My son-in-law was told he has migraines. Does this sound familiar to anyone? His symptoms are neck pain, then fevers building to around 103, extreme eye pain, resulting in profuse sweating-which actually goes to the ends of all his hair. Has anyone experienced this sort of migraine? They almost always occur around 8 or 9pm and into the night. This has been going on for about 2 weeks-he is 28 years old. Thanks for any input.

cheryl beebe <cherylannbb@mail.com>
Friday, May 31, 2002 at 11:58:37

Hi everybody,
I'm a first-time user of this page.
I'm 29 soon, and I was diagnosed with my 'first' migraine about 10 years ago, I was getting them for years before then, but we just put it down to low blood sugar.
My migraines, follow my menstrual cycle, but the problem is, if I try to interfere or stop my cycle, I get the migraine anyway.
I had a nervous breakdown (I call it 'my Mariah Carey episode') last year. It wasn't just the migraines, a lot of stuff piled on to of me.
That notwithstanding, your entries into this journal had me nodding my head, saying "Yeah! I get that!"

A drug combination that works for me is Methysergide (Deseril in Australia), as well as an antidepressant. I take one 1mg Deseril tablet once daily and while it hasn't stopped them altogether they are definitely less virulent.
I've been to 2 different Neurologists who both told me that yes, I get migraines and to deal with it. Yeah, well I didn't need a Neurologist to tell me THAT!

I've also found that employers can be very hard, they work with a headache, why can't I?? I try to explain that a migraine is not just a headache, but a medical condition, but their patience wears thin. This lack of understanding makes episodes worse, because not only do I have a migraine, I have the addedd stress of knowing that my boss is going to come down on me when I eventually surface and make it back to work.

My parents almost struggle as much as me with them, my mother is my nurse-maid, she ferries my around to doctors, she comes into my room every few hours, makes sure that I am getting enough fluid etc. My poor dad, however is a 'fixer' and gets quietly upset at the fact that he cannot make everything OK with a hammer or nails.

The main reason I am writing is, while trying not to sound like an Evangelist, I believe there IS something out there that will get rid of my migraines, I just have to find it. Maybe menopause will bring a stop to them, maybe pregnancy (eventually) will stop them, maybe a different combination of drugs, whatever.
A friend of mine who suffers worse than me had a Lignocaine infusion, and it worked for her. Another friend has found the right contraceptive hormone mixture. My turn will come.

I'm not saying that your concerns and feelings are not valid, hey, I'm there. But the only thing that keeps me going when I am struck down with one is the knowledge that this one is one less migraine I have to have in my life.

When I do get a migraine, which thankfully is not as often as I used to, the only thing that seems to work for me if Morphine. I don't respond to and Triptans, I can't have Dihydroergotamine, Largactil (an anticonvulsant) doesn't work anymore, either does Sandomigran, most hormones make me
fat(ter), you know the drill.

Now that I've found this website, I can not only vent my feelings, but also read your stories and think that I'm not alone in this battle. Thanks.
Emma.

Emma Norris <emmaleahnorris@yahoo.com.au>
Friday, May 31, 2002 at 11:51:05

My son-in-law was told he has migraines. Does this sound familiar to anyone? His symptoms are neck pain, then fevers building to around 103, extreme eye pain, resulting in profuse sweating-which actually goes to the ends of all his hair. Has anyone experienced this sort of migraine? They almost always occur around 8 or 9pm and into the night. This has been going on for about 2 weeks-he is 28 years old. Thanks for any input.

cheryl beebe <cherylannbb@mail.com>
Friday, May 31, 2002 at 11:47:28

About a year ago I was diagnosed with migraine. An interesting aspect (and which delayed proper diagnosis and treatment) of my condition was there was NO HEADACHE symptom. My symptoms were almost exactly like a horrible hangover without the headache. I got dry mouth, a burning sensation behind the eyes as if from lack of sleep, terrible fatigue, and urinating every half hour or so. The worst part was the urinating. I teach middle school students and it is not possible to head to the bathroom so frequently. Ever try to go to a movie and have to run to the bathroom 2 or 3 times? When the attacks began about 15 years ago, they were fairly mild and short lived (about 2-3 days.) I could manage them then by avoiding certain foods. But they progressively got worse to the point of lasting 2 weeks now and causing me to take sick days from work.

