Monday was my 6 week anniversary with this headache. Not an anniversary I'd like to celebrate.
On a good note, the weekend was the lightest headaches I've had in .... I can't even remember how long! Monday was a good day, too. Tuesday was moderate, but it was a high stress day (Chemistry test), so maybe I shouldn't expect too much. And so far this morning, the headache is very minor.
I hate to be too optimistic, but maybe something is actually working!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Headache Log : MRI of neck - RESULTS
I don't think I've ever gotten results so quickly! Only 6 hours after my MRI the neurologists office called to tell me the scan of my neck was normal. No issues with my vessels there. Nothing to be concerned about.
Headache Log : MRI of neck
Had an MRI performed on my neck VERY early this morning. I had to be at the clinic at 6:30 AM. I am going to be tired the rest of the day.
No contrast this time though. I was all prepared for it - mentally - and they didn't use it.
They are looking at the blood vessels in my neck and signs of an impending stroke. I'll keep you updated on the findings.
No contrast this time though. I was all prepared for it - mentally - and they didn't use it.
They are looking at the blood vessels in my neck and signs of an impending stroke. I'll keep you updated on the findings.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Headache Log : Migraines & Strokes
So I was looking on the internet .....
I know, that's not always the best source. But it's so difficult at times to get answers from a doctor - especially without an appointment. And even then they often seem so rushed.
So I was looking on the internet at a site that is all about migraines and headaches and I saw a link regarding migraines and strokes. Well, since I have migraines and am about to get some tests run to ensure I'm not susceptible to a stoke it really caught my attention.
I learned that people who suffer from migraines are more likely to have a stroke. The good news is that migraineurs (as we're called) have more warning signs of an impending stroke than most people - one of those warning signs being the migraine itself. So the bad news is that the migraineurs who are the most susceptible to suffer a stroke are those who get a migraine without a visual aura. I've never had a visual aura with my migraines. :(
Friday, March 25, 2011
Headache Log : Rose Clinic
So yesterday I went to the Rose Clinic and met with Dr. Rose. He's the plastic surgeon who does the Botox injections into the nerves to find out if that's the cause of the migraines and then does surgery to relieve the pressure on those nerves and thus relieve the pain.
http://alifeofpayne.blogspot.com/2011/03/headache-log-plastic-surgery.html
He cleared up a lot of questions and concerns I had. That's not to say that I don't still have a few questions and concerns. The stabbing pain I get behind my eyes appears to be the result of one of three branches of the trigeminal nerve. And, of course, the pain in the back of my head is my occipital nerve. He explained what surgery is performed with each nerve. I feel a little better about going under the knife if that is, in fact, the route I take.
He offered me an injection on the spot, but I declined. I explained that I want to wait and see what results I get back from the cardiologist and the MRA on my neck first. Also, even though I don't want to be on preventative medication for the rest of my life (or any medication at all!), I'd like to see if the Cymbalta is EVER going to start working. Two weeks in and I feel no difference yet.
So I may be following up with Dr. Rose in a month.
Of course, I had not been gone from his office more than 20 minutes when the pain intensified and I was wishing I had just gone ahead and gotten a shot. Just one little tiny shot. :(
http://alifeofpayne.blogspot.com/2011/03/headache-log-plastic-surgery.html
He cleared up a lot of questions and concerns I had. That's not to say that I don't still have a few questions and concerns. The stabbing pain I get behind my eyes appears to be the result of one of three branches of the trigeminal nerve. And, of course, the pain in the back of my head is my occipital nerve. He explained what surgery is performed with each nerve. I feel a little better about going under the knife if that is, in fact, the route I take.
He offered me an injection on the spot, but I declined. I explained that I want to wait and see what results I get back from the cardiologist and the MRA on my neck first. Also, even though I don't want to be on preventative medication for the rest of my life (or any medication at all!), I'd like to see if the Cymbalta is EVER going to start working. Two weeks in and I feel no difference yet.
So I may be following up with Dr. Rose in a month.
Of course, I had not been gone from his office more than 20 minutes when the pain intensified and I was wishing I had just gone ahead and gotten a shot. Just one little tiny shot. :(
Headache Log : Sleep Habits
One of the first things the PT assistant did on my first visit was give me instruction on how to sleep to avoid aggravating any injury or pain in my neck and shoulders.
"Do you wake up often during the night?" "No," I answer.
She asked me if I ever wake up with pain or tingling in my arms. Again, no. And to be perfectly honest with you all, with the exception of my headache, I sleep virtually pain free.
Sleep on my back or side. (Not on my stomach). And if I sleep on my side I have to have a pillow under my arm to keep my shoulders in alignment.
The first night I had the worst time sleeping. Rolling from side to side when I got uncomfortable was incredibly difficult with the large pillow I had. Need to find a smaller pillow. Also, I was so nervous about whether or not I was sleeping "correctly" that I don't think I relaxed all night! I woke up feeling like my entire body was in knots.
Second night - found a smaller pillow - seems to be the PERFECT size! But woke up with pain in my shoulders, knees, middle of my back, between my shoulder blades. ARGH!
Night after night after night, I woke up repeatedly though out the night with pain in my arms, shoulders, knees, back, etc.
Last night I decided I'd had it. I'm going back to what's comfortable. I tossed the pillow aside and I slept on my stomach or side or wherever I wanted. I slept great and I didn't wake up once! And when my alarm went off this morning - no pain!!! (Well…..except that constant one in my head.)
Disclaimer - considering that I want to be a PT someday I am not condoning or suggesting that anyone should ignore or disregard the advice of his/her PT. And I will certainly be talking to mine about my sleeping issues.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Headache Log : Blood & MRI Results
Vitamin D levels are fine.
MRI......not so fine. There was a white spot. It's on the right side of my brain either on the back of my frontal lobe or the front of my temporal lobe - kind of hard to tell exactly which lobe it's on. Nothing to be TOO concerned about Paula the PA tells me. It's a "non-specific white spot". These things are common in migraine sufferers.
She warns me that if I google it I'll find all sorts of scary things about white spots being an indication that I have Multiple Sclerosis, but the radiologist doesn't believe there's any reason for us to be concerned about that.
Multiple Sclerosis - even though she said I don't need to be concerned I can't help the shiver that just went through me at the sound of those words.
She also wants to run more tests. She wants to make sure I'm not susceptible to a stroke. This is another word that causes me to shiver.
MRI......not so fine. There was a white spot. It's on the right side of my brain either on the back of my frontal lobe or the front of my temporal lobe - kind of hard to tell exactly which lobe it's on. Nothing to be TOO concerned about Paula the PA tells me. It's a "non-specific white spot". These things are common in migraine sufferers.
She warns me that if I google it I'll find all sorts of scary things about white spots being an indication that I have Multiple Sclerosis, but the radiologist doesn't believe there's any reason for us to be concerned about that.
Multiple Sclerosis - even though she said I don't need to be concerned I can't help the shiver that just went through me at the sound of those words.
