I was reading the Chicago Tribune Internet edition because I'm from Chicago and I'm a die-hard Bulls fan. The Bulls just signed Scottie Pippen and I was amazed that people are still beating Scottie over the head about the infamous migraine game during the 1990 Eastern Conference Finals between the Bulls and Pistons.

I was a competitive athlete myself when I was a little younger, I also suffer from migraines, so I understand Scottie's plight. I played the last day of the WestPac softball championship on a broken ankle because I wanted to win so bad, which we did. This is not something a person without the same competitiveness as me would do. Had it been a migraine though, I couldn't have played and I know it! Terrell Davis, the running back for the Denver Broncos, missed the entire 2nd quarter of the Super Bowl with a migraine. This is the Super Bowl people! Is there a bigger game? Is there any other game that gives it's participants more reason to play than the Super Bowl? If a migraine can take a world class athlete out of the biggest game on earth, what chance do we have trying to struggle with the daily routine during a migraine attack? The answer is none! You all, (the migraine belittlers) get a little heavy to carry around sometimes so get off Scottie's back!

George

Seattle WA

George Regal <tc_triple3@yahoo.com>
Sunday, July 20, 2003 at 23:26:33

Good afternoon everyone. I came across this site trying to research my newly diagnosed migraines. I am 27 and have only been getting migraines for about 9 months now. This latest wave has been almost 4 week of daily migraines, unrelieved by every medication I have tried. I finally saw a neurologist who said I was in "status migrainus" and started me on prednisone. my mri, eeg and ct are all normal, thankfully, but I almost wish they weren't so we could have a "concrete" problem and fix it. If anyone has any advice on how they broke what seems to be a never-ending migraine, please let me know. I am truely at my wits end and I am willing to try anything.

Theresa Boyer <tlboyer@bellsouth.net>
Friday, July 18, 2003 at 11:37:19

I'm hoping someone here reads this and has an answer for my problem! I've suffered migraines since about age 13 but it wasn't until the birth of my second daughter Jan. of 01 that they got so terribly bad. By Sept of that yr I seriously concidered suicide. I've been to dr. after dr. and only have gotten meds that don't help. I am now pregnant again and I am more sure than ever that my migraines are hormone related.
After the birth of my daughter my migraines started coming mid-month and 2 days before my period, really bad. They eased after going off birth control pills. Other tirggers were alcohol, missing a vitamin, or crying. None of those I associated with hormones, until now. I'm 7 months pregnant and in the last few weeks have missed a vitamin here and there without any headache. I've also cried a great deal recently and no headache. I felt it coming but the next day when it should have been full blown, I was fine. In the begining of my pregnancy these things were still triggers. I've asked my dr. about this but he said it's just a coincidence. I don't buy that for a minute!
If anyone has any experience with hormone related migraines please e-mail me! I am at my witts end. I accepted that I was stuck living with them but now I don't think that has to be the case. And if it is, I'm worried about menopause and how that will affect me.
Thank you for your time!! My e-mail is racingacademy@aol.com

Katie.

Katie <racingacademy@aol.com>
Wednesday, July 16, 2003 at 11:28:56

I have suffered from migraines for a long time. Currently 46, I can recall summer days with splitting headaches but thought it was normal. Since then, I have been diagnosed as a fellow sufferer. I take beta blocks and another preventatives that help - somewhat.

Currently I am in the middle of a "wave" of migraines that have forced me to take injections of DHE every other day. These waves happen about every 12-18 months. This is where I'll get a migraine every other day or so for weeks. Life is hell then.

My triggers are stress (doesn't help that I'm in sales but I do make a decent living), alcohol (I no longer drink - period. It's literally not worth the headache), changes in weather, being in the sun too long, among a few others. I do think stress is the big one because, while on vacation, I rarely have a migraine - unless alcohol is involved.

What I find interesting is it took 15 years of going to general practioners, allergists, ears/nose/throat, etc. docs before I was properly diagnosed. If you haven't seen a neurologist, I urge you to. He has been my sole salvation.

I have had several minor surgeries due to bad sinus infections as a youth and have since learned that any type of surgery to the head, accidents or head trama as well, will increase migaines and cluster headaches.

