New Migrainer

By bridget

1 min read

Hi, my name is Bridget and I'm new to this blog. I have been suffering migraines for 20 or so years. I spent the last 20 trying to find a reason for these headaches. My parents never suffered from them so I guess I'm that one percent who just was blessed with them. I spent a many number of years suffering through the migraines without medication. I know some of you are probably saying "How?" Believe me after finding Triptans I don't know myself. But now my neuro says I'm taking too many and I really need to go on a preventative medication.

It took me all these years to take a pain medication now I have to take a pill every day. I am still at the stage of these migraines where I scour the internet for an answer of why I am in so much pain. It must be something worse then a migraine. I have never felt this much pain and I have always had a high tolerance to pain. I used to work fulltime now all I do is count how many days a month I'm not laying in bed suffering.

I had a hysterectomy done last year, they left one ovary, but my migraines went from one or two 3 to 5 day migraines to almost everyday. I'm so frustrated that I have to revolve my life around these. My marriage is falling apart and I have no social life. I found hope during my last Migraine when I found this web page. Hearing others stories has been helpful and somewhat comforting. To know that my pain is the same as others because as most of us know not all migraines are the same each time we have one.

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lara Member
Hi Bridget, I am sorry this is happening to you. It is particularly hard when your marriage falls apart at the same time. I know. Preventative medications can be helpful. They won't restore everything you lost but they'll help you try to regain your footing. Mine are usually successful in blocking a couple "daily" migraines and lessening the severity of chronic daily migraines. When they did your hysterectomy, did they put you on hormones? or has your OB/GYN checked your hormone levels? See, my migraines are off the scale in the week before my period and during my period. The hormones are a huge, massive trigger. In fact, I'm counting the days until menopause and then? I'll turn down hormone therapy. Your hormones might be a huge trigger here.
Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Hi Bridget, I understand completely, the pain, the issues in a marriage and frustration with the situation. I'm confident you will find helpful, informative information here at <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a>. Medication overuse headache or moh which was formerly called rebound, can occur if we take migraine abortive medications (like triptans) and/or pain relievers, whether they are over-the-counter or by prescription, more than two to three days a week. If we have moh our migraines will be more difficult to treat and we can have daily pain that is miserable. Let me share this information on moh with you; <a href='http://migraine.com/blog/help-how-can-i-not-overuse-migraine-medications/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/help-how-can-i-not-overuse-migraine-medications/</a>. Fluctuating hormones can certainly trigger a migraine attack. This link has information about using a triptan as a short term preventive for menstrual migraines; <a href='http://migraine.com/blog/short-term-option-for-migraine-prevention-frova/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/short-term-option-for-migraine-prevention-frova/</a>. These along with certain foods, smells, light, sound, inconsistent sleeping patterns and many other things can trigger a migraine attack. Do you happen to know what your triggers are? If we identify our triggers we can learn to avoid them and lessen our migraine frequency and severity -<a href='http://migraine.com/blog/migraine-management-essential-trigger-management/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/migraine-management-essential-trigger-management/</a>. Migraine is a genetic neurological disease and it's important for family members to learn about it. One people learn that our entire body is involved during a migraine attack their attitudes change a bit. Maybe you could share this information with those closest to you; <a href='http://migraine.com/migraine-and-mental-health/managing-migraines-and-relationships/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/migraine-and-mental-health/managing-migraines-and-relationships/</a> and <a href='http://migraine.com/blog/migraine-empathy-why-its-hard-for-people-to-get-it-and-how-to-help/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/migraine-empathy-why-its-hard-for-people-to-get-it-and-how-to-help/</a>. I hope this helps, please keep us posted! Nancy
carolinem Member
Hey Bridget! Yes, they suck, no doubt about that. Marriage issues are of course a huge stressor, and stress is a trigger. Vicious cycle on that one. I have about 15 'headache days' a month. My triggers are vast in number! Sometimes the migraine sneaks up on me via a sinus headache, other times it warns me a big one is imminent by pressure and a heart beat at the base of my skull. I was put on hormones as a 'let's see' and WOW what a mistake! Progesterone gave me a 2 day skull cracking event. I too have found relief via Sumatriptan... 100mg and I get 9 a month (really?) many times I require that 2nd dose so that gives me even less relief in a month. I take a combo daily of Amitryptaline (Elavil) & Citalopram (Celexa) as a preventative. I also was on Topamax for a while but that seemed to quit working. I did find out that my grandmother suffered from Migraine, and my nephew does as well. Not that either of those make me feel better. My first ones began at age 12, I'm 46 now. No one seems to want to face this monster with me head on (no pun intended!) I almost think that when I talk about it with my MD (whom I otherwise adore), it seems like he thinks I just have some nebulous headaches. I'm always talking to myself, in the throes, saying This CANNOT be normal! They MUST have missed my giant tumor in that CT scan! I too have a really high tolerance to pain, but also to medication. No one believes me on that either. I was SO thrilled when I found this site... even if just to commiserate with people who understand... that alone is awesome. I wish you the very best, and many more pain free days! Take care and know we 'get it'. Best, Caroline M SoCal
juliazippos Member
over 10 years I have tried everything. botox back of head, befa blockeds, epilem, hrt, acupuncture, massage, etc. was getting around 15 a month. now almost gone since I started seeing hands on physio weekly, something my dr, or neurologist never thought. my shoukders, neck v stressed, and pushing the joints, and quick massage now takes away. have about 1 a month max, he is just a normal football physio, no tens machines or anything just hands on. thiught i wd share in case it cd help. i was takimg far too many Maxalt before
jones8900 Member
Bridget, I'm going to write you more later ....I'm pressed for time right now. I feel your discouragement, your pain and your sense of loss. Everyone here at <a href='http://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> does. There are so many insights and everyone shares .... There is not one good thing to be said about migraines or what they do to any individual who sufferes from them. It does ruin friendships, social activity, marriages and much more. What I can say to you is you will find compassion here and encouragement not to give up. You can write to me anytime... I care...very much. Blessings Janet Edited by moderator:For your privacy and security, please do not post personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers. <a href='http://Migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> members can contact each other through their profiles. Thank you.
morgankinczel Member
Bridget- I feel your pain reading this message board. You said you are not in a preventative? Try a low dosage of topamax and work your way up- although it's not my favorite drug to be on it does work for the most part. I used to have a 10-15 migraines a month now I have almost 0-1. Also I am getting acupuncture and have oxygen tanks in my home for when I feel an attack coming on. This helps replace my abortive medicine (maxalt for you I believe you said and I take amerge). You have to be hopeful! Stay strong

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