Migraine Headaches...AGAIN

I tried many things--preventive with Inderal (beta blocker) and something else-maybe low dose antidepressant. I don't take preventitive anymore, I take 50mg of Imitrex at the very first sign of a migraine. Drink lots of water, also. Try to rest in a dark room--hard to do with young children......

J.,

Hi my name is also J. just spelled different. I have gone through the same as you mri's and catscans found nothing. I can not take any asprin related meds either! Not because of my stomach but because they make me stop breathing! So... what has worked for me was a Chiropractor my migrains would put me on the bathroom floor vomitng for three days and at there worst I would lose my vision. I never thought a chiropractor would work I as well was on bith control. To my amazment I found a chiropractor that does the Palmer method and I have been migrain FREE for eight years now!!!! I do somtimes get a headache but I make an apt most of the time same day and as soon as I walk out I no longer have a headache. I liked my chiropractor so much I now have a job in his office. if you have any more question please feel free to message me and ask I would love to help you in any way that I can.

I too get period related migranes, but mine actually got better with pregnancy. I only had them in my first trimester (frequently) and after that only a couple the rest of my pregnancy, and my son is two and I have only had about 5 since. Now, my migraines are REALLY bad. I throw up, can't see, can't be in light. There is no possible way I can take care of my son when I get them so it is a huge issue. I am also a single mom, so if they lasted for two weeks, hands down, I would end up at the hospital. Which I have done pre pregnancy and they actually used to give me Demerol. Now I take Zomig. It has been a life saver. I don't get them frequently enough anymore to warrant preventative care, but if you do, I know people who have had huge successes with that as well. You can get more info at the mayo clinic website, here is the link. http://mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/MI99999

Good luck!

J.

J.-

After brain scans and MRI's, etc my migraines are due to "nothing" tangible either. I am a lic'd daycare provider(in-home)for the past 5.5 years and even though I have had migraines periodically throughout my life, they definitely peaked last year. I finally decided to take prescription drugs for them (Midrin)last year. Well, they worked sometimes, basically took the edge off of the headache. For the most part, I was still in pain and the headaches would last anywhere from 3-10 days. I do agree with you about the hormones though. I am 41 years old and they do peak when I am experiencing PMS.

About four months ago, I tried something that I had not tried before-by accident. I am a marathon runner and workout at least 5 or 6 days a week (except when I got a migraine). It was 4am, and as usual my migraine woke me up- and it was a bad one. I took one Midrin and, reluctantly, I told myself that I could not miss another run. Even though I was in pain, I went ahead and ran (on my treadmill). Normally, I would just crawl in bed. My migraine disappeared 15 min into my run. I am not exaggerating, I completely forgot about it! And I have an IPOD in my ears too! It never returned either.

I did that for the next 2 migraines. I have not gotten a migraine in over 3 months!

We all have read that exercise has been proven to reduce pain through the release of endorphins. I can tell you, it's true.

Best of Luck!

Hi there,

I have been experiencing migraines for about 10 years now and I have been actively seeing a neurologist for them for about 5. Same situation as you, my CTC, catscan, and MRI (a few times) showed nothing. Before I got pregnant I took a pill called Axert that seemed to help a little bit, but if they were really bad sometimes I would take a muscle relaxer because you tend to tighten up your neck and shoulder muscles with them and it helps you relax. The biggest reliever I have found though is a deep tissue massage that just focuses on my upper back and neck (and sometimes even jaw) weekly. My episodes have been reduced by 75% since I've started doing this about 2 years ago. I still get some doosies every once and awhile and I just have to ride it out. Another thing that helps occasionally is a pill that my mom takes (I know not really that medically accepted to take another person's medicine) a generic mix of caffeine, butabitol, and aspirin. Caffeine also helps with migraines alone because it directly affects the blood vessels in the brain. Other than that, ice cold compresses on my neck to the point of numbness and then heat from a heating pad. With my pregnancy the massage, caffeine, and compresses are all I've been able to do and it helps but it's not like the relief of medication! I hope this helps you a little bit! If you want the name of my massage therapist (who specializes in trigger point therapy and focuses on therapeutic care) just let me know!

