My story
I am a 32yrs old female with daily chronic migraines and daily chronic headaches. The headaches are a pain level of about 8 to 9 on a level 10 scale. The migraines are 9.5 to 10, and beyond. My mother had chronic migraines for almost 40yrs. After menopause and with prevention medications, and Fiorocet, her migraines are mostly under control.
I got my first migraine when I was 13. The pain and vomiting was the worst pain I had ever felt at that time. It was a cakewalk compared to how I feel now. I played several sports when I was young and had multiple concussions. I also sustained one in a car wreck. The migraines didn't get unbearable until I turned 20.
At first,over the counter medication worked. Then the pain and duration got much worse. I couldn't find a doctor who would listen or believe how bad they were. When I found a neurologist who listened he tried Elavil and Inderal,which seemed to work for a time. Then it stopped working. The pain started to get much worse. I tried what felt like everything. All the usual preventatives, unusual preventatives, and all the Triptans. I'm allergic to all Triptans, Reglan, and Compazine. I can't take any NSAIDS either. They cause serious chest pains and stomach pain.
For a long time I just suffered in silence waiting for a doctor to help me. The er became my only relief. Only IM shots of Demerol or Nubain with Phenergan worked. I'd be able to go weeks or a couple of months before breaking down and going back to the er. I'm now back on Elavil, Inderal, B-12, and Phenergan injections at home. The shots are given to me by my big sister. My sister is my biggest supporter. I wouldn't be able to handle this without her.
I use Oxycodone for days when I absolutely cannot get out of bed it hurts so much. I only take the Oxycodone twice a week. And if that doesn't work I can get a shot of Morphine,Ativan, and Phenergan. I can also get a treatment consisting of IV Benadryl, Ativan, and Phenergan. I can get either treatment twice a week. I try very hard not to use the Oxycodone or my treatments. But if I have to, I try to use the non-narcotic treatment. I'm in the process of trying the CEFALY. It's a headband that's supposed to work on the nerve in the forehead. So far it isn't working. I'm struggling everyday just to get out of bed.
I do have an appointment in Arizona with the Mayo Clinic in early September. If anyone has gone there, I'd love any input or experiences you've had there. I've been to the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago. I stayed a little over a week. I'm from a very small town in Kansas so it's been a challenge to get expert help. I felt a little better during my stay, but it didn't last. And the best neurologist I found left private practice as did the Dr. from the Diamond Clinic. My GP has been a godsend. He believes me and prescribed my two a week treatments.
That's my story, knowing all of you are out their definitely helps me have faith that someday I will feel better.
Thank you.
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