Migraines and the Opioid Crisis

By luvjones03

1 min read

After suffering from migraines all of my adult life (now 55 yrs old), I finally decided to get daith piercings in each ear and I also requested Aimovig injections. I can truly see a difference in the frequency, as well as, less intensity in the migraines so far. I often feel like a different person. Fast forward to a couple of days ago, I suffered a severe migraine and my husband drove me a local hospital. It was a terrible experience and I feel like this community can help me understand or offer some advice. My migraine was so bad, I could barely talk. I actually felt better moaning through the throbbing pain behind my left eye and the nausea was almost unbearable.

After triage, they rolled me to a room where the doctor asked what typically happens when I come to the ER with a migraine. I whispered, they either give me Phenergan and Demerol or Morphine. The doctor immediately stated we don't have Demerol. I felt as though I had said something wrong due to her response. I had not suffered such a severe migraine since January. A hospital visit is usually the last resort for me due to a $200 deductible. The doctor finally gave me morphine, along with Phenergan. I had a CT scan on my head and another round of morphine. I cried and told my husband that I felt like I had done something wrong because of my migraine. Why can't doctors just treat you based on your level of pain instead of making you feel really small due to the opioid crisis? I have co-workers who avoid going to the hospital for the same reason. Unfortunately, I am still experiencing a nagging pain behind my eye which has me wondering if the doctor even gave me pain medication. What are migraine sufferers to do in this world of opioid addiction?