I was able to relate the attacks to certain foods: anything containing even a minute amount (I am talking about less than a milligram here) of caffeine or alcohol. I cannot tolerate red wine vinegar either. It is incredible how many foods contain these materials. Going to restaurants is a real pain in the tail for me, not to mention Russian roulette since so many sauces or dressings contain some insulting ingredient. I mainly stick to a steak and baked potato to avoid the reaction and allowing myself the joy of dining out with friends.

These reactions were so horrible that suicidal thoughts became more frequent during the attacks and especially as the attacks became longer. Fortunately, I have a fine, supportive wife and family which inspired me to endure. Finally, on a routine visit to my personal physician (who had no clue as to what was going on - "don't eat those foods") about a year ago, he told me about a physician he had spoken to that considered my reaction a migraine. I thought at first, "Boy, this is a red herring!" since I was of the school of thought that migraines were headaches, but took a referral to see the doctor. He hardly batted an eye and told me migraines do not have to include headache and by the end of his examination, prescribed Nortryptilene. Miracle of miracles, it worked! I get some side effects from the medication, but nothing even remotely as bad as the migraine attacks. I also only need to take it when the symptoms start to appear. I have found that 20 mg twice a day controls things quite nicely during the 2 week period of the attack. I don't know if any other med might work (others were suggested as back up during the examination by the "migraine doctor.")

I really wanted to relate my story here for help to those who also get the odd reactions to certain foods (or other stimuli) and have no idea how to control those migraine reactions when they occur. It is much easier to say "avoid that food" than to actually do it. It seems that the migraine experience can be expanded to include symptoms other than those horrifying headaches so many have had to endure. Before my diagnosis, my research turned up nothing to help me. Hopefully, my story may give others with a similar problem the knowledge they need to obtain relief.

Dave Shaefer <dfshaefer@aol.com>
Sunday, May 26, 2002 at 07:01:39

Hi, This is my first time ever using the internet to look for information on migraines. Usually its given to me by everyone I know. I'm 38 years old and have migraines for probably 20 years. I just read all the other messages and feel for everyone of you. I also have to say that each message had something that I could relate to in one way or another and it made me feel good to know that I'm not the only one out there. Sorry that didnt sound right but hopefully you know what I mean.

Well heres my story. As alot of you I too have been on every medication out there I thought until I read your stories. I presently take Depokte,Effexor,antriptyline,busibar,prilosec,and zanaflex. Thats without a headache then I take pheranal with codeine, tylenol with codeine,when they are not real bad but when they are bad I use Imitrex pills or injections. You cant use pills when your in the throwing up stage but the injections work great. Someone mentioned about the pain of the needle yeh its a little prick sometimes burns but that feels nothing compared to the pain your feeling going through a migraine. I probably started with the migraines when I was 13 but never really diagnozed until my late teens. I have to admit that my worst and bad ones are when I am ovulating and when I am going to get my period, once I start the headach eases and then when I stop then its worse then when it started. So usually about two weeks a month I feel like shit. Not only do I suffer from migraines but also have fibromyalia. Sorry for the type o's I am not feeling well today because of one I have had since yesterday so I don't feel like thinking how to spell certain words. I am concerned with the fact that medications dont work like they use to. I know that you build up a tolerance to medications so I have been using imitrex for years when one shot within fifteeen minutes I was ready to get up and eat dinner and my husband was ready to take me to the er 20 minutes before thats how great it works. The only way I can describe it is like a light switch turing off. But not it seems like I have two use two and you can only do two in a 24hr period.
I guess the main reason why I am writing right now is that I was depressed over them and I hate losing time from work or making up excuses and people not understanding and having to take so much medication, I have gained so much weight that only depresses you more. I am lucky I do have an understanding family and boss but I am not the kind of person who is loooking for attention as a matter of fact sometimes not always cause usually its written all over my face that I have one but the ones that you pretend that you dont have to get through the function you are at are ten times worse when you get home.
The meds with codeine I know are addicting but for the people who only take one and say it makes them sleppy or groggy well I can take 2 or 3 and sometimes that doesnt touch the pain. I am also lucky I have two beautiful sons or I would have taken enough pills to make me sleep forever so that I wouldnt have to go through them anymore. But I love my family and pray that there will soon be something that works as well as Imitrex. I hope that my story can help someone like the stories I read helped me. I also was surprised how many were males. They say that so many more woman suffer than men. Has anyone heard of the cosmetic surgery for eyebrow wrinkles using botox that is suppose to help migraines? Thank you for letting me vent and tell my story. God Bless and don't give up!

