My name is Amanda. I am a 20 year old female that has been dealing
with (or trying to deal with) migraines for nearly 10 years. When I was
younger, I didn't know any better. I thought it was a normal way of life.
Now that I am in college, I know much better than that! My grades are slipping
tremendously. I have been to allergists, 5 neurologists, chiropractors,
dentists, ophthamologists, a naturalist, my ENT.... You name it! I have
had 4 MRI's, 5 CAT Scans, food allergy testing (through blood and manually),
blood tests of all sorts.... I am fed up and do not know what to do! In
fact, I have blacked out several times due to this condition. My roommates
and fiance say that when I black out it isn't like a seizure, more like
I am concious but not remembering anything that has happened. It is scary,
and I am afraid to drive, afraid to eat....Afraid to sleep when they are
so bad! To make things worse, I am now unable to sleep, and have been for
the past 5 months. I fall asleep out of sheer exhaustion and wake 1 hour
later, wide awake! Then, I will fall asleep and wake every 10 minutes. I
haven't dreamt since high school (3 years ago). Doctors cannot find a cure.
I have been on amitriptilyne, nortriptilyne, wigraine, midrin, imatrex,
maxalt, caffergot, inderol, propranolol, depakote, naproxin, many sleeping
pills, and many other drugs that I cannot name off of the top of my head.
I am going crazy. I have gone as far as driving myself to the emergency
room, being carried to the emergency room, blacking out on an athletic overnight
outing, breaking down crying in doctor's offices, starving myself (food
allergy?), and just plain going mad. When I enter a Doctor's office and
tell him/her my problems and my history, they look at me as though I am
a teenage drug addict. I am about to quit college. I have never been a poor
student, but my numbers last semester showed a D in one of my major courses.
That is something that is unforgivable when in the Biology field, especially
pre-med. I cannot handle this anymore. I don't understand how I make it
through the day. My life is a living hell! These headaches are ruining my
life. I need help, fast. There is only one problem. The only options I have
left are research studies and/or pain clinics. That is not the problem at
all. These facilities cannot accept me until this summer, and I cannot wait
that long. I think 10 years of my life has been long enough! Can you suggest
any ways that you helped to speed up the processes, so you could visit a
facility earlier? As I said, I have been to the emergency room, to various
doctors....Nothing is helping me. If you read this and you have suggestions,
please e-mail me. I am desperate for your help. My headaches are out of
control. They dictate what I do, what kind of food I can eat, what kind
of lighting I can tolerate, if any, and how I act. Thank you for your time,
Amanda
Amanda Daily <ardaily@clunet.edu>
USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 09:59:43 PM
Tam I also
suffer from intense daily headaches that wake me in the middle of the night!
It is driving me insane. In fact, have you ever wished you could just kill
yourself during a headache episode? I am going crazy. I don't know what
else to do! Maxalt works for about 2 hours, but doesn't kick in for about
one and a half hours. I am also a college student who is just at the end
of everything. My grades are dropping and I don't know what to do. The pain
is unbearable! Write me back.
Amanda Daily <ardaily@clunet.edu>
USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 09:41:08 PM
to CJ in
Atlanta, I live near Chattanooga and was able to find a pain clinic with
one call, you will need a referral from your primary care if you have HILLARY
insurance, but if all else fails contact me and I will give you the info
on Chattanooga clinics, there are two.
dalliss johnson <dalliss j@aol.com>
east ridge, tn USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 09:07:58 PM
Kristine.
Might be worth a try! That story does sound very creepy, but then again,
I think some sufferers would probably give anything a go once if it stopped
their migraines. Hope he doesn't make them worse before he "communicates"
with you though. Good luck. Made me laugh anyway, and who knows about these
things.
