So, my migraine headaches have started up again. A Rant.

[Fuzz]

:(

So like 2 months ago I was hit with a migraine that floored me. I'm 6'2" tall, 250 lbs with the look of a deranged lumberjack and this headache knocked me to the ground like no other in 15 years. I had the floaties, little specks of light in my peripheral vision earlier in the day, so I knew a migraine was coming, so I went to bed. Fifteen minutes after I got up from the nap WHAM! felt like I was shot in the head and I went to the ground. My wife woke up the kids and brought me to the ER. They shot me up with 2 shots of morphine, then 2 shots of something else, I think demerol, and I finally had a bit of relief.

Since that day, I've had more headaches, almost daily. I thought I was over these headaches years ago. I was given some percocets and some refills for relief, but it didn't help really.

I've tried the other things in the past, imitrex, etc.

So, I spent all this holiday weekend in bed, having seen the floaties, having the start of the headaches and by Monday I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired and today I called the doctor, again. My guy wasn't in, but another one was, so I decided to see him.

His solution? Excedrin migraine. I was like, are you kidding me?

I can't function with this pain.

Time to self medicate. Time to find a pot dealer. This is crazy and I'm tired of it.

Sorry for the rant, but I'm being driven crazy by it and the guy gives me free samples of Excedrin after I've been in almost constant pain for two months!!!!!! Like I haven't tried that! And yes I told him.

He said see me in a week.

[femmocrat]

1. So sorry, Fuzz..... that is terrible.

I don't think that anyone who never had a migraine can comprehend how painful and debilitating they are. I suffered with them for over 20 years, until Imitrex came on the market. It doesn't always help me, sometimes I take a second one, but at least I can go to work and have a fairly normal life now.

That is too bad it didn't work for you. Have you tried the injection-type Imitrex? I think there are some new triptans now. I had Relpax for awhile and it seemed a little stronger than Imitrex, and was also very good.

Do you keep a migraine diary? Show it to your doctor, it might convince him/her that you need a treatment plan that works for you. Everyone is different, so it might take awhile to find a solution, but lots of people have gotten relief through a variety of methods. I wish you the best and hope you find something that helps you.

Just a totally uninformed observation.... since this migraine was so severe, and you have been having them so often, might it be a good idea to see a specialist? Good luck, hon.

:hug:

[youthere]

9. I've had a total of maybe five migraines in my lifetime...

and I would rather repeat childbirth and delivery (and I'm talking back labor on Pitocin and dry delivery here) than suffer another migraine. I'm not being a smartass either...anyone who suffers migraines has my deepest sympathy.

[Fuzz]

15. Thanks for your reply

I did see a specialist, a couple as a matter of fact years ago, and each of them just put me on so many psych drugs, I guess the treatment at the time, and I didn't like it. They ended up causing more problems then they solved.

I've had all the tests, cat scans, mri's etc. Nothing there (lol) except a congenital hemangioma (sp) that shouldn't cause the migraines.

I guess I had stopped the cycle but for some reason it's started up again and when you are in pain almost constantly for 2 months, you want relief, not take an over the counter pill and see me in a week. I'm not someone who calls the doctor for every little thing, so it really pissed me off.

I did quit smoking around the same time, that may have had something to do with it, not sure though, so the keeping of a diary is a good idea. Thanks.

[elleng]

2. FYI,

from DU chronic health >>>

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/news/20071119/migraine-sufferers-have-different-brains

Peace.

[elleng]

3. More info:

http://migraine.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/leaving-the-rabbit-hole/index.html?ref=opinion

[Fuzz]

16. Thanks for both of those

I'm reading them now

[riona]

4. You have my sympathy

It took me ages to find a way to keep those things under control. As with many people, pain causes depression. I tried something in every category of headache meds available not to mention all the scans etc). Most meds turned me into a zombie - I prefer being alert. Anyway, I ended up finding that I had slipped disks in my jaw so I got a night guard - that certainly helped with cracked teeth from clenching and jaw stress. Then I got the lowest dosage of Prozac available. After adding allergy shots to the mix, I finally got my life back. So, keep trying - maybe you'll find the right combination.

[Fuzz]

17. Your depression comment is right on target

:(

[fight4my3sons]

5. not medical advice but,

When I was getting migraines and taking Tylenol comstantly I was actually getting migraines from the Tylenol. I forget the term they used for that.

I have been on Topamax for two years now and that has really helped. I can't take Imitrex or any of those other things because of the risk of blood clots (I have a blood clotting disorder).

I hope you get some relief soon. Migraines suck!

[Fuzz]

18. I have been on topomax as well for years

He did increase my dosage of that, so hopefully that will help in the long run. Here and now? That's another thing :(

[SOteric]

6. Sorry you're not feeling well.

Check out this link. It's always worth a look.

http://www.mhni.com/faqs_ndph.aspx

[Fuzz]

19. Thanks I will

[suninvited]

7. Try acupuncture

I have never had a migraine, but I had several clients that went to an acupuncturist after Western Medical doctors failed them. All of them got relief.

[Fuzz]

20. My dentist does accupunture

Not sure if she does it for headaches though. Must ask.

[suninvited]

32. Dentists and Chiropractors can do Acupuncture

after a six weeks course. I would find an acupunturist with a degree in Chinese Medicine.

Not to put down your dentist, of course, they just probably dont have the same degree of training in the modality.

[Fuzz]

33. She's Chinese. Not sure what her training is.

[suninvited]

36. Chances are then, that she learned Acupucture first

and then moved to Dentistry as it is more lucrative. Not to be stereotypical that because she is Chinese she has been trained in Chinese Medicine.

Just ask her.

You know, other than the few bucks you put out to try it, what will it hurt to try?

