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07/20/2007 10:43:44 PM · #26 |
Umm I would recommend taking daily supplements of fish oil or if you are allergic to fish you could try flaxseed oil..the omega 3's and 6's which are extremely helpful to your brain..it may help and it may not but it also helps with clearer thinking as well..
I know a pressure point has been mentioned but I have used a different one for my son in the past, his migraines have lessened remarkably thank goodness. I do not envy anyone who has to suffer such pain...it is actually on the bottom of your wrist towards the outside(pinky finger)
Also get plenty of good rest and make sure you are not too stressed out..as this I am sure does not help..and I think allergies can play a part in it as well..
If you are looking for natural alternatives there may very well be a natural food store in your area,,they are a plethera of information and I strongly believe in treating the cause , not the symptom..especially with natural means...hope you all are doing better who have these nasty things..:)
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07/20/2007 10:55:02 PM · #27 |
I to suffered from migraines since the age of 7, mine just never went away. On the contrary, at the age of about 35 I started having clusters and woke up in a hospital more than once.
The scary thing about migraines is that it is sort of unique per person. What causes mine may not cause yours, what helps mine may not help yours. For example, cold treatment never helped me, it did nothing. Then an experienced hospital sister treated mine by placing hot, as hot as I can take, wet face towels around the base of my neck and on my forehead and temples. It helped.
Nowadays, being in Korea, I get acupuncture if it is a monster run of 3 plus days. That works. For my 'everyday', 'what I am use to' migraines I take 1000mg plain Aspiran and feel sorry for myself. |
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07/20/2007 11:07:37 PM · #28 |
My triggers are caffeine, stress, lack of sleep, and too much salt/sodium. A combo of those puts me down for the count.
I haven't had to get a prescription, yet, though mine are getting worse and more frequent. blah.
Up until this point, the best way for me to get rid of them is to take a couple of tylenol (ibuprofen works better, but I am a bit sensitive to that) when I see my *spots* that appear anywhere from 2 - 12 hours before my headache, then lay down in a cool dark room to sleep. I have to avoid all scents whatsoever because they make me nauseous. If I am just getting over one, a strong smell can bring it back on. :/
I know your schedule is busy, but do try to sleep at night. lack of sleep doesn't help anything -- except perhaps traffic at a certain website.
Someone mentioned menopause -- when I was pregnant with my son, I had nine glorious migraine free months. They came back with a vengance, though, when he was a few weeks old. |
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07/20/2007 11:11:15 PM · #29 |
I've not read all the replies, but will add what has worked for me.
Unfortunately, I get migraines every friggin month. Yup, my 'cycle' & chocolate is my trigger. I have 2 different strengths of Imitrex and even have the Imitrex injections for when I bring the pills back up. (Sorry) (Before Imitrex, my doctor or his nurse would stop by and give me injection, because I couldn't make it into the office.)
With that said.... I've not refilled, nor used, any of them in probably 5 years.
2 Extra-Strength Excedrin (NOT the migraine one) + 1 Extra-Strength Tylenol. Almost like clock work, within 1/2 to hour, migraine is gone, and I become human again.
Imitrex works, but works the best if used at onset. Well, I couldn't always do that if at work, etc. Not to mention, OMG, the rush and flush that came with it. I've tried ice packs, sorry, you can keep your ice pack, doesn't work for me. Hand reflexology eases it for a few minutes at least. And as you know, even a few minutes, or seconds, of relief is a godsend. I take that time of easement to take the Excedrin & Tylenol, and be able to keep it down. It is best to go see a reflexologist, I didn't have that choice, I bought a book on it. As I said though, for me, it only gives a few seconds/minutes of relief, but I'll take it! :)
A friend told me about the Excedrin & Tylenol mix, I hesitated at first, thinking yeah right. But I swear by it now.
Good luck and I wish you the best...
Christine |
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07/21/2007 12:08:06 AM · #30 |
| I have had migraines all my life and have FINALLY found Exedrine Migraine. But, you MUST take it at the onset of the migraine, or it takes a little longer. And if you've ever had a migraine, believe me, you will know when one's coming. Good Luck, I feel your pain!! |
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07/21/2007 01:53:29 AM · #31 |
Originally posted by Bosborne:
I have had migraines all my life and have FINALLY found Exedrine Migraine. But, you MUST take it at the onset of the migraine, or it takes a little longer. And if you've ever had a migraine, believe me, you will know when one's coming. Good Luck, I feel your pain!! |
I second that. Excedrin Migraine has changed my life and made me functional again. I agree that you must take it at the first signs of the migraine - don't think it will get better on its own, because it won't. In half an hour, migraine will have subsided.