J.-

Have you ever thought about a chiropractor? My son, had terrible migraines... we did the MRI's cat's etc... and he was put on medicine, only for it to make it worse. Our neighbor was a chiro at that time, so i asked him if he could please try and help..... within 30 min, no kidding, he was better, so he could go to sleep and sleep the rest off.. when he woke, he was better.. It couldnt hurt to try. My mom had gastric bypass done, i totally understand your situation. Good luck, and please try the chiro. It helped my son...

S.

hi J.!
i'm H.!
this might sound funny, but have you tried any natural healing remedies?? my stepdad suffered from severe migraines i kid you not, his friend amy whipped up some vitamin recipies and gave him massages and he's been migraine free for a few years now!
its funny because he totally thought it was a crock at first, and didnt want to try it. anyway if you'd like i can try to get in touch with amy? let me know!

H.!

I had a nurse tell me once that if you take a teaspoon of salt it helps the pain somewhat and that works when you can't get to the medicine cabinet right away so I keep the little packets of salt in my purse. My migraines are from stress though but it is worth a shot. The medicine that I found that works best for me is called Goodies and you can find it at most Walgreens. It comes in a box and is in powder form. It is aspirin with a little caffeine kick in it. I have tried many medicines and this one does not bother my stomach (even though it is aspirin) and it takes care of the migraines as long as I catch it before it gets too bad. Pay attention to the signs you have before you get one and medicate as soon as you can feel it coming on. You will get better results regardless of the medicine you take that way. My sister has caffeine pills and sometimes I can take those and it will help too. Unfortunetly everyone is different but I hope something I have said helps.

I have had chronic migraines (literally one a day but some last a while some over a month) for a decade now and do get the period headaches. Cyclic hormones for birth control can make them worse as you have had the unfortune of enduring. You might talk about birth control like Seasonale, Depro Provera or IUDs for birth control with your doctor unless you are on the pill because you are planning on continuing to expand your family in the nearby future. These birth control options do mean it will take longer to have them run out of your system and extend how long it may take to get pregnant.

I joined a migraine support group which has made my life better. Not only do I have others who face the same problems at work and home because of the ailment, but I get loads of information and some ideas for home remedies to try to ease the suffering.

Sometimes drinking caffeine helps, but also you might try tea. Experiment with types of teas as different ones can help (plus you find out what you like). Peppermint tea can help by easing nausea. Chamomile has have a calming effect which can help. Lavender, vanilla, peppermint are some scents that might help with a migraine.

I use cold packs not only on my head but on my neck since it becomes intensely tight. I ask my doctor for Phenergan which helps with nausea and can also help boost the effectiveness of migraine medicines. I take supplements of Feverfew, B complex and Magnesium daily to prevent and control migraines.

Some use ICY HOT on their temples and foreheads to try to manage the pain. Other will use mentholated shampoos to try to combat a migraine. You might need abortive migraine medicine if you don't already have some.

Many of my migraine medicines as long as they were nasal sprays were allowed by my OB/GYN in pregnancy, since they were absorbed quickly in my nose and less likely to go through the blood stream and to the baby. I was also allowed to use Maxalt MLT and Zomig that dissolved under my tongue.

Having a regular sleep schedule and exercise program have been beneficial to many sufferers.

It is important to call your doctor if your migraines lasts for over 72 hours. Your run the risk of stroke, heart attack, and sometimes even death once it goes beyond 72 hours.

Some people have luck with taking some Benedryal and Naproxen Sodium (Aleeve) as migraine abortives.

Unfortunately, at times it can be a long bunch of trail and error to find a solution that works best for you.

I hope you can get the relief you need so you can better enjoy the time with your kids.