Barb Olsen <barbloveskids@yahoo.com>
Saturday, May 25, 2002 at 17:27:52

Hi, I am the mother of a 11yr old girl who just left the hospital after 36 hours. After a clean CT scan, clean urine (ER thought something in her lunch), normal MRI and EEG they sent us home and told me to give her Advil 2x's a day. She is my only child and at one point during this episode she did not even know who I was. After a good cry and a sigh of relieve that the CT Scan and MRI showed that nothing evil was lurking, we were free to go home.

My daughter has had "migraines" that were previously treated with some Tylenol, 2hours of sleep and sometimes she would vomit. Then she was asking where the party was!

This last episode had me very freaked out. She staggered to the car, was unresponsive to my frantic questions, moaned with pain and then quickly went limp. She was so very confused about where she was, who people were, her own last name and as I said was confused about me, her Mommy. It took well over 16 hours for her to regain.

The diagnosis is that she suffers from "Complex Migraines" and that her "experience" is A-Typical. A suggestion of hormone elevation has been blamed for my daughters unfortunate condition. Any suggestions? All the best, thanks Diane

Diane Williams, San Rafael,CA <dkwpw@home..com>
Friday, May 24, 2002 at 09:14:27

Hi everebody, its me after a long period, just to say that I found that sumatriptan works for me, so now I take it at any time I feel pain, its wonderful to feel how the pain disapears and let me continue with my work or other activities, hope you can find soon something good enough for your pain!!!

ximena oizumi <oizumi_ximena@hotmail.com>
Friday, May 24, 2002 at 00:42:51

Franco,
Don't fear the opioid drugs just because they are addictive. Depakote and Prednisone are much more dangerous drugs that can have deadly side effects. Every drug has to be respected and used with caution, but if you need pain killers, use them. If you are using them for any other purpose but for pain control, then you should worry about taking them. But if not, that is the purpose for which they are intended and don't worry about your use of them unless you are taking huge amounts of them.
Good Luck,
Clyde

clyde lassell <classell@ix.netcom.com>
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 22:24:12

Well guys, it's me Franco again. I'm getting so scared guys that this bout is never going to end, begun last November 2. But then I must remind myself that all things must come to an end. Guys, my constant l. sided headache is unbearable if I don't take opiods for it. I am in a catch 22 because I really want to come off all addictive drugs, but I can't because the pain is so unbearable. I must take the opiods daily now just to function. I live alone so it's really hard to get practical support. Does anyone have any advise for me. I'm going to start on the Depakote next week, and I am going to give it a good run. Maybe I should do the prednisone first. Anyone got any advise for me. Thanks for input friends.