Alison
Auckland, New Zealand - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 09:02:26 PM
Does
anyone know a doctor in Atlanta that is not pain prescription phobic? I'm
46, I've done the entire list of medicines and therapies, but the chronic
daily just goes on and on. I'm tired of fighting with my doctor just so
I can dull the pain enough to continue with my life. Or are there really
web sites out there where I can mail-order with a fee to a prescribing doctor
--- Need advice, please!
cj in Atlanta <zeus41@mindspring.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 08:39:08 PM
I
have an appointment (Finally) at a pain clinic. I am wondering what they
do there? I understand they treat your pain, but how? Do they teach you
things like Bio-feedback or do they give you medications? I am just wondering
if anyone has had any experiences they would like to share. Also, I have
been getting shots of Demerol for about three weeks on and off. This headache
just won't let go. Last night I had a wierd reaction, demerol usually makes
me tird and groggy and icky feeling so I just go to sleep. Last night after
they gave it to me I felt like I was on antihistamines. My heart was beating
out of my chest my pulse was racing, it was scary. Has anyone else had this
reaction or backwards effect of demerol and if so does it go away or is
that the way it is going to be forever on me now? Thanks for listening.
Berta <B1wall1000@aol.com>
USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 08:09:34 PM
This is to
Tam.We ruled out rebounds awhile back.I stopped taking all meds for two
months and still had the headaches.I have daily headaches that go into migraines
with me taking this medicine on a regular basis instead of as needed it
actually means I take less medicine than what I was taking.I take either
4 or 5 of the vicoden a day now depending on what time I get up and go to
sleep.Before I started this therapy I would have to take at 2 of the vicoden
at a time to get rid of the h/a.Also if that didn't help I would use the
Stadol NS at night for some reason the migraines would hit me in the middle
of the night.So I could use the Stadol then.So as you can see I use alot
less medicine and am not drugged up all the time.I have two beautiful daughters
they are 5 and almost 2 so as you can see I have to stay on my toes.I hope
thing work out well for you.Like I said it seems like a long painful process
to try these different medicines but we have no choice when you are in pain
you will try anything.So hang in there and eventually (hopefully) something
will work.Lots of love Lisa
Lisa
Richmond, Va USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 07:09:03 PM
What
a wonderful site! This is my first visit and I cannot tell you all how comforting
it is to know that others experience this. So often doctors act like I'm
the only one they've ever heard of that they can't cure. I get minstrual
migraines. I'm 31 and I started getting them after my first child was born
9 years ago. They go away w/pregnancy, but I think 4 kids is enough. I get
2-3 others a month, however they respond to midrin/fiorinol or a number
of other combinations that I've come to rely on. The headache around my
cycle will not respond to anything and is significantly stronger than the
others. I've tried: Tylenol, Ibuprophen, Tylenol #3s, Vicoden, Fiorinol,
Compazine IVs, Demerol injections (these worked well until the last two
headaches), Imitrex (inhalers, shots & pills), Migranol inhalers and some
kind of suppositories. I tried taking birth control pills continually to
eliminate periods, but that was a BIG mistake. I take Inderol daily which
helps with the in-between headaches but not the menstrual ones. I'm very
concerned about the effectiveness of Demerol wearing thin. Does anyone have
any ideas? I'm in Omaha, Nebraska so migraine expertise is not very abundant.
One ER Dr. refuses to treat me because he's decided I'm a drug seeker. Are
headache clinics worth it? I called some and they said treatment starts
at $1500 to $2000 and it is not covered by insurance. Honestly, I cannot
afford that only to be told what every other doctor tells me. They refuse
to use any of the tests I've had done recently. I'm afraid I'll pay the
fee and get another script for Midrin/Imitrex. Any information would be
helpful. My family and I thank you sincerely. Jennifer
Jennifer Loeffler <jenlloeffler@juno.com>
Omaha, NE USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 06:03:48 PM
Hi
everyone! I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice for the prevention
of migraine headaches. I currently have about 1 - 2 attacks a week for the
past six years. Usually 50mg of Imitrex works to alleviate the pain but
have not had any success managing the frequency of the attacks. About 95%
of my headaches occur behind my left eye and the headaches often go into
remission for about a four - eight week period in a year. I have tried several
types of antidepressants, and depokate. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions
to help with the prevention of these headaches.
