I had my follow up visit with my neurologist. I have been keeping a calendar diary, which she finds very helpful and wants me to continue. I went for 4-5 a week to about 2 a week. Big improvement, but she wants me down to no more than 2 a month. I couldn't agree more.
I have been pretty much sticking to the diet. Although, I don't really think I have food triggers, I will keep it up. My doctor really believes it is important and it is healthier for me. I've also been really increasing my fruits and veggies while reducing my meat. Overall, it makes me feel a lot better.
The only thing I've been bad at is exercising. I haven't done yoga in a while and I really feel it in my back. The good thing is that when my back or neck or even the back of my head get achy that if I take Aleve or Advil, it seems to take care of it. That didn't happen before. I'm really watching that I don't take too much of any pain killer in a week. My doctor said no more than two triptans, otherwise my rebound headaches can come back.
My husband and I have also been working hard to face the unnecessary stresses in our lives. To say 'no' more often to work related events and not overreact to some of the foolishness that goes on at his job. Did I mention he is a pastor, that is why it effects me, too. It is our church. I've realized that I've let the stress of our lives get to me more lately, so I think I'm going to go talk to a counselor. Just to make sure I'm processing things well. I really noticed things were getting to me when I'd wake up with my teeth clenched. Not good for a migraine suffer. And I didn't really want to get out of bed. I was too overwhelmed.
So, I hope things continue to look up, it gives me hope!
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Stopping Chronic Migraine?
Chronic migraine is a very serious issue and a very hard one to deal with. There is the physical pain along with the emotional trouble. It makes you doubt your ability to read your own body and its signals. You wonder whether or not to take medicine, sometimes it is too late and other times it just doesn't work anyway. There is also an overall sense of failure because you can't get them under control. You try to avoid triggers, but it just isn't working.
Well, after I landed myself in the ER a couple of weeks ago, I knew it was time to see a neurologist. Whatever I was doing and whatever my primary care physician was doing just wasn't cutting it. I need pain management that won't cause more migraines. I had gotten into a cycle of rebound headaches. A risk that comes with taking more than two doses of any kind of pain killer, whether it is a triptan or something like ibuprofen.
My new doctor was very friendly and supportive, but also professional and serious. She right away, put me on a steroid tapper to break the cycle of rebound headaches from taking up to four triptans a week. The good news is that while on the steroid I did have any migraines. It has been about a week and a half and I've only had to take two triptans. I had a migraine come on today, most likely triggered by our trip to the park and three days ago.
For me, this is great improvement. Only two triptans in a week and a half, when I was taking about four or five in one week. And that they were three days a part.
I have started taking trigger avoidance even more seriously. Some things are hard, like trips to the park. I don't want to miss out on that. And, I hate having this overall sense of fear when it comes to doing anything outdoors. Things have been really busy and stressful with church, so that one needs some work. I also started a new diet.
My doctor really respects the diet from the Headache Society. So, it is bye bye aged cheese, processed meats and chocolate. Also, no MSG, yeast extract and soy sauce. I think it has helped. I did cheat a little today on some very yummy chili mac.
I also have been taking the blood pressure medicine, Verapamil for the last week and a half. I believe it is helping because it feels like it is. I also don't feel the headaches as intensely. I have taken it in the past and it did do some good.
Well, I hope things continue to look up. I hope that everyone takes their medications seriously. You need to take them when you feel one coming on in order for it to work on time to not have to suffer so intensely, but at the same time watch that you aren't getting rebound headaches, too.
Well, after I landed myself in the ER a couple of weeks ago, I knew it was time to see a neurologist. Whatever I was doing and whatever my primary care physician was doing just wasn't cutting it. I need pain management that won't cause more migraines. I had gotten into a cycle of rebound headaches. A risk that comes with taking more than two doses of any kind of pain killer, whether it is a triptan or something like ibuprofen.
My new doctor was very friendly and supportive, but also professional and serious. She right away, put me on a steroid tapper to break the cycle of rebound headaches from taking up to four triptans a week. The good news is that while on the steroid I did have any migraines. It has been about a week and a half and I've only had to take two triptans. I had a migraine come on today, most likely triggered by our trip to the park and three days ago.
For me, this is great improvement. Only two triptans in a week and a half, when I was taking about four or five in one week. And that they were three days a part.
I have started taking trigger avoidance even more seriously. Some things are hard, like trips to the park. I don't want to miss out on that. And, I hate having this overall sense of fear when it comes to doing anything outdoors. Things have been really busy and stressful with church, so that one needs some work. I also started a new diet.
My doctor really respects the diet from the Headache Society. So, it is bye bye aged cheese, processed meats and chocolate. Also, no MSG, yeast extract and soy sauce. I think it has helped. I did cheat a little today on some very yummy chili mac.