J.,

During my pregnancy I had the same situation. I went to a neurologist, and he suggested to take two magnesism supplements with two tylenol. The catch is you have to take this as soon as you feel the headache coming on. It has helped me out a bunch. Another suggestion he gave was to take 100% oxygen for 10 minutes. The problem is you need a prescription to get it. I hope this helps out! It sure helps me!

Keep smiling,

C.

Hi J.,
Maybe try some form of 'natural' treatment? Or accupuncture?
My friend referred me to this naturopathic doctor and one of his specialties are migraine/tension headaches.

www.integratemed.com
He has offices in Chicago and Northbrook.
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Good luck!

Hi J., I feel so sorry for you! I can't imagine having a 2 week migraine. How horrible. Have you heard of the shot that you can take in your leg at the start of a headache? I'm sorry that I don't know the name of it. My headaches have now gone away, but I used to try to take Tylenol, which really didn't work for me either. Good luck! I'll be thinking of you every time I get my period.

J., I used to get migraines a couple times a week. I ended up going to the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago and they immediately took me off the pill because it increased the amount of headaches and they told me that the pill could cause an increased risk of stroke since I'm prone to migraines. I adjusted my diet and have done some other things and thankfully only get the migraines every couple months. I would suggest going to the Diamond Headache Clinic (www.diamondheadache.com) for a consultation because that is their specialty and I really believe they helped me out a lot. Good luck!

D.

In the past six months, I began getting hormonal migraines while taking the week of dud pulls in my birth control. My GYN has switched me to Loestrin 24 FE, which only has 3 days of duds instead of 7. In the event this doesn't help, he has suggested possibly going on a different kind where I would only get 3-4 periods a year. He did say that each person is different and has a different hormonal trigger. I just started this so I don't know if it will work yet, but I feel your pain. Good luck!

J.,

An all natural Progesterone Cream completely obliterated my migraines. I got it at www.homefirst.com The pill will make it worse b/c of the estrogen.

You may also have food intolerances. (Gluten, dairy, aspertame, etc.)

Could it be the products you use in your home? Seriously. I suffered from tension headaches and when I switched my everyday cleaning products to products that were toxin-free and non-harsh chemicals, my headaches went away.

I was hospitalized several times for these headaches and I couldn't even take care of my kids because if them. I have been headache free since August.

You'd be surprised what little things can make us sick.

I too have extreme problems with migranes. The neurologist put me on an epilepsy drug that is supposed to help with daily migraines like I was getting. It worked for a while then stopped. I would have to take the break through pain reliever all the time. I also had an MRI done and they saw nothing abnormal. Talk to a neurologist maybe they can suggest another option.

Imitrex saved me. It comes in pill, nasal spray or epi-shot form.

My advice to you is gatoraide and a bananna. my daughter would get migraines and this is what a doctor told us you you would be shocked. Good luck. A.

Dear J.,

I am so sorry for what you are going through. I know how you feel. I too had problems with my period and was put on birth control pills and I seemed to get more headaches while on them. My headaches would also last for weeks and sometimes cause me to pass out. At that time my sister challenged me to try some vitamins from shaklee. At that time I felt like I had nothing to loose. So I put the multi pack with iron and protein. I have not had a headache for a couple of months. I feel so strongly about these because I didn't buy more vitamins after the first ones ran out and ended up getting my headaches again. Now I make sure I take my vitamins every day. If you want to go to shaklee's website you can it is myshaklee.com or e-mail me if you have any other questions. The one thing I forgot to mention is that if you but the vitamins or any other product and are not 100% satisfied you get your money back, even if you have taken all of the product. And even if you do something else I truly hope you can find away to get rid of those headaches.

B.