Tom <TWeissbach@compuserve.com>
Acworth, GA USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 04:40:47 PM
To
DEE: Here is how you sperate the paragraphs. You have to use the HTML code
< P > but do NOT put any spaces between the < & P &> that
way when you enter the info a new paragraph will begin after you enter the
code. I hope that helps. I'd teach you colors too but in the past that has
made the journal difficult to read.:)
Gee, I feel a migraine comming on, I need to go to my chiropractor
but I am on vacation & don't have one up here :( I hope everyone has a pain
free day. take care of yourselves & each other (to borrow the only useful
line from Jerry Springer!) ~Dianna~
Dianna <ghost@gte.net>
Norwich till Sunday, CT USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 04:31:50 PM
Az
just passed a medical marijuana law I was wondering if anyone hass tried
the use of Marijuana over more harmful additive drugs. In therory it makes
sence to me but I don't know. Also has anyone found a sympathic Dr. in the
Phoenix aarea? Mine sold his practice and moved to Salt Lake City.
Joe Pinner <JPI2536388@aol.com>
Tempe, AZ USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 04:03:25 PM
Hi
everyone, I gather there was some explaination as to how to separate your
comments when making a posting. i must admit I am not very good at this
stuff, can someone please explain it again? Also, could I gently mention
I agreed with someone a month or two ago who said the entries were easier
to read when not all in capitals? Thanks
Dee <dsjohns@adms.purdue.edu>
USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 03:31:03 PM
My 13 year
old brother suffers from migraines. They have been getting really bad lately.
I am really worried about him.
Carrie <flohrca@email.uc.edu>
Cincinnati, Oh USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 03:20:25 PM
Anna
Marie: I also suffer from menstrual migraines. I get migraines daily but
the ones where you want to die hit during that terrible week. I am on birth
control and the doc thinks its b/c of the change in hormones that occurs
that week so now i am trying an estrogen patch one week a month and am on
a new birth control pill that instead of 7 days of sugar pills it has 2
sugar pills and 5 estrogen pills (called Mirecette). the patch is new and
i havent tried it yet, but will let you know how it works. Good luck to
all today . . .
Alicia Dagosta <alicia.dagosta@kutakrock.com>
Omaha, USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 01:30:15 PM
Lisa,
I am so happy for you!!! I hope someday I will be in your place. I will
be visiting a headach clinic in Febuary, then maybe it will be my turn.
How is it that you know for a fact you were able to rule out rebound. You
see I also take Vicoprofen which is similiar to Vicodin, and I am sincerely
worried about rebound with this drug.
Tam
Goodrich, MI USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 12:20:14 PM
Helllo
everyone, Is there anybody out there that has daily migrains that wake them
up during the night? I wake up during the night at about the same time each
night with terrible pain. Usually I take my Vicoprofen and Maxalt and I
am able to go back to sleep within an hour. But while waiting for the medication
to work I pace in pain. Any input would be appreciated.
Tam
goodrich, MI USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 12:10:31 PM
Hello
all.It has been a while since I've been here and just wanted to let everybody
know how my new treatment is working.Remember my doctor put me on Vicodin,I
take one every 4 hours when I am awake.Guess what only 1 headache in about
3 months.I am so happy to have my life back.This might not work for everybody
but it has worked for me.I used to have daily h/a's along with migraines.The
first thing we did was rule out rebound.I am allergic to aspirin & ibuprofen.I
can't take immitrex because it did funny things to my heart.Good thing I
was in the office when he gave to me for the first time.Scared the dickens
out of me I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest.Well anyway
I don't want to take up too much time.But just keep working with your Dr.(if
you like and trust him)I have been seeing my Dr for 12 yrs so he knows what
I have been through.I know most Drs probably wouldn't do this treatment,I
think the Dr should really know the patient and trust the patient,also all
other avenues have been tried.I have tried everything known to man.Well
good luck to you all!Lisa
lISA
Richmond , Va USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 12:05:44 PM
MICHELLE,
my E-mail isn't working, but I have a doctor for you in N.J. DR. KRAMER
who is affiliated with COOPER HOSPITAL is AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, CARING. UNDERSTANDING,
and EXTREMELY PATIENT. He has one office in Camden, and another in Sewell,
N.J. IT IS WORTH THE TRIP. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY. GOOD LUCK! NATALIE
Natalie
N.J USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 10:38:43 AM
Hi everyone.
