Migraine sufferers
- Thread starter HiFiCanada
- Start date
nickv41
Well-Known Member
I second Excedrin. Only thing that works for me but I found that adding a Benedryl to the Excedrin works faster.
Sandy G
Retired Member
Oh, yeah...Had a BUNCH of those B4 my stroke...Another sign there was something wrong, but I didn't pay attention...
Bozzmonster
Sabrina Says 'Feed Me!'
Actually, this is a very Good point. I had diagnosed, but uncontrolled high blood pressure. Once I got that under control (which is an ongoing battle for me - my doctor helped big time!) I noted the migraines lessened in intensity. That’s happened in the past year or so.
Flapper
Member
I get migraine after exercise if I don't drink electrolyte replacement drinks during and after the sport. I actually used dioralyte which is a fluid replacement medication. Mine definitely seem linked to either salt or potassium levels, which I lose through the sweat of sport.
I've heard that migraine is linked to stroke and epilepsy so it may be worth getting a full check with the doctor about other issues - blood pressure as has been mentioned.
I've heard that migraine is linked to stroke and epilepsy so it may be worth getting a full check with the doctor about other issues - blood pressure as has been mentioned.
yup, but I was on some medication at the time which I'm pretty sure triggered them. She thought I was having a stroke/seizure.
HiFiCanada
Caregiver
stroke
My brother inlaw always had migraines, more then I ever had and he had his remedy over the years, but finally he had a fatal stroke.
Thinking back, it probally was a blood vessel that balloned causing migraines over his entire life.
My brother inlaw always had migraines, more then I ever had and he had his remedy over the years, but finally he had a fatal stroke.
Thinking back, it probally was a blood vessel that balloned causing migraines over his entire life.
kangatoy
Crazy as a Loon
Sorry to hear that so many folks suffer from migraines!!!
I rarely get migraines anymore. I used to have them so often that I should have invested in the pharmaceutical companies. After years of getting migraines, some of which would last numerous days, with sensitivity to light and sound, nausea etc, I finally started to identify things that would trigger them for me and now avoid them. Imitrex was one of the few prescriptions which seemed to knock the headaches out, but left me feeling groggy and/or hungover. Before that I had tried narcotic type pills that rarely did any good, Ibuprofen barely made a dent.
I tried the heat to the neck thing which helped, also tried the immerse the whole body up to the neck in the hottest bath I could tolerate. I found staying in a completely dark room helps too.
Now when I start getting one of the rare migraines I take two benedryl tablets and a vicodin (now vicodin does not make me groggy at all, quite the opposite it's like drinking 10 cups of coffee). If taken early enough this combination will stop the onset of a migraine for me.
But the biggest help for me has been avoiding items which triggered the migraines. MSG is one chemical that has been found to trigger migraines for lots of folks, so make sure to avoid it like the plague. You would be surprised how many prepared foods at restaurants and or in the grocery store have added MSG. The second food item which I had to eliminate was aspartame aka NutraSweet. I used to drink diet sodas all the time without realizing that they were causing the majority of my headaches. If you read up on the artificial sweetener you find that your body turn it into methanol or something like that, not good for the brain.
I had also found that there were smells that could bring on a headache too. For me the smell of diesel exhaust can cause an instant migraine. Another smell and/or pollen is that of "Star Gazer" lilies. It took me quite awhile to realize that every time there were flower arrangements with these particular fragrant flowers at my workplace I would end up in excruciating pain.
From my experiences with eliminating certain items from my food and surroundings, I have come to believe that most migraines are a type of allergic reaction. (therefore the benedryl cure). I strongly recommend keeping of a record of things you come into contact with before a migraine starts, then if you find a pattern eliminate possible triggers from your diet or environment.
I rarely get migraines anymore. I used to have them so often that I should have invested in the pharmaceutical companies. After years of getting migraines, some of which would last numerous days, with sensitivity to light and sound, nausea etc, I finally started to identify things that would trigger them for me and now avoid them. Imitrex was one of the few prescriptions which seemed to knock the headaches out, but left me feeling groggy and/or hungover. Before that I had tried narcotic type pills that rarely did any good, Ibuprofen barely made a dent.
I tried the heat to the neck thing which helped, also tried the immerse the whole body up to the neck in the hottest bath I could tolerate. I found staying in a completely dark room helps too.
Now when I start getting one of the rare migraines I take two benedryl tablets and a vicodin (now vicodin does not make me groggy at all, quite the opposite it's like drinking 10 cups of coffee). If taken early enough this combination will stop the onset of a migraine for me.
But the biggest help for me has been avoiding items which triggered the migraines. MSG is one chemical that has been found to trigger migraines for lots of folks, so make sure to avoid it like the plague. You would be surprised how many prepared foods at restaurants and or in the grocery store have added MSG. The second food item which I had to eliminate was aspartame aka NutraSweet. I used to drink diet sodas all the time without realizing that they were causing the majority of my headaches. If you read up on the artificial sweetener you find that your body turn it into methanol or something like that, not good for the brain.
