Is it migraine?
Hi, I’m new to this site, and if this isn’t the right forum for this, I’m sorry. I’m sort of at my wits end in terms of finding help.
I have been having a constant daily headache since the beginning of May 2023. Some days are worse than others, but I have not been without a headache since April of last year.
I have done several blood tests, which yielded nothing (pretty average results, no celiac, no Lyme disease, no inflammation markers. I’m a little low on iron but not enough for it to be of anemic concern). I have tried several different migraine medications, sumatriptan being one of them- none have worked.
I suspected sinus problems, but while I do have issues there, the headache isn’t located in a place for sinuses to make sense as a cause, and the ent didn’t seem to think it was the root of the issue.
I have had MRI scans and CT scans, yielding only the info about aforementioned sinuses and nothing else, and during the period we thought it might have been that, I was on 3 different rounds of antibiotics, some lasting two weeks and the final round lasting a month. This did nothing but give me larger health problems that I am still struggling to come back from.
My eye doctor and dentist saw no issues, it isn’t a vision change, and I wondered if perhaps my birth control was affecting it or was related to estrogen headaches- but I went off it two months ago to give that a test and there’s been no change.
I am hesitant to go on stronger medication that would cause me withdrawal, especially with my understanding of migraines as being something that comes in severe waves and periods of time where one is at their worst and days where they don’t have a headache. I haven’t had any of the Aura symptoms, it doesn’t really come in waves, it’s just a constant headache that’s been happening since May.
I’ve been trying to navigate all of this since last spring and with the constant pain it has been extremely difficult, not to mention the debt I feel I am causing my family monetarily when I try to seek help.
I don’t really know what to do at this point. It feels like something is really wrong with me, every day. It feels to me that there is something underlying, that there must be, that it couldn’t have been such a sudden onset without a root- but maybe I am just being hopeful- and with none of the tests revealing anything, I’m at a loss for what it could be.
I don’t want to have a headache for the rest of my life, and this past year has been one of the worst.
If it really is migraines, I’d appreciate anybody with similar symptoms to tell me. Maybe I am just wholly unaware of a type of migraine that lasts 9 months and counting.
I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling with daily headaches for almost a year now. That is a tremendously long time to experience pain. I am glad to see that found this site and this community so you can connect with other who understand this from firsthand experience. Our family and friends can be supportive, but there's something so comforting and validating about talking with others who live this too.
Have you had an opportunity to meet with a headache specialist? They might be really helpful in better understanding the possible triggers as well as different treatment options. I've included two articles below about headache specialists that you might find helpful.https://migraine.com/living-migraine/how-to-find-a-neurologist-or-headache-specialist
https://migraine.com/migraine-headaches-doctors
You may also want to check out some of the articles by Holly Harding on our team. She lives with chronic migraine and has written some very relatable articles & videos. Here's an example of one below.https://migraine.com/video/planning-around-attacks
The other personal perspective I'll share is that I have found a lot of help through getting bodywork and making some dietary changes. Is you experience any tension in your body, addressing that might be helpful. I fully understand and can relate to your thoughts on the financial impact on the family, but you might be able to explore some inexpensive options. For example, so insurance plans over chiropractic care or physical therapy. Or you can also use things a tennis ball to apply pressure to areas of muscular tension. And some acupuncture places offer sliding scale or community sessions that can help to reduce the price. I'm really just trying to brainstorm some ideas for you. As with any information that we share here, take what resonates with you and leave what doesn't.
As for the food, here's an article that you might find helpful in understanding possible food and drink triggers.
https://migraine.com/migraine-triggers/food-and-drinks
Most of all, know that you're not in this alone, and we're so grateful that you're now part of this community. Please post often so we can support you along the way!
Best
Alene, moderator
Hi. Alene gave you some great resources, and I also have some thoughts to share. I can't give medical advice as I'm not a professional, but the way you described how sudden and constant your headaches have been makes me think of a different headache disorder. New daily persistent headache is a separate condition from migraine, but they can occur together. Here's an article from one of our patient leaders who has NDPH: https://migraine.com/living-migraine/new-daily-persistent-headache-diagnosis
Again, if this sounds similar to your experience, you might want to talk with your care team about if this could be a possibility for you. No matter what the outcome is, I hope you can find a solution to your pain. We're all here to support you and I hope you keep us posted! -Melissa, copd team