I only pray there is a heaven, because with my bad back thrown in for good measure, I've already been through hell.

dan driewer <ddriewer@rr.wi.us>
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 16:54:16

Hello again. I just saw my neurologist today and he told me not to get discouraged -- I've had 10 migraines since my first Botox injection and he doesn't want me to get discouraged. He is upping my Zonegran to 200 milligrams daily and wants to see me in another month. He said if there is little improvement, he would like to try me on I.V. DHE. Does anyone know anything about this? I haven't heard of it before. I talked to my regular family physician (I actually work at the family practice he is in) and he said that he would find me information on it, but I'd like to know if anyone has actually tried it and what their results were. My neurologist also wants to try more Botox in two months as well.
Thanks to those who have e-mailed me. I promise to respond, it's just been a hectic week. Take care.
Cyn.

Cynthia <cynalyn@aol.com>
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 14:23:29

Hi. My name is Melissa. I've posted here once before, years ago and thought it was time to come back to look for help. I'm not married, and my husband doesn't understand migraines. Medically, he gets it, sorta, but he doesn't understand how to deal with my migraines. He has never suffered from chronic pain of any sort, nor has any member of his immediate family. Generally, he is a caring understanding person, but when it comes to my migraines, he forgets that I'm suffering. He can only focus on his loses (no sex, no night out, whatever). Can anyone point me to an article or book written specifically for those dealing with loved ones who suffer from migraines? I'm looking for something that will speak to him and help him to find an understanding and sesitivity to what I'm going through. If you know of anything, please email me at: mstreff@earthlink.net. I don't know if I'll get much opportunity to check this site as computer usage is becoming a bigger trigger for me - I can print out emails and read them on the good days.

Thanks,
Melissa

Melissa <mstreff@earthlink.net>
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 09:19:41

Hi everyone! I have stumbled upon this site and learned that I am not the only person who have multiple migraines. I am 32 years old and have had migraines since I was 8. I am trying to get pregnant and have a migraine every other day - this is usual for me. I have done everything I can think of and it hasn't helped. I have had Botox for over a year, MRI, spinal tap, allergy injections, chiropractic care, massage therapy, magnet therapy, herbal therapy, and the usual meds - beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, estogen and progesterone, zomig, imetrex and maxalt. There are many other meds that go along with this list, but I would need a whole page. My question is - Is there anyone else in a similar situation as me that has found relief in another way? Also, the doctors have told me that I can't use zomig and imetrex if I get pregnant. Is there anyone that has used these drugs during pregnancy? If I get migraines while pregnant I don't know what I would do. I would really appreciate any help.
I am desperate.
Tamberly :(

Tamberly
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 at 08:35:23

I'm Alexandria and I'm happy I found this website. It's interesting and informative to read past journal entries. I feel connected to all of you because I have been suffering with migraines for over twenty years so I know the same pain.

Migraines have ruined so many days of my life! Well, I wish I had some answers, some relief, some help. I've tried everything out there and nothing works. So, I guess I'm just writing out of frustation! I'm always so happy when the migraine has passed, but there's always one to come, and that's what is so depressing to me! I wish I had some answers and good suggestions to share. I can only share my feelings and emotions about this horrible disease! Take Care, Alexandria

alexandria
Sunday, July 13, 2003 at 22:28:29

hi everyone.i am so confused as to what is going on with me,but it does seem that i am suffering from some sort of migraine unlike the usual i have experienced.i have a small knot behind each of my ears,but the one on the right becomes inflammed and irritated causing a headache,especially if it's manipulated.this used to happen only about once every few yrs,but it has now been occurring several times a day the last 2 wks.i didn't mind until my vision went blurry from the pressure one night and the night before last my hearing became impaired.my whole head becomes numb.i went to the hospital yesterday where they performed bloodwork,a ct scan, and lumbar puncture.all my results came back negative for signs of meningitis,tumors,etc.i was released with the diagnosis"headache".i was pointed in the direction of migraine by someone from a messageboard i frequent who is a bam sufferer.she suggested i look into complicated migraines and i'm thinking i fit the description.i just woner if there is anyone else here who has the same type of symptoms.

