Case Histories - April 1998 #2

Hi, its Janet, I have been down with a Migraine for almost all of end of Feb. and first of March in fact I just got up yesterday. The other night when I prayed I said OK GOd I have had enough and I cant't deal with this migrane must longer and I don't know how much more I can take. And he must have listened cause I feel better. Im not sayig I am Miraculosly cured but I do feel better. Some one told me once that you can tell God that this is just quite enough. Don't get me wrong Im not sayig tell him off or how to run things ;I dont'think that would be a very good idea(HO HO) but I am saying that I guess It doesn't hurt to tell him when you just feel like this is it you just dont feel like you can deal with it anymore. I think I got dressed maybe three times since this last big migrane and even when the pain was bearable I didn't get dressed cause I just thought whats the use like I had just given up and that is not like me. I am a strong person and a fighter and don't get me wrong I am not suicidal. I am not going thru this HELL on earth to spend eternity in HELL! Also I want to warn you people that there is a person that writes to your e mail and tells you how bad they feel about your migranes and how they have a daughter neice that has migranes and how this Hi Potency vit and anti oxidents worked for them and to e mail her if I was intersted in what vit they were takeing so I did and I was emailed back this big Obviously sales gimic about this great nutritional system!!!! It is called USANA. What really makes me mad is that this person took advantage of our pain to sale his--her products also his=--her emal letter was so personal that when I answerd her I said personal thinks like we fellow sufferes do. SO BEWARE ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU RHONDA FOR THIS WEB SITE!!!!!!

---Janet <stella@verdenet.com>
Cottonwood, Az. USA -

1) coffee = migraine, 2) chocolate = migraine, 3) cheese = migraine, 4) msg = migraine, 5) citrus products = migraine, 6) sodas = migraine, All of these products contain tyramine, which for reasons not understood, in people prone to migraine, gum up various neurotransmitters, leading to m/attacks. Sweets eaten alone(this includes fruit also!!), start a similar reaction in the brain's neurotransmitter system, which also leads to migraine. Most medications, treat only the symptoms of migraine, which is pain. All meds have tremendous side effects and further screw up the body's natural balance, worsening the migraine cycle. While there are now meds that increase the serotonin levels(imitrex) decreasing the m/attacks, this could be a very dangerous lake to be skating on because we have no idea concerning long term or short term effects on the extremely delicate neurotransmitter system of the brain. Imagine, just for argue sake, that imitrex leads to permanent serotonin depletion thereby leading to permanent migraine(horrible thought). Eat fresh food whenever possible. Meals should be centered around protein and fresh veggies. Carbohydrates should be eaten last(the protein and the greens will counteract the migraine effects of the carbs). Dessert should be limited to very small portions(nothing w/ chocolate) and coffee should be made weak(only instant - the level of tyramine in brewed coffee is too high for people prone to m/attacks). Veggies need to be fresh, tyramine content grows as food decays. We are all genetic variations along a theme. Nature throws out various combinations to ensure survival of the species. We just happen to have a very sensitive neurotransmitter system which is incompatible with today's diet of processed foods containing chemicals. Our bodies can not handle these chems >>>>>>> m/attacks. I realize that the cause of migraine is complex. However, I have found this strategy works for myself. The answer is to find the answer. Everything in this world is cause/effect. Maintain a postive attitude while searching for the cause. Always tweak. Always consult your DR. before trying something new. Always remember that we were all migraine free at some point. If we can get back to that point or at least halfway there, we can improve the quality of our lives.