Franco

Franco Rigoni <Franconian@hotmail.com>
Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 00:19:37

Dear Lisa,

We have communicated before, and my heart goes out to you. You are so right when you state that so many of these "headache specialists have no empathy for the person in severe pain. It would be most helpful to them if they could experience the pain of migraine even one time, as you rightfully stated. I switched to a very nice alternative MD who has a clinic in my city that utilizes various alternative modalities like acupuncture, cranial sacral therapy, massage, and the like, as well as traditional medicine. He did not look like a control freak at all. Some of these headache clinics are so controlling, that going to them is almost enough to create or exacerbate one's headache condition. I stopped going to the one here in Michigan because they insisted that I had to see a psychologist before every appointment with a neurologist. I don't know if this was their way of pushing me out, but fact is, I just couldn't afford the additional doctor's appoinment, since my insurance only covered 60% of it. Also, the way they usher you in and out so fast at these so-called "integrated" clinics and these small cubicle-like rooms with nurses hovering over you, while you're trying to communicate with the doctor is just too much---and for me personally interferes with the doctor-patient relationship. It's rush, rush, rush and very rote whenever I would go and the doctor hardly makes eye contact with me, she is so busy. Why don't these neuros at these stressed-out "headache clinics" take LESS patients and spend MORE time with each individual patient? After all, they're supposed to be integrated, and if so they need to stop being so rote in their treatment of patients. Every case is unique, and the whole person must be treated.

Lisa, you state you are taking, Tegretol, Neurontin, Valium, Paxil, Sonata and Percodan. You poor dear, I know the Tegretol also works pretty well for my pain as would the percodan, though presently I am just taking hydrocodone to take the edge off my pain. It does not give me significant relief, so that I'd be able to work -full time, but it does, thank heavens, make the headache bearable for me. The only one you're presently taking daily that is of concern to me is the Valium---because benzodiazepines are about the hardest drugs to come off of, should you become well enough to come off these drugs. Narcotics are much easier to come off of, as it's like 3 days of having flu-like symptoms, but it can take months to recouperate from benzo dependency. So, if you haven't been on the valium for very long, I would suggest, that if at all possible, you try to come off of it. The percodan you should have no trouble coming off of in time, but for long-term "preventative treatment" of refractory migraine it is not the best opiod. You might want to consider a slower acting opiod like the methadone or even Oxy-contin for long term treatment and prevention of migraine. It enters the bloodstream much slower than other narcotics, and is best for severe, chronic, daily pain.

Lisa, you state you are taking Tegretol, Neurontin, Valium, Paxil, Sonata and Percodan. You poor dear, I know the Tegretol also works pretty well for my pain, as would the percodan, though presently I am just taking hydrocodone to take the edge off of my pain. It does not give me significant relief, so that I'd be able to work -full time, but it does, thank heavens, make the headache bearable for me. The only one you're presently taking daily that is of concern to me is the Valium---because benzodiazepines are about the hardest drugs to come off of, should you become well enough to come off these drugs. Narcotics are much easier to come off of, as it's like 3 days of having flu-like symptoms, but it can take months to recouperate from benzo dependency. So, if you haven't been on the valium for very long, I would suggest, that if at all possible, you try to come off of it. The percodan you should have no trouble coming off of in time, but for long-term "preventative treatment" of refractory migraine it is not the best opiod. You might want to consider a slower acting opiod like the methadone or even Oxy-contin for long term treatment and prevention of migraine. These drugs are formulated so that the opiod enters the bloodstream relatively slowly compared with other narcotics, and are best for severe, chronic, daily pain.

You didn't state in your entry, dated 4/12/01 how long you have had the severe daily migraine, only that you have suffered with migraines since the age of 4. OMG, that is so awful, and I thought I had it bad having suffered with a daily background vascular for 26 years (since I was 16), and the worst bout of my life since last November 2. Here is where I am presently at, Lisa and friends: if I don't take narcotics for the pain, my pain is unbearable, meaning it would sent me to the ER or worse. After having a terrible time with the headache clinic I had been seeing since '94 because they have the hard and fast RULE that a migraineur can not take pain medication more than twice a week (even OTC)---while having the worst bout of my life and living alone and hundreds of miles away from family---it was all so complicated---I did not have the energy reserve to fight my case with them at the time. And so, in my weakened, pain-wracked state I had to start on another wild goose hunt for a good, sympathetic doctor. I finally found one about a month ago, and he has no problem prescribing pain medication for remedial relief. Thus, I am taking about 6 of the Vicodin a day for abortive relief, and for "prophylaxis" I am taking Prozac 20 mg., and Inderal LA 80 mg., as well as numerous vitamins and supplements, and OTC benadryl as needed for pain augmentation and sleep.

