the headache post (part one)
Get ready. This is a long one. I'm breaking it down into two posts, and then I'll shut up about it. I promise! Feel free to move along if you're not a sufferer or don't really give a flying fig. You certainly won't hurt my feelings. : )
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So. About the headaches. Please understand that I am NO expert, but I have found something that seems to help me. Whenever I mention here that I get migraines, I get lots of commiseration and suggestions, which tells me there are lots of us who suffer. That is why I post this today.
My history: My mom and my sister both get migraines. My dad used to get them, and his sister did too- hers were strongly connected to anxiety attacks. I started getting problematic headaches as a teen. My family doctor labeled them tension headaches and gave me some muscle relaxers to try. They didn't particularly help- I remember them making me sleepy.
Mine manifest in this way: one sided pain- but not always the same side- in my sinuses, behind an eye, across my face into my temple, and in the muscle behind my ear and down my neck and shoulder. Sensitivity to light. Nausea. All classic migraine pain. I yawn a lot when they're coming on.
Just after I graduated from college, I tried one of my mom's Maxalt. It was like a miracle. That drug changed my life, until well, it just didn't anymore.
They have always been hormonal, alcohol will trigger one but not always, and the only food trigger I have successfully pinpointed is Brie cheese. My headaches are always worse in the winter (connected with seasonal depression, too little exercise and fresh air) and improve in the summer (lots of sun and free time, plenty of physical activity outdoors.)
Excedrin and I became good friends. Coffee too. Caffeine always helped, until well, it just didn't anymore. (Seeing a pattern?) Until recently I have had a low grade headache at some point in every day. I got used to them. If I didn't find something to nip it early, any headache would progress into what I call a Bad One which might lead to a headache pill (Maxalt or Imitrex.) Most days I could stop them no problem. Occasionally I couldn't. I've been to urgent care three times in the last couple of years with a Bad One that even the headache pills wouldn't knock. This is called a break-through migraine. Let me tell you, those SUCK.
I've done loads of research and have come to discover that migraines are tricky territory. Doctors admit they don't fully understand them, although there is proof migraine brains are physiologically different than the "normal" brain. Many things can trigger them including food, stress, hormones, odors, weather changes, even such minimal things as wearing a tight ponytail or bright sunlight. There are just so many triggers and ways the headaches manifest themselves, and as many approaches and treatments as there are doctors in the phone book.
The months of January and February were particularly bad for me. I took NINE headache pills in a 4 week period. They cost me about $20 each! One particular headache spell lasted 6 days. I nearly lost my marbles. I was at my wits' end. The rest of my family's too.
I called around for a good neurologist to visit. I couldn't get an appointment until May or June. I worriedly emailed friends. Dearest Emily recommended a book by a neurologist from Johns Hopkins that had really helped her friend. I checked it out from the library and started reading.
**Click**
It just clicked. I don't know this doctor. But so much of his approach makes sense to me. I relate perfectly to many of his case study examples. I made an appointment with my regular doctor to discuss it, and he was very supportive of my plan. And already, six weeks later, it is helping me immensely. I only have hope that it will continue to improve.
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Sheesh! Enough for today. I'll be back with how his approach works and where I am in the process.
Thank you so much for reading. I'll see you tomorrow.
Comments
i do give a fig, and i love this photo. and i do so hope the best for you, and everyone else who suffers from these awful things.
xo
tara
Posted by: tara thayer | March 28, 2010 5:00 PM
Anxious to hear how your new approach works. I get migraines occasionally. It's not often, but when it happens I'm out for the rest of the day. I'd really like to figure out the trigger. I just know that when I start seeing the "fuzzy spots" - visual disturbance- that I'm about to get a BAD one with pain, nausea, light sensitivity,etc. An excedrin and a dark room with a cold compress is the only way for me to even begin to deal with it. Usually the only way out is to sleep it off. Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Posted by: Melissa | March 28, 2010 5:18 PM
I'm so glad the method is working for you. I can't even imagine how frustrated you must have been.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | March 28, 2010 5:37 PM
I identify with all of this. I have had low grade headaches for years and years with no doctor taking me seriously. This fall it transformed into migraines every day for over 2 weeks. I'm finally on a beta blocker with Maxalt as my back-up. Looking forward to post 2!