She also wants to run more tests. She wants to make sure I'm not susceptible to a stroke. This is another word that causes me to shiver.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Headache Log : Groupon
Ok, so you all know now (all two of you out there who follow this blog - hehe) that I have looked into injecting Botox into a few nerves to find out if that will help with my migraines.
For more info click here ...... http://alifeofpayne.blogspot.com/2011/03/headache-log-plastic-surgery.html
The doctor's visit itself is covered by insurance, but the actual Botox is not, so I have to pay for the Botox out of pocket. $10 per unit. Each injection is 33 units so $330 per nerve.
I don't know if you are familiar with Groupon or not, but it's a daily coupon offer. Today's featured coupon is for Botox. 50% off Botox. Of course, Justin was all over that - save money on the injection!
What the heck, I call the place that's offering the coupon. Ask if they do plastic surgery there. They do not. Already I'm suspicious that they aren't going to be able to help me. But I explain the situation to the girl on the other end of the line and she says that she'll need to ask the doctor. She puts me on hold and when she comes back explains that they can't help me, but that the doctor suggests I see a urologist.
Really? A UROLOGIST? I think you misunderstood the doctor, sweetie.
For more info click here ...... http://alifeofpayne.blogspot.com/2011/03/headache-log-plastic-surgery.html
The doctor's visit itself is covered by insurance, but the actual Botox is not, so I have to pay for the Botox out of pocket. $10 per unit. Each injection is 33 units so $330 per nerve.
I don't know if you are familiar with Groupon or not, but it's a daily coupon offer. Today's featured coupon is for Botox. 50% off Botox. Of course, Justin was all over that - save money on the injection!
What the heck, I call the place that's offering the coupon. Ask if they do plastic surgery there. They do not. Already I'm suspicious that they aren't going to be able to help me. But I explain the situation to the girl on the other end of the line and she says that she'll need to ask the doctor. She puts me on hold and when she comes back explains that they can't help me, but that the doctor suggests I see a urologist.
Really? A UROLOGIST? I think you misunderstood the doctor, sweetie.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Headache Log : The Train
I started to think the Cymbalta was working. I don't really know how long it will take to work, I expect several days. But after a weekend with very light and mild headaches I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Then Monday came around and I discovered that light was a train. And it hit me hard.
I also realize today is my one month anniversary. I've had this headache for one month straight now.
(March 14, 2011)
I also realize today is my one month anniversary. I've had this headache for one month straight now.
(March 14, 2011)
Headache Log: MRI
Saturday, March 12 I got the MRI done. I've had one done before, but it was 10 years ago, so I don't exactly remember everything. I certainly don't remember it being so frickin' loud! I guess it goes without saying I had a headache :( and the noise from that machine was killing me.
I had an IV in my left arm and they explained that the contrast was kept at room temperature so it would feel cold in my arm going in. What they didn't say is that I'd feel it in most of my body. I freaked for a few seconds. It hit my face and my face felt like it was going numb. When it hit my chest I felt as though I couldn't breathe deeply. When it hit my stomach I thought I was going to throw up. And when it hit my brain I thought I was going to pass out. I worried I was having a reaction to it. I learn later that I was.
I had an IV in my left arm and they explained that the contrast was kept at room temperature so it would feel cold in my arm going in. What they didn't say is that I'd feel it in most of my body. I freaked for a few seconds. It hit my face and my face felt like it was going numb. When it hit my chest I felt as though I couldn't breathe deeply. When it hit my stomach I thought I was going to throw up. And when it hit my brain I thought I was going to pass out. I worried I was having a reaction to it. I learn later that I was.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Headache Log : Dr Reichert
"How's your mood been?" Dr Reichert wants to know. "Have you been depressed?"
I've had a constant headache since February 14, my mood has not been good. Of course I've been depressed at times. It's pretty hard not to get depressed and discouraged.
Dr. Reichert is just as thorough as his PA. He has discussed with Paula everything that she and I spoke about and he wants to take me off of Topomax. He wants to put me on Cymbalta instead. Cymbalta is an anti-depressant, an SNRI (I actually know what this is!), that is also used to prevent migraines, to treat sufferers of chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, and some forms of neuropathy. Well, I see little wrong with that - so long as I can stand the side effects. Paula explains that there are few complaints about the side effects of Cymbalta.
He also wants to run some blood work to check my hormomes and to see if I have a vitamin D deficiency. I explain that I just had blood work run by my GI doctor a month ago and my TSH levels were normal. Ok, hormone level test out, but vitamin D test is still needed.
And he wants to have an MRI done. Unlike the MRI done 10 years ago he wants to look at the blood vessels in my head and check my blood flow. Then he causually throws out a word like embolism. Yes, EMBOLISM!!! He wants to see if I have an embolism! Of course I remain as calm as he does.
Finally, I ask him if he knows anything about occipital neuralgia. He says he is aware of it. He'd like to see how I respond to the medication first. See what the MRI reveals. And see if the physical therapy helps.
I leave his office full of optimism. Almost optimistic enough to cancel my date with the plastic surgeon and the Botox injections - ALMOST.
I've had a constant headache since February 14, my mood has not been good. Of course I've been depressed at times. It's pretty hard not to get depressed and discouraged.
Dr. Reichert is just as thorough as his PA. He has discussed with Paula everything that she and I spoke about and he wants to take me off of Topomax. He wants to put me on Cymbalta instead. Cymbalta is an anti-depressant, an SNRI (I actually know what this is!), that is also used to prevent migraines, to treat sufferers of chronic pain, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, and some forms of neuropathy. Well, I see little wrong with that - so long as I can stand the side effects. Paula explains that there are few complaints about the side effects of Cymbalta.
He also wants to run some blood work to check my hormomes and to see if I have a vitamin D deficiency. I explain that I just had blood work run by my GI doctor a month ago and my TSH levels were normal. Ok, hormone level test out, but vitamin D test is still needed.
And he wants to have an MRI done. Unlike the MRI done 10 years ago he wants to look at the blood vessels in my head and check my blood flow. Then he causually throws out a word like embolism. Yes, EMBOLISM!!! He wants to see if I have an embolism! Of course I remain as calm as he does.
Finally, I ask him if he knows anything about occipital neuralgia. He says he is aware of it. He'd like to see how I respond to the medication first. See what the MRI reveals. And see if the physical therapy helps.
I leave his office full of optimism. Almost optimistic enough to cancel my date with the plastic surgeon and the Botox injections - ALMOST.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Headache Log : Paula the PA
I knew I had a great feeling about the neurologist, even if I did pick him out of the phone book. The first person I met with was his PA Paula. She was great and incredibly thorough. (And she was interested in my headache calendar. - BONUS!) This wasn't 21 questions, this was 100 questions. But some that stuck out in my mind were ....
"Have you experienced any tingling in any of your extremities?"
"Extremities, no. Unless you count my nose." Then I went on to explain the tingling I'd experienced in my nose and face. And that I hadn't been concerned because I had read that migraine sufferers often experience tingling in their face.
