Migraine

Hi,

I am a 35 year old mother of two girls aged 5 and 11.

I suffered migraines as a teenager and then they went away for many years. I had them here and there, but nothing too serious. I remember having one when I was pregnant with my 5 year old. They said it was stress related.

So I had no migraines for 5 1/2 years, and then last year they returned.

I consider myself one of the "lucky" ones because I do not suffer regularly like so many of you. I almost hate to complain. But it is strange to go from years with no migraine, to having one about every 5 months.

After my second migraine in less than a year I startd looking online for support and I am glad to have found this spot. I have been lurking for months doing lots of reading.

I had another migraine a few weeks ago. I suffer the classic migraine with aura. Vision loss, tingling in arms and face, nauseau, the whole bit.

Because they are so infrequent I have been having a really hard time trying to figure out the trigger. But I'm working on it.

My doctor recently gave me Zomig to try out when the next one comes. I'm a little leary/scared of side effects. But the Advil and Tylenol I take during my migraine (which usually lasts about 12 hours)doesn't do a whole lot.

Anyway, just wanted to say Hi and thanks to everyone for all the information on here. It helps to know there are people out there who know what you are going through and know that migraine is more than just "a bad headache".

Hi Mamgirl!!

Welcome to the forum!! Sorry your headaches are back, but we're glad you're here!!

Cyn

Hello mamgirl and welcome to our forum family! Our goal is to provide everyone with the information and support that we all need to manage our Migraines and/or headaches. To that end, we consider this a “safe harbor,” where nobody tries to sell us anything, and we all use “family-friendly” language so parents are comfortable letting their children read the forum with them.

Please take a few minutes to review our policies and guidelines along with the other information in the START HERE folder. For information about Migraines, a good article to begin with is Learning About Migraines - Where to Start.

I'm so glad you decided to "un-lurk" and introduce yourself. It's always good to "see" new faces

Here's an article about Migraine with Aura you can take a look at:

• Migraine With Aura - the Basics

Figuring out our triggers can certainly be tricky. My triggers are changes in the weather, poor sleep, not eating and certain smells. Have you ever kept a Migraine Diary? It will be useful to track triggers, the effectiveness of medications, and any patterns to your Migraines and headaches. That link will lead you to a free, downloadable diary. Also, here's some information on triggers too:

• Common Migraine Triggers

Please let us know how the Zomig works for you. I use the nasal spray and the only side effect I have from it is a bit of drowsiness.

Welcome again! I look forward to seeing more of you around the forum. If you have any questions, just ask and we'll do our best to help!

Hi, mamgirl!

Thanks for unlurking! We're glad to have you!

Personally, I've never been really bothered by side effects of abortive meds, unless I count the instant rebound bit from Imitrex back when I tried that. My midrin makes me very relaxed from time to time, but I don't really call that a side effect. It's got a sedative in it, so I figure it can't be a side effect if it's supposed to work that way. It may be just my experience, but I know I'd be more prone to notice any side effects from a daily med, which builds up, as opposed to a taken-as-needed med, which works its way out in due time. I would *guess* that that might be the case for others, too. Then again, that could just be droolie logic, which can be a bit wonky now and again.

Welcome!

I'm sorry to hear that your Migraines have returned. Like you, I had a very nice break for quite some time - but that was before I was diagnosed and knew that what I was suffering from was actually Migraine.

Zomig was the first triptan I tried. It worked on the Migraine and that was wonderful, but like Laura, it made me very drowsy so I would not take it at work. I also had a side effect from it where it felt like I had a lump in my throat and it was difficult to swallow. The side effect would pass, so I knew it was from the Zomig, and not something else.

Since then, I have tried 3 other triptans and have been doing well with Frova. The only side effect I get from the Frova is that it makes the back of my arms ache. I can deal with that and take it at work which is a relief.

Keep us posted on how the Zomig works for you. I hope it works great, but I also hope you don't need to take it since that would mean you have a Migraine.

There are 7 other triptans to try if zomig is not the "one". Imitrex, Trexamet, Frova, Maxalt, Axert, Amerge and Relpex. Like I said, I've tried all but 4.

We are happy you have found us and introduced yourself! I see Laura gave you some information already. If you have any questions after reading the links, feel free to come back here and ask.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Mamgirl,
Just wanted to add my welcome to the pile. I hope the Zomig works for you, and like Eileen said, if it doesn't there are other things you can try. I hope your migraines don't increase anymore.

Feel free to join us here anytime

Meli