Haven't checked into the journal for a few days - been busy, busy, busy!
Here's a wierd/funny story for you that got started because of my migraines:
My sister, in her endeavor to help me find the cause of my migraines, read
her Tarot cards for the answer (that's her hobby). The cards apparently
told her that my headaches are caused by a spirit that lives in my house.
This spirit (I've named him Spooky Guy) is trying to communicate, and I'm
resisting - thus bringing on my headaches. According to my sis, once I open
up to his message, my migraines will go away. (Ok, go ahead, laugh). Now,
comes the weird part. Since that reading, strange red spots have begun to
show up all over the house. Little spatters here and there on the walls
and ceiling. Sis thinks it's Spooky Guy, my mom thinks it's something bleeding
through the paint, and I think I'm ready for a therapist! I was willing
to agree with Mom, until the other day, when I took a book off the shelf,
took off the book-jacket and found one of those spatters on the cover of
the book. Creeeeeeepy! Well, I hope that story gave you all a laugh - if
nothing else, you can feel glad that you don't live on the wierd side of
MigraineTown, like I do! (Wouldn't it be a kick in the head though, if I
saw a ghost and my headaches went away?)
Kristine <KHatak4444@aol.com>
Brookfield, IL USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 10:37:32 AM
WELL,
I AM NOT SURE MY STORY WILL HELP ANYONE BUT HERE GOES. I AM A 48 YR OLD
WOMAN WHO, OTHER THAN HAVING MIGRAINES IS IN OTHERWISE EXCELLENT HEALTH.
I HAVE BEEN A MIGRAINE SUFFERER FOR THE LAST 25 YRS. I FIRST REMEMBER THE
HEADACHES SHORTLY AFTER THE BIRTH OF MY SECOND CHILD. I THOUGHT I HAD A
BRAIN TUMOR BECAUSE I JUST KNEW THAT ANYTHING THAT HURT THIS BADLY COULD
ONLY BE FATAL. OVER THE LAST 25 YRS I HAVE BEEN TREATED BY NEUROLOGISTS
WHO HAVE GIVEN ME EVERYTHING. 20 YRS AGO I HAD A COMPLETE HISTORECTOMY,
AND THAT REALLY HAS NOT EFFECTED MY HEADACHES ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. I ALSO
LIKE TO RUN. HOWEVER, I HAVE NOTICED THAT AFTER I RUN A 5K, I FEEL REALLY
GOOD FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND THEN... THE MIGRAINE COMES ON. I FEEL SO TRAPPED
SOMETIMES. I REALLY TRY TO NOT DWELL ON THE PAIN OF THE HEADACHE AFTER IT
IS GONE. I TRY TO EXCERCISE AND EAT RIGHT. I LOVE TO GO TO RUNS WITH MY
HUSBAND THREE TO FOUR TIMES A MONTH. WE BELONG TO A RUNNERS CLUB, BUT I
HAVE NOW DECIDED THAT MAYBE I WILL JUST WALK THESE 5K'S NOW INSTEAD OF OVERTIRING
MYSELF WITH RUNNING THEM. HOWEVER, I FEEL LIKE THIS IS JUST ONE MORE AREA
OF MY LIFE THAT THE "HEADACHE" HAS RUINED. IT HAS WON, YET AGAIN.
SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I CHANGEDS NEUROLOGISTS. I HAVE A REALLY GOOD DOCTOR
WHO, AFTER READING MY HISTORY AND LISTENING TO ME, LOOKED RIGHT AT ME AND
SIMPLY SAID " YOU HAVE A DISEASE. IT'S NOT CURABLE. TOGETHER WE NEED
TO TRY TO MANAGE THIS DISEASE." MY HUSBAND WAS WITH ME AND AS WIERD
AS THIS SOUNDS, I FELT RELIEF THAT I HAD FINALLY BEEN TOLD SOMETHING DEFINITE,
NOT THAT I AM UNDER TOO MUCH STRESS OR DO THIS OR DO NOT DO THIS AND YOU'LL
BE ALRIGHT. DOES THIS MAKE SENSE TO ANYONE? ANYWAY, I AM IN A PERCENTAGE
OF PATIENTS THAT DOES NOT RESPOND TO ANY PREVENTITIVE MEDICINE. I HAVE TAKEN
IT ALL. I DID DISCOVER DHE-45 INJECTIONS ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO. I INJECTED MYSELF
ABOUT THREE TIMES A WEEK FOR YEARS. HOWEVER, I FINALLY JUST GOT TO THE POINT
WHERE I COULDN'T STICK THAT BIG NEEDLE INTO MY HIP ANYMORE. MY DOCTOR HAS
TAKEN ME OFF OF IT BECAUSE OF MY AGE AND FREQUENCY OF USE. IMITREX DID NOT
WORK FOR ME. IT CAUSED REBOUND HEADACHES. I AM FINALLY USING ZOMIG. SO FAR,
IT IS WORKING MOST OF THE TIME. EVEN IF IT DOES NOT WORK FOR EVER, I WILL
BE THANKFUL FOR ANY TIME I GET. DOES ANYONE ELSE OUT THERE HAVE "PERSONALITY
CHANGES" JUST BEFORE AND JUST AFTER A MIGRAINE? I EITHER GET VERY DEPRESSED
OR VERY MANIC RIGHT BEFORE AND RIGHT AFTER AN ATTACK. MY FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS
KNOW EXACTLY WHEN I WILL HAVE AN ATTACK BY MY PERSONALITY CHANGE. MOST OF
THE TIME I AM A VERY POSITIVE AND OUTGOIING PERSON. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE
WILL READ THIS AT ALL AND I KNOW I AM NOT ACTUALLY HELPING ANYONE WITH MY
STORY BUT IT JUST FEELS GOOD TO KNOW THAT I AM NOT ALONE. AS WONDERFUL AS
MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE, (EXCEPT FOR MY DAUGHTER, WHO WAS DIAGNOSED AT
AGE 8) THEY JUST DO NOT REALIZE THAT DURING A 72 HOUR ATTACK, WHERE ABSOLUTELY
NOTHING WILL DULL THE PAIN, YOU JUST WISH YOU COULD DIE. THEN WHEN IT'S
OVER, YOU FEEL SO STUPID FOR HAVING THOUGHT THAT. WELL, THANKS FOR LISTENING.
LINDA <LBOULETTE@AOL.COM>
TX USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 10:12:08 AM
Has anyone
tried one of the new triptans, called Maxalt? Most of the triptans, do not
work for me, but my doctor gave me some samples of it. Unlike Zomig & Imitrex,
Maxalt didn't give me that same burning feeling that they always did. I've
just started going to a pain clinic, wondered if anyone out there has had
experience with these clinics so I can know better what to expect in the
future. (I've had only one appointment) Hope everyone is doing well today-Take
care fellow sufferers! Thanks for any information! Cheryl
Cheryl <cemmerke@aol.com>
Birmingham, AL USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 10:05:01 AM
Does
anyone know of a good doctor fro headaches in New Jersey. My primary care
doctor is impossible to get an appointment and seems to be a little sick
of me having migraines. I feel like he's given up on me feeling better.
I think there is a lot he doesn't know and I would like to find someone
who does know! I appreciate any information anyone has. Thanks! Michele
Michele <mpisnoy@hotmail.com>
Jackson, NJ USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 10:03:05 AM
Hi
everyone - I haven't been around in a while, my son was sick all last week
with fevers of 102+ from Monday - Sunday!! Not fun, but he is all better
now, thank God. Has anyone had any experience with Stadol? My dr. prescribed
it yesterday for the first time and I am not too sure of it. He gave it
to me because I was getting hit with one of my worst headaches in a while
- it knocked me out, that's for sure! MARS: What dr. are you going to? Not
to be too personal, but since we are in the same area and I am not having
too much luck w/mine I thought you might have some suggestions......And,
to JUNE, NORMA, and KELLY - sorry I have been out of touch lately, I will
try to do better now! :-) Good luck to everyone out there today - oh, and
thank goodness the journal is turning back to the way it should be! I would
feel very lost and alone if I didn't have this resource!
