Case Histories - January 1999 #5

I think that there must be more of us out there than we realize who suffer from both TMJ and chronic migraines. I am plagued with both, too, and sometimes it is truly hard to tell one from the other. If there are any others like us out there, who suffer with both, and have found some kind of way to deal with the pain(notice I said deal, not relieve, because I know that often no matter what we do, the pain is still there)please post here. I am feeling better simply because I know that I am not alone in this, that I am not crazy in thinking that both types of headaches can mimick each other, and that it is hard to tell one from the other. I am so glad that I am not alone, although I would'nt wish this on anyone.
Barbara B
USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 08:33:50 PM

I am 24 years old now and have had migrains since I can remember. I would usually have them 4-5 times a month. They would cripple me for a whole day if not 2.It would start out with the aura in the right eye and severe pain on the left side of my head. Once the pain started I would be sicked to my stomach.The pain would get so bad that I just wanted someone to put me out of my misery. I would have to crawl to the bathroom because I couldn't even walk. About 3 yrs agoa I went to a chiropractor who said I had a pinched nerve. I had several treaments with the doctor. They headaches went away. Guess what, today I had one. I was layed up all day. I am going to try the chiropractor again. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I don't think I can handle more than 1 a year. I feel for everyone that has written. It is such a painful experience to go through that I don't wish it upon anyone.
Jennifer <jworth6866@aol.com>
NY USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 08:16:04 PM

My wife has been having one big headache since September and the doctor tell here that it is medication induced headache. SHe has given up the medication Atasol 8 and others. How long will it take to get better. Jeff
Jeff Jacobs <jeff.jacobs@thezone.net>
Western Bay, Nf Canada - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 07:43:26 PM

A good friend of mine is suffering with migraines (3 years) it is now leading to depression, suicide attempts, etc.. He is at a disadvantage because he does not have insurance. He is in total despair and so is his family. He has even suffered brain damage and no one seems to have any answers he is only 40 years old and has a wife and two children. If you can help, please contact me. Thank you
lauri penninger <tpenninger>
new bern, nc USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 05:59:42 PM

Hi Jeannette~ You are one of the more fortunate migraine sufferers if OTC drugs help you .But too many of us have tried all the preventatives, the Chiropractors, herbs, diet changes & alternate methods to end the Migraines with no luck. I don't like taking Imetrix or Zomig but the 'Triptan drugs are the one thing that has finally, after 33 years of pain, helped me. I hate the side effects & feel horrible for hours later but for the most part the Migraine pain is gone. I am just this week starting a new job but only a few hours a week. I had to leave my other job, even though I had cut back on hours, because the headaches were so frequent I couldn't even work 20 hours a week. I guess most of us are still hoping for a Miracle Drug so we can lead "normal" lives! Good luck to you, I hope you continue to do ok. ~Lynda~
Lynda
USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 04:50:13 PM

Hi Everyone, I am just getting caught up after the holidays and this beg midwestern snowstorm. I have a crazy question: does anyone think tea causes headaches? I just started wondering. Am constantly searching for possible triggers. during my 2 pregnancies, I was very allergic to tea. Maybe that has returned?? Also, for those of you who are just discovering feverfew as a preventive, you might consider cycling on and off it rather than taking it all the time. I don't think it works for ever unless you do this. Best wishes!
Dee <dsjohns@adms.purdue.edu>
USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 04:42:25 PM

(Please withhold my name if you post this.) For those chronic pain patients whose doctors are too cowardly to prescribe a triplicate drug, please take note that you can acquire some of these drugs in Mexico. I went through hell to unearth this information! First, drugs that we call "triplicate" drugs are NOT sold in the Mexican state of Baja (by order of the Mexican government). They are sold in every state EXCEPT Baja. Second, for all realistic purposes, you can only obtain two kinds of useable opioid analgesic drugs, one fentanil-based and the other morphine-based. The first, called DURAGESIC parche transdermico (Duragesic transdermal patches), is a patch that comes in four different strengths, impregnated with the potent fentanil (fentanilo) and lasts for 72 hours. Next is the morphine-based DURALMOR LP {capsulas de liberacion prolongada} (long-acting time-release morphine). Third, now comes the tricky part. You must physically enter Mexico (a city such as Nogales, Juarez, Mexico City). Go to a pharmacy (farmacia) and say you need to see a doctor (unless you already have one down there). They will probably ask you what you want. You tell them you need Duragesic patches or Duralmor LP and make sure they have it or go to another farmacia that does. Your other option is to see the doctor to which they refer you and ask him for the name of a farmacia that has either one. If he doesn't know and doesn't call around to pharmacies, then get another doctor by going to another farmacia. A doctor shouldn't charge you more than $20-$40 for a prescription. If you're lucky you might even persuade him to mail these drugs (with a prescription enclosed in the package) into the US. This is starting to occur, albeit slowly. Lastly, recross the border. So long as you have a prescription with you, then you can usually declare them safely at the border. Duragesic patches are the least problematic since a drug addict usually wouldn't want them. Do not be tricked into accepting substitutes in Mexico. For instance, the drug NEO-PERCODAN is Darvon, NOT percodan! And you will not find any form of OXYCODONE (percodan, percocet, oxycontin) listed in the Mexican DEF (their version of the Physicians Drug Reference). If you can find a place that imports it from the U.S., good luck. Let the buyer beware!
name withheld upon request
USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 04:28:50 PM

