I am a 25yr old female who has suffered chronic migraines for the past nine months. It all started with blood pressure problems and then turned into horrific migraines. I get two different kinds, the first kind is always on the right side of my head starting above my eyebrow. The second kind is all over my head and feels like my head is being squeezed. I have had 2 MRI's and a CT, they were both normal. They checked me for a pheochromocytoma and it was also negative. I have lost almost 50lbs, because I am constantly nauseous and vomit everytime I have a migraine. I am on a ton of medication: Imitrex, Enval, Propanolol and Depakote nothing has really helped. I also get trigger point injections of Lidocaine and Bupivacaine, these help once in awhile. I have started acupuncture and really haven't seen a difference yet, but only have gone twice so far. If their is anyone out there that can relate please write me and let me know if their is any new treatments.

Holli Malott <docholli2000@yahoo.com>
Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 20:49:31

It has been very encouraging to read your posts. I'm 38 yo and I've been getting migraines since I'm 11 yrs old. I used to get monthly migraines, until 5 years ago when I became pregnant with my first daughter. Since then, I've been experiencing chronic daily migraines. While there are triggers within my control (food, stress, aromas, etc), my two biggest triggers are barometric pressure and hormones, neither of which I have any control over.

I've tried so many different prophylactic treatments it's almost laughable. None of the Rx treatments worked for me and the side effects were almost universally worse than the minimal benefit they gave. Acupuncture and meditation haven't worked. Biofeedback didn't work. Hypnosis didn't work. Taking the pill 24/7 didn't work. I've been on all sorts of supplements for years (latest being petadolax), nothing. I've tried Botox, removing all possible triggers from my diet, whole foods diets - nothing. The only thing that does work, almost without fail, is an abortive - Imitrex (tablets when it's mild, and injections when it's a quick onset and an 8-10 on the pain scale).

My second daughter was born 7/7/09, and in August I started going to the New England Headache Center. The doctor has me on 10mg of protryptiline gradually increasing the dose, so far nada. He also had me try an occipital nerve block and trigger point injections, nothing. His plan is to go through several more prophylactic meds with me, and if there is no improvement, he has suggested that I visit the Michigan Headache & Neurological Institute, which requires a 10 day - 2 week stay and is expensive and likely not covered by my insurance.

Until recently, I was always very positive and hopeful. I have always had a good "poker face" and usually get through the day smiling unless I'm at an 8-10, and I've learned how to manage the migraines so they rarely get that bad. Recently, however, I've begun to lose hope. As a working mother of 2, coping with the constant pain has finally gotten to me. I feel as though I'm leading a secret life that no one knows about - other than my husband, and while he is unbelievably supportive, the migraines require him to pick up a lot of slack, and they also take a toll on our relationship.

I just don't see an end to this tunnel and I�m exhausted.

Jen <jupey71@gmail.com>
Monday, December 28, 2009 at 15:04:46

FEBRUARY 15, 2010

Hello ALL!
I just found this web page...I was researching the Marcaine injections and found the blog by Jessica...gosh, you've had a time, haven't you? Sounds like my journey. I just had one of those marcaine shots on Thursday...felt great...unfortunately, it is now Monday and I just had to pop a vicodin...NO...I'm not really an addict...I ran out of Immitrex.

Gosh, what a lousy bump back into reality. I was hoping that Marcaine thing would last for awhile...at least a few weeks to a month...Is there no permanent surgery they can do to these blinkin' occiptal nerves? Like just clip them or something? I mean, if we can deaden them, can't we just clip them like we clip other things we don't want working anymore? vasectomies... hysterectomies...

Does anyone know anything I haven't been able to find in all my research? I'm a 25 year veteran in this miserable migraine war...I'm in a horrible busy time here at work...I don't have the time or energy to research right now...ANYONE???
ANGIE

Angie <aallison@gov.state.ga.us>
Monday, February 15, 2010 at 12:06:08

Hi,
I just found this web-site. I am depressed from having 5 days a week of either headache or migraine for the past year. (Some weeks have been less.)
I've tried 4 preventative medicines through a neurologist that haven't worked. I tried biofeedback that didn't work. I may be getting rebound headaches but what can I do when I'm in pain?? I tried not taking anything last week and had the worst headache of my life! Any suggestions??
It's so frustrating!! I'm getting my 1st botox treatment this Thu. and am taking B-2,Q10 and magnesium for the last month. HELP!!!