Spiritually, I am taking it one day at a time, which is all anyone can do. If I think too much about a month or three months down the road, it is very scary. I am still hopeful, Lisa, that they will find a cure because they say scientific knowledge is doubling every two years now. It probably would take some kind of a scientific breakthrough, however, like an accidental discovery for a cure to be discovered in the next 10 years, but it could happen! Never give up. Keep looking to your higher power; the sun will shine again tomorrow. God will not put more on his children than they can bear---he has promised.

God love you all, and help us all. Keep on fighting the good fight!

Franco

Franco <Franconian@hotmail.com>
Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 00:12:52

I saw my doctor today and recieved my third diagnosis for my condition, she thinks it's migraines. Frist it was sinusitis, then it was related to my deviated septum. I am not sure what to think anymore. The pain is so severe and intense in the left side of my head that I can't function. I feel like I am in a tunnel, everything surrounding me is like a mural on the tunnel walls, it's not real. Sights, sounds and smells don't bother me, it's almost as if my mind is no longer processing the sensory information other then my pain. The pain centers are in four places: the left side of my chin, my jaw radiating up to my cheek bone, my ear and worst of all my eye. It feels as if something is pulling on the nevres behind my eye. I took the Zomig samples she gave me incase of "severe" pain but after an hour they have had no effect. As of this point I am on hour 15 of this relentless pain only dulling to a mild throb for 30 mins or so. I can't lay down, I can't sit still but it hurts to walk or do anything more then sit and type. I am hoping and praying that this is not another 16 day bout with this pain, I don't know how I made it through last time. I feel like I am going crazy. I don't care about anything when the pain settles in. My house could be burning and it wouldn't matter. I just want it to stop. I don't know how so many people deal and cope with this pain for years. It has only been 4 months of this hell for me and I am physically and mentally drained. I had to cut my hours at work and gave up my hopes of going back to school for the summer. I am 22 and never have I even considered that these headaches were migraines. At this point all I want is for the pain to STOP!

Valerie <valerie4321@yahoo.com>
Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 23:26:44

Hiya all,

Well i am also at my whits end as far as my migraine go. I am only now after 16 years having MR scans and EEG's done to check if there is anything wrong as far as tumors etc. However i fing this very amuzing as i said to the Neurologist it isn't a tumer or hemorage as i would be long dead by now. I feel as if i have had every drug under the sun and non of which have been a sucsess. It Just really PIS*ES you off dose'nt it!!!!!

However i am quite worryed as my pains do seem different just lately and am concearned about the results. But i will keep you all posted.

It is good to be able to talk about this when i know you will understand.

Many thanks. Ali xXx

alison brennan <alllisons@hotmail.com>
Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 17:39:55

Lisa,

We have communicated before, and my heart goes out to you. You are so right when you state that so many of these "headache specialists have no empathy for the person in severe pain. It would be most helpful to them if they could experience the pain of migraine one time, as you rightfully stated. I switched to a very nice alternative MD who has a clinic in my city that utilizes various alternative modalities like acupuncture, cranial sacral therapy, massage, and the like, as well as traditional medicine. He did not look like a control freak at all. Some of these headache clinics are so controlling, that going to them is almost enough to create or exacerbate one's headache condition. I stopped going to the one here in Michigan because they insisted that I had to see a psychologist before every appointment with a neurologist. Fact is, I just couldn't afford the additional doctor's appoinment, since my insurance only covered 60% of it, so I was essentially compelled to stop going. Also, the way they usher you in and out so fast at these so-called "integrated" clinics and these small cubicle-like rooms with nurses hovering over you, while you're trying to communicate with the doctor is just too much---and for me personally interferes with the doctor-patient relationship. It's rush, rush, rush and very rote whenever I would go and the doctor hardly makes eye contact with me, she is so busy. Why don't these neuros at these stressed-out "headache clinics" take LESS patients and spend MORE time with each individual patient? After all, they're supposed to be integrated, and if so they need to stop being so rote in their treatment of patients. Every case is unique, and the whole person must be treated.

