Migraine

I suppose this is a bit belated, but I wanted to throw this up to say hello to the community regardless.

I'm a twenty-three year old male, and have been suffering from headaches for most of my life. In my late teens, they were diagnosed as migraines. I've been remarkably lucky with neurologists, with whom I've succeeded in bringing myself down to an average of two headaches days/week with 50mg of Topamax daily and orally disintegrating 10mg Maxalt.

My biggest struggles, apart of course from the pain, have been managing the cognitive side effects of the Topamax with very "smarts intensive" activities/obligations (I teach and work at a university, but will be going to law school in the fall) and keeping up with my obligations despite hours/days lost to headaches.

I try to maintain a regular sleep pattern and life habits, but my job hasn't let me stay in one place for more than two consecutive weeks in six months. I've been an on-and-off cigarette smoker for a few years, but hope to quit permanently with part of my job ending and a few months prior to law school to get ready. Smoking helps nip some of my headaches in the bud, but can also get me into bad cycles. I am an ardent supporter of medicinal marijuana laws, for many reasons.

Anyways, pardon the overly long introduction, but I figured I may as well share a bit about why I'm here while I'm creating a thread.

Hi CH -

That wasn't such a long intro - you should read some of the others! (Mine included if I remember correctly!) Thanks for letting us know some more about you. Welcome, and I hope to see you around the forum some more - keep on sharing and asking questions!

More to the discussion on the other thread, if your job has kept you moving around so much law school may actually be a relief in terms of being able to be in one place with a regular (even if challenging) schedule!

- Megs

Hi CH, I know I commented on your other thread, but I wanted to welcome you here as well. Do let us know if you have any other questions. And you never have to worry about the length of your posts here - really!

Hello, CH. Good to welcome you here as well.

Hi CH!

Welcome to the family!

Welcome CH

I also welcomed you in your other thread but figured I'd add another one for good measure!

Hi CH

Just wanted to add my Welcome to the pile See you on the posts.

Dar

Hi CH, welcome to the forum

CH,

Hello and welcome!

Cognitive side effects were a problem for me with Topamax too. Somethimes that gets better over three months or so. If not, do talk with your doctor about another preventive? There are many other choices. I'll look for your other thread to discuss things more.

Welcome again!

CH
Welcome to the forum. Yes Topamax is tricky. The side effects can be tough to deal with. There is something I will suggest you discuss with your doctor in the dosing of the Topamax. A friend of mine has excellent control of migraines on her dosage, but takes it all at night. Her only side effect is the cognitive problems and her job requires alot of focus and detail work. Her doctor suggested this and it has worked for her. So if the Topamax is working for you that might be one option to assist in managing the side effects. It is something to discuss with your doctor.

Again, welcome.
Cindy

Hi, CH!

I just wanted to add my welcome! I think you'll find this to be a very helpful place! (Lots of wonderful members with a PILE of useful information!

Talk with you again soon!

jenny