I have had several friends that have cured their migraines using Feverfew
extract. They take the strongest extract available at health food stores
(liquid). 8 drops a day for 30 days. This seems to eliminate or reduce pain
severely, they continue to take feverfew either 8 drops a day or reduce
it to see what dosage is right for them. Feverfew is taken immediately if
they feel a migraine coming on after the initial 30 days this seems to keep
the migraines from ever developing. It seems to have helped all the people
I know who have tried it. I used to get migraines years ago, but only got
them for about one year. I know how they feel!!! Hope this helps.
Vernon Okada <Snoopy@interx.com>
Carmichael, CA USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 11:47:09 PM
I
have been suffering from migraines for 20 odd years and still going strong.
I have been on evry med known to man. I have found that the only thing that
works is fiornal...kudos to the women that wait it out. I can not do it..the
lights go off, the door gets shut and the pillow goes over my face for at
least two days. That' when they r bad, which is 3 times a month and they
last 3-5 days. After they pass I am totally drained and depressed. I sit
around and anticipate another one. the Fiornal knocks it out right away.
A few doctors I have been to do not believe in this drug, then put me on
something else. With all the different drugs I had I could have opened a
pharmacy. All I can say is thank goodness for Fiornal. Good luck to all
sally <bleauiz13@aol>
las vegas, nv USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 09:03:27 PM
RHONDA:
I just want to thank you so very much for revising the journal format! I
am sure others appreicate it as well. It is much easier to read now. Thanks
again!! Don't you all think this is so much easier on the eyes? Prior, I
had to skwint so bad that I had eye strain trying to read the entries; thus,
causing a migraine! Not good! ha! Thanks again, Rhonda!! :)
Jana <JTROUTEN@aol.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 08:46:50 PM
Sitting
here trying to get rid of a raging tension headache that is threatening
to become a migraine. Work is crazy this week, and all I can think of is
the stress it is causing me, and how stress can sometimes affect my headaches.
Almost everyone at work is doing overtime to catch up on a tremendous backlog,
and I thought about doing some this weekend, but, after getting this headache,
and knowing it could turn into a full-blown migraine, I can't. The added
stress to my body of working an extra 6 or 8 hours just is'nt worth the
extra money, or the pat on the back for contributing to the unit. I contribute
a lot as it is, but I know that my co-workers expect a lot more from me,
that they want me to join in and work extra alongside them. They don't deal
with migraines, and how bad that they can make you feel. I'm on increased
medication, and I need to relax some in order to help it along and get the
full benefit of the medication. Why don't people understand that they can
make things worse by adding guilt on top of the stress that is already there
because of a tense and chaotic work situation?
Barbara B
USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 08:24:05 PM
Hi everyone!!!!
I haven't written for awhile, so I thought I'd jump on for a couple of minutes.
The last time I wrote I mentioned how bad my fiance's migraines were. There
were awful. I get them every now and then, but he got them all the time.
