Greetings,
I have Migraine's 2-3 times a week! My precious Grandmother gave them to me. I do not know how she did it on Excedrin alone for 79 years.
My first migraine was at the time of my first period. I remember because it was the worst head-ache of my life and I spent the day on the couch. I do not recall any until my late 30's and they really started in my early 40's. I did not know that I had "migraines" until a co-worker suggested this might be the case. I spoke with my Dr. and she suggested the next time I had a "headache" to come in. I did, and she gave me the Imitrex injection, within half an hour I was normal and felt wonderful again. Witing a few months the injections caused a reaction at the site and I could no longer use them. My husband suggested that it was not the Imitrex but the carrier used. After suffering through two more years with other treatments that did not work, a Neurologist told me he believed my husband to be correct. We gave the oral tabs a try and viola! Migraine relief with no reaction. A few years later I had a Dr in Atlanta who was a migraineur as well and she suggested Zomig. I have been using Zomig for 7 yrs now with wonderful results for the most part. I take 2.5 mg or less depending on how soon I catch and identify the severity of the migraine. I also take 4 Excedrin with the Zomig. Between the caffeine and the aspirin this seems to help the most.
I have been on many other treatments inc Topamax, which made my hair fall out and my brain felt as though it was undulating in my skull. This was at it's worst about six mths into treatment. It took 9 months for my hair to stop falling out.
I have 7-10 a month that I am migraine free. I believe this goes along with my mentrual cycle. I had a hysterectomy in 97, but believe my body still has a "cycle".
I try to watch what I eat and stay away from MSG, which gives me the absolute worst migraine! It is such a nightmare and takes 2-3 days to clear even with the drugs. I am still perplexed why it is still being used and is disguised in its usage as well.
I know I am somewhat depressed due to the frequency of the migraines, but am basically a very happy woman and very happily married to a wonderful man. We move every 2-3 three years and this does not help with finding friends and support from other women. My husband is in molecular diagnostics. It is also challenging to have a social life due to the frequency of migraines. I am retired as well. I could not see myself back in the work force due to my migraines. I do not feel comfortable joining groups or functions as it is dissapointing to me and others if I am not reliable. I am hard on myself and see myself as a good person and dependable.
I am on mailing list for ongoing information regarding migraine and treatment. I am very concerned about my brain and the damage from so many migraines and my future well being.
I so wish that we could find a "cure" for migraineurs. I have said many times that I would take this nightmare if I could keep my grandchildren from it. I wish it would stop with me.
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
JeanetteHambleton, I admire your determination in finding a solution for dealing with your migraines. Even when one medication didn't fully work out, you were open to trying others until you found something that did. To me, you didn't give up without a fight and that is admirable ... You should be proud of yourself -- not hard on yourself.
It's also great you've pinpointed MSG as a possible cause of your migraines. Have you noticed other triggers that you can share with women on the site? I've read that avoiding smoking and alcohol, exercising and getting plenty of rest can help reduce the pain.
You may be able to glean great information from videos that empowher.com created on migraines:
Dr. Bernstein, Can Migraines Affect Your Vision? and
Why Are Migraines an Illness?
Thanks for sharing your story. We look forward to more of your insight.
September 17, 2008 - 8:40amThis Comment