I also have been taking the blood pressure medicine, Verapamil for the last week and a half. I believe it is helping because it feels like it is. I also don't feel the headaches as intensely. I have taken it in the past and it did do some good.
Well, I hope things continue to look up. I hope that everyone takes their medications seriously. You need to take them when you feel one coming on in order for it to work on time to not have to suffer so intensely, but at the same time watch that you aren't getting rebound headaches, too.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Trip to the ER
I kind of felt this last big migraine coming on. It was mild and I thought it wasn't going to be anything. Boy was I wrong!
I picked my oldest up from school and developed intense pain by the time I completed the 12 mile drive to church. I had him run in and get Dad so he could get the baby out of the car. I went straight to the couch in my husbands office, but closed the blinds first. After about ten minutes, I knew this wasn't going to be one I could just suffer through. I didn't take anything in time and knew that by now it was too late. I wouldn't be able to keep it down and couldn't wait the hour and a half for it to work. So, off to the ER.
Surprisingly enough, I haven't been to the ER for a migraine for two years. The last time I went was because the Triptan didn't work. I am very relieved that I went because the pain was so intense that I wouldn't of been able to stand it. It even lasted longer than usual. I'm usually OK after a couple of hours. It had started coming on at 3pm and I had to have a second dose of narcotics at about 8:30pm.
The doctors and nurses in the ER at Littleton Hospitial were awesome. They were very understanding and helpful. Of course, like all ERs I wish I would of gotten the meds a tiny bit faster. Although, they did get me in right away, so the process of being cared for started right away. There weren't many other people there, but I did only sit for only five minutes to wait to get checked it.
After talking to the doctor, we agreed that I didn't need to have a CTscan. He said they could, of course, if I wanted them to. We concluded that it was a regular migraine in the way it played out. It was very painful, 9 on a scale of 10, but it didn't have any atypical symptoms. Of course, I did promise to go see a neurologist, which they printed on my discharge papers.
I called the office yesterday and have an appointment for Tuesday. I just hope there is something they can find to do to help. This all happened Wednesday evening and I have definitely had to take Maxalt yesterday and today. I'll keep you posted on how the doctor visit goes.
Also, it seems to me, that my oldest son, who is eight, is starting to show signs of migraines. He has come home abut 4 times in the last month from school with a really bad belly ache. Yesterday, he had a headache also. It seems to be on days he doesn't eat well, so first step will be, to make sure he eats his lunch and snack. If it keeps happening, I will take him to see his doctor.
I picked my oldest up from school and developed intense pain by the time I completed the 12 mile drive to church. I had him run in and get Dad so he could get the baby out of the car. I went straight to the couch in my husbands office, but closed the blinds first. After about ten minutes, I knew this wasn't going to be one I could just suffer through. I didn't take anything in time and knew that by now it was too late. I wouldn't be able to keep it down and couldn't wait the hour and a half for it to work. So, off to the ER.
Surprisingly enough, I haven't been to the ER for a migraine for two years. The last time I went was because the Triptan didn't work. I am very relieved that I went because the pain was so intense that I wouldn't of been able to stand it. It even lasted longer than usual. I'm usually OK after a couple of hours. It had started coming on at 3pm and I had to have a second dose of narcotics at about 8:30pm.
The doctors and nurses in the ER at Littleton Hospitial were awesome. They were very understanding and helpful. Of course, like all ERs I wish I would of gotten the meds a tiny bit faster. Although, they did get me in right away, so the process of being cared for started right away. There weren't many other people there, but I did only sit for only five minutes to wait to get checked it.
After talking to the doctor, we agreed that I didn't need to have a CTscan. He said they could, of course, if I wanted them to. We concluded that it was a regular migraine in the way it played out. It was very painful, 9 on a scale of 10, but it didn't have any atypical symptoms. Of course, I did promise to go see a neurologist, which they printed on my discharge papers.
I called the office yesterday and have an appointment for Tuesday. I just hope there is something they can find to do to help. This all happened Wednesday evening and I have definitely had to take Maxalt yesterday and today. I'll keep you posted on how the doctor visit goes.
Also, it seems to me, that my oldest son, who is eight, is starting to show signs of migraines. He has come home abut 4 times in the last month from school with a really bad belly ache. Yesterday, he had a headache also. It seems to be on days he doesn't eat well, so first step will be, to make sure he eats his lunch and snack. If it keeps happening, I will take him to see his doctor.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Just Being Honest
It makes me sad when I look at my calendar. I had only 10 migraine free days last month. I was able to stop most of them with Maxalt. I am very tired of 'trying' things because nothing seems to work and with so many triggers, I can't avoid them all. Especially having three children and did I ever mention that they all seem to only be able to speak on loud voices. Well, at least the older two.