Nadine

Nadine Wodarczyk <dwodarcz@twcny.rr.com>
Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 11:49:09

I am a 25yr old female who has suffered chronic migraines for the past nine months. It all started with blood pressure problems and then turned into horrific migraines. I get two different kinds, the first kind is always on the right side of my head starting above my eyebrow. The second kind is all over my head and feels like my head is being squeezed. I have had 2 MRI's and a CT, they were both normal. They checked me for a pheochromocytoma and it was also negative. I have lost almost 50lbs, because I am constantly nauseous and vomit everytime I have a migraine. I am on a ton of medication: Imitrex, Enval, Propanolol and Depakote nothing has really helped. I also get trigger point injections of Lidocaine and Bupivacaine, these help once in awhile. I have started acupuncture and really haven't seen a difference yet, but only have gone twice so far. If their is anyone out there that can relate please write me and let me know if their is any new treatments.

Holli Malott <docholli2000@yahoo.com>
Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 20:49:31

It has been very encouraging to read your posts. I'm 38 yo and I've been getting migraines since I'm 11 yrs old. I used to get monthly migraines, until 5 years ago when I became pregnant with my first daughter. Since then, I've been experiencing chronic daily migraines. While there are triggers within my control (food, stress, aromas, etc), my two biggest triggers are barometric pressure and hormones, neither of which I have any control over.

I've tried so many different prophylactic treatments it's almost laughable. None of the Rx treatments worked for me and the side effects were almost universally worse than the minimal benefit they gave. Acupuncture and meditation haven't worked. Biofeedback didn't work. Hypnosis didn't work. Taking the pill 24/7 didn't work. I've been on all sorts of supplements for years (latest being petadolax), nothing. I've tried Botox, removing all possible triggers from my diet, whole foods diets - nothing. The only thing that does work, almost without fail, is an abortive - Imitrex (tablets when it's mild, and injections when it's a quick onset and an 8-10 on the pain scale).

My second daughter was born 7/7/09, and in August I started going to the New England Headache Center. The doctor has me on 10mg of protryptiline gradually increasing the dose, so far nada. He also had me try an occipital nerve block and trigger point injections, nothing. His plan is to go through several more prophylactic meds with me, and if there is no improvement, he has suggested that I visit the Michigan Headache & Neurological Institute, which requires a 10 day - 2 week stay and is expensive and likely not covered by my insurance.

Until recently, I was always very positive and hopeful. I have always had a good "poker face" and usually get through the day smiling unless I'm at an 8-10, and I've learned how to manage the migraines so they rarely get that bad. Recently, however, I've begun to lose hope. As a working mother of 2, coping with the constant pain has finally gotten to me. I feel as though I'm leading a secret life that no one knows about - other than my husband, and while he is unbelievably supportive, the migraines require him to pick up a lot of slack, and they also take a toll on our relationship.

I just don't see an end to this tunnel and I�m exhausted.

Jen <jupey71@gmail.com>
Monday, December 28, 2009 at 15:04:46

PLEASE! I have had migraines with aura for 35 years. Usually 1-3 a year, but in the last 3 years, 4-11 a month. They last 2 minutes to 20 minutes. I get them alot while I'm sleeping and they wake me up. I take baby aspirin and vitamins -B, folate, etc. I have had acupuncture, cat scans , mri's etc. I have seen 2 neurologists. The auras scare me and I want to find out WHY and how to stop them. I don't need the migraine medicines because they stop the headache which I do not get.
IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS THIS????

Debbe <graciebuster@gmail.com>
Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 17:25:57

Hi all.
I just thought I'd share my story. I have been a migraine sufferer for about 20 years. Recently I went to see a fabulous Neurologist who has changed my life. He put me on a Tyramine Free diet which is basically a 'back-to-basicis' fresh food diet. This has worked with great success and I have only had 2 migraines in 12 months. I urge anyone to give this a go. I also received a link recently, which links taking folate to a reduction in migraines. Good Luck!!

Tracey Eales <teal@iprimus.com.au>
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 10:31:36

I have suffered from migraines since the age of 9. I have tried every prescription drug out there, and participated in a headache clinic study and nothing worked. The only thing that helped were the Imitrex shots which knocked me out and were expensive and I am sure not good for you. A friend introduced me to some great vitamins that are formulated just for you and take into account any problems your body may have. I have not had a migraine in 5 months! I used to get 5 to 6 a month. Wouldn't you rather take something that is good for your body, take what your body actually needs to correct the problem than take any prescription drugs with there side effects. I am finally enjoying life. I have even tested it by drinking 4 glasses of wine, still no migraine. Please contact me for more information as I am now selling these vitamins because I am so happy to have my life back!

Mary

Mary Ourada <maryo@colorado.net>
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 15:04:12

Hi! My name is Heather. I am 45 years old and have been dealing with chronic migraines since 1998 when I had retina reattachment surgery. I have tried changing my diet, dealing with stress and two different migraine medications- Midrin and Maxalt (not at the same time, of course) and neither one of them worked. Then I got a new doctor (it turned out the old one didn't believe I had them to begin with so she was prescribing stuff she knew wouldn't work) and he put me on Imitrex, 50 mg. Boy does that stuff work good! I am very pleased with it.