I had also found that there were smells that could bring on a headache too. For me the smell of diesel exhaust can cause an instant migraine. Another smell and/or pollen is that of "Star Gazer" lilies. It took me quite awhile to realize that every time there were flower arrangements with these particular fragrant flowers at my workplace I would end up in excruciating pain.
From my experiences with eliminating certain items from my food and surroundings, I have come to believe that most migraines are a type of allergic reaction. (therefore the benedryl cure). I strongly recommend keeping of a record of things you come into contact with before a migraine starts, then if you find a pattern eliminate possible triggers from your diet or environment.
Sandy G
Retired Member
This sounds awful, & too simple, but...Back when I was having them, one thing I'd try was a good dosage of Laxative-Carter's Little Pills, Citrate of Magnesia, etc. Hey, when you've had an Eye-Crosser for a few days, you'll try ANYTHING...CAUTION: If you try Citrate Of Magnesia, lay in PLENTY of TP, new magazines, etc...And DON'T go off to visit Aunt Ida, that stuff is usually pretty fast acting.
Gang-Twanger
Resident Wharfedaliophool
I've been getting them since the early '80's. Used to take some heavy-duty painkillers whenever I got one.... that is, until Imitrex came out. Changed my life. Now the biggest thing I have to worry about is getting one in my sleep. I usually wake up and notice the aura thing is happening, and I have to stay awake and sit upright until that passes (because it will just go on and on and on if I go back to sleep, and then I end up with a really-BAD headache when I wake up again). That aura is a pain in the ass, especially when I'm on the computer or watching TV (because I have to stop), or when I'm driving or about to drive. But ultimately, it sure could be a lot worse. I used to get some really-nasty migraines in high school back in the '80's that would just debilitate me (I took a lot of sick-days, although I have to admit that not all those migraines were legitimate - It was a great excuse to get out of school when I really-needed to). But Imitrex definitely saved me. I used to use the disposable nasal-spray things, but I eventually switched to the pills (The pills may take a little longer to kick in, but I don't mind - That spray tastes nasty - It always drips down the back of your throat.... Yicch!).
As a kid I just wanted to sleep and not have to wake up w/o the damn thing gone, but as an adult not to that point.
My sis. however suffers from trigeminal neuralgia and that is a pain that makes ppl. opt out very often. She unfortunately has to live in a type of zombie-like state from all the meds she has to take. It is one nasty disease, and on her worst episodes she just wanted someone to put her out of her misery. The thing is also affectionately called 'the suicide disease' and is supposed to be one of the worst pains known to man. Dad unfortunately has started suffering from it too
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Gang-Twanger
Resident Wharfedaliophool
I agree about MSG... Bad for migraine-sufferers. Caffeine (Sorry, no Mountain Dew, as much as you love it.... OK, maybe just a sip or two). Andes thin mints, those little chocolate crunchy things they put all over Friendlies and Carvel ice cream cakes (which I friggin' LOVE...), anything with sodium nitrate in it, Peppermint Patties, ..... I could go on and on and on...
I can't take prescription painkillers though. Very-bad idea. I don't know how I managed it when I was in high school. Opiates and me don't mix. Bad things happen. Best if I stay far, far away.
Alienz
Super Member
I get them too, mainly after stress. Often have to throw up a lot too. I don't know whats worse sometimes, the physical pain or the horrible strange thoughts I have during an attack and yes Sandy, I can imagine your feelings very well. I cant even explain what kind of thoughts they are when i'm not having the attack.
Tried several meds but none work, heavier meds might just make it worse the doc said and I'm not taking that chance. There was one that helped really good against the vomitting but im not allowed to take that anymore because it doesnt combine well with my medication for a muscle disease.
Since I started getting regular massages its getting more controlable though, she taught me some breathing exercises which relax certain muscles in my neck and shoulder during an attack. I guess these exercises give me a whole other focus, I dont get carried away by the horrible thought that easy anymore. The attacks are also often shorter now on average, I still can get some that last all day.
Tried several meds but none work, heavier meds might just make it worse the doc said and I'm not taking that chance. There was one that helped really good against the vomitting but im not allowed to take that anymore because it doesnt combine well with my medication for a muscle disease.
Since I started getting regular massages its getting more controlable though, she taught me some breathing exercises which relax certain muscles in my neck and shoulder during an attack. I guess these exercises give me a whole other focus, I dont get carried away by the horrible thought that easy anymore. The attacks are also often shorter now on average, I still can get some that last all day.
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Tilt your head forward when spraying.lots of people tilt their heads back and the stuff just runs straight through to your stomach.
Jedi
Super Member
2 days ago I felt like I could'nt take it anymore....
dread31
Addicted Member
I've had them, off and on, in varying degrees for my entire life. Some are merely ocular, some are totally debilitating.
In my experience, there is nothing I can do with the really strong ones but ride them out. No fun at all, lying in bed all day with the shades drawn in dead silence as sledgehammers pound on my forehead.
The weak ones----An excedrin usually helps.
Dave
In my experience, there is nothing I can do with the really strong ones but ride them out. No fun at all, lying in bed all day with the shades drawn in dead silence as sledgehammers pound on my forehead.
The weak ones----An excedrin usually helps.
Dave