Case Histories - November #46

Here I am. I am 24 years ikd and have had migraines since age nine. They have always been pretty bad, but the past few months have been terrible. I am a recent grad with an MSW trying to work -but it is so difficult with an almost daily migraine. I am frustrated, angry and scared that it is all just getting worse. I recently started seeing a specialist in Wellesley, Dr. Speirling, and he has me on a bunch of new mediactions that are so far not doing all that much. He put me on Prednisone in order to break a 10 day migraine cycle. I was on it for three days. Was better for another day and here I am again. I take Zomig for the bad ones- but that pill seems llike a joke to me, and a musle relaxer for the less intense ones. I also just started a Beta-blocker as a preventative. YIKES -i sound like a pharmacy. Does anyone have any advice, or suggestions, or ideas about meds? I am finding it so helpful to read through everyone's entries. Many of them sound like I could be writing them....I also just got married about three months ago -and that is WONDERFUL! I wish i could just enjoy life more!!!
Robyn B Hoffman <robari@aol.com>
Waltham, MA USA - Date: 11/30/98 (Mon) Time: 05:13:09 PM

I started having migraines when I was about 26. I used to get them once or twice a year but now that I turned 30 I have been getting them just about everyday. It really scares me because the only thing that takes them away in an injection of nubaine and phenergan. The only thing wrong with that is the damage to my tissues and it knocks me out. Which makes it hard to deal with life and I have three girls to take care of. My husband is very understanding and helps me out alot. But I know that it is taking it's toll. I've been told that the injections are non addicting but in the back of my mind I still get scared. I wish there was some magic pill to take away the pain with no side efffects. But I guess thats coming with the take at night wake up skinny pill. If any one has tried a new persciption that has worked please drop me a note. I have an app. with Dr. Gilmore but I have a feeling it will be a while before we find out anything and in the mean while I would like to keep an open mind to any new treatments.
Tina Estrada <estrada@gorge.net>
Goldendale, wa USA - Date: 11/30/98 (Mon) Time: 04:19:13 PM

Actually I don't suffer from migraines, but I'm doing a report on them and their symptoms and stuff for science. I didn't have time to read thruogh everyones entry, but I was wondring if anyone sees this and has some spare time, If they could write something of their experience to me, I would be very much obliged. Idealy, if you could include your diegnotion, any medicines being taken, and symptoms that would be absolutley perfect! Thanks so much for your time, Aryn
Aryn Yancher <www.wpolobrat@aol.com>
Davis, CA USA - Date: 11/30/98 (Mon) Time: 03:51:39 PM

Hello everyone! I haven't been on in a while and just wanted to check in. I hope most of you had a pain free Thanksgiving. I woke up with a headache on Thanksgiving, but was able to fight it off. I was so happy. Well, I'm paying for that now. This morning I woke up with the muscles in my neck so tight, they were like a knot. The pain of course, moved up and over my head and has settled in both temples. I am at work and the only thing I have here is Excedrin Migraine. I forgot my Midrin. I'm hoping this lets up, but we all know how that goes. Luckily, it's almost 5:00 and I can go home. I just can't believe no one can cure these horrible migraines. It's just a ridiculous notion to me that they can't be cured without making all of us guinea pigs for different pain medications. Why do we have to deal with these horrible, splitting, pounding headaches all the time? I just long for the day when I am headache free. No pounding. No throbbing. No feeling like my head is about to split open. Sorry so long. My head is killing me and I just needed to vent. I'm not looking forward to the drive home. Not with this headache. Hope you all have a pain free evening. Joanie
Joanie
MI USA - Date: 11/30/98 (Mon) Time: 03:31:33 PM

Wendy, Dee, anyone else interested in maxalt: I accessed info on it by going to http://www. maxalt.com through microsoft internet explorer. Then I clicked on "I'm a professional" & then on "patient information" & voila!
Catherine <cadams@ilnk.com>
Jax Beach, FL USA - Date: 11/30/98 (Mon) Time: 02:56:46 PM