Only drawback is that you might get a repeat the next day. That seems to be a side effect of over the counter migraine meds. So then you take it again. In my opinion, a small price to pay compared to the days of fetal position in darkened room while projectile vomiting. |
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07/21/2007 02:05:47 AM · #32 |
i've heard marijuana is good for headaches
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07/21/2007 03:12:54 AM · #33 |
water and sleep, my mom gets migraines
she got this book, aand it told her what not to eat
so she didn't eat any, and slowly phased em in one by one. she figured out it was almonds and orange juice |
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07/21/2007 03:46:51 AM · #34 |
Originally posted by fencekicker:
Two tylenol + two asprin + caffiene
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This was mine but without caffiene. Aspirin & tylenol both had to be extra strength. Now I use Imitrex. Gone in 31 minutes flat EVERY time!
Also you can look into This Book to help avoid them in the first place. |
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07/21/2007 09:53:41 AM · #35 |
Originally posted by Redjulep:
Originally posted by Bosborne:
I have had migraines all my life and have FINALLY found Exedrine Migraine. But, you MUST take it at the onset of the migraine, or it takes a little longer. And if you've ever had a migraine, believe me, you will know when one's coming. Good Luck, I feel your pain!! |
I second that. Excedrin Migraine has changed my life and made me functional again. I agree that you must take it at the first signs of the migraine - don't think it will get better on its own, because it won't. In half an hour, migraine will have subsided. |
The Excedrin Migraine made me sick when I tried it several years ago, before I realized that my big trigger is caffeine. EM has about two cups of coffee's worth.
What usually works for me is three naproxen and one meclizine tablet. In brand name terms, naproxen is Aleve, which is an anti-inflammatory. Meclizine is Less-Drowsy Dramamine, which is a totally different drug than the regular stuff and which zaps the vertigo and therefore also the nausea associated with it. I discovered it when I had lingering vertigo after a bout of flu and my doctor at the time prescribed Antivert - which is exactly the same drug.
I just woke up and I can already feel it threatening. I'm out of naproxen and meclizine, and I can't take the Imitrex since it won't do any good now four days in, so I've gotta get dressed and make a run out to the store to stock up. Bleh.
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07/21/2007 10:09:49 AM · #36 |
I CAN SO SYMPATHIZE WITH YOU ALL,i used to get crippling migraines,they would ball me up(fetal)for hours at a time in pain(felt like a frozen drillbit going into my brain)and was always the same pain in the same place in my head,they scared me alot and totally interfered with my life and ofcourse i thought the worst was in store for me medically in my near future, on a friends suggestion i had my eyes checked,got glasses,havent had one since,i wish you luck in solving your migraine problem,seeing a doctor is definitely your best bet.
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07/21/2007 10:23:37 AM · #37 |
Originally posted by Elmakias:
water and sleep, my mom gets migraines
she got this book, aand it told her what not to eat
so she didn't eat any, and slowly phased em in one by one. she figured out it was almonds and orange juice |
Wow, I hadn't considered these as triggers. I haven't had any migraines for a month or so, and I also haven't been eating any tree nuts during that time. Hmmm... |
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07/21/2007 10:33:49 AM · #38 |
fencekicker-
another trigger for migraines can be MSG, and another 'side effect' of MSG is excessive thirst
it's something to think about, especially as MSG can be 'hidden' in ingredients such as autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, natural flavors, soy extracts, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, sodium caseinate, and calcium caseinate. also be aware that MSG is present in quite high amounts in boullion, broth, stock, malt flavoring, and many seasoning mixes, AND it's found in most fast food "food", especially (for some reason) Kentucky Fried Chicken.
MSG is a BIG trigger for my father-in-law. A little is ok, but if he eats enough to get thirsty, he'll have a killer headache within a few hours
Sara |
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07/21/2007 10:54:30 AM · #39 |
Originally posted by saracat:
fencekicker-
another trigger for migraines can be MSG, and another 'side effect' of MSG is excessive thirst
it's something to think about, especially as MSG can be 'hidden' in ingredients such as autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, natural flavors, soy extracts, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, sodium caseinate, and calcium caseinate. also be aware that MSG is present in quite high amounts in boullion, broth, stock, malt flavoring, and many seasoning mixes, AND it's found in most fast food "food", especially (for some reason) Kentucky Fried Chicken.