Samantha <samandjosh@mindspring.com>
Sunnyvale, CA USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 10:01:51 AM
Susan:
Did his doctor tell him he is having migraines??? Has the pain been constant
for three straight weeks? Is this his first experience with them? You don't
say. If he has never had a migraine before, then it is quite odd that out
of the blue he would get such a bad attack, but I suppose it happens. If
it is a migraine, then there isn't much he can do except for ride it out
and start down the long road of medications. What is the stongest pain medication
a doctor has given him so far? Like I said, you don't say if this is his
first migraine. Has he been hospitalized? Find a good neurologist quick-style!
Mars:)
SF, CA USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 09:15:40 AM
Can
someone please help me? My husband has been in excruciating pain for the
past three weeks or so. He can't eat, he can't sleep, he can't function
at all. He's had full dental treatment to see if that was the cause, but
the pain hasn't gone away. Most of the pain is on the left side of his head,
including his jaw. He is sensitive to light and sound, his vision goes blurry
from time to time. He has been having these attacks on and off since August.
He's taking so many pills to try and ease the pain I'm afraid he's going
to overdose on something. It seems like there's no hope, and that's why
he's getting so frustrated. He doesn't know when the pain is going to stop,
he doesn't know what he can do. Can someone provide me with some suggestions?
I would really appreciate it. Thank you. Susan
Susan Martyn <susanmartin@thezone.net>
St. John's, NF Canada - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 08:41:51 AM
Sandra
in Canada - what is this 3 day treament with DHE you are talking about?
Is it to break the cycle of rebound headches? What is DHE? I have never
heard of this. I have low-grade headaches about 4 or 5 times a week, but
nothing works for the pain, so usually I don't take anything. Is that still
a rebound? I used to try and treat it using Excedrin or Tylenol or somtimes
Percogesic (which used to work great) but now I just grin and bear it, becaue
I know taking so many OTC meds. isn't good for me. Usually, by the 4th or
5th day I rbeak down and take something, but I try not to at first. If I
don't take anything and STILL get headaches, is that rebound? Am I caught
in a vicious circle? Thanks.
Betsey <Jobesath@AOL.com>
Baltimore, USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 07:57:37 AM
I
have been taking cafergot suppositories for 6 years. I take 1/4 of a suppository
every other day, sometimes every day. I know I am having rebound headaches,
but the medication really seems to help. Has anyone heard of heart valve
damage from ergtotamine? I read an article abouth the heart valve damage
caused by redux and phen-fen. This article stated that the damage was similar
to ergotamine-induced heart valve damage. I only take about 9 suppositories
total per month (the maximum recommended dosage is 5 per week). I am afraid
I am doing damage that will haunt me in years to come, but I am in a vicious
rebound cycle. I don't know my e-mail address yet, since our computer is
new, but if anyone has insight,please post on this website. Thank you very
much!
Kay
Indpls, IN USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 07:43:30 AM
Check
out MSNBC.com in the health section for a headache diet. Old news for some
of us, but looked pretty comprehensive to me. If it can save one person
from one headache... The poster from Dallas: I too, belong to a PPO. If
you NEED pain meds, I go to a pain clinic that is not afraid to treat pain.
Hope you are O.K. without them, if not, e-mail me. I got away with the chocolate
THIS time. Won't do it again, it is not worth it. Everyone have a good day
without headaches! Brenda
Brenda Martin <petsgalore@WebTV.net>
Dallas, Tx USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 03:49:38 AM
From
the lists of daily meds, it sounds like some with the daily headaches probably
have rebound. I got into that trouble with Stadol a couple of years ago.
