Migraine

I've suffered from migraines since I was 27. They began after a total hysterectomy that slammed me into menopause.

Since then theyve gotten worse. Weve tried hormone replacement therapy as well as preventatives.

Now, I get them about 2 times a week. At least once a week its bad enough to where I can't even walk across the room. So once a week I am either in the ER or the neuro's office.

My signature has my current toolbox of drugs. Depakote 500 mgs to prevent the migraines. Lorazepam to ease the anxiety of a really bad one. Lexapro for the accompanying depression. Blah blah blah.

I am sure you all understand. I hope I can make some new friends and help people out as well.

Welcome to the Forum! We're pretty informal around here, and very understanding.

How many preventives have you tried? Depakote worked for me for awhile, but I developed a tremor and had to stop taking it. It worsened my mood, to the point that I had to be hospitalized.

I'm currently taking Mag-Oxide (magnesium), Cymbalta, Lamictal, and Lyrica. Plus Wellbutrin as a second antidepressant and Moban and Ambien for sleep. And verapamil as a preventive as well.

Have you considered a specialist? It sounds like your neurologist hasn't come up with the right treatment strategy for you. I started seeing one in Nashville last November, and I'm seeing some improvement. I actually had two pain-free days this past weekend, even with being out of town. This is huge news for me.

There's a list of patient-recommended specialists on this site.

Welcome aboard!

Gretchen in Mississippi

Let me add my welcome to the forum--

Some of the old pros will be along soon to give you some links that you will find invaluable. You've definitely come to the right place. As a migraine sufferer the most important thing you can do is educate yourself. That's the best way to ensure that you and any physician you are working with can be on the same page--looking for the best control of your disease.

If you don't have Teri's book yet, now's a perfect time to get a copy. It's on mega sale on line. It's called Living Well With Migraine Disease and Headaches, and, IMO, is the best book out there (I have almost all of them). Check out the Must Reads link for more info.

Gretchen is right on when she suggests going to a headache specialist. Not all neurologists treat headaches well. Headaches are a very specialized disorder, and can be very complicated. You DO need to be careful. Not everybody who calls himself a headache specialist is actually one. There are links on the site to help you decide if your specialist is a real headache pro.

Once again--Welcome, Hang around the site, come have tea with us. For a bunch of people who have headaches, we do have a lot of fun. And whenever you're feeling down, this is the place to come! We've ALL been there!

Tracie

Welcome to MyMigraineConnection, momof2.

I would say that with two Migraines a week it's time to re-evaluate your prevention plan. I bet it feels like you have tried all the medications out there for Migraine prevention, but it really isn't possible. This article will fill you in on the details Migraine Preventive Medications - Too Many Options To Give Up!

Trigger identification and management can play a major role in our "toolbox." Have you kept a Migraine diary before? It's a great way to see the what, when and how (so to speak) about your attacks.
Our Migraine Triggers page has lots of information on triggers.

Let us know how we can help you further.

Welcome, momof2! Glad that you found us, though sorry you have a need to be here. Nancy's gotten you started with some links, but I'll add a few others for you.

Learning About Migraines and Headaches - Where To Start

Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists

Let us know how we can help, ok? We're happy to have you.

Hi, momof2, welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

Hi Momof2,

I have seen you on the post, but have not officially welcomed you. Welcome

Dar