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Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Hi luvjones03, I'm sorry to hear you had such an awful migraine attack. The first thing that comes to mind is getting in touch with your doctor Monday to see if he can help you completely break this nasty cycle. I've been given a steroid dose pack in the past that has helped. I completely understand what you are saying. We aren't seeking "drugs" when we go to the ER, rather we just want the pain to end. I wish more hospitals and urgent care centers were able to comprehend that. I understand they have their "protocols" but some of us don't fit into their neat little boxes. I hope this pain passes soon, Nancy
glassmind Member
Hi there, Thanks for reaching out and sharing. I encourage you to develop a printed "Migraine Action Plan" with your doctor. You can carry this with you to the emergency department as a guide for treatment. You can find samples online. <a href='https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/head.13255' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/head.13255</a> While this and most advise against opiates, your doctor and you can craft one that includes such treatment. I have such a plan and have found it very helpful at the e.d. It speaks for me when I cannot. It gives validity to my condition. And it carries the authority of my do tor's signature as well as providing contact info if the emergency team wants to or needs to consult with my doctor. My own plan excludes opiates as I personally must avoid them. It clearly states which rescue medications are most effective for me and states things like "reduced noise and lighting" which can be hard to come by in the hospital. It also lists my current medications and allergies and emergency contact. I hope to never use it again, but it has been very helpful. I also habe a digital version on my phone. Also talk to your provider about small quantity at home prescriptions of rescue medications. Personally, aquiring anti-nausea meds (zofran) has been keyfor keeping me out of the e.r. I can generally sleep out the pain if I can keep down my other medications. Each person is different of course. Hope this helps and may you be able to avoid the e.r. Hugs
vivmac00 Member
I completely understand! One thing I have noticed - when I said "Phenergan, for nausea" THEN said "and Demerol, for pain." ( instead of Demerol first, or just "Demerol & Phenergan&quot😉, I got better results. It's like the wrong wording will set off the little "opiate-seeker! alarm bells" in the doctors head! No, I don't want drugs, I want relief!
1. glassmind Member
 <inline-mention username="vivmac00" user-id="3916131"/> Yes. I noticed ask for the nausea meds first and it changes the attitude of medical staff.
mrtstorm Member
The last time I had to visit the ER due to an extreme migraine was nearly two decades ago and when I was taken to the triage area and asked what I was there for I simply stated: I have a horrible migraine headache and all I need is an injection of Imitrex (this was before I had plenty on hand at home from insurance). Oddly enough, I was taken back to the treatment area within a couple of minutes, given my Imitrex shot, had to wait for 15 minutes, then was allowed to leave. My headache was gone inside of 20 minutes due to the Imitrex. I found out the next day at work from another migraine sufferer that asking for the Imitrex got me to the front of the ER line as the ER staff knew I was the real deal instead of some drug junkie faking a headache. Otherwise, I would have to have wait for over an hour in the ER with that severe pain. 🦆🦆
vivmac00 Member
I'm glad you got some relief relatively quickly but it really sucks that the system is like that! I understand them wanting to weed out the addicts looking for a fix but some of them aren't there for that - they're just people in pain who happen to be addicts. (Not judging. I had an addiction - a result of me trying anything to ease the pain... so painkillers, right? Yeah, no.) Anyway, glad it's been that long since you've had to go to the ER & you found something that helps you!
Melissa Arnold Community Admin
It happens so, so often, and unfortunately it's the patient that can fall through the cracks. I appreciate your honesty and perspective, <inline-mention username="vivmac00" user-id="3916131"/> -- other people in the community have also struggled with dependence in various forms, you're definitely not alone in that. I hope you have the support you need! We're here for you, too. -Melissa, <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
tjjennings Member
Not only have I experienced this type of reaction, it is so frustrating that because most ER doctors are told that opioids should be avoided for migraines, the mere mention that I do get relief from opioids, I am met with disdain and pushback. Fortunately, my pain management doctor beliefs me and treats me with opioids and has never made me feel like I am doing something wrong. He is a firm believer that different bodies react differently even if the research says it is not the best medicine to treat the pain. After some lengthy discussion and explanation, when I have to visit the ER. They usually relent and treat me with dilaudid, zofran, and benedryl since I get itchy with dilaudid. Insist and fight for your right to be treated with the medicine that works. I have mostly gotten over feeling like I am doing something wrong. My son has suffered for 12 years and goes regularly to the Er…that is such a nightmare. They treat me much better than him, but it is a horrible stigma this crisis has created to those who get relief and are not abusing the drug. Keep going. You need to live and it’s such a shame we have to deal with it in this manner.
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="tjjennings" user-id="4735539"/> Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It can be so disheartening when we have to go the the ER/Urgent care, they are so ill equipped to treat us. Good to hear you have a plan in place for migraine management. How are you doing today? Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
mloeswick Member
I've had migraines since 1991. During that time I have watched the medical care pendulum swing from "are you in pain? Let me get you something to help" to "there's nothing we can do." I, too, rarely go to the ER. People with migraines are always treated last. In addition to the injured and sick, the waiting room is full of noise, bored children, florescent lights and TV noise. My last visit was 5 years ago; my adult daughter drove me to the hospital. After the expected long wait, the doctor took my history, left the curtained area, came back 30 minutes later and offered tylenol (really???!), along with zolfran and flexaril (I had already taken both at home). The Opioid War apparently levels the playing field---whether you are in pain or not, everyone is a drug seeker, and a blight on society. Even my neurologist, a specialist in migraine care, will not prescribe pain medication. Does that make sense? I have to get my hydrocodone from a pain clinic. Even there I have to account for each pain pill I take. Every headache brings debate: should I take one now? will I have enough? if I wait too long will I be able to control the pain with just one dose? what if I run out? 
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 <inline-mention username="mloeswick" user-id="3836878"/> I hear you! Managing migraine is very frustrating and I can tell you you're not alone in feeling this way. Have you found a migraine prevention medication that is beneficial? Looking forward to hearing an update, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team 
2. Peggy Artman Moderator
 @mloeswick I agree with all your frustrations. It's a messed up system. I don't even go to the ER anymore because I know that all they will give me is Toradol and an anti-nausea medication. It's not helpful, and I have a high co-pay for ER visits. I'm glad you have found a good pain management doctor that has been able to help you manage your migraine attacks in the way your body responds best to. Keep in touch - we are here for you. Peggy (Migraine.com team)

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