The pain clinic put me on methadone for a while, but that didn't work well
for me, so I went off and have been virtually clear of all pain meds for
the past year. From the literature, rebound should stop w/in 2 mo, but I
still have almost daily headaches. I take percocet for no more that 2 days
in a row and no more than 6 or 7 in a month, so rebound isn't possible for
me, so I also know that daily headache can also happen w/o rebound. Those
who suspect rebound should see a good gp or a pain specialist. A 3 day course
of DHE, anti-nauseant, and mild sedative apparently works. In the states
they will often hospitalize you, but here, you have to be at death's door
to get a bed, so they do it on an outpatient basis, where you have to come
in twice daily. It screws up your life for a few days to be stuck on an
i.v., but is reasonably painless and worth it if you can get rid of the
daily crap. I am now taking a new anti-epileptic med called Topamax, which
seems to be helping a bit with my hormonally-related migraines. I used to
get one mid-cycle and with my period, but now the mid-cycle one either doesn't
come, or can be avoided with zomig. Unfortunatly, the other one still comes.
I may have to try a stronger dose. It may be worth a try for those suffering
from the menstual migraines. Has anyone had any luck with magnesium or vit
B supplements, elk horn powder (not feverfew though, tried that already),
and at what dose, and how long did it take to see results? Thanks for any
help you can give. Just like we all have different symptoms, and pain patterns,
we all can respond to different treatments. I am still trying to find mine.
Good luck to you all on your search, and here's hoping for a pain-free day.
Sandra
Sandra <edgecombe@powersurfr.com>
edmonton, ab canada - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 02:19:15 AM
K2:
Re: Drug Delivery- Tell me? What companies make capsules now?- Perhaps you
are referring to caplets? The closest thing I can think of is powdered aspirin...hmmm...
I guess you can compare capsules to tablets like this: What gets you higher:
Smoking pot or eating it? What will make you sick faster: Slamming 4 shots
of tequilla in 30 seconds? Or sipping 4oz. in an hour? Same difference?
I think not. ;-)
Mars
SF, CA USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 01:36:29 AM
K2:
I never read that study- and even with my eyes closed the capsules work
MUCH better- they desolve faster- delivering a surge of medication all at
once. And I am pretty sure this is able to wipe out pain faster than little
bits at a time- Since that I have done also. That is one of the reasons
people are told to take pain medication as soon as they feel any onset of
pain- if you wait until the pain hits hard- pain relief doesn't really seem
to work that well- as I am sure most will agree. (?)
Mars
SF, CA USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 01:10:27 AM
K2:
Qualified it? Believe me, darling, there's been days where if I thought
it would help, I would take it all at the same time. Then again, I don't
have a death wish just yet, either. Seriously, though, the strangest combination
I've ever tried was Tylenol and something called Bellergal (which actually
has more to do with raging PMS than a headache, although the two are connected).
It still didn't help. Sav.
JT Savage <jtsav@yahoo.com>
Calgary, AB Canada - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 12:58:35 AM
Diana:
Wow, all those P's. Thanks. Let me try one right here.
Deb: Could it be Meclomen. Would you recognize the name. It could
be so many things.
Anne: Such good advice!
Corey: You too!
Mars: I read some studies, early on, that capsules work better than
tablets, due to human perceptions. That's why all the companies came out
with them. It even worked that way with placebos. I wonder if it's just
because it's different and new and magic.
Wayne: All I can say is, you have a very cool doctor.
Sav: How many time have we qualified it with "Of course, I don't
take all that stuff at the same time."? (Well, at least not ALL at
the same time.)
Sophia: Are you there. I get three types of headaches: vascular, glandular,
and muscle contraction. Please don't make me choose. That muscle-splinting
bugger is really hard to stop. I don't think there's any medicine that won't
mess you all up, is there? I do have a couple tricks, if you're interested.
Does your's go bad on one side, and then really bad on the opposite side?,
back and forth?, cranked this way and that? Does it get down into your "wings"?
Just relax has no meaning?
I sure hope all these P's worked or I'm going to P real disappointed.
K2
K2
Ann Arbor, MI USA - Date: 01/20/99 (Wed) Time: 12:32:16 AM
