Migraine

I've had migraines much of my life, and chronic daily headache for about 8 years now (officially diagnosed 4 years ago). In 2003, my CDH/frequent migraines were completely out of control. That was when I was finally referred to a neurologist, who diagnosed me with CDH and frequent migraine. He put me on Topamax as a preventative, which knocked out 90% of my headaches/migraines within a month. A wonder, really.

Fast-forward to last spring. I graduated college and moved out west. My neuro suggested I try weaning off the Topamax, which I did. I was symptom-free for about 2 months. By the end of the summer, my CDH/migraines had come back, along with daily migraine symptoms (vertigo, nausea) worse than I had had before. I eventually was referred to a new neuro here, who began treating me this past March.

He tried me on Topamax first. It didn't work this time around. Since then, he's tried me on several preventatives and combinations of preventatives to no avail (so far). He also has me taking some supplements. At my last appointment, he told me flat out that he was not happy with my (lack of) progress. He seems determined to help me find a treatment plan.

I'm just so frustrated. I'm very sensitive to medication side effects, which means I've had to go slowly on new meds to see how I would tolerate them. I've been playing the waiting game for months now. It's been over a year since I started feeling so sick every single day (again). It is so hard not to completely lose hope. I do believe that there is a treatment plan out there that will work for me; it's just hard to believe I'll ever find it.

I do, at least, have a wonderful neuro. I call his office every 1-2 weeks with updates on my progress (or sooner if I have questions), and he always returns my calls within the day. He hasn't been drastically changing my treatment plan, just tweaking it to see if we can find the right balance of meds without stressing out my body. I couldn't ask for a better doctor.

I just don't want to have to keep waiting. I don't know how to stay positive when I always feel sick, when there's always some measure of pain, nausea or dizziness. I can't ever get away from it.

Welcome MaxJerz,

I know how frustrating it is to be in chronic pain, espeically after have a significant time with it.

I'm glad you have a good relationship with your neuro, but do you think it is time for a Headache Specialists?
A neurologist treats so many conditions it is very hard for them to be an expert in any one area. That is what is great about a headache specialist, they are usually on the cutting edge of Migraine treatments.

So you don't lose hope, there are over 100 medications that can be used to treat Migraine disease. Feel free to print out Headache and Migraine Preventives and discuss them with your doctor.

The waiting is really the hardest part, and frustrating too. Waiting to feel better, for the nausea and pain to stop and just get on with life. Coming here for support can help, because we truly understand.....let us know how we can be of further assistance, and Hang in there.

Hi & Welcome! I truly understand the frustration of the waiting game. It is a miserable existence at times. Then to top off the pain&co, let's throw in a dash of medication intolerance. This quoted part from your post had me totally nodding.

quote:

Originally posted by MaxJerz:
I'm just so frustrated. I'm very sensitive to medication side effects, which means I've had to go slowly on new meds to see how I would tolerate them. I've been playing the waiting game for months now. It's been over a year since I started feeling so sick every single day (again). It is so hard not to completely lose hope. I do believe that there is a treatment plan out there that will work for me; it's just hard to believe I'll ever find it.

As disheartening as all this can be try to keep in mind that you have a doc that you like and who works with you. There are more meds to try and other therapies that might help as well. It sounds like you still have many options. Keep searching and when it gets too much, holler to someone here.

Take Care and I hope that you find something that works sooner rather than later!

Thanks to both of you for your replies.

Nancy - I have not seen a headache specialist yet. I've been debating back and forth for a few months now whether I should get an appointment with one. I haven't yet mainly because it's seemed so many times like I'm very close to finding a treatment plan that works. I decide to give it just a few more days, and a few more, and now here I am months later not feeling much better. But I will give it more serious thought now that it looks like it may be a while before I find something.

Melissa - I appreciate your support. It's always helpful to find other people that understand what I'm talking about. Thanks for commenting!

Ok then, keep us posted on how you are doing.....

I know what you mean about just needing to vent to someone who understands what it's like.

I agree with Nancy - keep us posted...

Take care!