Posted by: Stacy | March 28, 2010 6:19 PM
I was wondering if this was going to work. I know I should try something like this, but I SO don't want to give up the things you've given up. :)
Posted by: amy h | March 28, 2010 6:32 PM
Oh friend! I am so sad to hear how rotten this winter has been for you. Thank goodness warm weather is around the corner... xoxo
Posted by: misschris | March 28, 2010 8:24 PM
I am so glad you have posted about this. I am going to buy the book. Please keep talking....I am listening.
XOXO
Posted by: christy @ beachbrights | March 28, 2010 8:48 PM
i am so relieved for you. and more glad than you know that my butting in turned out to be helpful. xoxoxo.
Posted by: emily | March 28, 2010 9:23 PM
alicia! i am so sorry you have had a bad time of it... and SO glad to hear you are feeling better... and getting them under control. i promise... if we ever get together in person... that i WILL NOT serve brie!
xxoo
Posted by: leslie | March 28, 2010 10:29 PM
i am so happy that you have found some relief, alicia. xo.
Posted by: erin | March 29, 2010 7:05 AM
hi a.
i have classical migraines with aura. usually i have one a month but sometimes i have had up to four a month. the transition from season to season seems to affect me as well as certain combinations of food (cheese and chocolate in the same meal). would love to hear more about your program. glad you are feeling better and thank you for sharing.
Posted by: shari | March 29, 2010 8:11 AM
can't wait. my sis suffers terribly from migranes. glad you are feeling a bit better friend.
Posted by: heidi | March 29, 2010 11:06 AM
Have you tried magnesium, specifically Ionic Fizz magnesium supplement? I take it regularly, and it has greatly reduced migraine frequency for me. I look forward to reading more of your thoughts and insights...
Posted by: ||| laura frantz ||| | March 29, 2010 1:11 PM
((((hugs))))
I've missed you.:) and I'm glad you're finding some relief.
Posted by: laeroport | March 29, 2010 1:32 PM
I'm looking forward to part two. My migraines usually aren't horrible...until they are. Glad to hear something is working.
Posted by: erica | March 29, 2010 1:58 PM
I'm sorry to learn you're suffering from this kind of thing too. I sympathize and am curious to find out how this regime works for you. I used Maxalt for years, but it doesn't really help much anymore. I'm using Vicodin for the bad ones, but don't want to make that a habit, for sure!
Posted by: Amy | March 29, 2010 3:37 PM
I suffered from migraines all my life, for me stress has always been a big factor & my love of chocolate does not help! I'm lucky that over the last 5 or so years that have happened less frequently & then 12 months ago I started exercising & that became a trigger. It went on for a few months & caused major household disruptions as I was so sick my husband would have to leave work to look after our kids. I was just about to stop exercising & then they suddenly stopped & I think I've only had one since then. I am always very aware that any headache I get can turn into a migraine & there is always a point of no return, after which I have to ride it out.
Think I will have to get a copy of that book & I'm glad you found something (or things) that work for you.
Posted by: Christie | March 29, 2010 8:06 PM
This is my story exactly. I am still struggling. I am taking huge steps though...eating mostly raw, cutting out dairy and all those other things. And exercising...I'm running again! They are better, but I still get 2-3 a week. Yikes! I'm trying acupuncture again next. Thanks for sharing!! This and your latest post were very helpful! xoxo
Posted by: Bluebirdbaby | March 30, 2010 2:41 PM
Listening with interest! I get migraines, as do two (so far) of my six daughters. My poor girls get the whole throwing up thing, as well--ugh. So glad you've found something that's helping!
Posted by: Robin | March 31, 2010 4:58 PM