She explained to me that it was also a very common side effect of Topomax.
"Have you lost any weight?"
Sadly, no. This was also a common side effect of Topomax and one I was very aware of. But one I did not benefit from.
Other questions and then ...
"Have you had trouble concentrating?"
Concentration? Does it mean I have trouble concentrating if I try to say something and by the time I get to the middle of my sentence I can't remember the beginning of my sentence or what was supposed to be the end of my sentence? Does it mean I have trouble concentrating if I can't study at Barnes & Noble because I get drawn into every single conversation around me and not into my text book? Does it mean I have trouble concentrating if I go to the library to study, the quietest place I can imagine, and the noise of the pages turning by the guy two tables away from me is disruptive? And if his page turning isn't bothering me then it's the lack of noise that's bothering me? How about the babbling brook noise I downloaded to my iPod to drown out the page turning noise, but instead of focusing on my homework I keep trying to listen for the loop within the iTunes track. That every movement that happens around me brings my eyes up to what's going on around me.
I had never thought about it before, but YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! I have trouble concentrating. I thought maybe I was just too old to go back to school. Had forgotten how to study. Or was just not smart enough to be a pre-med major. Because that's what I've been contemplating now for years.
I explain that I've never really thought about it before, but yes. I really believe I do. School has never been this hard for me before. Focus has never been this hard for me before. Work has never been this hard for me before.
She tells me it's the most common and most complained about side effect of Topomax.
"Have you ever been to physical therapy before?"
"Yes, twice. Once for my knee and once actually for this very same issue. The time I went for migraines was not a good experience."
I tell her why I hated it. She tells me she wants to try it again, but with a different focus this time. And that she wants me to have an open mind about physical therapy this time. I explain that I have a VERY different opinion of physical therapy and physical therapists now than I did 10 years ago. This won't be a problem.
"Have you experienced any tingling in any of your extremities?"
"Extremities, no. Unless you count my nose." Then I went on to explain the tingling I'd experienced in my nose and face. And that I hadn't been concerned because I had read that migraine sufferers often experience tingling in their face.
She explained to me that it was also a very common side effect of Topomax.
"Have you lost any weight?"
Sadly, no. This was also a common side effect of Topomax and one I was very aware of. But one I did not benefit from.
Other questions and then ...
"Have you had trouble concentrating?"
Concentration? Does it mean I have trouble concentrating if I try to say something and by the time I get to the middle of my sentence I can't remember the beginning of my sentence or what was supposed to be the end of my sentence? Does it mean I have trouble concentrating if I can't study at Barnes & Noble because I get drawn into every single conversation around me and not into my text book? Does it mean I have trouble concentrating if I go to the library to study, the quietest place I can imagine, and the noise of the pages turning by the guy two tables away from me is disruptive? And if his page turning isn't bothering me then it's the lack of noise that's bothering me? How about the babbling brook noise I downloaded to my iPod to drown out the page turning noise, but instead of focusing on my homework I keep trying to listen for the loop within the iTunes track. That every movement that happens around me brings my eyes up to what's going on around me.
I had never thought about it before, but YES!!!! YES!!!! YES!!!! I have trouble concentrating. I thought maybe I was just too old to go back to school. Had forgotten how to study. Or was just not smart enough to be a pre-med major. Because that's what I've been contemplating now for years.
I explain that I've never really thought about it before, but yes. I really believe I do. School has never been this hard for me before. Focus has never been this hard for me before. Work has never been this hard for me before.
She tells me it's the most common and most complained about side effect of Topomax.
"Have you ever been to physical therapy before?"
"Yes, twice. Once for my knee and once actually for this very same issue. The time I went for migraines was not a good experience."
I tell her why I hated it. She tells me she wants to try it again, but with a different focus this time. And that she wants me to have an open mind about physical therapy this time. I explain that I have a VERY different opinion of physical therapy and physical therapists now than I did 10 years ago. This won't be a problem.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Headache Log : TSH
On a slightly unrelated note. Had my hormone levels checked by a different doctor for a different issue. Just got the results back. My TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels are perfectly normal. So it looks like hormones probably aren't the culprit.
Just over a year ago I tried birth control for the first time ever. Not only did it put me in a constant state of rage, depression, and hate. It also gave me a migraine level headache every day for about 3 weeks. I guess it could be said that a migraine every single day is enough to put anyone into a constant state of rage and depression. I can honestly tell you I was not the same person for that month. That was the end of any type of birth control containing hormones. It would seem that my head, mood, and personality all prefer my hormone levels right where they are.
Just over a year ago I tried birth control for the first time ever. Not only did it put me in a constant state of rage, depression, and hate. It also gave me a migraine level headache every day for about 3 weeks. I guess it could be said that a migraine every single day is enough to put anyone into a constant state of rage and depression. I can honestly tell you I was not the same person for that month. That was the end of any type of birth control containing hormones. It would seem that my head, mood, and personality all prefer my hormone levels right where they are.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Headache Log : Plastic Surgery
Ok, so the young doctor may have been a mistake - I was getting desperate (not desperate enough for the ER, but pretty desperate).
However, I'm feeling good about the neurologist. I know I just picked him out of the phone book, and maybe it's desperation talking again, but I think I have a good feeling about him. Hope springs eternal, right?
Also I just found a plastic surgeon in Provo who does Botox injections for migraine treatment and I'm really excited about it. I had ran across him before, but I sort of ignored him. Then I learned he does migraine surgery as well so I started looking into him more. The Botox is just to determine which nerves are the cause of the pain so he knows which one(s) he needs to do surgery on.
I still need a lot more information on him, sounds like the surgery may be different than what the Midwest Doctor does, and I have a consultation with him later this month. Possibly even some Botox injections if he/we/I can identify which nerves he/we/I are pretty sure are the problem. Oh yeah, I've got this one!
However, I'm feeling good about the neurologist. I know I just picked him out of the phone book, and maybe it's desperation talking again, but I think I have a good feeling about him. Hope springs eternal, right?
Also I just found a plastic surgeon in Provo who does Botox injections for migraine treatment and I'm really excited about it. I had ran across him before, but I sort of ignored him. Then I learned he does migraine surgery as well so I started looking into him more. The Botox is just to determine which nerves are the cause of the pain so he knows which one(s) he needs to do surgery on.
I still need a lot more information on him, sounds like the surgery may be different than what the Midwest Doctor does, and I have a consultation with him later this month. Possibly even some Botox injections if he/we/I can identify which nerves he/we/I are pretty sure are the problem. Oh yeah, I've got this one!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Headache Log : The Young Doctor
Determined to find a new primary care physician so I didn't have to drive an hour to my previous one and so I didn't have to wait a month as a "new patient" to see one, I decided to be a little proactive. Besides, if someone could please give me some sort of drug to help me - that would be AWESOME! I still have 10 days I have to survive before I get to the neurologist.
I find a young doctor fresh out of medical school with an opening the very next day. I'm naive enough to take it. He's inexperienced enough to prescribe Almotrex - even after I tell him I can't take Imitrex or Zomig.