sweetie-pai <sweetie_pai@hotmail.com>
Wednesday, July 9, 2003 at 18:23:10

When I found this website, I didn't know whether to be happy that someone out there understands my pain or sad that so many people are going through the same thing I am. Hello, my name is Cynthia, and I have suffered from migraines since age four. I am now 29 years old and have tried everything, the latest being Botox, and since receiving Botox on June 17, I have had eight migraines -- today is July 8. It would be very safe to say that I am at my wit's end. I don't know what else to do besides cut off my head.
The thing that bothers me so much is that as supporting and loving as my fiance' is, I can see that all of the times I get a migraine, it gets to him as well. He doesn't get mad at me, he gets mad at the migraine. He looks at me and says, "do you have another migraine?" I just start crying. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!! I want to yell and scream and demand for someone to take them away, but there is nobody to yell at. I am sick and tired of it. I just want to live a normal life and somehow, I know that isn't possible. Is anyone else out there feeling this? Please feel free to e-mail me. I could really use a friend who knows exactly what I am going through.
Cynthia H.
cynalyn@aol.com

Cynthia Herron <cynalyn@aol.com>
Tuesday, July 8, 2003 at 13:08:51

Thank God for this site! For the first time, I do not feel so ALONE! I am 35 years old and have been suffering with migraines for 5 years. The first time I had one, I thought for sure that I was having a stroke or had a brain tumor. After 48 hours of the most excruciating pain imaginable on the right side of my head, I went to the ER and found out that I had a migraine. I was hoping it was a one time thing. Oh well. I've tried just about everything. Exercise, massage, diet, keeping a journal, on birth control, off birth control, taking fiorinal, ultram, percocet, every "migraine med" invented. Right now I am doing a combo of Imitrex and phenergen. I do not go anywhere without my attack pack. The vomiting is so bad that I had to resort to injections and phenergen suppositories after many costly trips to the ER. On one particular visit, after multiple injections and not much relief, a cat scan was done. No brain tumor thank God, but a life sentence of migraines. I've seen neurologists and multiple Dr's including pain specialists. They wanted to put me on seizure meds 2 yrs ago and I said NO. But it's gotten so bad lately that I'm having second thoughts. I would do anything to make them stop. Can anyone fill me in on the side effects of Topamax?
I don't want to ramble too much on my first post......but one more thing. To those that live alone, I feel your pain -- literally. I am single and living alone. A few times I've had to call my aunt and/or friend to give me a ride to and from the ER. It makes me feel like a huge burden and a pain in the butt. I sure hope that a cure is found in our lifetime.

Susan <susnm68@aol.com>
Friday, June 27, 2003 at 19:05:02

Hey everyone!

Well, the divorce is still proceeding slowly and the migraines are back with a vengance due to the fact that my not soon enough to be ex-husband is fighting me for custody of our 4 1/2 year old son. I find it odd, and strangely enough amusing, to think that he considered me a fine and perfectly fit parent while I was living with him and taking the medications that I have to take daily (i.e. the percocet, valium and elavil)because I was in essence just his chef, chauffer, child's nurse, child's tutor, maid and so forth. But now that I am living with my Mother (God bless her soul for taking us in) I am an unfit parent. Needless to say, I am fighting him tooth and nail because I truly believe it to be unfair. He is simply trying to get at me through our son because I left him first. Anyway, the migraines are going strong once again because of the worry and stress that are happening due to all this mess. But I truly believe that once it is all over, I will not be cured, but have at least a life where the pain is only a level 4-6 daily instead of the 6-10 (and above!) that it was while living with him.

In closing I want to say "KUDO'S" to Ronda for having this special place for all of us to find each other and realize we aren't alone in our pain and what usually feels like isolation from the world. I have made a very best friend that I met on here (if you are reading, Tammy, HI!) and she has made all the difference to me in the 5 months or so that we have been emailing. I get more support from her than I do the "friends" that live near me. Last but not least at all, we are not migraine sufferers, we are migraine survivors, for to live with what we do every day makes us soo much stronger than anyone can ever realize. Take care everyone and be as pain free as possible!!! My mailbox is always open!!!