[youthere]

8. I'm really sorry Fuzz...

hope you get to feeling better soon.:hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

10. I take Imitrex, but also find that Benedryl for Severe Sinus Headache and a cup of strong black

coffee help. If nothing else, the Benedryl knocks me out for a while, and usually I feel a bit better by the time I wake up.

[Thirtieschild]

11. Can't even imagine pain that severe. You deserve to rant.

Even migraines so mild that the only way to describe them is "I know I have a head" can cause big trouble. My migraines were caused by stress and could only be identified as migraines because of the classic migraine signature, an aura. As mild as they were, they put me in the hospital for three days - during a three-week bout of constant headaches, and the day after a CT Scan, half my body went numb, even half my tongue. I think it was called an MIA (as opposed to a TIA). Fortunately, no brain damage, it was 23 years ago and hasn't happened again, but I can't take anything that will encourage my blood to clot.

My problem seems to be an inability to handle even the least amount of stress. Had an aura and then a mild headache last fall after a race back from Albuquerque because we had a frozen water pipe. The drive shouldn't have been that stressful, and probably wouldn't have been for most people, but it was migraine time for me.

Anyway, good vibes and healing blue-green light coming your way. Rant on. Anything that helps.

[lazyriver]

12. An old friend of mine used to get them really bad. Sometimes

he'd have three or four per week to the point where he had to quit his job and quit driving. He was out of work for about three months and his marriage was suffering badly. He tried everything the doctors suggested with almost no relief. One day someone told him to try mushrooms - psylocibe cubensis. That guy hooked him up with some - enough for three tripping doses. He ate them over a three day weekend and didn't have another headache for two + months. Although he appreciates the psychoactive effects of the higher doses, he eventually determined that taking a much smaller dose, just enough to feel the tiniest giddy effect, once per week or even less frequently completely controlled the migraines. He's been migraine free for over 10 years now.

There are quite a few accounts out there relating similar positive results.

For what it's worth.

[Fuzz]

22. As far as possible remedies go

that sounds like the most fun one to try. :D

[lazyriver]

29. 10 years ago, acting soley out of concern for my friend's

well-being, of course, I participated in some of the early treatment sessions with him. I also figured a little preventative medicine for myself is never a bad idea.

I hope you find something that works for you. I very clearly remember the hell he used to go through with those headaches.

[Fuzz]

31. You are a good friend

;)

[GCP]

13. There was a program on NPR this morning about it (link)

There may be some advice on it for you

http://www.onpointradio.org/shows/2008/02/20080220_b_main.asp

[Shell Beau]

14. Bless your heart! Migraines are so painful!

My cousin had one for a year straight. He went to every doctor known around. He had to drop out of school. Finally when he was about to undergo an operation, he had a seizure. His first one ever. Only then did they find out he was epileptic. Have you been tested for various diseases to rule them out?

[Fuzz]

23. Poked, prodded, spindled and mutilated

:(

[Kolesar]

21. I heard that there are food allergies that cause vision-aura-migranes

I don't know about the pain-migraines. But maybe there is a lead you can follow. I did not look very long on the subject, I only get occasional auras.

Moral support from me, Fuzz, and best wishes!

[BOSSHOG]

24. I don't know if this would help

but when I get a headache I sip cold Gatorade. It works fairly well, but I doubt my headaches are migraine. I stock Gatorade solely for that purpose.

I hope you find relief somewhere, someway.

[Fuzz]

25. Well, gatorade is out of the question for a diabetic

I'm a huge mess. :D

[BOSSHOG]

27. I apologize

Sorry for that suggestion. I wish you well.

[Fuzz]

28. lol, no need to apologize!

:D

[Javaman]

26. Check this out...

http://www.oleanova.com/migraine_art.htm

and

New Botox wrinkle: helping frequent migraine sufferers?(

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb4365/is_200509/ai_n18948600

[Vinca]

30. I suffered from migraines for years - floaties, puking, the whole business.

I finally went to a neurologist and he put me on amitriptyline. It's a drug also used for depression - brand name "Elavil" - I have no idea why it works on migraines. Anyhow, after years of suffering, it actually worked. I took it for several years until I hit a time in life when women often outgrow them. You might look into it.

[RainDog]

34. sounds like maybe withdrawal from nicotine?

you said you'd quit smoking and got killer headaches? nicotine, so ppl say, is tougher than heroin... if this is the reason, however, your doctor should be able to help you find some way to ease the pain.

acupuncture, as someone mentioned above, might help. too bad you don't live in a country in which it is legal to obtain and ingest marijuana b/c it has pain management qualities that work for migraines. however, since you don't live in a country like that, unless you want to go to Canada or b/come a citizen of Ore. or Ca with med. mj, or fly to Amsterdam... I cannot advise anyone to break the law, even when the law is ridiculous and unjust.

have you tried getting someone to massage your back, neck and head? there are techniques to help with headaches with that. one "trick" that doesn't always work is misdirection... push into your flesh under your thumb on your palm... that's a childbirth technique.

you should, no matter, get some meditation tapes or something. turn off all the lights, sit, calm yourself. this helps for lots of things. I should do it more often than I do.

[grannylib]

35. Oh man, I feel your pain...I've had about a dozen a month for years

I'm fortunate in that imitrex works for me, at least for the pain (usually) although I've had a few that have been days under the covers, blinds drawn, bucket by the bed...
But you're right, weed helps, especially with the nausea (only thing I've ever found that does) None of the painkillers work for me, and I'm glad...I don't think you can hooked on that *lol*

Sorry to hear about the return of the migraine, it really is a major bitch...I hope you are able to find a doc who can help you find a remedy that works for you. I have occasionally gotten some relief from some really intense massage (skull, neck, shoulders and down arms) - I'll be thinking of you, for whatever the hell that's worth when you're in pain...