He also suggests I double my Topomax intake.
A very wise pharmacist instructs me that almotrex is a triptan - almotriptan - just like Imitrex and Zomig. And he's very concerned about what will happen if I take it.
Whew! What a relief! I didn't want to spend $70 on pills that were just going to make my head hurt worse anyway.
I find a young doctor fresh out of medical school with an opening the very next day. I'm naive enough to take it. He's inexperienced enough to prescribe Almotrex - even after I tell him I can't take Imitrex or Zomig.
He also suggests I double my Topomax intake.
A very wise pharmacist instructs me that almotrex is a triptan - almotriptan - just like Imitrex and Zomig. And he's very concerned about what will happen if I take it.
Whew! What a relief! I didn't want to spend $70 on pills that were just going to make my head hurt worse anyway.
Headache Log : The Call
It's a good thing I didn't eat that bullet. The very next day I got a call from the neurologist (the second one). He reviewed my case and was willing to see me. Unfortunately he was booked about 3 weeks out, but he happened to have a cancellation and could see me in 10 days.
It was a start.
It was a start.
Headache Log : The Lowest Low
March 2011
I've had a headache every day since February 14. Not really a headache each day - one continuous headache. It is my constant companion.
Email back from the Midwest doctor and he knows of no one in Utah. Call the headache specialist / neurologist and she won't see me without a referral. I explain that I was referred to her by another doctor, only that particular doctor isn't my physician - he's her colleague and co-worker. No good.
I call my own primary care physician to request a referral and get the answering machine. (By the end of the day they haven't returned my call - this is typical of them. Sometimes they never call back.)
I start calling around to other places and some doctors won't see me until June! I find another neurologist - literally pick the place out of the phone book and plead my case. The woman at the other end of the line says that maybe, just maybe, because I've been under a neurologists care in the past they might make an exception for me, but she needs to submit my case to the doctor where it will be reviewed and then they will call me if I'm approved. It could take a week. Don't call us - we'll call you.
I continue my search for someone, anyone, in Utah who knows about occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia because I am quite convinced there is an excellent chance I have one or both of these.
No luck.
No doctor wants to see me today, tomorrow, next week, some don't even want to see me next month. I don't have any medicine I can take for the pain. I'm afraid to go to the ER because I'm afraid of the shots they've given me in the past.
Every phone calls feels a defeat.
I begin to wonder how much longer I can deal with this pain. And I begin to think - I bet a bullet in my head wouldn't hurt this bad.
I've had a headache every day since February 14. Not really a headache each day - one continuous headache. It is my constant companion.
Email back from the Midwest doctor and he knows of no one in Utah. Call the headache specialist / neurologist and she won't see me without a referral. I explain that I was referred to her by another doctor, only that particular doctor isn't my physician - he's her colleague and co-worker. No good.
I call my own primary care physician to request a referral and get the answering machine. (By the end of the day they haven't returned my call - this is typical of them. Sometimes they never call back.)
I start calling around to other places and some doctors won't see me until June! I find another neurologist - literally pick the place out of the phone book and plead my case. The woman at the other end of the line says that maybe, just maybe, because I've been under a neurologists care in the past they might make an exception for me, but she needs to submit my case to the doctor where it will be reviewed and then they will call me if I'm approved. It could take a week. Don't call us - we'll call you.
I continue my search for someone, anyone, in Utah who knows about occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia because I am quite convinced there is an excellent chance I have one or both of these.
No luck.
No doctor wants to see me today, tomorrow, next week, some don't even want to see me next month. I don't have any medicine I can take for the pain. I'm afraid to go to the ER because I'm afraid of the shots they've given me in the past.
Every phone calls feels a defeat.
I begin to wonder how much longer I can deal with this pain. And I begin to think - I bet a bullet in my head wouldn't hurt this bad.
Headache Log : Midwest Miracle
I hear from a friend about a plastic surgeon in the Midwest who has discovered a miracle cure for drug resistant migraine-like headaches.
Hmmm .... my "migraines" are drug resistant. I've been on two different migraine preventatives and neither has worked as well as expected. Typical migraine medications (triptans) like Imitrex and Zomig only intensify my headaches. And now my wonderful Fioricet can only bring me relief by making me drowsy enough to sleep through the pain. The headaches are caused by occipital neuropathy or occipital neuralgia.
I email the Midwest doctor for more information and start digging around on my own as well. I become quite convinced that it's possible this is the cause of all of my pain. But not just occipital neuralgia in my case - also trigeminal neuralgia.
I have no idea how I can afford to get out to see this doctor and so far my own searching has revealed no one in Utah who does this same treatment / surgery! I am getting quite distraught. I decide to ask my new Midwest doctor friend if he knows of anyone in Utah who could see me.
I've also been given the name and phone number of someone who is supposed to be a great headache specialist and neurologist in Salt Lake City if I chose to go that route again.
Hmmm .... my "migraines" are drug resistant. I've been on two different migraine preventatives and neither has worked as well as expected. Typical migraine medications (triptans) like Imitrex and Zomig only intensify my headaches. And now my wonderful Fioricet can only bring me relief by making me drowsy enough to sleep through the pain. The headaches are caused by occipital neuropathy or occipital neuralgia.
I email the Midwest doctor for more information and start digging around on my own as well. I become quite convinced that it's possible this is the cause of all of my pain. But not just occipital neuralgia in my case - also trigeminal neuralgia.
I have no idea how I can afford to get out to see this doctor and so far my own searching has revealed no one in Utah who does this same treatment / surgery! I am getting quite distraught. I decide to ask my new Midwest doctor friend if he knows of anyone in Utah who could see me.
I've also been given the name and phone number of someone who is supposed to be a great headache specialist and neurologist in Salt Lake City if I chose to go that route again.
Headache Log : Month of No Relief
February 2011
It is obvious that the headaches are increasing in frequency. Half of December, more than half of January. But if that seems bad ... only 3 days in the entire month of February without a headache (and most of them early in the month).
It is obvious that the headaches are increasing in frequency. Half of December, more than half of January. But if that seems bad ... only 3 days in the entire month of February without a headache (and most of them early in the month).
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Headache Log : No Correlation
December 2010 - The mood is getting worse.
The days continue to get shorter and the inversion seems to be happening more often. Doesn't that sound so nice? Utah doesn't have smog. We don't have pollution - we have inversion. Because most of the time our pollution is blown out of our beautiful valleys to become someone elses problem. But a few months out of the year - it stays around as the result of the inversion and is the Wasatch Fronts problem. This month it's my problem. I work on the 21st floor. If I worked just a few floors higher I'd actually be at an altitude that's high enough to be above the inversion. I wonder some days if that would be better or worse. I'd get more sunlight - that would be nice. But when you're under the inversion if you have a really good imagination you can pretend it's cloudy or foggy. When you're above it you can see it for what it really is. And from where I am, I'm right inside the inversion. Right inside the pollution.
