Case Histories - September #21

Finally, someone who can comprehend what I feel. I've always said that I wouldn't wish one of these headaches on anyone but sometimes at work when I have said to me, "Don't have a headache tomorrow, we need you here, " I honestly think twice. It's almost like people think you have some type of control over this and sometimes that seems bigger than the headache itself is when there is no understanding. It's almost like people make you feel like you brought this headache on to avoid something you didn't want to do (attend functions, go to work, etc.). I've suffered with migraines since I was 13yrs old - I am now 33yrs old. My headaches are always temporal, either on one side or another. If I go to the emergency room, they medicate me so heavily, they swear I'll never walk out on my own ("enough to kill a horse," they say - and I always walk out on my own!) I supose that's what scares me the most is that here I will lay and there will be nothing that anyone can do to bring relief. Imitrex has helped me more than anything, but only the injections and I am thankful for that. One of my major triggers is MSG (a preservative) found in lunch meats and alot of canned foods so I need to always read the labels. I've been to a headache clinic in Baltimore, MD several times but after keeping journals and being their "class guinea pig" I decided it served no purpose. Thanks to all who participate on this site, I'm sorry that you suffer as well, but glad to know I'm not alone in my battle as well.
Debbie <hgw32@webtv.net>
Keyser, WV USA - Date: 09/23/98 (Wed) Time: 11:39:29 PM

I just read through all the recent postings, and this is my second posting on the board. It does seem like a lot of people receive help by taking Vicodin (generic name Hydrocodone). One of the side effects listed in the Physician's Desk Reference for hydrocodone is HEADACHE. I am serious-look it up! Everyone is different, and we all react a little differently from each other in our responses to medications. What works for one, may not work for the other-in fact, it may be devastating!!! I give everyone credit here for sharing their stories and experiences, because if we didn't receive some form of input or ideas, we may never know to TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Great for all of you that Vicodin works for, and keep looking and working with your doctor(s) if it didn't! If you experience problems with a physician prescribing such a medication, request a second opinion or to be referred to a pain specialist or clinic with M.D.s on staff. We have a right to adequate medical treatment, insurance companies be damned! I will pay ALMOST ANYTHING to have my pain under control! If you get refused by an HMO or Insurance company, contact the Insurance Commissioner's office in the State in which you live. File a complaint, and carbon copy the insurance company with the complaint you file! You will be surprised at how quickly your insurance group will "find a way" to allow a visit to a different doctor or specialist! This has been my experience from my point of view-I used to work in Medical Insurance billing, Medical Malpractice claims, and several doctors offices over the years. You have to be in charge of your care, and "beat the dead horse" until it gets up again!!!! Take care, Carolyn
carolyn r <richardson_carol@hotmail.com>
Bremerton, WA USA - Date: 09/23/98 (Wed) Time: 11:09:34 PM

I get migranes as a result of eating a high content of sugar. I have discovered this over the years and it seems when I eat wedding cake, chocolate (espeically, other sweets, especially, after 9 PM, get ready fto pay the piper in the morning. I get a migraine that lasts about three days. I take Bufferin or other over the counter meds and just suffer through it.
Sheila Mangel <Sheilsun@aol.com>
USA - Date: 09/23/98 (Wed) Time: 08:04:46 PM

I have been reading this journal for a while now and I see just about the same types of problems and solutions in most of the enteries. I am so upset at these so called doctors. I just got over a 6 day migraine. I went to the urgent care on Wednesday 9/16 and I told the doctor what my symptoms were and she agreed that I was suffering from a migraine. No Duh Instine! I told the doctor that I have tried every med on the market and that Vicodin was the only med that works. She looked at me and instantly said 'No way! I will not give a addicting drug no matter if it works or not!). She than perscribed me Midrin after I told her it doesn't work. She then called the pharmacy that the medical center uses (It's Kaiser) and said never to give me Vicodin no matter what. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was so upset. I missed work the next 2 days, stayed in bed over the weekend, and missed work on Monday & Tuesday (A total of 4 days) just to get rid of my headache when all I needed to take was Vicodin to get rid of the pain. I give up with these doctors. I realize that they are only looking out for my best interest, but if a narcotic drug works, then taking it in a modified manner, then why can't they do that? I rather deal with a slight addiction then these horrible headaches.
Debbie <Gentle_Fem@yahoo.com>
Santa Ana, Ca USA - Date: 09/23/98 (Wed) Time: 03:17:24 PM

This is for Carol and anyone else who is taking Vicodin. I went on that after a sinus surger 5 years ago and I had regular headaches that were pretty bad. My mom, who does not get migraines, experienced headaches also which go away with discontinued use. It is a common side effect, so if I were you, Carol, I would tell my doctor and let him prescribe me something else! Also, I am on my 3rd day with a migraine which I believe is due to being on Amitriptyline for 3 weeks. However, I am so tired around the clock that I can barely function. I have a follow up appointment with my Neuro Friday and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions??? Since joining on with all of you I now pray for you regularly!
Heather Burgess <heather.burgess@eds.com>
Plano, TX USA - Date: 09/23/98 (Wed) Time: 02:16:23 PM

Hi - I am a 55 yr. old woman with a history of migraines going back 30 years. The first 20 years I just suffered. When I got a migraine my husband would have to drive me to the emergency room, they would give me a shot of demorol, and vicadin and send me home. Sometimes that worked, sometimes 4 hours later I would have to go back for the same treatment. There were also times when the 3 trip would land me in the hospital to basically put me out for a day or so. I had tried drugs such as Cafergot, Elavil, and numerous others. Then 10 years ago a new neurologist came to town. I saw him and he put me on Inderal, raising it slowly to 240 mgs. a day, actually gave me a subscription for 30 demoral tablets, 50 mg. a piece (I could take 2 if I went straight to bed) and compazine for nausea. When I would get a migraine - if I attacked it early enough - it would help. I would still have to go home, in bed, no sound, no light, well, you know what I mean. I would get 2-3 migraines every month. Then our insurance company decided that he would no longer be covered under our plan. Needless to say I wouldn't give him up and I paid through the nose to continue to go to him, but he was worth it. Then Imitrix injections came out. I asked him if I could try them and they worked. I understand that only 50% have success with them, but I am one of the lucky ones. If I know one is coming on - I give myself an injection and that helps, sometimes I need a second injection an hour later, then he said I could have a third injection 8 hrs. later, after that - emergency room. Occasionaly I had to go to the second shot - but rarely the 3rd. Then he left town. Took a position at a big medical center out east. I was mortified. I spoke to our family doctor about what worked and she agreed to keep me on the Inderal (240 mgs.) a day and the Imitrix as long as it worked. I tried the tablets, bvut they don't work fast enough. I am wondering about the new migraine drug out and also the Imitrix spray. I have had success with Imitrix injections, but wonder if the spray would work too. I still get 2-3 migraines a month, but I can eliminate them right away. They also said that once I started menopause they would disappear - not a chance. If someone could help me with the spray idea and the new drug (don't remember what it is called), I would appreciate it. Thanks for letting me vent and I'm thrilled to have found this board. I don't feel so alone anymore.
Karen <shoedk@forbin.com>
Waterloo, IA USA - Date: 09/23/98 (Wed) Time: 01:41:35 PM