Heather Campbell <hcampbell64@sbcglobal.net>
Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 11:16:29

I have had excellent success in treating migraine with an hebal combintion called Demigrain. Itis very effective if you avoid cold drinks and foods during the time you take it.

Paul H <luckyled888@yahoo.com>
Friday, July 24, 2009 at 14:44:16

My forty-eight-year old daughter suffered from migraines for over 25 years. She tried every medicine recommended by doctors, kept to a strict diet, used holistic, alternative measures and read everything on the subject. Nothing helped. She spent at least three days a month in bed with migraines while raising her family and working as a child therapist. Finally, in desperation she went to a psychiatrist who said, "Let's try lithium." She was prescribed a small dose - 300 mg, not the usual 900 mg. That was four months ago. She has not had a migraine since. I want to pass this along as I know how debilitating these headaches can be. I wrote to the Mayo Clinic about all this and was told, it would be passed along to doctors there.
Best wishes,
Ruth

ruth larkin <mitzann@gmail.com>
Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 16:50:54

Hello all,

I have been getting headaches since 1997, and the past few years they have escalated to full blown migraines. I've noticed that if I walk up stairs, that creates a faster onset than anything else. I've actually become a little afraid of climbing stairs for fear of bringing one on. I've also noticed I get migraines right after I eat...I've tried to keep track of what it is I'm eating that might cause a headache...But I don't drink coffee/tea or eat a lot of sugar...I've noticed that when my massage therapist presses down in my stomach, I get a similar sensation of blood running up to my head, like when I climb stairs. Does anyone else have similar symptoms? I'm curious.
Thanks,
Fran

Frances <francesdarwin@gmail.com>
Monday, July 6, 2009 at 22:46:00

I have had migraines since I was very young. My aunt has had them for years and found out she was allergic to corn syrup (which is in everything we eat). I remember her laying in bed crying. So I started watching what I eat and got rid of corn syrup out of my diet and my migraines went away by 90%. If I start eating corn syrup, I start getting migraines again.

I was taking imitrex and it worked some, but, not all the time. So my doctor put me on Treximet and it works! Within 30 minutes of taking it, my migraines either start to disappear or are completely gone! Depending on how severe my migraine is, depends on the time it takes to work.

Tammy Wheeler

Tammy Wheeler <trwheeler1@gmail.com>
Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 12:08:41

Hi Everyone! I am very excited to find that there is an online support group for migraine sufferers. I've found that a lot of people, especially co-workers, have never experienced the pain that comes with a migraine and don't understand how difficult it is to complete daily tasks with the intense throbbing and other side effects.
I am 22years old and I began having migraines in the 3rd grade when I was 8 years old. My mother and grandmother had migraines throughout their teen years, but were lucky enough to "grow out of them." My grandmother doesn't seem to understand why I haven't grown out of them too and I find that very frustrating. I know this isn't just a phase. My migraines became more severe in the past 3 years. I began waking up with a migraine every morning. The pain was predominantly on the right side of my head with intense pain in my ear as well as the back of my eye. Sometimes the migraines were so severe that I would lose my vision completely. Nausea generally accompanied my pain, but not usually any vomiting. I've been to the ER, sleep specialists, a dietician, internal medicine doctors, and and 3 different neurologists in the past 14 years, yet no one could help me. One of the neurologists I saw actually treated me as if I were a burden and she had no interest in looking for a possible cure.
My pain eventually got so bad that I was forced to take a medical leave of absence during my 2nd year of college. I called in sick to work many times and that made me paranoid about my job security and I stressed about how much of a burden I was to my employer. Luckily I was a qualified canidate for Family Medical Leave of Absence(FMLA)time and was granted an extra 4 sick days a month without any negitive consequences. This program was a savior!
Finally, this past November I saw a new neurologist at a different healthcare facility. In the first visit she took me off the topamax that I'd been taking for 3 years, which was completely, useless and put me on 2 doses of Amitryptyline nightly, Maxalt and Naproxin for aborative treatment, and Imatrex injections for the severe migraines. With this combination of medications I have been doing wonderfully. Instead of having a migraine daily I generally have about 6 per month. With the maxalt, naproxen, and imatrex I am easily able to get rid of those migraines when they sneak up on me during teh day or in the morning. My new neurologist helped more in a 1 hour consultation than all of the doctors I've seen over the past 14 years combined. I was able to return to school this past January and am excited to be almost finished with my Medical Administration degree. It is so wonderful to be able to manage my migraines for a change and I am felling the best I've felt in 14 years!
I know everyone is different and there are lots of things that do and do not work to get rid of migraines. I think it truly helps to to talk to others who can truly empathise and understand what you're going through and I hope that no one gives up on searching for something to help them live better lives.

Meghan <Meghan_Hable@Aurora.org>
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 14:16:47