By the end of December I have about a month and a half of headache calendar and I can see that there's no correlation with my menstrual cycle. Obviously! When you have headaches 20 days out of the month how can they possibly be related to your menstrual cycle? And they don't appear to be related to the inversion. But my sadness may still be from SAD. How appropriately named.
The days continue to get shorter and the inversion seems to be happening more often. Doesn't that sound so nice? Utah doesn't have smog. We don't have pollution - we have inversion. Because most of the time our pollution is blown out of our beautiful valleys to become someone elses problem. But a few months out of the year - it stays around as the result of the inversion and is the Wasatch Fronts problem. This month it's my problem. I work on the 21st floor. If I worked just a few floors higher I'd actually be at an altitude that's high enough to be above the inversion. I wonder some days if that would be better or worse. I'd get more sunlight - that would be nice. But when you're under the inversion if you have a really good imagination you can pretend it's cloudy or foggy. When you're above it you can see it for what it really is. And from where I am, I'm right inside the inversion. Right inside the pollution.
By the end of December I have about a month and a half of headache calendar and I can see that there's no correlation with my menstrual cycle. Obviously! When you have headaches 20 days out of the month how can they possibly be related to your menstrual cycle? And they don't appear to be related to the inversion. But my sadness may still be from SAD. How appropriately named.
Headache Log : The Calendar
November 2010 - I'm having some issues and I begin to wonder if I might be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I understand Circadian Rhythms. I understand the importance of Vitamin D and Seratonin. Of sunshine! It's getting to be winter. The days are getting shorter and I am not seeing any sunlight. It seems like there's an inversion every single day. And it feels as though I have a headache or migraine nearly every day. Is my moodiness a result of the inversions? SAD? PMS? I decide to start tracking my moods, headaches, stomach aches, the weather, inversions, etc on a calendar.
(Let me tell you this ..... 1 to 4 months later, looking back at that calendar, seeing how many days have big H's representing headaches - that alone is enough to bring on a bought of depression.)
(Let me tell you this ..... 1 to 4 months later, looking back at that calendar, seeing how many days have big H's representing headaches - that alone is enough to bring on a bought of depression.)
Headache Log : Fioricet Hangover
Did I say there was no such thing as a Fioricet hangover? Umm... yeah .... I was kind of wrong. It's referred to as a rebound headache.
In a perfect world the first dose of Fioricet gets rid of the migraine and makes me nice and relaxed. (Much like a first martini.) Maybe even a little giggly. And of course in this perfect world there's no need for the second dose that would put me into the drunken state of slurred speech, tripping over myself, and difficulty putting thoughts together.
In an imperfect world (and this is an imperfect world) it usually works a little more like this ....
I take the first dose of Fioricet and it doesn't work. So I take the second dose of Fioricet and that either A) puts me into the fun drunken state or B) doesn't work. If it doesn't work it will usually at least make me drowsy enough to sleep. Then I wake up either headache free or with one minor enough I can live with the annoying, nagging pain of it.
But, life's a bitch so sometimes it works like this ....
I take the first dose of Fioricet and it doesn't work. So I take the second dose of Fioricet and that one doesn't work either, but by this time I'm drowsy enough to sleep. I wake up with an awful and nearly unbearable headache so I take more Fioricet. The third day, I still have the horrid headache. Nothing seems to be working. But that's not the case at all. I've just experienced a rebound headache.
In a perfect world the first dose of Fioricet gets rid of the migraine and makes me nice and relaxed. (Much like a first martini.) Maybe even a little giggly. And of course in this perfect world there's no need for the second dose that would put me into the drunken state of slurred speech, tripping over myself, and difficulty putting thoughts together.
In an imperfect world (and this is an imperfect world) it usually works a little more like this ....
I take the first dose of Fioricet and it doesn't work. So I take the second dose of Fioricet and that either A) puts me into the fun drunken state or B) doesn't work. If it doesn't work it will usually at least make me drowsy enough to sleep. Then I wake up either headache free or with one minor enough I can live with the annoying, nagging pain of it.
But, life's a bitch so sometimes it works like this ....
I take the first dose of Fioricet and it doesn't work. So I take the second dose of Fioricet and that one doesn't work either, but by this time I'm drowsy enough to sleep. I wake up with an awful and nearly unbearable headache so I take more Fioricet. The third day, I still have the horrid headache. Nothing seems to be working. But that's not the case at all. I've just experienced a rebound headache.
Headache Log : The Pleasant Side Effect of Fioricet
As I said, all the OTC's I'd been taking had their own side effect, and Fioricet had one too, and it was one I didn't mind so much.
It was April 2010 and I was on my way to the MDA Conference in Washington, DC. I woke up with a killer migraine so I took the Fioricet. Four hours later I woke up on the plane, nearly to my lay-over city of Dallas and my head is still killing me. I take my second dose of Fioricet. By the time I arrive in Dallas I am having a good time! I can't find my terminal. My speech is slurred. I can't exactly think straight. Can barely walk straight. I have no idea what drunk feels like - I've never been drunk. Why do people keep asking me how many drinks I had on the plane? None. But I had a second dose of Fioricet and it was fabulous! I pull out that beautiful little bottle and I read the warning label, "may induce feelings of intoxication". So THIS is what drunk feels like! It's no wonder people drink!
But guess what everyone....no hangover for me. :-)
It was April 2010 and I was on my way to the MDA Conference in Washington, DC. I woke up with a killer migraine so I took the Fioricet. Four hours later I woke up on the plane, nearly to my lay-over city of Dallas and my head is still killing me. I take my second dose of Fioricet. By the time I arrive in Dallas I am having a good time! I can't find my terminal. My speech is slurred. I can't exactly think straight. Can barely walk straight. I have no idea what drunk feels like - I've never been drunk. Why do people keep asking me how many drinks I had on the plane? None. But I had a second dose of Fioricet and it was fabulous! I pull out that beautiful little bottle and I read the warning label, "may induce feelings of intoxication". So THIS is what drunk feels like! It's no wonder people drink!
But guess what everyone....no hangover for me. :-)
Headache Log : Fioricet
The prescription is for fioricet. It isn't perfect, doesn't work every time. But it's something. And as I mentioned before - when it doesn't work it generally makes me tired enough to sleep.
In addition to not always working the OTC's have their horrible side effects. One, if taken too late in the afternoon, keeps me up most of the night. If taken during the day, may make me jittery. The other makes me drowsy. But if taken in the afternoon makes me tired initially only to then keep me up all night long. And if taken at bedtime will knock me out, but then wake me in the middle of the night for hours!
In addition to not always working the OTC's have their horrible side effects. One, if taken too late in the afternoon, keeps me up most of the night. If taken during the day, may make me jittery. The other makes me drowsy. But if taken in the afternoon makes me tired initially only to then keep me up all night long. And if taken at bedtime will knock me out, but then wake me in the middle of the night for hours!