This is for Carolun in Wa, USA and anyone else. I just want to say that I appreciated your entry. I am also a medical worker and understand the stress of ER personell. I also understand the stress of migraines. I've had them for 30 years and they are getting worse. You put things into perspective. I know that when we are in the midst of a migraine we do not always think rationaly, but we should try to understand others. Thanks for the reminder.
Kathleen
NY USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 04:01:15 PM

I am going to do something I never thought I'd do - recommend a natural product to try. I have gotten all those "miracle cure" e-mails from others - and they get on my nerves big time, as I don't believe in miracle cures for migraine. A little background - I've had migraines since I was 12 - I'm 34 now. They have been classified by my neurologist as intractable (meaning difficult to treat - no wonder I've been having such a hard time finding any help) migraines. I also have TMJ, recently diagnosed. Feels like somebody has wound your jaw joint excruciatingly tight.I've been at the end of my rope with my docs saying basically "we don't know what to try next" as we've tried all conventional methods and medications. I found some info on Kava Kava (or Kavatrol) and decided to try it. I can tell you that I feel it is working for me. I'm trying to not get to excited about it's positive effects, until I've been taking it for a longer period of time. I don't know if it will work for you, but I think it has worked for me. Hope everyone is feeling well - take care.
Joanne <JOANNE.PERRY@usa.dupont.com>
USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 02:25:57 PM

This is my first time at this site. I've had migraines all my life, but not as frequently or as severe as some of these stories I've just read! I do have them though, and wouldn't wish them on anyone! I'm not one of those people who think a migraine is just a "really bad headache" either. I get the whole nasty aura thing, which is what I originally wrote about earlier. Anyway, I have to agree with "Frank" who says you all should try getting off the migraine drugs and try some of the MANY alternatives available. I have always been afraid to try any of the migraine drugs because the side effects sound worse than the migraines! I've only taken aspirin, tylenol, advil, etc... And FEVERFEW as a PREVENTATIVE. I've also read that you can take low doses of aspirin every other day as a preventative. Chiropractic adjustments, accupuncture, herbs, nutrition, etc. There are so many alternatives to the drugs out there that seem to be making you all feel worse! I think it's a lot easier to prevent a migraine then to get rid of one.
Jeannette <aries66@mwaz.com>
USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 02:12:24 PM

I am a 32 year old female and I have had migraines as long as I can remember. I have many different triggers and have had basically the same type of "aura" since I was a kid. My auras would usually start with numbness in one hand (I think always my left) which would move up my arm to the side of my face and even into my mouth and tongue. Along with this I would have a big blind spot in my vision. If I looked in the mirror I could only see one side of my face, as if you had your hand up in front of you blocking the rest of your face. This would last for awhile with no head pain. Then as the aura slowly went away, the throbbing head pain (I think always on the left) and nausea would come. I would be debilitated in bed in a dark room for hours, until finally the pain would dull enough to be able to at least get up to go to the bathroom or something. My neck and jaw would be tight and sore and I would even suffer a type of migraine "hangover" the next day. Anyway, the last couple of migraines I have had have had different auras and this has me worried. Now instead of the numbness and the big blind spot, I have difficulty speaking. I know what I want to say, but can't seem to get the words out. As the pain comes, so does my ability to speak. I'm very curious to know if there are any other migraine sufferers that have had this type of aura. I've been told by a couple different people that I should get a CAT scan. Please write to me at aries66@mwaz.com. Thank you. Jeannette :)
Jeannette <aries66@mwaz.com>
USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 12:52:03 PM

I have been suffering from severe headaches for the past 11 years. This past year they have started to be of migraine intensity, and I have now developed a tolerance to all over the counter medications. My doctor has prescribed Elavil, and I was wondering if anyone who has had experience with this drug can tell me what to expect (ie, does it work, what are the side effects...). I would also like to thank everyone for writing their experiences here - it has helped me to realize that there are other's out there who understand what I am going through (my husband though supportive has never had a headache, so he just can't trully understand what I am going through).
Sandra <sandragi@home.com>
Brampton, ON Canada - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 10:58:08 AM