As I get older, I have fewer migrain headaches, but I still rely on motrin, tylenol and aleve from time to time. Make sure you are getting enough water, and take vitamin C in a fairly high, but not excessive dose frequently. Mineral balance can affect hormone related headaches. Take a trace mineral supplement if you can. They are linked like a delicate chain. Too much of one or the other pulls on the chain to throw you off. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, potassium, chromium, selenium, well, I could go on, but the key is balance. If you drink too much distilled water you may need more potassium(bananas) and salt. Too many minerals in your water can make you feel bloated and add to the headaches. Find a balance of distilled and mineral water, and you will begin to hydrate properly. Caffeine takes atleast three weeks to wean yourself off, so be gradual until your headaches are a thing of the past. I know you're probably thinking, "Yeah, right!" Some of us really have been there.

PS. I took a "X LA Weight Loss" supplement I got at the Dollar Tree because of the price, but it had caffeine, potassium, and antioxidants and in moderation it did help a great deal.

Oh I feel your pain! When I was on birth control I got a migraine every month also. I took prescription Maxalt. They have regular pill form and also a pill that actually dissolves on your tongue. I took one of those and my headache went away in a matter of about 20 minutes and I felt great!

Good luck.

I suffer from Migraines and have since I was 16 years old and have tried every medication out there also. The only one that works for me is imitrex and they have it in a shot format, kind of like and epi-pen. As soon as you feel the signs of the migraine hit, you take it. I get the messed up vison about 30 min before the pain. I just recently went on Topamax which is a preventative medication for migraines and I havent had one since I have been taking it for 2 months and I would get them twice a week after having my baby 7 months ago. Hopefully this info helps. J.

I'm not sure if you said you were on birth control now? I found great relief with feverfew, I use the yellow Solaray. Take it twice a day, it doesn't hurt your stomach. Not sure how it will work with your bypass though...the other huge relief I found was Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex) tincture drops from the healthfood store. Take this 3x/day for awhile. This is supposed to balance out your hormones. I turned this route because the docs couldn't help and I had to find relief on my own. Good luck.

I am so sorry about your migraines. I used to suffer from migraines, sometimes as frequently as 4x a week. I ended up going to Diamond headache clinic. They specialize in Headaches. Their Doctors are great. They work with you and try anything. Biofeedback, oxygen therepy, diet and drugs. My dr. was Dr. Pepper and I loved her! I would suggest going to their website www.diamondheadache.com to check them out and make an appointment. I know they accept insurance which also helps.

Good luck!

M.

I began getting migraines about 7 yrs ago. I used to be on Duradrin which got rid of the migraines but left me groggy for hours. When I got pregnant with my last child 5 yrs ago I had a REALLY bad migraine. I called the doctor to see what I could take and he prescribed Butalbitol. I LOVE it!!! I take it and the migraine is gone completely within 30-40 minutes. For those that recommended aspirin and caffeine, Bayer Back & Body Pain is just that in pill form. My migraines are also tied to my cycle so I hope this helps.

Hi J.,

I haven't read anyones response yet so I hope I am not repeating myself but I feel like I am the expert on migraines. I have had migraines since I was 12 years old, I never knew they were migraines until I was about 26 years old. I have been treated for migraines for 10 years now and it is all hormonal. Two weeks before I menstruate (coincidentally I am going through this right now) I get migraines. My doctor treats me with Imitrex. I have to buy them every month, I have to have them handy, I can't stress that enough. I was drinking them so often, that now I have been switched to Relpax so my immune system wont get use to it. I try to handle the pain on weekends when I don't have to go to work, but other than that, I take my medication because migraines paralyses me, I can't do anything when I have a migraine. Talk to your doctor, there is no need you should have to go through these excruciating headaches, especially when you have 2 children to care for. I know when I have my migraine episodes I can't even think, let alone function. Let me know how everything goes. Good luck.

While I don't know the effects of Gastric Bypass on the body, I completely recommend Excedrin Migraine. It has helped me and my Mom, who also gets regular migraines immensely. In fact, it helps us within 15 minutes of taking it.

Note: I generally take one extra pill than the directions indicate when I take it. This helps knock it out and I don't have to take any more.