Overall, I feel like a failure. The migraines are so disruptive. They make me unable to commit to anything. And, half the projects I do do, I either can't enjoy the outcome or suffer a migraine when I attend an event. Not to mention the several headaches it took to get there. I'm involved in visual arts for our church's worship service and also marketing of events and programs. So, I feel useless because I have to keep decreasing my work amount and I don't always meet deadlines or am able to be a part of the result. Like last Sunday, for example, was the very first one of our new worship services. I designed the look of the service for print and the projection, but due to a migraine, I wasn't able to experience the service.
I don't want to go back to my doctor because I don't feel anything is working and she said no to Topamax.
The migraines also make me snappy and moody with my children. I try very hard to keep an even tone, but when it hurts so bad and they won't listen, I don't know what else to do than raise my voice. I feel like there is no plan and no teaching of what to do when mommy is sick. Daddy will take care of the kiddos for me and is supportive with when I need to lay down. But, I feel there is no pro activeness. No preventative measures. It isn't a priority and I don't know how to make it one. I don't want our lives to center around my headaches, but I don't feel I'm getting exactly what I need. And who knows what that is.
When you've struggled with this since you were about eight years old, there are several emotional and mental side effects you have to deal with. I feel as if I can't complete things, I feel that I can't be successful in a career. I even think sometimes that I'm not a fit mother because of migraines. I have my ups and downs. I do have times of great inspiration and hope, but with all diseases and chronic illnesses, the negatives of life are never far enough out of site.
Thanks for listening.
Overall, I feel like a failure. The migraines are so disruptive. They make me unable to commit to anything. And, half the projects I do do, I either can't enjoy the outcome or suffer a migraine when I attend an event. Not to mention the several headaches it took to get there. I'm involved in visual arts for our church's worship service and also marketing of events and programs. So, I feel useless because I have to keep decreasing my work amount and I don't always meet deadlines or am able to be a part of the result. Like last Sunday, for example, was the very first one of our new worship services. I designed the look of the service for print and the projection, but due to a migraine, I wasn't able to experience the service.
I don't want to go back to my doctor because I don't feel anything is working and she said no to Topamax.
The migraines also make me snappy and moody with my children. I try very hard to keep an even tone, but when it hurts so bad and they won't listen, I don't know what else to do than raise my voice. I feel like there is no plan and no teaching of what to do when mommy is sick. Daddy will take care of the kiddos for me and is supportive with when I need to lay down. But, I feel there is no pro activeness. No preventative measures. It isn't a priority and I don't know how to make it one. I don't want our lives to center around my headaches, but I don't feel I'm getting exactly what I need. And who knows what that is.
When you've struggled with this since you were about eight years old, there are several emotional and mental side effects you have to deal with. I feel as if I can't complete things, I feel that I can't be successful in a career. I even think sometimes that I'm not a fit mother because of migraines. I have my ups and downs. I do have times of great inspiration and hope, but with all diseases and chronic illnesses, the negatives of life are never far enough out of site.
Thanks for listening.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Dare I say it? Chronic Migraine
I'm very discouraged. Although, yesterday was a good day. I did yoga twice and got a massage. I read last night that if you have 15 migraines within a month, for more than three months, then it is considered Chronic Migraine. Either way you put it, that doesn't sound good. And is definitely not fun!
My migraine attacks started to increase last May. That is what got me to filling my Imitrex to the point that I can no longer get them at the pharmacy. It was also what indicated that the Elavil wasn't really helping. I was taking a triptan at least 3 times a week. I haven't experienced rebound headache yet. I always get all the same classic migraine symptoms. Although, I was able to abort several of the migraines, if I hadn't taken something, then they would of become full blown.
I am concerned about rebound now because since July 2nd, I've taken a triptan 5 out of 7 days in a week. Although, reading about rebound, I don't have just an overall pain, it can start on either side of the head and includes all the other fun symptoms. I have switched triptans, so in the past month, I've gone from Imitrex to Treximet to Maxalt. The struggle is that once I get the indicators that one is coming on, there is no use waiting. No first line of defense works anymore. And if I wait to take it, then I suffer because I don't end up getting any relief. My triggers have been outrageous since the beginning of July.
Here is a small list of what has been happening in my life:
Storms almost daily (since May)
Went off Elavil
Had company (two different times)
Summitted a mountain
Refrigerator died
All day meetings
A marriage retreat
A wedding
Female monthly issues
A day trip
More meetings
My oldest started back to school
I do want to start some major trigger avoiding. It doesn't help that I live a mile above sea level, in a state that has sun 360 days a year and is extremely dry! Not to mention has the daily thunderstorm in the summer. I do need to eat at a regular schedule and do yoga. Consistent sleep is just not possible with three kids under the age of 8. The littlest is really teething right now, too.