MSG is a BIG trigger for my father-in-law. A little is ok, but if he eats enough to get thirsty, he'll have a killer headache within a few hours
Sara |
Thanks Sara :) MSG bothers my husband, and I like to make foods with basic ingredients. So, mostly we avoid MSG as long as I am cooking. But, that doesn't mean that I don't get it when we go out to eat, or eat foods that others make. I tend to read ingredients, especially since my son is allergic to red dye 40 which somehow finds its way into way too many foods/medications. MSG is an ingredient we avoid. I didn't realize though that MSG could be hidden in 'natural flavors'. Thanks for the tip. :) |
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07/21/2007 12:09:57 PM · #40 |
Originally posted by fencekicker:
Originally posted by Elmakias:
water and sleep, my mom gets migraines
she got this book, aand it told her what not to eat
so she didn't eat any, and slowly phased em in one by one. she figured out it was almonds and orange juice |
Wow, I hadn't considered these as triggers. I haven't had any migraines for a month or so, and I also haven't been eating any tree nuts during that time. Hmmm... |
I already know that chocolate gives me migraines.......but i love it soooooo much! i'd rather have the migraines then give up that yummy, rich and milky, heart warming, stomach-filling food! |
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07/21/2007 12:25:38 PM · #41 |
Originally posted by cassilda_terry:
[quote=fencekicker] I already know that chocolate gives me migraines.......but i love it soooooo much! i'd rather have the migraines then give up that yummy, rich and milky, heart warming, stomach-filling food! |
Have one for 4 days on-end, the kind where you are praying to find a claw hammer to relieve the pressure & pounding in your head.
Do I love chocolate, you better believe it, do I still eat it even though it is a trigger. Yup, just in small quantities and not every day.
Would I ever take a migraine over chocolate? Not on your life.
Tell ya what... you get the migraine and I'll eat the chocolate! Sounds like a deal to me. 8·)
I still say go for Excedrin & Tylenol mixture that I talked about earlier. |
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07/21/2007 02:39:21 PM · #42 |
Yes MSG is a horrible additive which always affects my son...
Also excessive thirst can be a sign of a lacking nutrient..
If you are craving orange juice and cant seem to get enough ,,I have found that it is an imbalance of electrolytes..again this can be helped with daily supplements..You might think vitamin C but it is more a combination of vitamins WITH minerals that your body is lacking.
I think all of this goes hand in hand with making sure your body is getting what it needs..
This is just my personal experience with members of my family..
Orange juice nor gatorade helped illeviate the thirst...multivitamins seemed to do the trick...
So along with needing these nutrients the omega 3 and 6 can do wonders..as it has with two in my family..
Message edited by author 2007-07-21 14:40:22. |
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07/22/2007 02:24:20 AM · #43 |
I agree with all the advice to find your triggers. I got my very fist migraine just about a year ago and I honest-to-goodness thought I was dying. My partner seems to have grown out of his but was swearing up and down that's what I had and finally, on the 8th day, I went to see my doctor to find out how long I had left. :/ Didn't take too much longer to figure out that stress was my trigger - and I'm VERY good at stressing.
For me, I get a few signals before the full migraine starts and if I'm paying attention I can work on relaxing and grab some advil to head it off. If it's too late, I have my prescription that my doctor gave me.
I'm one of those nutty folks that hates to take pills, but I won't hesitate if it's a migraine - that's a special misery right there!
Hope you're feeling better!
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07/27/2007 02:37:44 PM · #44 |
Well poo, this is day ten, so I've finally made an appointment, for next Wednesday. It's mostly been low-grade the whole time, but this is just too long. I think it's mostly just eye strain and stress, but that situation isn't likely to get any better anytime soon (computer at work, books and computer for school at home) so we've got to figure something out.
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07/27/2007 02:42:17 PM · #45 |
Day ten?!!! That sounds serious.
I hope they can get you fixed up ASAP. Keep us posted. |
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07/27/2007 02:58:18 PM · #46 |
Originally posted by rox_rox:
Day ten?!!! That sounds serious.
I hope they can get you fixed up ASAP. Keep us posted. |
I'll be surprised if it's anything serious, but it's annoying for sure. :P
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07/27/2007 03:07:08 PM · #47 |
| It is with fear and trepidation that I post here (I got a massive one after my last post), but I too, hope you get some relief, soon. |
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07/27/2007 04:19:49 PM · #48 |
Originally posted by Rebecca:
Well poo, this is day ten, so I've finally made an appointment, for next Wednesday. It's mostly been low-grade the whole time, but this is just too long. I think it's mostly just eye strain and stress, but that situation isn't likely to get any better anytime soon (computer at work, books and computer for school at home) so we've got to figure something out. |
If they can't find anything, I strongly recommend a trip to the dentist. Seriously. Teeth can be a major cause of pain ... |
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07/27/2007 04:51:49 PM · #49 |
I too get migraines, and I take 25 mg of meclizine as well. but I don't take any pain relievers. I actually drink a 32 oz bottle of Gatorade. My doctor informed me that the body is dehydrated (even though you may not feel like it) and it needs electrolytes. Pedialyte also works. But 2 of those in a day ceases the migraine, and by morning I'm all better.
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07/27/2007 05:03:09 PM · #50 |
Originally posted by Rebecca:
Well poo, this is day ten, so I've finally made an appointment, for next Wednesday. It's mostly been low-grade the whole time, but this is just too long. I think it's mostly just eye strain and stress, but that situation isn't likely to get any better anytime soon (computer at work, books and computer for school at home) so we've got to figure something out. |
You have an appt for NEXT Wednesday? Oh, man - I hope it clears up before then! That's terrible. |
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