Especially at the time I wrote on here. I got some great advice from some
people on here and told him about some of them. I'll tell you, I can't remember
the last time he had a migraine. We have come to the conclusion that one
of the reasons for migraines is stress!! And we were going through enormous,
heartwrenching stress at the time I wrote. He went to see a doctor and he
told him that he needed to lay off the caffeine and chocolate....but not
too much, because he needed that in his blood and to try to relax. He also
said that if he were to get one, take Excedrin Migraine right away. That
was the key, as soon as the pain began...take it. Anyways, I just wanted
to tell everyone that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and not
to give up hope. Hugs - - Meg
Meg <Peanut2_0@hotmail.com>
LaCrosse, WI USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 06:58:11 PM
In
January of 1983,I had a severe exacerbation of Asthma,a problem,that I had
not had in my 27 years at the time.In April of 83 I had my first of Countless
and countless Bout of a severe MIGRAINE Headache,which I possibly couldn't
have,because I was a Male and not a Female.Which then were thought to be
about the only sufferers of this AFFLICTION.I then became accainted with
a U.S.Public Health Dr.that told me that because of the Medications and
levels that I had to take for the asthma,as well as a stomach disorder.These
medications combined were,and still are to this day,the major cause of my
Migraines.These conditions have taken their toll,I am Disabled,and have
a service connected disability for the asthma,as well as the Migraines,which
are a secondary condition,caused by the asthma.In 83 I was prescribed Meperidine
for the headaches.That worked just fine,until the V.A.Hospitals got involved..Since
then I have been on a miriad of Drugs,and Imitrex,ergotomines,Tylenol and
even Percodan I am allergic to,Ibuprofan,etc make my stomach bleed.But thanks
to a Dr. that I see on a Regular basis at the V.A.who has the trust to put
me back on the original Medication of Meperidine,they are under control,not
gone mind you but very much under control.Not ALL NEW Medications are for
THE best,or Benifit of all MIGRAINE Sufferers,and should be treated as such.A
well educated Dr. in Medicine AS WELL as Human Emotions and Pain is the
Type of Dr. We All NEED.THANKS DOC!!! Marc
Marc K. <hapenney@aol.com>
Twin Cities, MN USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 05:22:48 PM
I
have suffered from migraines since I was 9 years old. I am now 36. I have
tried several over the counter and prescription drugs. Nothing seems to
help most of the time. I have migraines that last on the average 2 to 5
days. I have them at least 3 times a month. I had a migraine that lasted
5 1/2 months before I finally went to the doctor. After several tests it
was found that the blood vessels in my brain are extremely smaller than
normal. Also as a child I had a neck injury that was never taken care of
properly which has left my neck curving in the opposite direction adding
further pressure on the blood vessles in the neck. After everything I have
been through the only releif I get anymore is chiropractic care for my neck
and the loving understanding from my kids. I have two teenagers who notice
the signs of a migraine (sometimes before I do) and immediately go into
action. The kids turn down lights, turn off sound and my son gives me a
massage. Sometimes due to their tender loving care the migraine is lessened
or even goes away. When the migraines come I just wait them out. Sometimes
I feel like beating my head against the wall to release the pressure. I
am sure ya'll know what I mean. I am now in the middle of a migraine. This
one has so far lasted 2 days and seems to still be going strong. It is time
to go lay down and try to shake this. Thank you all for listening. Tami
Tami <tamisomebody@hotmail.com>
USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 02:47:43 PM
I have had
a horrible migraine for 5 days now. Actually,horrible does not begin to
describe it,as I am sure you all know. Anyway, I have exhausted my resources
as for what to do. My only source of relief seems to be the dreaded ER.
I have been too many times in the last 2 years, or so I am told. But when
I feel this bad I do not no what else to do. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I would appreciate hearing from someone who knows how I feel.
Kelly <H2o366@aol.com>
az USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 02:29:38 PM
Sorry,
I forgot to add that ANYONE in the Tampa Bay Area has access to today's
paper, there is an article in the BAYLIFE section on migraines. I'm getting
a copy to see if there is any new info in it. Also this weeks WOMAN'S WORLD
has a small article on Migraines, Nothing new... Just thought you would
all like to know about it. EverVigilant, ~Dianna~
Dianna <ghost@gte.net>
NPR, FL USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 01:18:59 PM
Lynda:
Yuppers, I'm leaving toasty FLA for Freezing CT. But I LOVE New England.
I'm just hoping that we dont get a blizzard. In the 3 years that I've been
comming up in January, its been positively mild, this year may be the exception..
OH BOY! I'd be greatful if you did the SUN dance, even a SNOW dance would
be OK, but NO ICE DANCES Allowed! I'm scared to death of Black Ice... we
don;t get it here.
Estelle: You will be in my thoughts... Please take care of yourself,
You know what stress does to us. I will keep you in my prayers, We love
you!
Rhonda: Do you think it would be possible to get a chat going? I know
that Talk City offeres FREE CHATS... And I think that would be a great addition
to this page. I feel a connection to everyone her & Would love to "talk"
to them live.
Everyone: What do you think about a phone or Address list? You know,
just a little way to let someone know you are thinking about them? I know
a lot of you value your annominity, but even when I have a bad day, someones
little message of hope can make me feel a lot better? Its a suggestion,
if you like it, let me know, I can see if I can set up a database and make
copies for those who want to participate.