Good luck. Hope you find relief soon!

caffeine try drive pop so that you don't have to take a pill if that does not work then try IMITREX or Excedrin® Migraine hope this helps

Casaandra Ford

Well i have had pms migraines since i was in h.s. about the week b4 & sometimes including the week of my period. What i have found works for me was it was a lack of calcium. During that 1-2 week time i craved calcium i would go thru a gallon to a gal &1/2 of milk. so what i started doing was taking pilled calcium. I still get migraines & i take imatrix a pill also but they do have injectable meds for them also i would check w/ your Dr.

Mine are triggered specifically by birth control due to the hormonal changes they cause. I also have had a lot of issues with the medications. My friend was just prescribed....an anti siezure medicane (can't remember the name) That has brought a complete stop to hers.....I'm still nursing so I can't take anything really. But you might ask about that.

Hello, I've been suffering from migraines for over 20 years and I'm only 31! They have lasted anywhere from hours to weeks. I won't go into any detail now it will take too long. I've finally found a Dr. that listens to me and is treating me and the headaches. She is not covering up the symptoms, but working on fixing the problem. First thing, stop taking motrin, tylenol, etc. No over the counter meds. If they aren't helping when you first take them ,then stop. My 2'nd child is 18 months and when I went back on the pill, my headaches got really bad, 2 weeks or more. Periods were just like yours. There is so much info. I can share with you that I now know and is actually helping me. I can give you my email and you can email me and I will give you my number and you can call me. There is just too much to type. I've been on this new med. for only a month now and i already have had only a fraction of the headaches at a fraction of the pain! I also won't need to be on this med. forever, only about 6 months. Anyway, if you'd like to talk, I'd be happy to.

R.
____@____.com

I agree about trying the chiropractor. We did that with my son and it helped some. Also, if you are a tummy sleeper...bad news...it's linked to migraines. Have you considered getting off the Pill? It is really horrible for you in general. You could look into progesterone cream. It is used as a migraine therapy for hormonal migraines. I haven't had personal experience with it for that, but I have a friend who get's daily migraines and is on Imitrex and she found the cream to help.

Hi- I suffer from migraines as well, but don't get them while preganant. I get them around my period each month. I take Imitrex which helps and my OB/GYN suggested taking Climara, an estrogen replacement patch (the same thing people take for menpause). I have not tried it yet but you might talk to your doctor about it.

I always took Midol or Pamprin 4 my migraines. Even Excedrin Migraine. Good Luck!

My migraines are totally hormone related and coincide with 2 times in my cycle (so 2x month). When I'm pregnant, I basically don't get them or as they're starting I can stave off with a decongestant, tylenol and hot tea (coffee doesn't work for the caffeine part) combo. That does not work at all when I'm not pregnant. Orthotricyclen is the pill I was on for years and I almost never got the migraines. Once I went off was when they went totally out of control again. I went to several different chiropractors and it didn't help at all since, again, it was horomonal and not skeletal or muscular or nerve related. THe only thing I've found that helps are Imitrex pills, but I only take them when I can't take the headache anymore b/c they make me feel really nauseous. I went to an internist specializing in headaches at Northwestern and her only advice to really prevent them from happening was to go back on the pill.

Hi Jeannette, I too suffer from migraine headaches. During pregnancy (I'm currently in the middle of my second pregnancy) I would start getting them almost every day, take a tylenol and they would go away if I caught it on time. During the end of my first pregnancy ( the last 2 weeks) they got worse and I ended up going to the hospital for it. The only thing I can suggest because I haven't figured out what to do yet post pregnancy is to stop birth control. My migraines increased in frequency and pain once I went on birth control in college. I also went to a chiropractor when I was in college and that really seemed to help. But it wasn't a full spinal chiro. Dr. he only adjust the neck portion of the spine (which I am desperatly trying to find a dr. to do that where I live now). Anyways, but I heard that there is a brand new form of medication for migraines which is a nasal spray. Maybe you can ask your Dr. about that.