Bonnie Allen <TheBelle2@aol.com>
Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 15:34:27

I'm glad that there is a forum for discussing migraines! I am a 41 year old male who has suffered from migraine since I was 6 or 7 years old. I have identified and eliminated most of the triggers that I can control, however, I still experience attacks 3 to 6 times a month. My headaches typically have a duration from 10 to 12 hours with most of the of the common symptoms. The negative impact on my life is nothing short of extraordinary. I no longer pursue relationships because in my experience thay are impossible to maintain. I have tried, without sucess, to explain what I am experiencing but the point never seems to get through.

I generally feel an overall decline in well being, and a corresponding change in mood up to a day before an attack occurs, and feel uder par for up to 2 days after the attack subsides. Given these facts, I'm not quite myself 40 to 60% of the time. I'm usually described as moody, irritable and unsocialable by the people who surround me. This is enraging at times, because I know what's going on with me and they do not. I am often confronted with scorn, contempt and disparaging remarks and it really sucks.

Like most migraine sufferers out there I sometimes fantisize about being able to inflict a migraine on those very people who treat me with scorn and contempt, but in reality I doubt most of would do this even if we had the power. I could not inflict that kind of pain on another, even if they deserve it.

I will perservere, despite the obstacles, because none of us are quitters!

George Regal <tc_triple3@yahoo.com>
Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 18:30:13

Hey fellow Head-cases, this message is for Kylie since she did not leave an e-mail address. In her entry immediately below, she stated: "In December/January, I started to get alarming type headaches where I wanted to go to the emergency room, and hopefully get a shot BUT I was afraid to do this because I was alone and that I would cause a scene because I was desparate with pain...(nobody would believe how much pain I was in) and that I would not get the help I so needed. I was in fear of the whole hospital scene that could happen when I was in that state, alone, with no support..It made me feel nuts, and I was afraid others would think I WAS nuts."

Oh well, how well I understand the state of aloneness; it isn't much different for a guy, in fact, maybe worse, since guys are really considered weak and babyish if they can't endure a simple "headache". Problem is the majority of the population is so ill-informed when it comes to understanding the nature of migraine (i.e. thinking of it as a symptom rather than an illness)---that you would feel like a complete fool screaming in agony without any outward indiction of anything broken, like a broken bone, for example. Yes, the winter before this last one, I was in and out of the ER, living alone and having to drive myself back and forth. Even for stoical franco (myself) it was hard not to show my desperate state, although I must have been good at it, since it was five hours on one occasion before I was even acknowledged by an MD at a reputable University Hospital in my State. Another ER experience at another hospital in my area wasn't much better as I was left to wait a good three or four hourse including both the waiting room area and the cubicle. By the time all of my testing was done---and this time the pain was so bad I insisted on a CT scan---me thinks I was worse since the combination of prednisone and compazine caused a very strange reation, making me rigid and extremely anxious. In this state, somehow I managed to sneak out of the hospital and drive myself home.

Yes, it's scary living alone even for the most stoical of we migraineurs. Even for those of us who are the type who like to be subdued and not draw allot of attnetion to ourselves, it is most difficult. Even when we live hundreds of miles away from the nearest relative, certainly it is difficult for we "single sufferers" out there.

That is one reason we should be so pleased to hear of reports like those of Renee (see entry below) whose boyfriend understands and lends a shoulder for her to cry upon, because her boyfriend's sister also suffers from the migraine. Family members, remember there is a real healing power just in touch, so as often as possible lend a healing hand or touch the family sufferer soulfully as often as it is welcomed. I am thinking of getting a cat again since my latest exacerbation of two years ago, the pain got out of control and I had to go on pain managment (this followed my multiple trips to ERs) so that I can at least keep up with my daily chores, i.e. bathing, cooking and cleaning, shopping, and the like. Too, a cat will now keep my borderline high BP under control.

Kindest Regards,

Franco

Francesco <Rigogatto@aol.com>
Sunday, June 22, 2003 at 03:04:08

I have read a lot of postings that mention lack of sleep as a migraine trigger, but does anyone other than me get a migraine from going to sleep? If I even go to sleep for 10 minutes while watching T.V., I'll wake up with a headache. I also wake up every morning with a migraine.
Clyde

clyde lassell <classell@ix.netcom.com>
Thursday, June 19, 2003 at 12:10:38