Headache Log : The 10 Day Headache
After a 10 day headache in which I could get absolutely no relief from any OTC I decided to give in and go to the doctor. And the day I made the call the headache was unbearable. My doctor was on vacation. I was NOT about to wait for him to come back. But his partner could see me that afternoon. I didn't care - I just wanted a doctor.
So I go in to see Dr. Peterson and he wants to give me shots. I tell him I've had shots once before and I didn't like them. I explain what happened at the InstaCare. Dr. Peterson assures me this is a different shot. And in addition to the shot, he'd like to give me a prescription to a painkiller. I get the shot, which I am told will take about 30 minutes to take effect. Then in about 4 hours I can take 2 of the prescription pills, if needed.
The shot never takes effect.
The prescription pills makes it bearable and they make me sleep, and that's good enough for now.
So I go in to see Dr. Peterson and he wants to give me shots. I tell him I've had shots once before and I didn't like them. I explain what happened at the InstaCare. Dr. Peterson assures me this is a different shot. And in addition to the shot, he'd like to give me a prescription to a painkiller. I get the shot, which I am told will take about 30 minutes to take effect. Then in about 4 hours I can take 2 of the prescription pills, if needed.
The shot never takes effect.
The prescription pills makes it bearable and they make me sleep, and that's good enough for now.
Headache Log : Tingling
It was as though I had walked through a spiders web. But that's silly, I was in a highly used, very clean, and rather wide hallway of my workplace. The odds of a spiders web being in that particular spot were VERY slim. But I reached for my face anyway to wipe it away. It didn't go away. Maybe a hair had brushed past my nose. Girls, you know this feeling, when a hair is in your face and keeps brushing ever so lightly across the tip of your nose. I could not locate a hair either. But what made this even more peculiar is that each time I touched my nose to brush away whatever was tickling it a tingling sensation would radiate from the tip of my nose through my entire face.
This odd tingling sensation through my face and particularly my nose would happen often.
I read online that migraineurs often have tingling sensations in their face. I guess this is nothing to worry about. Par for the course.
Headache Log : Topomax
At some point around 2009 or 2010 the Verapamil stopped working. Headaches and migraines came back on a daily basis. Went into the doctor, he explained that Verapamil is actually one of the least effective migraine preventative medications on the market. He prescribes Topomax.
Headache Log : InstaCare
Again I suffer from one of the worst "migraines" of my life. I have no prescription painkillers or migraine medications besides my once daily preventative. So when one hits my only action is ibuprofen, Excedrin, Aleve, OTC pain relievers. They won't even touch this level of pain. All I can do is curl up in a ball and cry. Justin drives me to an InstaCare. The kind doctor there gives me two shots - one for nausea and one for the pain. At the time it doesn't occur to me to tell him I'm not suffering from nausea. Maybe the shot for the pain induces nausea? Who am I to question a doctor? Doctors know best.
One or both of the shots completely knocks me out. I sleep for a few hours. I wake up in just as much pain as I went to sleep in.
One or both of the shots completely knocks me out. I sleep for a few hours. I wake up in just as much pain as I went to sleep in.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Headache Log : Verapamil
It was never perfect. As I mentioned, I was still having more headaches than the neurologist wanted me to have. She said that I should only have 1 or 2 a month and I was averaging 3 a week. Sometimes I could go for 10 days without a headache and sometimes I'd have one every day for an entire week. But I felt like they were manageable so I didn't complain.
When I moved to Layton I renewed my prescription with my new doctor. He too was upset that the Verapamil wasn't working better. But didn't really suggest any alternatives. Well, that's not entirely true - he suggest we look into one option - removing my tonsils. Said it MAY provide relief. Thought that my migraines may be a result of sleep apnea and we could do a sleep study where I come into the hospital and sleep attached to a bunch of tubes for a few nights to test my blood oxygen levels for a few nights to see if this is true. Obviously I'm concerned about cost. But I'm also concerned - how much sleep will I actually get if I'm connected to a whole bunch of tubes all night long? And in addition to that - remember the neurologist I visited years ago? She had a big beautiful chart hanging in her office about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and how they relate to headaches - I have none of these.
The doctor also warns that at my age it would be very dangerous. I didn't believe it was worth the risk.
When I moved to Layton I renewed my prescription with my new doctor. He too was upset that the Verapamil wasn't working better. But didn't really suggest any alternatives. Well, that's not entirely true - he suggest we look into one option - removing my tonsils. Said it MAY provide relief. Thought that my migraines may be a result of sleep apnea and we could do a sleep study where I come into the hospital and sleep attached to a bunch of tubes for a few nights to test my blood oxygen levels for a few nights to see if this is true. Obviously I'm concerned about cost. But I'm also concerned - how much sleep will I actually get if I'm connected to a whole bunch of tubes all night long? And in addition to that - remember the neurologist I visited years ago? She had a big beautiful chart hanging in her office about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and how they relate to headaches - I have none of these.
The doctor also warns that at my age it would be very dangerous. I didn't believe it was worth the risk.
Headache Log : Physical Therapy
If this had been my only personal experience with physical therapy I may not be where I am today (torturing myself with 3-4 long, hard years of undergrad followed by 3 even longer and harder years of grad school to become a physical therapist).
The physical therapist told me that I had a lot of flexibility in my neck; probably too much flexibility in my neck. (Actually, many chiropractors would also tell me later on that my neck was very flexible). According to my PT it was this extra flexibility that was causing my headaches. For the first several weeks I went in and let him work on my neck (remember I have serious issues with anyone touching my neck). We did exercises, stretches, tried to build strength, etc. Everyday I left that office with a massive headache that would last two days. This became even more apparent as my preventative medications started to kick in and the headaches began to go away. I would have two or three pain free days, then a PT session, massive migraine as soon as my PT session started and it would last for 2 days. Then I would be pain free for two or three days until my next PT session.
After about 5 weeks I dropped out of physical therapy and had my first pain free week in over a year.
The physical therapist told me that I had a lot of flexibility in my neck; probably too much flexibility in my neck. (Actually, many chiropractors would also tell me later on that my neck was very flexible). According to my PT it was this extra flexibility that was causing my headaches. For the first several weeks I went in and let him work on my neck (remember I have serious issues with anyone touching my neck). We did exercises, stretches, tried to build strength, etc. Everyday I left that office with a massive headache that would last two days. This became even more apparent as my preventative medications started to kick in and the headaches began to go away. I would have two or three pain free days, then a PT session, massive migraine as soon as my PT session started and it would last for 2 days. Then I would be pain free for two or three days until my next PT session.
After about 5 weeks I dropped out of physical therapy and had my first pain free week in over a year.
Headache Log : Neurologist
Are you claustrophobic? No. Thank goodness. I get sucked into the tube where I hold still for 30 entire minutes. I am told that I can't even blink. I worry the entire time that every single movement of my eyeballs is going to throw off the MRI machine and I'll have to do it again! I swear I've never been itchier in my life!
In two weeks I end up with the most beautiful, colorful, images of my brain. The neurologist can find nothing.