---john
Greenwich, ct USA -

1) ooffee = migraine, 2) chocolate = migraine, 3) cheese = migraine, 4) msg = migraine, 5) citrus products = migraine, 6) sodas = migraine, All of these products contain tyramine, which for reasons not understood, in people prone to migraine, gum up various neurotransmitters, leading to m/attacks. Sweets eaten alone(this includes fruit also!!), start a similar reaction in the brain's neurotransmitter system, which also leads to migraine. Most medications, treat only the symptoms of migraine, which is pain. All meds have tremendous side effects and further screw up the body's natural balance, worsening the migraine cycle. While there are now meds that increase the serotonin levels(imitrex) decreasing the m/attacks, this could be a very dangerous lake to be skating on because we have no idea concerning long term or short term effects on the extremely delicate neurotransmitter system of the brain. Imagine, just for argue sake, that imitrex leads to permanent serotonin depletion thereby leading to permanent migraine(horrible thought). Eat fresh food whenever possible. Meals should be centered around protein and fresh veggies. Carbohydrates should be eaten last(the protein and the greens will counteract the migraine effects of the carbs). Dessert should be limited to very small portions(nothing w/ chocolate) and coffee should be made weak(only instant - the level of tyramine in brewed coffee is too high for people prone to m/attacks). Veggies need to be fresh, tyramine content grows as food decays. We are all genetic variations along a theme. Nature throws out various combinations to ensure survival of the species. We just happen to have a very sensitive neurotransmitter system which is incompatible with today's diet of processed foods containing chemicals. Our bodies can not handle these chems >>>>>>> m/attacks. I realize that the cause of migraine is complex. However, I have found this strategy works for myself. The answer is to find the answer. Everything in this world is cause/effect. Maintain a postive attitude while searching for the cause. Always tweak. Always consult your DR. before trying something new. Always remember that we were all migraine free at some point. If we can get back to that point or at least halfway there, we can improve the quality of our lives.

---john
Greenwich, ct USA -

Dear Rhonda, I love this website. I'm a first time user of the web and never knew something like this existed. My name is James and I've had cluster/migraine headaches for 22 years now. I'm now 41 and have been through so many doctors, medications, and heard all the same stories the doctors try to drill into your head. But I must say, I feel like giving up but must keep up the strength. My headaches are always in the right temple area and you all know how much pain there is, right? So no need to get into the nasty details. Once in a great while I will go 1 or 2 days without a headache but normally its 3 or 4 attacks every single day and its been going on for years with no relief. I don't mean to be such a whiner but the pain is so unbearable and its frustrating when the headaches control you and your life! Since very few doctors even know about clusters WE ALL NEED TO COMMUNICATE TO EACH OTHER and try to help with controlling these headaches. Different meds work with different people. Imitrex is great but it's $45 for 1 shot. Is there anything more affordable but just as effective? Also, I've read all these stories from everyone but very few mentions OXYGEN-10 TO 15 liters per minute. IT WORKS!!But its hard if not impossible to carry an O2 tank everywhere. Need advice on dealing with all the lost time from work, new or different meds and anything else that might help. Please E-MAIL me for any advice, questions or just to talk. Any information would be extremely helpful. Thanks for listening- Beyond Desperate

---James Sanchez <knotrite2webtv.net>
Braceville, il USA -

HI, my name is Vickie . I'm 33 years old and have never had a headache that a couple of advil couldn't cure untill now. I woke up one Sunday morning 2 weeks ago with the worst headache I've ever had. I'm fine as long as I'm laying down but as soon as I stand up It's the worst pain I've ever felt. The doctor's aren't sure if it's a migraine or a low pressure headache. I'm taking two Tylenol 3 in the morning as soon as I get up which seems to take it away but, if I try to sit up for too long or move around around too much it comes back. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had a headache like this and what did you do to cure it? Thanks Vickie

---Vickie Ford <offside@blvl.igs.net>
Belleville, Ont Canada -

I am age 48, first migrane remembered, age 10. I currently get many migranes monthly, most controlled with lots of medication. My family and I are getting very tired of this, however. I am on an HMO and primary care doctors have not required any testing (MRI etc.) In the last 25 years I have only had 2 months where I went headache free. In the last year I have had as many as 19 days in a month with pain and requiring meds. I currently take Imitrex spray, cafregot, vicadin (sparingly) and 8mg Sansert daily for prophylactic purposes.

---Lin <linrio@aol.com>
Thousand Oaks, CA USA -

Ive already made a post so ill make this one quick..Has anyone heard of having an OCCULAR MIGRAINE..that happens 24hours a day? My doctor thinks Ivee been experiencing that without the headache for the past year..non stop..PLEASE email me if you have any info..im getting worried!!! Thanks!!蜵鴕

---lesley <sugrmtn@aol.com>
USA -