Just for the record, I look like a giant picked me up & shook
me for all his worth. The Massage therapist went DEEP enough to cause brusing.
This morning my cat wanted to cuddle on me like she usually does, she stepped
so gingerly on my side & I nearly threw her across the room, it hurt
like hell. Needless to say, I can't put on a bra because of the pain &
swelling. It's not the therapist;s fault, I just have VERY tender skin that
bruises easily. OH WELL, the migraine is mostly gone, NOW I have a cold..Great
for a plane Flight in 2 days, eh? I will write more about my winter vacation
as it progresses....I will have access to a computer up there & so I
will be in contact... Guess I'll let LYNDA know if her dance was successful!
:) Be well, Love to you all! ~Dianna~
Dianna <ghost@gte.net>
NPR, FL USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 01:03:14 PM
I
came across this journal about a month ago and now I visit it regularly.
It has made me realize just how many people there are that suffer with the
pain of migraines and really how little is known about the treatment. I
have had migraines for about 15 years (I'm 31 now). They used to come much
less frequently than they do now. I get them during "that time of the
month" (aren't we lucky girls!) and have been told that they are hormonal
(duh!). I recently went off the birth control pill and that seemed to help
a lot for the migraines during the rest of the month, but it doesn't seem
to be doing anything for "that time." I take elavil at night and
it also seems to help some. I know that I shouldn't complain because compared
to some of the entries I have read in this journal, I am one of the luckier
ones to only get 2-3 migraines a month. If anyone would like to talk about
migraines etc..please feel free to e-mail me and I will respond. Take care
all! Colleen colhud@ccinet.ab.ca
Colleen <colhud@ccinet.ab.ca>
Red Deer, AB Canada - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 12:02:42 PM
CC:
Mail Dear Doctor Hsiung, I came across your page while researching tyramine
for its potential as a migraine headache trigger - and was wondering if
you might be able to shed some light on the subject. I am a migraine headache
suffer and have noticed a link between foods high in tyramine content and
the onset of migraine headaches. Examples, almost everytime I eat aged cheese,
drink beer or eat any type of aged foods, I have a servere migraine attack.
Since, according to the info I'm reading on the MAOI Diet page, Monoamine
Oxidase inactivates tyramine in the digestive system, is it possible that
my body lacks this chemical and therefor I can not tolerate tyramine which
therefor causes a reaction quite similar to what happens if people on an
MAOI diet eat foods containing tyramine? Wouldn't it follow that if I could
ingest monoamine oxidase when eating foods containing tyramine - this would
prevent a reaction and thus prevent the migraine attack? Thanks for your
time, hoping you might have some insight. Sincerely, Bob Luckey Jr.
bob
stamford, ct USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 11:49:27 AM
To
Dianna~~~Did I hear you say you're coming up to New England this weekend?
If so, I'm going out to do the Sun Dance for you! We're told more ice &
snow is coming so I'll try to conjure up the Sun!
Lynda
USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 08:53:11 AM
Regarding
the NewsWeek article...there really wasn't anything "new" in it
to me but I was surprised that it stated only 15% of people w/ Migraines
have an "aura", or any warning such as visual distubances. I have
floaters & see pin points of light often, though not neccesarily before
a migraine. But it seems so many people here have something happening before
hand, that 15% seemed a low number. I am glad that MIGRAINES were on the
cover of a well-known & well-read magazine. Hopefully some one who didn't
have a clue read the article & maybe got a clue!? (employers, co-workers,
friends, family)
Lynda
USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 08:47:45 AM
Hello. Today
has seemed harder than others. I am so tired of pain. I don't have health
ins.any more,so it is hard to get the proper tx. My fam.doc has suggested
I am taking too many pain pills. I would like to know, who decides how much
is too many? And who rates this pain? Is there some gauge which "they"
go by? And why can't I see it? And if "they" can see it Does any
one know?{on their meter} why don't "they" see our pain as real?
Does anyone know?
overwhelmed
USA - Date: 01/13/99 (Wed) Time: 12:43:23 AM