She confirms I'm having migraines. I say to her, "But I'm not nauseous or throwing up. The pain is not on only one side of my head. How can they be migraines?"
She tells me, "When any part of your face hurts you are having a migraine."
She also tells me that migraine pain intensity can vary. It may not always be excruciating.
She asks how often I'm having headaches or migraines now that I'm on the preventative. I tell her 3-5 days a week. She says I should only be having them 1 or 2 times a month. I thought 3-5 a week was pretty good considering what I had just come from. She doesn't suggest any further treatment or follow up or a different medication. Doctor knows best. So that's the end of my treatment.
Well, except for my physical therapy.
In two weeks I end up with the most beautiful, colorful, images of my brain. The neurologist can find nothing.
She confirms I'm having migraines. I say to her, "But I'm not nauseous or throwing up. The pain is not on only one side of my head. How can they be migraines?"
She tells me, "When any part of your face hurts you are having a migraine."
She also tells me that migraine pain intensity can vary. It may not always be excruciating.
She asks how often I'm having headaches or migraines now that I'm on the preventative. I tell her 3-5 days a week. She says I should only be having them 1 or 2 times a month. I thought 3-5 a week was pretty good considering what I had just come from. She doesn't suggest any further treatment or follow up or a different medication. Doctor knows best. So that's the end of my treatment.
Well, except for my physical therapy.
Headache Meds : Other Migraine Pills
I take Zomig and I take one other migraine medication whose name escapes me now. I get the same results as I do with the Imitrex pills.
I call the doctor. She prescribes a preventative medication - Verapamil. And she recommends a neurologist. In the meantime, I've been going to a physical therapist twice a week. It's been torture - more on that later. I can't afford the massage therapist she also recommended I see once a month. And I can't figure out how to make my health insurance pay for it.
I call the doctor. She prescribes a preventative medication - Verapamil. And she recommends a neurologist. In the meantime, I've been going to a physical therapist twice a week. It's been torture - more on that later. I can't afford the massage therapist she also recommended I see once a month. And I can't figure out how to make my health insurance pay for it.
Headache Log : Imitrex Spray
I can't for the life of me figure out why I would think that to spray the same drug into my nasal passages might give me a different result than to swallow it. Perhaps I was just so desperate for relief at this point that I was willing to try anything.
I remember being in the shower; my head felt like it was going to explode. Same result, my headache had gone from bad to worse. But now, a horrifying twist. I am puking. Only after I puke three times there is no longer anything else in my stomach to puke up. So I'm dry heaving - every minute or so. And if I think my head can't possibly hurt any worse, every time I dry heave, I'm proven wrong. I sit on the shower floor and dry heave and cry :(
I remember being in the shower; my head felt like it was going to explode. Same result, my headache had gone from bad to worse. But now, a horrifying twist. I am puking. Only after I puke three times there is no longer anything else in my stomach to puke up. So I'm dry heaving - every minute or so. And if I think my head can't possibly hurt any worse, every time I dry heave, I'm proven wrong. I sit on the shower floor and dry heave and cry :(
Headache Log : Imitrex
The first of my migraine medications was Imitrex in the pill form.
I went from a headache that on a scale of 1-10 (10 being excruciating and unbearable) was about an 8 to a headache that was off the charts! Not only that, but I suddenly felt like my brain wouldn't even work properly (maybe that was a result of the pain being so horrible). I had just arrived at UVSC for school and I had no idea how I'd make it from my car to class, but more disturbing than that - how would I drive myself home from school? I didn't know a soul in happy valley!
Called the doctor the next morning to report on my awful experience. She said I should try only half a pill next time, perhaps a full dose was just too much. Well, the next time, that half a pill was just as bad.
I went from a headache that on a scale of 1-10 (10 being excruciating and unbearable) was about an 8 to a headache that was off the charts! Not only that, but I suddenly felt like my brain wouldn't even work properly (maybe that was a result of the pain being so horrible). I had just arrived at UVSC for school and I had no idea how I'd make it from my car to class, but more disturbing than that - how would I drive myself home from school? I didn't know a soul in happy valley!
Called the doctor the next morning to report on my awful experience. She said I should try only half a pill next time, perhaps a full dose was just too much. Well, the next time, that half a pill was just as bad.
Headache Log : My First Headache Doctor
Hindsight is 20/20, right? Looking back I see how good my first headache doctor was. And considering the fact that I held a phone book in front of me, closed my eyes, let it open in front of me, and just put my finger down and called the doctor I blindly picked I was incredibly fortunate. She was a redhead and she was a woman. I guess I should have known she'd be good the moment I saw her.
The only thing I didn't like about her - she dismissed my headache journal completely. Didn't want to see it at all. I had read that you should keep a journal about your headaches to help with a diagnosis- what days you have them, what time of the day they start, what foods you eat so you can determine if certain foods trigger them, what part of your head they start in, if they migrate to another part of your head, what medicines you take, if they help, etc. I had done this for nearly two months. It probably wasn't helpful anyway. How could it be? The headache had started months, maybe even more than a year ago - I couldn't even remember now it had been so long ago. It was constant. I could say what part of my head hurt worse at what times of the day. I could say what smells, lights, sounds, etc made my head hurt worse. Clearly it wasn't tied to my menstrual cycle and as far as I could tell it wasn't tied to any foods. Oh, and no medicines were helping.
I told her I was having three types of headaches and no medicines were working on them anymore. She asked what those three types were. I explained - sinus, tension, and some unknown.
She asked why I thought I was having sinus headaches - I explained that it hurt behind my eyes and my brother has sinus problems and allergies and he says that he has pain and pressure around his eyes. So it must be sinus headaches. Plus, Advil Cold & Sinus USED to work when I'd get this kind of pain so it made sense to me.
Then she asked about the tension headaches. I told her that I get a lot of pain at the base of my skull and it seems like my neck muscles and are really tight. I had been on muscle relaxants once for this and that made this type of headache go away at that time so they must be tension related.
As for the third type - well, they're excruciating and I can't function. It's like a combination of all of them.
She said, "You're having migraines."
I said, "I can't be having migraines. I have friends who have migraines and they said that if I'm not nauseous or if I don't puke it's not a migraine. And I've read about migraines and I read if it hurts on only one side of my head it's a migraine. This hurts on both sides of my head."
She said again, "You're having migraines."
Other than the dismissal of the headache journal she was thorough. Ran blood tests to check hormone levels, ordered me to visit a massage therapist monthly, sent me to physical therapy biweekly, and gave me several different samples of migraine medicines to take home and try out.
The only thing I didn't like about her - she dismissed my headache journal completely. Didn't want to see it at all. I had read that you should keep a journal about your headaches to help with a diagnosis- what days you have them, what time of the day they start, what foods you eat so you can determine if certain foods trigger them, what part of your head they start in, if they migrate to another part of your head, what medicines you take, if they help, etc. I had done this for nearly two months. It probably wasn't helpful anyway. How could it be? The headache had started months, maybe even more than a year ago - I couldn't even remember now it had been so long ago. It was constant. I could say what part of my head hurt worse at what times of the day. I could say what smells, lights, sounds, etc made my head hurt worse. Clearly it wasn't tied to my menstrual cycle and as far as I could tell it wasn't tied to any foods. Oh, and no medicines were helping.