I have been suffering with headaches for over 9 years and have not found alot of help. I cant even work I have them so bad. They even send me to the hospitial at least 2 times a month for demorol injections which isnt to very pleastant. So any body else out there like me please email me and we can talk about our problems. Thanks for listeing.
Laura Duncan <laduncan@ac.net>
pinrbluff, nc USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 10:03:28 AM

I have to make this quick because I have a crying/squirming baby on my hands, or lap I should say! A brief history: I got my first migraine headache at age 29. I thought I had a brain tumor or something. I started out getting them very seldomly, once every few months. I thought that was bad. Now I get an average of 2 a week some that last up to 2 days. I've called the doctor's office in tears only to be ignored or lectured on his prescribing anything for the pain other than anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants. But, they don't work and I have a sensitive stomach and hyatil hernia (forgive my spelling) He honored me with hydrocodone (low mg) at one point, only to give me a bunch of crap about addiction. I realize the DEA has put pressure on doctors but I think it has caused the doctors to catagorize people in pain as "drug seekers" They seem cautious but also untrusting when you want pain treatment which is frustrating. Yet, I know people who can easily get treatment for pain. It all depends on the doctor and what pain you're experiencing. I find that people that get migraines, like myself, are not taken seriously and since most doctors that I've seen never have experienced a migraine are very uncompassionate!!! I can relate to every story here on the board and I hope we all find a way to help our pain one way or another. God Bless & I will always refer a doctor should I ever find one that helps me!
Kim R. <size05@aol.com>
Collingdale, PA USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 09:58:40 AM

Last week someone wrote in that she thought her hairspray was giving her migraines. I have done some research and I think you are right!!!!!!!! I am highly sensative to MSG and some of you may be as well and not even know it. it is not just in Chinese food, its everywhere, check your labels. there are also other forms besides monosodium glutamate which may appear on the label such as hydrolyzed protiens of any kind or it can appear as "natural flavoring". Anyway, after reading the entry I went to a MSG site that is located at www.holisticmed.com/msg/msg-sources.txt. it gives all the possibilities. Ater going home and reading my shampoo and conditioner labels I discovered - its in there!!!!!! I am putting this stuff on myself everyday and I have a headache everyday. I dont know if its as simple as trying new hair products, but its worth a try. there are a few brands without it and its worth looking for. Give it a shot if you are a daily migraine sufferer, what do you have to lose!
Alicia Dagosta <alicia.dagosta@kutakrock.com>
Omaha, Ne USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 09:32:01 AM

This morning I woke up with a killer migraine. First one in a couple of months since I started on a restricted diet. Now, at least I know it's own fault if I get a migraine. Everything I ate or drank yesterday was not the best food/drink for me (except breakfast). So now I will detox again and really try to stay on the right path. I had almost forgotten how painful and debilitating these migraines can be. I won't get much work done today. Knowing this and knowing that I have one particular project that absolutely needs to be worked on doesn't help my stress level. So that is keeping me from recovery too. Hopefully, by the I will be up to do some desperately needs to be done work.
Diane
Trumansburg, NY USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 08:56:27 AM

This is my first on the internet. I first went to horoscopes (ha ha) and then to migraines. I am not sure when my first migraine started but I remember getting my molars ground down because they thought I might have been grinding my teeth. Still no relief... I am a 28 year old single mother that feels like a drug addict. I have tried Zomig, Midrin, Elavil, and now I am on Altenelol (excuse the spellings I am to busy taking them to read about them anymore). Midrin worked best for a while but I took them so much that they do not work. I miss them horribly. The Zomig makes my chest and throat hurt so much that I refuse to take them. Now we are trying to prevent them with the above mentioned Atenonol. It is not working. I wake up with them, they affect my normally pleasant personality, cause severe depression and increase my doctor bills monthly. I feel like I am a hypocondriact(SP). And I feel like my Doctor does not believe the degree of pain I am in a majority of the time. I am glad to hear I am not alone. I am hoping the new year is brighter and less painful than '98. I am watching my diet and working on behaviorial modification. (IF IT CAUSES A HEADACHE, DO NOT DO IT!) Is there anyone out there that has a sensitivity to smells at the onset of a severe migraine??? Have a great week and hope it is a pain free one........
Dealiah
Lewiston, Idaho USA - Date: 01/05/99 (Tue) Time: 12:57:50 AM