Pressure Point

Hi, I am a 27 year old female living in New Jersey.

I started getting a lot of headaches around the age 7 and went to a Pediatric Neurologist for my first CAT scan. Nothing was found and my peditrician said I would grow out of it. Twenty years later I get at least a headache or a chronic migraine daily (if I do not take any type of preventative migraine relief...this means i take at least 1-2 doses of Excedrin Migraine (or after it was recalled, the Rite Aide Migraine Relief version), and on days when I wake up with a Migraine or am definitelly going to get one I go for the stronger stuff...Sumatriptifan. Which usually works after 3 hours however the side effects are dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and lack of hunger.

In my early twenties I went to see a Neurologist for another CAT scan in which nothing was found. My chronic migraines are genetic. My father currently still suffers them (although they have gotten considerably better now that he is in his mid 60s, and his mother suffered from them, although she will not admit to them.)

Triggers for me include: (1) any kind of scent (which means i only usually wear Vanilla, or have 1 other perform and i cannot switch perfumes because once I switch i will most definitelly get a Migraine), (2) any kind of contact solutions besides the Rite Aid brand that I use because i have gotten Migraine Aura from switching, (3) my period (in which i will get a massive migraine every single day until it is over), sometimes the sunlight. So far I have not found any food triggers, however i do not drink coffee at all, except if i feel i am getting a migraine i might have 1 cup of coffee to see if it helps.

I've been using a monthly calender in which to tract my Migraines which has been very useful. However, popping Excedrine Migraine 2-3 times a day to prevent a Migraine is probably no good for my system, but I feel i have very little options seeing that once I get a Migraine it is so debilitating that I am unable to work. Better to try to prevent one then have a full blown Migraine is my policy. I tend to get my Migraines on my temples, either side...my head does not discriminate. In fact, as I type right now i am feeling one coming on on both sides of my temples. I really do not want to take Excedrine migraine, but on the other hand, I don't want a Migraine tonight. I would really like to enjoy the night out with my boyfriend. (And so the circle begins again.)

I am very glad to have found a blog of others who understand how painful and life consuming having a Migraine can be. I am hopeful that someday I will not suffer daily from them.