Migraine

Hi All,

For the six weeks, I have been dealing with a truly horrific migraine. I don't know what to do any more. The meds (diazepam, zoloft, zanaflex, and a long acting med) take the edge off. But I just don't know what to do.

I have had one visit to the ER for IV Depakan, one to the IV clinic for the same, steroid taper twice, and am doing everything else that I can think of to help it and stop it. This includes- rest, excercise, reading, ice packs etc. All of these have helped to some degree. I just hate having to deal with it like this.

My local neuro has been helpful. I have tried to get through to my other neuro at UAB and he is not sure what to do either.

I am really tired of fighting it. I am trying to rest this weekend before finals next week. (I only have 2 thank goodness.) But the headache is still bad.

I would love any ideas as to what to do about this.

Pain free days
sconesail

Sconesail, you sound like you are in somewhat the same place I am right now. I've had this same migraine going on since about November. I've had a couple of IV infusions to try to break it, without much luck.

Are either of your neuros headache specialists? Neurologists are great doctors, but as they have to treat many conditions, they are not always as up to date on headache treatments. If they are both out of ideas, IMO it's time to get another opinion. If you haven't had at least a 4-hour break in pain over the last 6 weeks, you know that this is a serious condition.

I'm not sure where you're located, but I'll give you a link to our list of patient recommended migraine specialists. Really, your best bet will probably be to consult with someone on that list.

I'm not sure what else to tell you. It's of utmost importance that you break your migraine. If both of your doctors are out of ideas, you need to seek help elsewhere.

Have you tried any other IV treatments? There are other IV options available for trying to break migraines.

IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines

IV Lidocaine

Hang in there, honey - we're all here for you.

I'm so sorry you aren't getting a break from this one. It sounds like you're running through a reasonable list of options. You're in a serious situation, and I hope you keep pushing for treatment.

I don't know if you have been hospitalized for migraine before, but it might be time to discuss the option with your doctor. In my experience, there are times when there is just no substitute for around the clock IV treatment, and perhaps some tweaking of your preventive meds. After all, they can push up doses of preventives faster in the hospital than you can at home, because you're being monitored.

Hospitalization is never completely pleasant, but it's saved my behind more than once, and I've come to see it as sort of a necessary and highly inconvenient part of having severe migraine. I can tell you that once I've gotten home from a hospitalization, I can see that I really didn't have another option.

Maybe this will break without inpatient treatment, but I'd at least talk to my doctor about it. Outpatient infusion just isn't enough sometimes.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Lynne

I know it's the last thing you want to think about right now, especially with everything being down to the wire with school, but I think Lynne makes a good point. Maybe inpatient treatment is what it's going to take. Have either of your doctors mentioned inpatient? MJ also makes a good point. When your doctors are out of ideas, and are very open about being unsure, then another opinion, especially from true migraine specialist, can be vital.

I know it's tough right now, as you try and finish up finals and classes and the like, but you have to make sure you come first.

Droolie is so right. You come first.

I just remembered something that one of my early neurologists said to me (she was one of the good ones). She wanted to put me in the hospital and I was dithering and still trying to wiggle out of it. I muttered something like, "This is a really busy week" and she pinned me down with her gaze and said, "I know it's not convenient. Being sick is never convenient. That is not the point. The point is getting you better".

I went meekly. I was busted and I knew it.

Lynne

Sconesail,

Everyone has given you great advice. You seem like you are doing everything right. Like the others said, maybe a few days in the hospital with an IV will kick this migraine otta here. I just want to add some warm and gentle hugs Let us know how you are doing, k?

Dar

Perhaps you could request an incomplete for your classes, and take care of yourself first. I'm sure you would perform better on your finals if you felt better, and your health is the most important.

sconesail,

I just wanted to send some s.

Take care of you.

Kely

Sconesail,
You have been given excellent advice at this point. The only thing I will repeat is to take care of yourself first.

Please let us know how you are doing hwen you can.

Take care,
Cindy