Pregnancy Forums

Posted: 06 March 2008 at 9:22am | IP Logged

I've been a chronic sufferer all my life. First diagnosed at 5 yrs old.

Anyway, the migraines are taking over my life. Just barely compus mentus after spending 5 days in bed again. Sounds ridiculous but I'm getting two or more attacks each week, which don't respond to the medication anymore. I'm on my 3rd change of meds since December, and am struggling to cope.

My GP says that until the SPD is stabilised and controlled, the stress of coping with it is going to keep triggering my migraines, and all he can do is try to help me get through the attacks.

Getting scared, as sometimes the hip pain, migraine pain and best friends with toilet scenario are too much. John has finally realised that when I say I won't make 40, that perhaps I actually mean it now.

When I'm in middle of attack, I can't think straight and I'd easily accidently overdose as I can't remember what I've taken or when. Plus sometimes during the attack I think that dead is better, cause it can't hurt this much?

Sorry to be morbid, but I'm struggling here. My poor 4yr old ds is so trained to mummy being ill he just sits in front of tv quietly to let me sleep. What kind of life is that?

Any of you ladies suffer with migraines, found anything that works? any ideas willingly considered as I'm loosing what little freedom I had due to the migraines wiping me out most of each week now.

Posted: 06 March 2008 at 9:44am | IP Logged

I am so sorry you are going through this.

I suffered from Migranes since I was 9 and have had spells of really bad attacks which are almost impossible to treat. They, like yours, are stress related.

I use Nux. Vomica which is a herbal remedy (ask in boots) - take 4 pills as soon as symptoms start and then keep taking every few hours - if caught early enough they are a life saver for me! I have a pack in every room in the house.

My nan swears by feverfew (also herbal) she takes a pill every morning and within a few months noticed her migranes were reducing.

My mum takes Sumatriptan (prescribed) as she once had a migrane which left part of her face numb permenantly. She now carries them with her wherever she goes and takes them at any sign of an attack.

(Are you getting the feeling this runs in my family!)

I think the first thing to check is that it is actually migranes you are having. Could it be a side effect to the medication you are on for SPD? Have you ever had a CT scan etc to rule everything else out?

I really do know how hard this is for you and I really hope you can get it under control soon. If I think of anything else I will let you know.

Gentle hugs hun x

Posted: 06 March 2008 at 9:49am | IP Logged

I'm sorry to hear you are so ill. I suffer from SPD and migraines myself, so can sort of understand what you are going through, although I don't have migraines nearly as often as you are.

I eventually found a nasal spray for my migraines called Imigran (sp?). Unfortunately I can't use it while pregnant though. I believe they are quite expensive and a lot of doctors either don't know about them, or don't prescribe them - it was actually a friend of mine in Edinburgh who was prescribed them after years of trying to find something that worked, and she told me to ask my doctor about them. You have to take one at the first sign - and then can take another after a period of time if required. They are certainly the best thing I have found yet - although still tend to be knocked flat for a day or two - as you know migraines really wipe you out.

Have you contacted your doctor recently about this?Understandably this is getting you down - I think you need to get back to your doctor to discuss things again.

xxx

Posted: 06 March 2008 at 10:05am | IP Logged

Hun, firstly big soft gentle hugs.

I suffer from Headaches but it’s linked to the medication I'm taking. As madz has suggested have you had your medication reviewed.

I hope they can sort some thing out…. You mentioned that you’re trying to get information together on Prolotherapy to take to your gp….. I get mine though a local (ish) pain clinic… might be worth asking for a referral to yours as a starting point.

I also think you should be honest with your gp about how much this is affecting you and how you are feeling.... it's hard to keep going when it gets tough but we have to keep plodding along.... my dp said to me last night 'what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger'....just hope he's right

If you think there’s anything I can do to help just give us a bell.