If the trigger avoiding doesn't help and the yoga, I'm not sure what to do. I've tried daily Elavil and Verapamil with no luck. And for some reason my doctor is against Topamax. So, we'll see...
My migraine attacks started to increase last May. That is what got me to filling my Imitrex to the point that I can no longer get them at the pharmacy. It was also what indicated that the Elavil wasn't really helping. I was taking a triptan at least 3 times a week. I haven't experienced rebound headache yet. I always get all the same classic migraine symptoms. Although, I was able to abort several of the migraines, if I hadn't taken something, then they would of become full blown.
I am concerned about rebound now because since July 2nd, I've taken a triptan 5 out of 7 days in a week. Although, reading about rebound, I don't have just an overall pain, it can start on either side of the head and includes all the other fun symptoms. I have switched triptans, so in the past month, I've gone from Imitrex to Treximet to Maxalt. The struggle is that once I get the indicators that one is coming on, there is no use waiting. No first line of defense works anymore. And if I wait to take it, then I suffer because I don't end up getting any relief. My triggers have been outrageous since the beginning of July.
Here is a small list of what has been happening in my life:
Storms almost daily (since May)
Went off Elavil
Had company (two different times)
Summitted a mountain
Refrigerator died
All day meetings
A marriage retreat
A wedding
Female monthly issues
A day trip
More meetings
My oldest started back to school
I do want to start some major trigger avoiding. It doesn't help that I live a mile above sea level, in a state that has sun 360 days a year and is extremely dry! Not to mention has the daily thunderstorm in the summer. I do need to eat at a regular schedule and do yoga. Consistent sleep is just not possible with three kids under the age of 8. The littlest is really teething right now, too.
If the trigger avoiding doesn't help and the yoga, I'm not sure what to do. I've tried daily Elavil and Verapamil with no luck. And for some reason my doctor is against Topamax. So, we'll see...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
MEDS! One a day since quite Elavil!
Anyone who has migraines knows the whole struggle of finding meds that help preventative and as needed. I need to pull up my migraine plan again and edit a few things. My doctor said it was Ok to stop the Elavil. I felt it really didn't help decrease the amount or severity. Although, for the past week since I've been off, I've had to take a Treximet or Maxalt. I tried filling my Imitrex, but the insurance wouldn't help. I guess I haven't waited long enough, the pharmacy wanted $93! and for the generic! So, I'm going to ask to try Topamax. I had a great conversation with a mom of one of my son's fellow karate students. Her daughter is in high school and gets migraines a lot. The Topamax seems to really be helping.
I also read a great book called 'Migraine and Other Headaches' by Stewart Tepper, MD. It is five years old, but still very informative. Since I have just started seeking treatment in the last couple of years, I don't know a lot about the causes. I've always been more into the treatment. It was great to become educated and learn that it is a genetic neurological disorder. Not great that I have it, but it shed some light for me. The triggers over stimulate my excitable brain (actual term) and send the migraine into process. It explained the cause of my neck pain.
I haven't started physical therapy yet because of waiting to hear about the insurance coverage. We'll see how well it helps me to relax. Basically the migraine causes the muscle tightness, not the other way around. But, it will help me to lower stress, which is a huge cause of mine. Basically, staying on an even keel and trying to avoid those over excited brain triggers will be very helpful. I also learned that not to mess around and just take the triptan as soon as I feel it coming on. Taking something else doesn't help because of how severe and frequent mine are. There is not guessing whether it will be a migraine, whether bet on it that it will be.
I also read a great book called 'Migraine and Other Headaches' by Stewart Tepper, MD. It is five years old, but still very informative. Since I have just started seeking treatment in the last couple of years, I don't know a lot about the causes. I've always been more into the treatment. It was great to become educated and learn that it is a genetic neurological disorder. Not great that I have it, but it shed some light for me. The triggers over stimulate my excitable brain (actual term) and send the migraine into process. It explained the cause of my neck pain.
I haven't started physical therapy yet because of waiting to hear about the insurance coverage. We'll see how well it helps me to relax. Basically the migraine causes the muscle tightness, not the other way around. But, it will help me to lower stress, which is a huge cause of mine. Basically, staying on an even keel and trying to avoid those over excited brain triggers will be very helpful. I also learned that not to mess around and just take the triptan as soon as I feel it coming on. Taking something else doesn't help because of how severe and frequent mine are. There is not guessing whether it will be a migraine, whether bet on it that it will be.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
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