First Ever Migraine?? Or something else?
Hi everyone, I’m just really hoping for some input from people who have experience with migraine as I’ve never had one before this. I’m a 27 year old woman. My Dad has them a few times a year but his are different from what I’m experiencing. I’m having a lot of lingering symptoms and I just wanted to check with the experts (people who suffer migraines) to see if this lines up.
I’ve been to my usual doctor who was royally unhelpful, implied I was hysterical and didn’t offer a diagnosis at all. So that was nice.
It started four days ago when I began to feel queasy and strange and then got the worst headache of my life. I faced a two hour trip home, with my partner driving, and I vomited into a container the whole way. I was shaking, had freezing hands and feet and was so weak I could barely walk. The pain and extreme nausea lasted about 8 hours until they slowly subsided and I managed to sleep. The next day, I felt like I was in a weird dream state. Nothing looked or felt real and my mind was just drifting, I couldn’t focus on anything. I was still so weak that I could barely stand and I couldn’t eat for the nausea.
Now 3 days after the headache itself I’m still exhausted with nausea, but I’m not throwing up, I can hold food down but feel so queasy. If I turn my head I get dizzy and I can basically only lie in bed.
I have been reading about postdrome and it seems to fit but it’s just going on for so long. I’m by myself at home today and I can’t stop crying because I just want to feel a bit better. I’m so worried it’s something more sinister than a migraine, but my doctor didn’t take me seriously because I had no fever or physical signs.
Does this sound like a migraine? Do other people feel so terrible they can’t get out of bed even 3 days after the pain subsides?
I’m really anxious and I would be super grateful for any help with this. Thank you <3
first off, I'm sorry you're going through this right now - from start to finish. I, myself, am on day 3 of an episode so I know how miserable it can be. It's even more frustrating that your doctor was not receptive. Unfortunately, since there are no "migraine tests or screenings," the biggest thing to do is to keep track of migraines with detailed notes to take to the doctor. I realize that isn't really helpful right now in the throws of your first episode, but that's the reality for all of us at some point in time. Also, and again, I'm sorry, not the most helpful information at this time, but I was slightly older than you currently are when I first started having migraines. So, to me and my non-clinical eye, it would make sense that you are having your first onset now. When I first started having migraines, I noticed that they frequently coincided with my menstrual cycle, so that may be something that you would want to pay attention to.
Here are the common symptoms of migraines https://migraine.com/migraine-symptoms. That list is not exhaustive though. Also, here are some basic guidelines your doctor may be following in regards to diagnosis: https://migraine.com/migraine-diagnosis. Keep these in mind moving forward.
Unfortunately, our moderation team here on Migraine.com is non-clinical so we cannot offer medical advice, but in addition to OTC medications and making sure that you are staying well-hydrated (I find that electrolyte beverages are really helpful during migraines), there are some natural home remedies that are unproven, but that many find helpful. You can read about those here https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies.
Unfortunately, it is extremely rare to be diagnosed in the first few episodes, so as cliche as it is, hang in there. I hope the information that I've shared is at least moderately helpful and that you are out of this episode soon and onto more peaceful days. ~Liz, Moderator
I had my first migraine at the age of 30 and your symptoms are very much like mine were. Mine began in 1995 though when not a lot was known about migraine attacks. My father’s family suffered from them as well as him.
I am so sorry for your doctors response but one of the first things you have to do is advocate for yourself and/or have someone who knows what you are going through go with you.
I am 55 now and I live in the Midwest, I have had a minimum of 30 different doctors, at least look at my medical file and history. Neurologists, Pain Management, Psychiatrist etc. You will feel better just having a doctor who will listen to you, it may take awhile to find them but don’t give up.
Keep this in mind: HOPE = Hold On Pain Ends...
Sending hugs 🤗