Lisa, you state you are taking, Tegretol, Neurontin, Valium, Paxil, Sonata and Percodan. You poor dear, I know the Tegretol also works pretty well for my pain as would the percodan, though presently I am just taking hydrocodone to take the edge off my pain. It does not give me significant relief, so that I'd be able to work -full time, but it does, thank heavens, make the headache bearable for me. The only one you're presently taking daily that is of concern to me is the Valium---because benzodiazepines are about the hardest drugs to come off of, should you become well enough to come off these drugs. Narcotics are much easier to come off of, as it's like 3 days of having flu-like symptoms, but it can take months to recouperate from benzo dependency. So, if you haven't been on the valium for very long, I would suggest, that if at all possible, you try to come off of it. The percodan you should have no trouble coming off of in time, but for long-term "preventative treatment" of refractory migraine it is not the best opiod. You might want to consider a slower acting opiod like the methadone or even Oxy-contin for long term treatment and prevention of migraine. It enters the bloodstream much slower than other narcotics, and is best for severe, chronic, daily pain.

You didn't state in your entry, datedLisa,

We have communicated before, and my heart goes out to you. You are so right when you state that so many of these "headache specialists have no empathy for the person in severe pain. It would be most helpful to them if they could experience the pain of migraine one time, as you rightfully stated. I switched to a very nice alternative MD who has a clinic in my city that utilizes various alternative modalities like acupuncture, cranial sacral therapy, massage, and the like, as well as traditional medicine. He did not look like a control freak at all. Some of these headache clinics are so controlling, that going to them is almost enough to create or exacerbate one's headache condition. I stopped going to the one here in Michigan because they insisted that I had to see a psychologist before every appointment with a neurologist. Fact is, I just couldn't afford the additional doctor's appoinment, since my insurance only covered 60% of it, so I was essentially compelled to stop going. Also, the way they usher you in and out so fast at these so-called "integrated" clinics and these small cubicle-like rooms with nurses hovering over you, while you're trying to communicate with the doctor is just too much---and for me personally interferes with the doctor-patient relationship. It's rush, rush, rush and very rote whenever I would go and the doctor hardly makes eye contact with me, she is so busy. Why don't these neuros at these stressed-out "headache clinics" take LESS patients and spend MORE time with each individual patient? After all, they're supposed to be integrated, and if so they need to stop being so rote in their treatment of patients. Every case is unique, and the whole person must be treated.

Lisa, you state you are taking, Tegretol, Neurontin, Valium, Paxil, Sonata and Percodan. You poor dear, I know the Tegretol also works pretty well for my pain, as would the percodan, though presently I am just taking hydrocodone to take the edge off of my pain. It does not give me significant relief, so that I'd be able to work -full time, but it does, thank heavens, make the headache bearable for me. The only one you're presently taking daily that is of concern to me is the Valium---because benzodiazepines are about the hardest drugs to come off of, should you become well enough to come off these drugs. Narcotics are much easier to come off of, as it's like 3 days of having flu-like symptoms, but it can take months to recouperate from benzo dependency. So, if you haven't been on the valium for very long, I would suggest, that if at all possible, you try to come off of it. The percodan you should have no trouble coming off of in time, but for long-term "preventative treatment" of refractory migraine it is not the best opiod. You might want to consider a slower acting opiod like the methadone or even Oxy-contin for long term treatment and prevention of migraine. It enters the bloodstream much slower than other narcotics, and is best for severe, chronic, daily pain.

