Thursday, March 11, 2010

Migraines

I think migraines would be cured by now if men suffered from them as much as women do. There would be so much research, funding and so many drug trials going on... there would probably be a magic little blue pill for migraines by now.


I have suffered from migraines for 25 years. I've been to neurologists. They don't know what causes or cures migraines. They tell me to try lots of things and... "good luck, try keeping a headache journal." Thanks, Docs, maybe I'll go one step further and create a headache scrapbook, using fancy scissors and colorful stickers! 

The doctors have asked if there is a history of headaches in my family. I said yes, my mother and grandmother had them until they hit menopause. Then they nod and do nothing.

I've been told to eliminate headache-trigger foods from my diet. I've been told to try this medication, that medication, the other medication. But when the pills are over $25 per tablet, it's hard to feel free to take one at the first sign of a headache. Because I think, "Hm, maybe Advil will do, or maybe a cup of coffee might be enough this time." And when I do take the big gun drugs, I am only supposed to take one tablet every 24 hours. And sometimes that doesn't even touch the migraine. Then what?! 

So that concludes my migraine rant. If you have any suggestions or cures that might work, please send them my way. Otherwise, I'm waiting hopefully until menopause.
Hot flashes...bring 'em on!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh no! That's so awful. I can't imagine.

I had a girlfriend many years ago who suffered from horrible migraines. She found relief by going to a holistic practitioner who specialized in food allergy testing.

It turned out that she was allergic to a huge variety of incredibly yummy foods, but when she eliminated all of them, her migraines stopped.

That's all the experience I have on the topic... but all I really know is that I feel awful for you. Much sympathy coming your way!

David L. said...

Not that you need anything else to worry about, but perhaps you should talk to an eye doctor, especially if your family has a history with glaucoma. Some times people who suffer from frequents migraines are being affected by high pressure inside their eyes, which can signal glaucoma.

Bryn said...

I used to suffer from severe migraines until I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, which means I can't eat gluten. I went from having migraines 3-5 times a week to about once a month. Food journals help, but sometimes you might have a delayed reaction. I take excedrin when I notice a headache coming on and if it doesn't get better in an hour or so I take nasal spray imitrex. It seems to be the only thing that works for me.

Good luck!!

Donna said...

A friend here at post uses acupuncture to control her migranes and she swears by it. Maybe worth a try?

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Connie said...

My sister suffered through migraines for many years. She had all the tests, including celiac (good thing to check), etc. She finally saw a dental specialist. It was TMJ. She hadn't had other symptoms... no jaw. or tooth pains, at least nothing serious enough to catch her doctor's attention. I don't know if she's on any meds, but she's wearing a brace of some kind at night to help align her jaw properly. It's helped tremendously. Good luck!!

I'll Take Mine... said...

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I appreciate them.