Migraine

Well, I finally had my appointment with a new neurologist. I have been having constant migraines for 25 days now and my other neuro could only give me a DHE shot which didn't work. He also cancelled my last 2 appointments. So, I had just had it. I have been on Topamax and it seems like every 2 months I have to increase the dose. Well, I increased the dose a few weeks ago when these migraines got bad and it did nothing, so I think Topamax has just stopped working for me. I'm back to feeling how I did before I started taking it.

This Dr. seems to work with natural supplements along with regular medications, which I've never tried. She ordered some lab tests to check my vitamin levels. Then she agreed that it was time to taper me off of Topamax and change my medication. She recommended Depakote. This drug makes me nervous because I know nothing about it. I need to do some research. She was also very concerned about the 24 day migraine cycle I was in. They do IV infusions in her office!! So she ordered a Depakote infusion to break the migraine. The room where I got the infusion was private and had dim lighting. I sat in a comfy chair with a blanket. I had to get an infusion yesterday and today. I asked her if she gives magnesium infusions and she said not yet, but she wants to start giving them.

So I'm cautiously optimistic about this Dr. I love it that she can do IV infusions to break migraines at her office. Also, her office is in an office building attached to our local hospital which is only 5 minutes from my house. I'll just be taking things one step at a time.

Peggyann,

I am so happy for you that your appointment was positive with your new doctor. How great that she started you immediately with treatment to break the nasty cycle you are in.

I'm praying, chanting and sending good thoughts your way for this to be a sucess with this doctor.

Oh, I have been on Depakote and it did work for me. I experiences some depressionw ith it. They added Lexapro and that took care of that. I did have to stop after about 6 or 7 months as I had hair lose. I appreciated it not having the topa-dopa side effect!! Thinking is such a wonderful thing to be able to do.

Good luck,

Sounds like you had a really good appointment - I'm so glad for you!

I live in Memphis and don't know anyone around here that does iv's. Is your doctor around here? I'd love to find someone locally who could work with Dr. K.

I also am wishing and praying that things will continue going well for you!!

Cyn

Sounds like you had a great appointment! I wish I could find a doctor that does IV infusions right in the office. I really hope the Depakote helps you. Depakote was the second preventative I tried, after the Topomax's weird side effects were too much for me to deal with. It didn't really do much for me, but I also didn't have side effects from it.

Good luck!
Meli

I forgot to mention that she also prescribed Zanaflex to help with my tight neck muscles since sometimes they seem to contribute to my migraines. I've never tried a muscle relaxer, but I've heard of others on this forum who have had good success with it.

Cindy- hair loss would certainly be a problem for me! I have very fine hair and don't need that. But Topamax has that listed as a potential side effect too and I didn't seem to have that problem. I hope it will be the same with Depakote.

Cyn- the doctor is in Franklin, TN which is in a suburb of Nashville. I was really excited that she did IV infusions. I just happened to see an ad for her group in a medical magazine in another Doctor's office. It seems rare to find this and I have to admit that her office was very busy.

Meli- Thanks for the well wishes. I hope this med works for me, but I am cautiously optimistic because I know how trying new meds goes.

Peggy

Oh Wow! Mega happy-dance!!

Sounds like you might have found a winner. The fact that this doc does IV infusions in their office is absolutely wonderful.

Just keep in mind, like with all medications, there are potential side effects... doesn't mean that you'll get any of them. Here's some more info on Depakote for you to browse and just learn more about. Who knows, it might be the absolute best preventative for you!! We never know until we try! (and sometimes keep on trying!)

I know that a lot of people around here absolutely love Zanaflex, and it helps them a lot! I also use muscle relaxers at times, and they can be wonderful tools to have in our toolboxes!

I'm SO happy to hear that you found someone who's doing bloodwork also. I was surprised to learn at the time that my body was basically not producing much vitamin D. With the supplements, I feel SO much better, both painwise and just overall healthier!

Good luck starting the new meds, and I'm thrilled for you about your new find!

Peggy -

Congrats! She sounds good! So did the IV infusions help?

- Megan

Yay for office IV infusions!!!

I just started Zanaflex too and I love it! It really seems to help the severity of my migraine if I get to it in time. I reserve it for after work, though, when my muscles are at their worst.

I hope you continue to have a great relationship with this doctor. I wasn't ever on Depakote but I've tried some of the anti-eps and Topamax didn't treat me well. God help me, I'd have to look at my meds list to remember what other ones I've tried.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

Peggyann,

Sounds like you may have found a winner...YAHOO for YOU!!! I'm with the others, Happy dances all around!!

Dar

I'm not a snazzy dancer, so in lieu of a happy dance, I shall simply bounce up and down with sheer glee in celebration of your good fortune! I'll be optimistic right along with you, too.

Thanks everyone! I'm keeping my fingers crossed too. I just started the Depakote last night and its going to take some time to see how I'm going to feel on it. I'm tapering off the Topamax at the same time. I did some reading on the potential side effects of Depakote and of course they are always scary, as with many meds. I'm trying to remember what many of you say here- they are potential.

Megs- they actually gave me an IV infusion of Depakote on the day of my appointment and I had some relief, but not much. At the end of the infusion they told me that it often takes 2 IVs to break a really bad migraine and to come back the next day if needed. I needed to, so I got the second one the next day and it did break it. I asked if they do other types of IVs besides Depakote for migraines and they said they did.

Peggy

Hey there,

With the right IV infusion, it shouldn't take two to do the trick and get rid of a Migraine cycle. Leaving the office pain free should be the goal. Since they already do infusions, you may be interested in taking this article to the doctor. It has more medications listed than just depakote. My IV of choice (not really - but usually breaks the Migraine) is Magnesium Sulfate. There are other choices besides depakote to break your pain, and it really needs to be broken.

IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines

Peggyann,

I'm so excited for you! You found a great doctor, a place to get your Migraine cycle broken when you need it and it sounds like you both just "clicked".

I'd love to find a doctor around here that does IV infusions, if fact, I'll be asking my neuro at my next appointment in a few weeks. Rumor has it there's a new Migraine doc in town

I am so happy for you Peggy! Its time you have a dedicated doc that knows what they are doing. That is great that the IVs helped. Are you still feeling well? I am wishing you all the luck in the world and praying that you will soon have this under control! I am also hoping that these new meds will do the trick let us know how you are holding up!