Is a week without a migraine possible?
As a 28 year-old, I've had headaches for as long as I can remember. When having a headache every day of my life was all I'd ever known, I didn't think to speak up and let my parents know until I was about 13.
My mother took me to my PCP who trialed me on various prescriptions ranging from NSAIDs to migraine-specific medications like Imitrex.
The result? The headaches were still in full effect but then extreme nausea joined the party. I somehow made it through high-school and college, getting by on Excedrin migraine, caffeine, sleep, ice, and remaining holed-up at home. After college, my big-girl job and typical adult stressors took my "headaches" to a whole new level.
Luckily, I no longer get daily headaches, but when I do get a headache, they are completely debilitating: extreme nausea, literally "seeing stars," my pulse bounding in my temples, sweating, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, irritability, and no relief, regardless of what I try.
I've seen a chiropractor, allergist, neurologist and various PCPs. I've had MRIs of my brain and sinuses. I've tried new prescriptions, birth-control, and OTC remedies like Magnesium. As a respiratory therapist, I have even tried oxygen therapy ... all to no avail. I've kept a headache diary to track time of month, weather, food triggers, fluid intake, stressors, etc. I can't seem to find any link.
I am curious to try a gluten free diet but struggle with the worry about implementing it due to cost, menu options, and how drastic of a change it is. I joined Migraine.com's Twitter to try to stay in-the-know on current trends and maybe learn a few tips and trick to dealing with my migraines.
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