Migraine

Hi all,

I'm new here (as if you couldn't tell lol!) and was hoping to get some advice. But first I'll give you some of my history.

I had my first migraine when I was six years old including hallucinations, visual disturbance, and headache since then they have progressively worsened with age until they peaked two years ago. At that time I began having migraines where I got the numbness, pins and needles (sometimes semi paralysis) down one side, and headache but on top of that (AND THE PAIN) they became bilateral, included delirious behaviour from me and loss of speech or speech so muddled that my Mum referred to me as being as incoherrant as an alcoholic - (when she asked me if I had taken painkillers I replied the duck wet the bed). At times I can't speak at all - not because I physically can't but because mentally I am so muddled that I can't form the right words for things. I also have what I call the migraine hangover where I am in pain, muddled and uncoordinated for upto a fortnight after the actual migraine. And after repeated visits to A&E (ER) and a spate of ten migraines in one week I was finally put on a preventative treatment "Pizotifen" called sanomigran. And thank goodness since I have only had FIVE migraines.

But here's where I need some advice - I have just moved out to the Middle East with my fiancee and after having been assured by doctors in the UK that Pizotifen was available out here I now know it's not. I ONLY HAVE 41 TABLETS LEFT. And I have to admit I am terrified!

Please please please if anyone knows of any other preventative medications that are out there can you let me know - I am desperate - I cannot see a doctor out here until after my tablets run out because of Visa issues - but I can get most drugs over the counter out here.

I have tried all of the available treatment options ie zomig, maxalt etc etc but only the preventative has ever worked.

Any advice so greatly appreciated and I am so sorry that I have ranted at you all.

Thank you again

Katz
x x x

Katz-

Hello 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.


Don't worry about running out of preventive options! There are over 100 preventives medications, and infinite combinations of them that you could try. Here's an article on that: Migraine preventive medications: too many options to give up!

However, since you've been put on a medication that seems to work, is there any way that you could call your doctor back in the UK and tell him/her about what's going on, and how you can't see a new doctor until some issues are solved. It's possible that the doctor could have the medication called into a pharmacy back in the UK, and the pharmacy ship the medication out to you where you are now. That could potentially solve the problem in the short-run.

Does that sound like that could be doable? Your old doctor would be familiar with your case, and you might be able to get through this period that way before you can see someone in your own physical location!

Hi, Katz! Add a welcome smoosh from me to your pile!

I wouldn't know what to suggest other than what Jamie did. I'd say her idea is worth a shot. You've got nothing to lose.

Thanks ladies,

Its really nice to meet you both! I think you're right about phoning my doctor back home - hadn't even thought of it lol!

Now to work out how to get hold of him?!? To say communications are difficult from here is an understatement!

Thank you again

Take care of yourselves

Katz x x x

Hi Katz,

I just wanted to welcome you!

I think Jamie's idea about calling the doctor is GREAT! If you find making the phone call difficult, I might suggest that you look to see if there is some way to get in touch with your doctor via email.

I know a lot of offices have gone to having a general email address for contact info. If you can't do that, you may want to compose a letter to your doc that you could send via emial to a family member or friend who may be willing to deliver to his office for you.

Once you get a prescription, there are many internet pharmacies which you may be able to use from Bahrain! Just a thought!

Hope you can get things worked out soon!!!

Cyn