Migraine

If you didn't see my post in the Meds folder, I've been having some extremely strange side effects from the low dose of Lyrica I've been taking for the past 3 weeks. I called in to my doc today and he wants me to stop it. I agree that I should, as the side effects were rather frightening.

But I just wanted so badly for this drug to work.

I've tried 7 preventives now (9 if you count the supplements) and none of them have worked. I've had intolerable side effects with 6 of them (Topamax, cyproheptadine, gabapentin, verapamil, nadolol, Lyrica). The others did nothing for me (nortriptyline, magnesium, B2). In fact, *none* of these meds have actually helped my Migraines. The only thing that's worked at all is the Botox, which has decreased my severity. Don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful that I at least have that, but I still have pain every single second of every day. I never get a break. Ever.

I'm so sick of being sick, and of meds making me even more sick. I'm sick of strange and weird side effects. I want to believe there is something there that will work for me, but it's hard to keep thinking that. What if I'm in that tiny percentage of Migraineurs that just can't be treated? What if this pain is always going to be part of my life?

I'm just tired, and depressed, and frustrated, and sick of being sick all the time. I'm doing everything I'm supposed to be doing... why am I not getting any better??

(((((MJ)))))

I am sorry the Lyrica didn't work for you. I know how hard you've been working to find something that works, and get a good system together. It really stinks when the meds we want so badly to work, don't.

Do you know what the next step is? Did your doctor mention what to try next?

You are in my thoughts, my friend, as always.

Hopefully you will get some chill time this weekend and be able to yet again re-evaluate the situation.

love and hugs!!

Just wanting to give you a big Hug

It is so frustrating when your meds don't work & the side effects can be just awful. Please don't give up hope of finding one that does work.

I know it is not possible for most of us, But I dream of that Miracle Cure we are all searching for.

Hugs again! X

Aww Honey! I feel so bad for you! Sending you many hugs! I just keep hoping for the right preventive to be right around the corner...

- megs

I'm so sorry Lyrica didn't work. It IS frustrating and tiring to keep trying things. I can understand how hopeless you feel right now. I think we all feel like that sometimes.

The fatigue from always being in pain gets to us too. What does your doctor want to do now? Don't quit even though you'd like to. Read the success stories folder. That will remind you that there are things out there it's just a challenge finding the right one for you.

We're here for you.

MJ,



It really stinks that this med wasn't "the one!"

I know it is hard to keep trying med after med, but you can do it! You're a strong person and you'll keep fighting, working hard, and trying til you find the med combo that really does help you.

Your Botox will be Monday, and that will help some. And your doc will come up with a new plan during your visit.

We're here for you, MJ!

Many hugs and much ...
jenny

Lots of hugs MJ. The best I can say is now you know one more med that isn't the right one, which makes you one med closer to the one that is.

The hope building and ultimate let down of changing meds always stinks. At least you weren't on it for 3 months to find out it didn't work for you.


kel

Thanks, everyone.

My doc didn't specifically mention what he thought we should try next. I got the sense that I was the last patient on his list before he left for the day, which is fine. Since I have an appt with him on Monday we're just going to discuss it then.

He does seem to understand my worries about meds. After each (spectacular) failure I'm getting more and more gun shy about trying new meds. My side effects have been getting worse, not better, with every new med I try. That is incredibly disheartening.

The Botox works decently; I have a triptan for the time being, and I have an anti-emetic. But that's really it. My rescue med works well but does bad things to my stomach. I'm just so sick of the side effects from everything I take.

I know there are tons of other meds to try yet. It's just so hard to stay hopeful when there's been so little that's helped me. I'm glad I have you guys here to help support me when things get bad.

MJ my friend,
How frustrating to find one more that does not work. I'm glad your mom is there with you this weekend to help you through the anger and frustration of it all.

Is there something more the doctor has suggested that you have been waiting to try that is a more intense treatment? I guess I am thinking of inpatient treatment of some sort. It seems like I have read of others with severe problems needing to do that to truly get the cycle they are in to break.

We are always here for you. Take care. Enjoy the calm of the lake.

Cindy

I'm so sorry, MJ. The medication game is an awful one- to have all the side effects and not even be able to stay on the medication for the length of time on the drug to get any relief from the drug is just cruel.


I hope whatever's next on the agenda is your magical drug!

I'm so sorry MJ. Hang in there. We won't let you give up. There are still over 90 meds to try, you know.

What is your rescue med? If it's a NSAID, you might ask your doctor about taking a proton-pump inhibitor with it. My GI doctor wants me to do that whenever I take an NSAID, to reduce the impact on my stomach.

Take care of yourself. You are very important to us.

I saw my doc today for Botox, my second treatment. My head is pretty achy right now, but that should feel better in the next day or so (judging by my last treatment).

We also talked about the next preventive steps. Since I haven't tried Inderal yet, he thought that would be a good option for me. In theory, I agree and I'm willing to try again. But it's wearing, it really is, to keep trialing these meds only to have terrible (and weird) side effects.

I'm feeling frustrated and upset and anxious about trying something new. I know it's what I need to do if I ever want to get a break in this pain. But I wish it wasn't so hard.

I'm trying to stay optimistic about this, I am, but it all just seems so impossible sometimes.

(Plus my mom flew back home tonight and I was sad to have to say goodbye. That 3000 miles feels really far sometimes.)

I'm taking myself to bed shortly with an ice pack. I'll check in with you guys in the morning. Thanks for reading.

Good luck with the Inderal, MJ. I know it's been almost a miracle drug for me.

MJ,


Sorry the Lyrica was such a bust- glad you had your botox. It'll be good for you to feel even the slightest bit better while you're waiting for the Inderal to kick in!

Best.

MJ,

I'm so sorry you're starting all over again! But really, I guess it's not starting over...You now know that Lyrica was not the med for you. That's one piece of info you didn't have before! Progress? (I'm trying to do "the glass is half full" thing! )

I know the day after your Botox injections is rough. Try to be patient with yourself and take things a bit easy today. I sure hope the Botox brings you MUCH needed relief!!!! Maybe it'll work even better and even LONGER this time!!!

The whole struggle for finding a good preventive plan really does wear you down...Don't let it win, MJ!! You CAN try another med...And we'll keep hoping and praying that the inderal will really make a difference for you!



jenny