Migraine

I'm almost nervous to write this because I'm so amazed. So, I'm going to say in a whisper so I don't jinx it. My new persistant daily headache pain has been significantly decreased. I could jump for joy. I've been doing daily activites around the house and been driving without having to rest between each activity (i.e showering, laundry, ect).

I still have daily pain that fluctuates based on my activity level but it is so much more tolerable than before! What a difference! I feel dumb-founded. Its amazing. I appreciate everything I'm able to do. I'm so thankful! I'm so happy! I have so much hope that this improvement will continue so that I can actually get to doing something outside of the house someday.

But, this is truly my miracle. My husband I actually are interacting differently! I'm serving him and clearing his plates and bringing him things! Finally things are a bit more balanced.

The decrease in NPDH pain is directly related to increase of Verapamil. We've slowly increased the dose. On my Nov. appt, we increased it again. I want to cry. It is such a relief. It gives me such hope.

Thanks for listening!
Kelly

Oh Kelly, I am so happy for you!! I am doing the happy dance for you!! I know it scary, wondering if you say something, you will jinx yourself - I say that,too. But just stay positive, keep on doing what you're doing, and hopefully it will just keep getting better. I take it the migraines are at bay, as well?

I see my new specialist in 9 days, as you can see by my ticker, and I can't wait. It really can not get here soon enough. I am so excited and hopeful, because i have heard so many good things about him. Besides, if I don't have hope, what do I have, right?

I have eaten way too much today, but I will have cake with you anyway, to celebrate with you!! Ha ha!!

Kelly, I am so excited for you! That is so wonderful that the verapamil is doing its job! I will gladly celebrate with you!!

And Sherry, I think we're both seeing our new specialists on the same day.

Thanks Sherry! You are correct, my migraines are at bay as well! I haven't had a migraine since Dec. 7th!!! Woohoo!

That is exciting that you are only 9 days from the specialist!

Thanks for the cake! Mmmm. It was yummy!

Kelly

Thanks MJ! I was very reluctant to try the verapamil b/c I didn't want to change anything at the time (initially in Aug). But, now I'm so glad I did!

We'll be hearing some exciting updates in 9 days from new specialists!

Kelly

Hooray for you, Kelly!

You put me in mind that it doesn't just take patience to find preventives for our migraines/headaches. It takes courage as well. Sometimes it's easier to face the "evils that we know" than to face the possibility of side effects or a med that just doesn't work at all. But Kelly, it's been your patience and courage that have made this possible.

I feel like stealing Droolie's seven smilie salute, but I won't; I'll try some combo of my own.

WOOHOO!!! You may want to whisper, but I'm going to cheer OUT LOUD!! HOORAY for Kelly!! I'm so happy for you!! I guess that's why everyone here reminds us to NEVER GIVE UP!!!

jenny

It's all good. You may trot out the seven smilie salute any time you like. droolie will share.

quote:

Originally posted by nutcracker1:

I feel like stealing Droolie's seven smilie salute, but I won't; I'll try some combo of my own.

WAHOO! I am absolutely, positively, utterly THRILLED for you, Kelly!

Nutcracker's brilliant and totally on the mark. You so deserve this...

Aw Nut, thanks for your words. You made me cry. A good cry though... And I love your salute.

Thanks Jenny for your cheer outloud!

Droolie, your 7 smiles made me smile! Yea!

Kelly

Congrats and good luck! I'm so glad that you've been put on the path to slay those beasts.

WAHOOOOO Kelly!! Im so glad the varapamil worked for ya and that you took the chance to try a new med!

Quick question.. how much varap are you up to now? (Im on it too, and having hard time balancing it working vs side effects!)

Keep progressing hun!! and Keep Celebrating!!!

Thanks Jamie and Momsbreak!

Momsbreak-your question was quick, but unfortunately, I can't tell a short story! Here's my long answer! I take 360mg of Verapamil SR (and 150 mg of Topamax). The side effect that has really bothered me from the Verapamil is extreme constipation. One thing that really helps with that when I do it, but I'm not as good as I should be about it is to drink lots of water/liquids. (This also helps my head.) I take magnesium supplement (I talked to my dr. first though). I also put fiber supplement into water/liquid (I like Fiber-sure brand-no taste/no consistency). And I try to eat lots of extra fiber food like Kashi cereal and granola bars. I found what really helps is eating prunes. I thought they'd be nasty. But they actually are sweet, moist and yummy. If I've been in bed for extetened periods of time sometimes the former things don't seem to help much. And I need to go to a laxative to get things back moving. The constipation is actually the main reason I was reluctant to increase my dosage at the last visit to my dr. but I decided to do it anyway and try to battle it. It is hard to decide & balance. I figured I could always go back down.

The other side-effect I've experienced from the Verapamil is that I do black out some times when I stand up from sitting or laying. I have lower blood pressure to begin with. But I just try to get up slower. It is actually better now than in the beginning.

I hope this wasn't too much information! I told you I couldn't tell a short story!
What side effects are you having? How long have you been on it?

Kelly

Kelly, I had the severe constipation issue when I was on verapamil. With my neuro's ok, I just kept upping my dosage of magnesium. I was up to 500 mg twice a day for a while. (I was also on nortriptyline at the time, and I had constipation from both of them.) Your food ideas are great ones, but I also wanted to suggest one other, as long as you don't have any allergy/trigger issues with it. Yogurt is great for digestion, especially the organic stuff. I love mixing plain organic yogurt with Kashi granola and some fruit. A great snack and great for digestion! (Of course, I've cut dairy out of my diet for the time being, so no more yogurt for me.)

I'm not on verapamil any longer as my body because very sensitized to it and I started having some nasty side effects (heart racing, very shaky, left sided weakness). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the verapamil keeps doing its job for you and the side effects get better!

Kelly-I am so excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!