Migraine Relief ANYONE?????
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Laura on -
Thanks- could the diarehha be related to the type of magnessium? Thanks Why is all of this so foreign to doctors?
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Permalink Reply by Angie on
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Hi Laura,
After almost 5 months with more migraine days on than off I seriously sat down and did some research. What I found besides the traditional food allergies is that I can only handle certain noise levels and no computer, tv or movies after 6pm or it makes my brain acturally hurt and will bring on a migraine. Also, sticky blood platelets seems to be a problem because when i take 2 baby asprins a day Voila! the head pain seems to be cut off, unless, I eat a food trigger or place myself in a noisy environment. That includes any strobbing light like TV or computer light.
Hope that helps, angelicaveech@msn.com
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Permalink Reply by Ellen S on -
Angelika,
You might be interested in reading this post: Hughes Disease and Recent Research Revelations.
Be well. :)
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Permalink Reply by Laura on
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Sticky blood platelets- how did you find out about that? The only "strange" abnormal test I have had is platelets... this was off and on when I was pregnant- some Docs would comment and some would then only comment after when I would directly ask and then ask to be re-tested!!!! BUT NONE gave me any suggestions or discussion about it.
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Permalink Reply by Ellen S on
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Hi Laura, If you read the article I posted above, many doctors aren't aware of APS. APS is only one good example why it's important to be knowledgeable about your health issues.
I became aware of it while looking for information about my own health issues. I don't have APS, but several online friends have discovered they have it. The article tells about testing etc. If you'd like to connect with other APS patients, let me know. I know some great ones!
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Permalink Reply by wholemom on -
Check out this post for some natural migraine remedies/therapies. http://livingawholelife.blogspot.com/2009/02/migraines.html
I am not a migraine sufferer, but we get a lot of questions from people who read our blog so my sister-in-law and co-author did some research and put this together. I hope it helps!
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Permalink Reply by Ellen S on
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Hello Shannan! There is some really good information here, but I would like to ask, can they/you create a post about some of these remedies and the side-effects, contraindications and interactions they have with other medicines, hormones, vitamins, etc? For example: Red yeast rice is natural, but contains a statin drug which depletes CoQ10. As a statin drug, it shouldn't be used with certain medicines, etc etc.... This kind of info would be terribly helpful to many Migraineurs searching for help for their chronic conditions. Many have co-morbid conditions with Migraine, and take other medicines that make using some methods difficult or even dangerous. The University of Maryland Medical school has a very good listing of many of those in the blog post, but not all. You can find their site HERE.
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Permalink Reply by Lindsey on -
HI Laura,
Have you heard of estrogen dominance. It causes alot of nasty side effects. I had my aunt get on Arbonne's Natural Progesterone cream (for her migranes) I do use the cream myself, but for anxiety...and PMS. The cream balances your hormones, thus reducing the high estrogen symptoms. Some symptoms of high estrogen are: migranes, anxiety, depression, low sex drive, etc. These are just to name a few. If you wish to learn more about the cream contact me and I can give you more info. to guide you into the right direction so that you can do some hormone research youself. I'm here to give info., not to treat or diagnose. As I have been reading comments...birth control pills could cause worse migranes b/c of the estrogens that are in the pills.
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Permalink Reply by Ellen S on
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Hi Lindsey, can you give our readers some more information on Progesterone creams? I have read both potential for good and for bad, and a conversation between 5 thyroid patients (myself included) was started about Progesterone.
Playing devil's advocate here:
As for Migraine, a few doctors swear by progesterone creams, but it is always given after a careful evaluation of all reproductive and many other hormones, and a careful history. I've never seen it given alone without thought to other hormones and conditions. There is quite a bit of controversy about it between physicians. Do you have any specific medical/physician/journal references that you could share with us? I would really love to see them as this has been on my mind lately and I've not yet had another appt with my endocrinologist to discuss it. Also, does it offer any advantages to those with hysterectomy, no estrogen, or on an estrogen replacement therapy? I am quite curious myself. I have some information, but not enough to satisfy all my questions at this point...
Also, I'm wondering what is used as the carrier agent in the cream, and if it contains additives (as do most creams) that can damage the rest of the endocrine system, etc??
Before my hysterectomy I tried progesterone. It had no affect on my Migraines, but that is just me. I was warned that progesterone after hysterectomy was dangerous and linked to uterine cancer. Considering I was already in a precancerous situation, sadly, it was not going to be an option for me even if it did work.
As with all things in the body, balance is necessary. Any treatment with the ability to help us, also has the ability to hurt us when done inappropriately. Any hormone that is off kilter can trigger Migraine attacks. Using the cream for problem that requires medical evaluation is dangerous and a mistake. With Migraine, what is right for one will not be right for another. Extreme care and thought should really be taken with any kind of supplementation.
To readers: Please, never begin any kind of treatment without first consulting your physician to be sure it won't interact with any of your medicines or medical conditions, especially those of us on Migraine medications be they over the counter or prescription. An earlier mention of Feverfew here needs the same strong warning, as taking it with other Migraine medicines has led to deadly serotonin syndrome.
