Case Histories - August #13

I need some help! For as long as I can remember, I have had bad headaches almost daily. Then 13 years ago I experienced my first migraine while writing an exam in my first year of university. At first I would only experience 2-3 migraines per year. In the early years I did not use any medication and would tough them out (or more literally cry them out). Years went by and my migraines got worse and came more often ie.1-2 month. I went to the doctor for advice on pain medication. I needed a nasal spray because I could not keep oral medication down because of the nausea at the beginning of my migarines. She prescribed Stadhol NS. Stadhol worked great at first. It killed the pain and allowed me to drift to sleep. My migraines were usually gone in about 5 hours. However, my migraines have become more frequent in the last couple of years. I am now experiencing 2-4 migraines per week. They often begin as headaches at around 1:00 to 2:00 in the afternoon and by supper time I am in bed with a migraine. The problem is that the Stadhol has lost its effectiveness. I need to take more than the reccommended dose just to take the edge off the pain. I have taken Stadhol for so long and so often that I am now addicted to it. I know that I have to stop taking it but I need an alternative pain killer. I feel like a drug addict and I blame myself for my addication. I cannot take oral medication because of the nausea. I have tried imitrex and migranol sprays but they do not work for me. I have also tried preventative measures such as going to the chiropractor regularly and taking BP. I need another pain killer in the form of a nasal spray that is available in Canada. I have been to my doctor many times but without much result. My doctor makes me feel that it is somehow my fault that I am getting these migraines. My headaches are destroying the quality of my life. I spend more time in bed than I do with my kids. Can anyone help give me some suggestions on what to try?
Perry <pkarsten@primeline.net>
Kincardine, Ont Canada - Date: 08/30/98 (Sun) Time: 08:34:41 PM

I'm still in the testing stages, but after a severe attack with seizures my doctor suspects I had a migraine attack along with my Meniere's Disease. He currently put me on a B12 Injection with my other Meniere's medicine. Tests are scheduled for Sept. 15th. MRI, etc. I've had Meniere's since 1991, but my migraine's have never been this intense. We'll see what happens, but I want to tell you this new Doctor is in his 30's and I went in with the decision to have to have the surgery for my Meniere's. He actually asked the question "Where are you spiritually in your life?" He told me to read my Bible and pray. He feels this is also part of the treatment. And if you think about it.....Tension, pressure, setbacks all mess up recovery. I thought it was great to see such a young man with this attitude. Patti in Oklahoma pdr@parksbros.com-Date 08/30/98(Sun)12:50PM
Patti <pdr@parksbros.com>
Okemah, OK USA - Date: 08/30/98 (Sun) Time: 12:51:16 PM

My migraines began with the birth of my 3rd child 7 years ago. This was the first time I had a spinal tap, which contrary to my doctors oppion, is what I believe triggered my headaches. At first they (the migraines) where few and very far between. Then beginning in Oct 1997 I had what I would describe as a monster of a headache. It began by feeling dizzy which resulted in fainting. My husban who witnessed my fainting said it was accompained by jerking and other violent movements. The headache itself lasted through the next day with the only relief being a very dark and quite room. I had several other similar experances through April of this year. In April I began hormone repalcement. This helped a little but it was not until I read that artifical sweetners sometimes caused headaches. I was a avid diet coke fan but in July I gave it up and have only had 1 minor headache since. I know this may not work for everyone and maybe it was not the diet coke at all but something so small might bring some relief to some. Which is what we are all hoping for.
Patti
Edgewood, TX USA - Date: 08/29/98 (Sat) Time: 09:56:21 PM

I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of Imetrex and heart disease? Last week my doctor told me there is now a study out that discourages taking Imetrex more than twice a week if there is a family history of heart disease. She is thinking about stopping my Imetrex due to my family history (Mom had a heart attack at 28 and her parents died of heart disease at 55 and 58). I can't imagine going back to dealing with my migraines without Imetrex. It has been like a "miracle drug" for me. I have used it 3 times in the last 4 days and it has stopped all 3 migraines. I would appreciate any comments from others. Deb
Deb <debainc@ncn.net>
Cherokee, Iowa USA - Date: 08/29/98 (Sat) Time: 08:32:24 PM

I would just like to introduce myself and let everyone out there know that you are in my prayers, and thoughts. I have been reading your comments and letters for sometime, but have never posted. For almost all my life, I have suffered from one type of migraine or another. In the past 14 years, I have had them so severely that I finally qualified for Social Security Disability. I, often times, feel like the Migraine PosterChild, in that I have been the guinea pig for anything and everything that is used in convential medicine, as well as non-traditional forms. So........what I am leading up to here, is that I feel your pain, and your frustrations, and that if I can ever lend an ear, please please feel free to write. I will respond!! Also, I don't know how many of you have gone on to find Skip Bakers Pain Pages, but they are a wonderful resource, with many many links and they can even help you in locating a physican near you. I would be happy to share the links! God Bless and Keep you painfree and happy, Sincerely, Carol
Carol <CarpPayDUm@AOL.COM>
WA USA - Date: 08/29/98 (Sat) Time: 03:11:29 AM

Hello friends, Went to the doctor today for migraine followup and high blood pressure followup. While I was in the examing room waiting for him to come in, I was reading a magazine that someone had left. There was an interesting health update. It said that a study was done and migraine sufferers that started taking vitamin B2 (riboflavin) got migraines 37% less often. Has anyone ever heard that? I think it was the September issue of SELF magazine. I showed the article to the doctor and he thought it was interesting, and it would be worth the try, expecially being it could actually help. Wouldn't that be strange? Have migraines for 20 years and find out it was a vitamin deficiency all this time !!!!!!!!!!!1 Hope everyone pain free today. Cindy, I've not heard from you in a while, you too Chuck, where are you all???? Best wishes, Pam
Pam <mtdoyle@swva.net>
VVVA USA - Date: 08/28/98 (Fri) Time: 09:45:18 PM