Omega Procedure

Hi meh422,
I've not had this procedure but do know there is plenty of conversation about the validity of it. In 2012 The American Headache Society issued a statement regard surgery for treating migraine. You can read that statement in this link: http://www.americanheadachesociety.org/american_headache_society_urges_caution_in_using_any_surgical_intervention_in_migraine_treatment/.

Many of us feel like we have tried everything out there to treat migraine. Even though it feels like it, that' just not the case. The thing is it would take 25 years to try all the medications that are used for migraine prevention when used at the proper dose in the correct manner, so try not to lose hope! Let me share information with you on migraine prevention; https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-management-essential-4-preventive-treatment/. Something to note is that when we start new medications, it can take up to three months as our body adjusts to it before we see a reduction in our migraine frequency and severity. It's important to give each medication a fair trial because if we don't, we may never know if that would have been the pill that would have worked for us. Does that make sense?

How are you doing on trigger identification and management? One of the problems with triggers is they can change over time. If you haven't kept a detailed migraine diary in a while you may want to do so. Here is information on keeping a migraine diary:https://migraine.com/blog/keeping-migraine-diary-basics/.

Not to beat a dead horse, but I don't think enough time is spent on lifestyle changes and trigger identification and management. Because the brains of people with migraine tend to be very sensitive it's important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and stay hydrated among other things.

Do you by any chance take something every day to relieve your pain? A big problem many of us can run into is called medication overuse headache, moh formerly called rebound. If we take migraine abortive medications and/or pain relievers, whether they are over-the-counter or prescription, more then two to three days a week we can create moh. The important thing to note is that if we have moh, our migraines will be more difficult to treat and we can end up in a DAILY cycle of pain that is hard to break. Here is information on moh for you; https://migraine.com/blog/help-how-can-i-not-overuse-migraine-medications/.

I hope this information is helpful,

Nancy

I have tried numerous medications, diet, exercise, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, osteopaths, I meditate, do yoga, etc., but still have chronic daily headaches. Nothing I take controls the pain in any way unless it knocks me out. There is no pattern, no triggers. They come and go at will like a monster and are there EVERY DAY of my life. I can't live like that. I have to work - I have bills to pay. I have to play - I have a life to live.

I had a consult for this Omega procedure last night and am going to try it. They hook you up for 5-7 days in a trial and if it works, then they do the permanent implant. They take whatever my insurance pays even though they are out of network - out of pocket is minimal to me.

Who the heck wants to live 25 years with headaches while they try every medication that is out there? You try a new one - wait three months - that one doesn't work, so you try another, wait another 3 months - and the cycle continues. Before you know it, 5 or ten years of your life has gone by while still trying to find relief.

So why not try this procedure? It's minimally invasive, is reversible, and doesn't involve drugs of any kind. Mayo Clinic is starting a clinical research trial, so there must be something to it. I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars and have the outstanding medical bills to prove it, and am no better off than I was before I started seeing all my doctors for these headaches. These drugs have horrible side effects, can make you stupid and tired, and who knows what else.

I am going to try it and will let you know the results.

Karen from Arizona

Karen (mafixit),

Definitely keep us posted! We'll be thinking positive thoughts for you and hope you have a break in your headache pattern.

Fingers crossed,
Janet G.
"The Migraine Girl"

If any of you are thinking about doing the trial I say go for it! I just finished the trial on Monday and will be getting the permanent implant in a few weeks. It worked amazing, its the first time I've had a week without pain in almost 5 years. Contrary to what has been said above there is a lot of research supporting this procedure. It has been used with great success for back pain and occipital neuralgia which is similar to migraine. I will continue to update following the permanent implant! Good luck!