Living with Migraines: My Journey with Kratom

I've been living with migraines since I was 30. I'm 44 now, and sadly, they've only gotten worse over time.

My migraine treatment journey

I've tried just about every migraine treatment available - antidepressants, beta blockers, nerve blocks, Botox, antiseizure meds… You name it. I've also been diagnosed with seizures, which usually come hand-in-hand with the most intense migraines - those 10/10 attacks. Thankfully, I haven't had a seizure in over a year now. I currently take gabapentin three times a day (300mg each), along with antidepressants morning and night, and a whole shelf full of supplements, magnesium, B vitamins, and everything else most migraine sufferers know by heart. I also receive Botox injections every three months, which do help, but like clockwork, the headaches come back stronger about two months after each round.

Living in constant pain

The truth is, I'm never without pain. It's just a matter of whether the headache is manageable or completely disabling. On most days, the pain hovers between 3/10 and 6/10. But at least five times a month, usually around my period, it spikes to 9/10 or 10/10. Sometimes I get stuck in a cycle where I have an 8/10 headache for 5 to 7 days straight, and nothing helps. Then, like magic, it fades on its own on the 6th or 8th day.

Discovering kratom

Two years ago, I discovered kratom, and everything changed. I started drinking the powdered leaf mixed with water and honey (it's incredibly bitter), and I noticed improvement almost immediately. The headaches didn't disappear, but I was able to function again. For years, I had no quality of life, no work, and no socializing; even stepping outside would make things worse. But with kratom, I could participate in life again. Since I began using it, I've only had to go to the ER about 5 times for pain in those 2 years. That's a massive difference.

I want to be clear - this is not a recommendation to use kratom irresponsibly. We know it can be habit-forming, and it's not for everyone. This is just my personal story, shared with love and respect for others who are suffering.

After two years of daily use, my body began to require a slightly higher dose, but nothing dramatic. I've never taken more than two teaspoons daily, split between morning and afternoon. Kratom didn't eliminate the worst migraine cycles - the 5–7 day headaches still came, but it made the day-to-day far more bearable.

A breakthrough in pain relief

Then, today, on the 7th day of one of those brutal cycles, a friend suggested I try something called 7-Hydroxymitragynine (I won't name brands; this is not an ad). I took just a quarter dose, and within the hour, the pain stopped. Completely!!!

I cried from relief.

I'm sharing this because I know how isolating and hopeless chronic migraine can feel. If this helps even one person find a little peace, then it's worth it. Please be safe and informed and talk to your doctor before trying anything new. I'm not promoting anything - just offering my experience as a small light for others still walking through the fog.

With love and understanding,

Your friend in pain.