Migraine

Just wondering if anyone has tried reflexology? I tried accupunture, massage and chiro last winter. Now I'm going back to MD for another visit tomorrow and think I'm going to ask to change meds again. My massage therapist taught me one thing to do years ago - pinching the meaty part of my thumb with the other hand. It works, but my hands cramp so fast and the effect wears off quickly.

My old yoga teacher, who is pretty far away from where I live, does massage and has a person who does reflexolgy. I have a book but it's pretty complicated and seems tricky to do on yourself. I thought I might go and get a few pointers. HA. I'd love for my hubby to come, but I'll probably go during the day when kids are in school if she works then.

Wish these new add-on meds would work more than a month and wouldn't have side effects. Bummer.

Diane

I've never tried reflexology but it sounds very interesting! I'd like to hear more about it if you decide to give it a try.

Good luck at the doctor today, let us know how it goes okay?

Good Morning Diane,

I have used reflexology and it helps me relax greatly during an acute phase that lasts more than 24 hours. I tend to get very tense if a migraine does not break after 2 doses of my abortive. I have used this along with a neck/shoulder/head/back massage. It does seem to help break the cycle for me.

I've never used it as a preventative.

Has your doctor given you supplements (B2, Magnisium, CoenzymeQ10) to take? Those often help decrease the intensity of migraines greatly in many people. If you are not on them, I would ask about the addition of them also.

Good luck.

Cindy

Well, I just emailed the yoga teacher about the reflexology. Wow, her practice has really grown. It was just her and another teacher - now there are about 12+. And a couple of nice looking men. Might be worth it to go back!

I was on Topamax and Cymbalta 60mg. The cymbalta started in early dec - it only worked in Jan then stopped in Feb again. Plus the sexual side effect (or lack of) was in high gear for me. He cut it back and since we are having problems on the home front, he wanted me to try an anxiety med even though I personally don't think I have outward anxiety and told him that. But I do grind my teeth and somehow (the dentist and the NTI folks can't see how it's possible) my bottom front teeth are wearing down. So I just got a full nightguard from the orthodontist yesterday. (Ha, it was an all day adventure for me). All I can see this doing is having the TMJ come back since now my back teeth will be biting again. But since my doc gave me the clonazepam and a muscle relaxer, maybe I'll sleep more relaxed. Though he prescribed the clonazepam twice a day and I only took 1/2 this morning and barely made it thru breakfast (1 1/2 hrs after I took my am meds). I went back to sleep for 3 hours! Thank goodness I had the day off. I'll try a 1/4 tab tomorrow at work. Doc also mentioned wellbutrin. I actually read up on that. Seems to HELP sex (LOL! I told him - Girls wanna have fun!) but folks post that it can have very weird side effects also. And alot of folks say it gives them energy. Uh, if I'm going back to sleep every morning, I could use a little of that too!

I have tried the B2 in the past, maybe not long enough, but it didn't seem to do anything. I take a calcium/magnesium supplement though I read that they need to be separated. The total mag is 1000mg + a little extra when I use rolaids on some days when I feel puky. ironically on the 60mg dose of Cymbalta, I got constipated even with all the mag. Since it was around the holidays, I thought it was bad eating, but I found that hard to believe. I eat tons of veggies and fruits (along with all my chocolate and yummy desserts MIL made ). I really had to find the right combo with docusate and miralax. That will be good with lowering the dose too. I've never tried CoQ10. I was reading about fish oil (I know not the same) and all it's benefits, but didn't ask about that at this visit. I have to go back in 6 weeks so maybe I'll consider those. Though if I remember the CoQ10 is pretty $$? But safer than something which knocks me out!

However, I also asked for the name of a family counselor, not that I think hubby would go. He wouldn't even go to church program tonight on parenting kids. Good grief, and I wonder why I have stress in my life? I also talked to our family doctor about hubby and his midlife crisis. He says it's hard to get men in. I could make him an appointment, but it's up to hubby to talk about why he's there. What do I do, send a note ahead of time? "Johnny is having issues at home and doesn't play nice. Please talk to him and see what's wrong b/c he won't talk to me. Thank you." Sigh.....

I'll report back on the reflexology. Really, I just want some tips on treating headaches when I get them, and since I also have chronic daily and migraines, maybe they can fix one if I have it then! WAHOO!

Diane

Diane,

I'll keep my fingers crossed that the increase in meds works well for you!

Here's some information about [URL=http://www.healthcentral.com/depression/find-drug-1383-150.html ]Wellbutrin[/URL] you can take a look at if he decides to add that to your treatment plan.

Men can be difficult about seeing a counselor but perhaps if you let DH know how important it is to you, he may reconsider. A lot can be gained by talking to someone and sharing your concerns. Maybe you can start by going to the counselor yourself and that will encourage DH to join you?

Thanks for the update and please continue to let us know how you're doing