I told her I was having three types of headaches and no medicines were working on them anymore. She asked what those three types were. I explained - sinus, tension, and some unknown.
She asked why I thought I was having sinus headaches - I explained that it hurt behind my eyes and my brother has sinus problems and allergies and he says that he has pain and pressure around his eyes. So it must be sinus headaches. Plus, Advil Cold & Sinus USED to work when I'd get this kind of pain so it made sense to me.
Then she asked about the tension headaches. I told her that I get a lot of pain at the base of my skull and it seems like my neck muscles and are really tight. I had been on muscle relaxants once for this and that made this type of headache go away at that time so they must be tension related.
As for the third type - well, they're excruciating and I can't function. It's like a combination of all of them.
She said, "You're having migraines."
I said, "I can't be having migraines. I have friends who have migraines and they said that if I'm not nauseous or if I don't puke it's not a migraine. And I've read about migraines and I read if it hurts on only one side of my head it's a migraine. This hurts on both sides of my head."
She said again, "You're having migraines."
Other than the dismissal of the headache journal she was thorough. Ran blood tests to check hormone levels, ordered me to visit a massage therapist monthly, sent me to physical therapy biweekly, and gave me several different samples of migraine medicines to take home and try out.
Headache Log : UVSC
I was in my early 20's, holding two jobs (one part time and one full time), and attending UVSC part time. It didn't matter what OTC I took, or how much of it I took, or what combination of them I took, nothing gave me any relief. I honestly can't remember how long it went on ... months definitely, but maybe even years. Some days were certainly better than others. Some days I was functional and others I wasn't. I don't even remember when it all started. There just came to be a day when I no longer knew or remembered what it felt like to be pain free. And I finally reached a point where they just became such a part of my life that I started to believe that they were normal. It wasn't until Justin said one day, "It is not normal to have a headache all the time." that I realized something may not be right.
It seems absolutely ridiculous to me now and I'm sure it seems absolutely ridiculous to all of you, but at the time the thought had not occurred to me that other people's heads didn't hurt constantly and persistently as well. It had not occurred to me, at least for a few years, that something might actually be wrong with me. I had lived with this pain for so long that it just become a part of me. It had become normal to me.
It seems absolutely ridiculous to me now and I'm sure it seems absolutely ridiculous to all of you, but at the time the thought had not occurred to me that other people's heads didn't hurt constantly and persistently as well. It had not occurred to me, at least for a few years, that something might actually be wrong with me. I had lived with this pain for so long that it just become a part of me. It had become normal to me.
Headache Log: The Chiropractor
I am about 20 seeing a chiropractor for some problems with my lower back. He has been treating me for a few weeks, but what I haven't disclosed to him is that I've had a severe headache for the past week that absolutely will not go away with the use of any medications. I can't seem to get any relief. I've been nonfunctional for nearly that entire time. He finds out today. I have ALWAYS been sensitive with my neck. He usually has a difficult time getting me to relax enough to let him adjust it. He won't be the only chiropractor with this problem. In fact, in the future, many will decide not to adjust my neck at all. The moment they touch my neck I seem to freak and every muscle tenses. (I seem to have a similar issue with dentists.)
He massages my neck, eventually gets it to relax enough that he can adjust it, then massages it more. Eventually he starts working some pressure points. Excruciating pain. Sharp stabbing pain as he pushes on those points. And then ... relief. Headache completely gone. The headache that I've had for a week, the headache that drugs wouldn't touch, is completely gone. And I won't see it again for a few months.
I wish I could say I've found this sort of relief from my headaches again from chiropractic visits or massages or acupressure, but I have not.
Also, Uncle Tab is the only dentist so far not to cause me muscle spasms in my neck, back, and shoulders.
He massages my neck, eventually gets it to relax enough that he can adjust it, then massages it more. Eventually he starts working some pressure points. Excruciating pain. Sharp stabbing pain as he pushes on those points. And then ... relief. Headache completely gone. The headache that I've had for a week, the headache that drugs wouldn't touch, is completely gone. And I won't see it again for a few months.
I wish I could say I've found this sort of relief from my headaches again from chiropractic visits or massages or acupressure, but I have not.
Also, Uncle Tab is the only dentist so far not to cause me muscle spasms in my neck, back, and shoulders.
Headache Log : One Bad Night
One night, when I am about 21 I experience one of the worst headaches of my entire life. I just lay in bed and don't want to move. No pills help at all. Nothing comforts me (except the part about trying not to move, and that's very little comfort).
The next day I'm talking to one of my friends and I say, "I think I had a migraine last night."
This friend of mine has been diagnosed with migraines. He asks me, "Did you puke?"
"No."
"Were you really nauseous?"
"No"
"Then it wasn't a migraine."
The next day I'm talking to one of my friends and I say, "I think I had a migraine last night."
This friend of mine has been diagnosed with migraines. He asks me, "Did you puke?"
"No."
"Were you really nauseous?"
"No"
"Then it wasn't a migraine."
Headache Log : High School
Enter High School. Headaches increase. Still never really report them to my parents. Don't go see a doctor about them. I find I am incredibly sensitive to smells. But I am now experimenting with drugs. Oh, no, nothing exciting like marijuana or ecstasy or cocaine. OTC's like Excedrin, Advil, Advil Cold & Sinus, Tavist-D, and Sudafed. I find that many make me drowsy. Some don't really work. Some only take the edge off. Many I have to double the "recommended dosage" to get any effect at all. However, one actually makes me hallucinate - that's almost exciting! No, actually, I found it quite frightening.
I find that the medicine that works best is Advil Cold & Sinus. Well, I am quite certain I don't have a cold. So it must be sinus headaches. (I love self-diagnosing!) But it makes me drowsy. Makes my school day incredibly difficult to get through. I have some trouble concentrating. And worst of all, it doesn't ALWAYS work.
Still praying it isn't a brain tumor.
I find that the medicine that works best is Advil Cold & Sinus. Well, I am quite certain I don't have a cold. So it must be sinus headaches. (I love self-diagnosing!) But it makes me drowsy. Makes my school day incredibly difficult to get through. I have some trouble concentrating. And worst of all, it doesn't ALWAYS work.
Still praying it isn't a brain tumor.
Headache Log : Pre-Teen
I began getting headaches sometime in middle school. Who knows what kind they were or what the cause was. I didn't realize then that they'd only get worse and more frequent and I'd probably have them for the rest of my life. For a long time it never occurred to me to tell my parents about them or see a doctor about them because they were just headaches - it's not like they were anything serious. Yet, oddly enough, I was secretly afraid I had a brain tumor. I would sort of "joke" with my friends about having a brain tumor and they would reassure me in their best Arnold impersonation voice, "it's not a tumor".
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