. Whenever I have a class 'b' migraine, or one that makes me feel that I need to go to the hospital, I take Cafergot. Cafergot, or ergotomene, is a very old drug...a drug that most doctors have forgotten. It is also a drug with very bad side effects, so that is why I'm not taking it for every migraine, only the ones associated with extreame pain. Like I said, so far, so good. And I work in a pharmacy! They are also finding that vitamin B2 suppliments help reduce migraines. Also, don't forget to look into FMLA.
FMLA, Famliy Medical Leave Act, will protect you from calling out sick from work. An employer CANNOT FIRE YOU DUE TO A DEBILITATING DISORDER (ie. migraine). If your job offers maternity leave, it more than likely offers FMLA. It's easy to apply for, and will protect you from too many sick calls. I hope this will help you some, and give hope to others.

Kristy Taylor <cutieki_ki@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, June 8, 2004 at 14:17:29


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