When mentioning specific treatments it's important to present both the pros and cons, side effects, drug interactions and contraindications so that patients learn the full story and can go to their doctors as educated patients. So often desperate Migraineurs see the word 'Natural' and assume there are no side effects etc. They assume it's okay to use it no matter their circumstances. More simply does not always mean better.
The answer to one person's prayer, in some instances is another's toxin.
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Permalink Reply by Jan on -
I have suffered from migraine since the age of 3 and it involves unilateral pain, exhaustion and horrivble nausea and sickness. Over the years it has hit in phases. I avoid the food triggers and try not to get too tired - being a teacher doesn't help with this of course. However the main trigger I can see is my period. I become extremely drained as a period is due and then a migraine can start a few days before or even during the period itself. I have had many preventative meds prescribed and some have worked for a while, but my body seems to get used to them and so it all begins again. Currently they have me on Zoladex. I have had 3 months trial and started another 3 months yesterday (6-05-09). I also take Amitriptylline daily. They have just prescribed HRT too but when I look at the info I see that this can cause migraine and I can't face the prospect of this happening. I feel that no-one really knows what they are doing and I feel like a guinea pig who is wasting their time. Whilst taking these Zoladex injections I have had an increased number of migraines which I have to treat with Imogran injections. On the whole these have worked but sometimes they don't unless I take more than one (one in morning and one at night and sometimes one the next day). Other symptoms have been hot flushes, night sweats, dizziness, weight gain, anxiety and depression, although these last two could be happening because of the intimidation and pressure I have had from work due to my sickness absences from work due to migraine and shingles on head. I am not at work at the moment and cannot see me returning after all of the pressure I have had from the school I am in. I fear osteoporosis so will now try calcium rather than have the risk of further migraines. Sorry I am rambling but it is just so helpful to see that other women are going through painful and miserable times through migraine - not that I want anyone else to be suffering, if you know what I mean!
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Permalink Reply by Ellen S on
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Jan,
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
You have much going on here to be sure. Your Migraines do sound like they may be hormonal. Have you read my post on Zoladex and Migraines? You can find my own experience with them and with HRT here. Everyone is different, but that might make you feel less alone.
Migraines are difficult creatures that require much patience and persistence. Each person is different than the next. As a result, doctors often have to open up their bag of "tricks" and use their judgment on which they think might work best for you. All you can do is educate yourself and make an informed decision, then try the medicine appropriately - some take 3-4 months at a steady dose - and see if it helps you. Sometimes it's a magical combination that does the trick. Finding your answer likely isn't going to happen quickly. Yes, there will be some 'experimenting', but it's not as bad as it may sometimes feel.
Have you tried DHEA - ergotamine products?
Are you familiar with Medication Overuse Headaches?
I am concerned about the shingles you say you have on your head. Have you seen your doctor about this? Has he told you that it may play a part in your pain? Are you immunocompromised, or why did the shingles flare?
Shingles can be found along any nerve in your body, inside where it may be 'invisible', and outside where it can be seen. It can persist for many months as well. When shingles occur inside the body it can be excruciating and go undiagnosed for a very long time. It can cause neuralgia that is very severe, especially if it involves the Trigeminal nerve or its branches. Here is a discussion about Neuralgia and Migraine. (don't miss all the links within the articles) There is a medicine that can be taken to help shingles, and a vaccine that can be taken to help you avoid shingles. Another potentially helpful post is here: Connecting Resolvin, inflammation, Migraine and Omega-3?
Osteoporosis is much more than simply taking more calcium. Calcium needs magnesium, phosphorous and vitamin D to create bone, as well as some targeted hormones to make it all happen. The type of magnesium and calcium you take, and when you take it is also very important. Getting a baseline bone scan (hip and back) is probably going to be vital for you as it was for me. Watching it carefully with yearly scans will tell you if you are having problems or not.
Have you had your vitamin D levels checked? Research has shown that those with chronic pain issues are very frequently deficient in D3. Physicians recommend a vitamin D level of at least 50 for health. Levels below 30 are considered to be deficient. When I had mine done (after a long bout of Migraines that kept me indoors) I was a whopping 9. Supplementing with the right kind of Vitamin D has made a real difference in how I feel. I don't even have to test much anymore because when I am starting to feel a lot of pain, I supplement with my prescription and within a day or two am much better. The tests we do draw have been right where we want them when I'm feeling well, and in the tank when I'm feeling bad. Finding this was enough to keep me watching those levels carefully. Like everything else, what you take and when you take it is vital. Cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol in an oil base is most efficiently used by your body... Vitamin D is a fat-stored vitamin. My neurologist explained to me that, taking it with meals will help it be absorbed better.
Jan, I know you are in so much pain and are ready to give up on work. I would encourage you to try to hang in there. It's very difficult to be in pain and suffering when you have all these outside things to worry about, but support and a reason to get up in the morning is also very important. It keeps you mentally and emotionally healthy. Depression is very common in those who choose or are forced to quit their everyday activities because of illness or pain. Depression makes the pain actually worse, so avoiding that will help you feel better all the way around. If you find you have no choice but to quit your job, please consider finding something to take its place to keep you busy and happy and a support system in place. I found that through volunteering.
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