You didn't state in your entry, dated 4/12/01 how long you have had the severe daily migraine, only that you have suffered with migraines since the age of 4. OMG, that is so awful, and I thought I had it bad having suffered with a daily background vascular for 26 years (since I was 16), and the worst bout of my life since last November 2. Here is where I am presently at, Lisa and friends: if I don't take narcotics for the pain, my pain is unbearable, meaning it would sent me to the ER or worse. After having a terrible time with the headache clinic i had been seeing since '94 because they have the strict RULE that a migraineur can not take pain medication more than twice a week (even OTC)---while having the worst bout of my life and living alone and hundres of miles away from family---it was all so complicated---I did not have the energy reserve to fight my case with them at the time and so I had to start on another wild goose hunt for a good, sympathetic doctor. I finally found one about a month ago, and he has no problem prescribing pain medication for remedial relief. So I am taking about 6 of the Vicodin a day for abortive relief and for "prophylaxis" I am taking Prozac 20 mg., and Inderal LA 80 mg., as well as numerous vitamins and supplements, and OTC benadryl as needed for pain augmentation and sleep. Spiritually, I am taking it one day at a time, which is all anyone can do. If I think too much about a month or three months down the road, it is very scary. I am still hopeful, Lisa, that they will find a cure because they say scientific knowledge is doubling every two years now. It probably would take some kind of a scientific breakthrough, however, like an accidental discovery for a cure to be discovered in the next 10 years, but it could happen! Never give up. Keep looking to your higher power; the sun will shine again tomorrow. God will not put more on his children than they can bear---he has promised.

God love you all, and help us all. Keep on fighting the good fight!

Franco

Franco <Franconian@hotmail.com>
Monday, May 13, 2002 at 16:51:46

So it's 6AM and it's almost the end of another semester here at UMass. I wonder if I am experiencing normalcy here with what I'm going to say goes on. I read all over the web how migraines interrupt daily function of people in their jobs, but has anyone experienced the same problems with academics in college? My mother tends to think that my migraines are a result of me doing too much at school. In contrast, when I get them, I shut down for days at a time. Any time I get the week long attacks, it's almost the same story. I get up for class, go to campus, migraine develops, and I go home and back to bed. This will go on for 5 or so days, then the migraines go away. Instead of pain, it's replaced by the uncontrollable desire to sleep and I feel nothing but completely mentally exhausted after putting up with the pain and inability to even think straight for nearly a week. The sleepiness and fatigue can last up to and over a week. In the world of Physics and Math, that's quite some time to be missing on classwork. I guess I just am tired of explaining each and every semester what happens to my professors, who just seem to look the other way. My peers that I live with are encouraging me to seek more professional help, for when I explained to the doctors here why I shouldn't take any triptins (cardiac problems) they shrugged and looked the other way. So I guess my question is just has anyone else out there had these college problems? It's really hard to maintain a normal schedule in college, and I'm just looking for some advice. Hit me up with a reply.

Jason Bissonnette <jayb@student.umass.edu>
Monday, May 13, 2002 at 05:04:39

Hi Everyone

My name is Louise and I have suffered Migraines since I was about 16 I am now 27. I get the partial vision and then the aura and then the pain....yes the pain that we all know so well. I have found that if I take 2 neurofren as soon as the vision goes and go to bed that they acutally get better after a couple of hours instead of 2 days like they use to be. Last month I had 5 migraines in one week. I usually get about 4-5 in a week then nothing for 6 months. I have given up my two loves -choclate and diet coke due to these horrible things. i don't drink and I don't smoke. I have started drinking huge amounts of water and find that this helps as well. The migraines are taking over my life and I have had to cancel many a social event due to them. Not one day goes by when I don't wonder if I'm going to get one. It's great being able to send this to people who will understand!

Thanks and keep up the good work!
Louise

Louise <micklou_1@hotmail.com>
Sunday, May 12, 2002 at 02:41:00