(Kind of) new to list
Hello all, My name is Sarah. I joined this list months ago and posted maybe one message. That was back in November I think. Well, happily, I hadn't had a migraine so I just kept lurking and reading messages every once in a while. So, now, I have a lot to write about. This email is going to be long, so I appologize early. I am not a daily migraine sufferer; my migraines come in monthly periods. I've had them since I was 8 years old (I'm 17 now). My main triggers are allergies, stress, and lack of sleep. Sadly on Sunday, I got a migraine. It had been 25 weeks since my last one. That's almost 6 months! I was extremely happy with the period of time I have gone without one. I'm now on day 3 of my migraine. When I get one it usually lasts between 6 to 8 days. I'm praying that it will end soon, because this is my last week of school and I have to miss my final exams because of it. It upsets me because having to make up the exams stresses me out. Another problem with my migraines is that I become immune to pain killing medication. I'm using Excedrin Migraine right now, but it's not working very well. The caffine is keeping me awake when I need to sleep. (sleeping off migraines help me.) Because this migraine was caused by allergies, I'm alternating my sinus medicine with the excedrin. I think the excedrin works a little bit, but mostly I have to focus my eyes on something for the pain to go away long enough to get up out of bed and eat, etc. But, it's harder this time because it is very humid, hot and worstly sunny here---and the sun makes my eyes hurt, causing my headache pain to increase. I'm sorry for this long ramble! Does someone have any suggestions of any over-the-counter medicines I could take? My goal is to be able to go to school tomorrow to take my exam and make up the one I missed today. Also, chiropractic treatment has helped me. Has chiropractic treatment worked for anyone else? I'm very glad to be a part of this list. Not too many people understand migraines where I live and it's nice to know that I'm not alone. Sincerely, Sarah
Hi Sarah! Sorry to hear your migraines have returned. I never use Excedrin Migraine, though once in a while if I am out of my prescription meds I may use Excedrin PM because it lets me sleep a little easier. I agree with EVERYONE here who tells you to go to a doctor who will take your migraines seriously as a treatable ailment, and then set about finding a way to get them under YOUR CONTROL. In the mean time, it will help you to feel better to go about your life as best you can, to take your finals and see your friends and all that suff that's important to you. I've had migraines as far back as I can remember, and they used to make me miss pyjama parties because I would get excited to go to them (how annoying is THAT??!!). Eventually I just started to go to things anyway. The headaches didn't get any worse because of it. Treat yourself well, and give yourself credit for the work you do, and you will feel better, little by little. Get a good doctor too (it may take a while) and that will help immeasurably. Don't give up! I wish there had been this group when I was 17... I am rooting for you! sue h
Hi Sarah! It's terrible that your migraines have returned. I have read everyones message to you and they gave you some really good advice. Ron brought up something that I hadn't thought about. The age issue. All of us migrainers have run into our share of doctors who treat us like drug seekers or someone who just wants an excuse to get out of doing things such as work or school. They will be even more suspicious of you because of your age. If you can, see if it is possible for a parent or aunt, anyone responsible and believable, to go with you to the doctor. Also, I wanted to tell you that no over the counter meds ever worked for me except Ibuprophen. Four of them equal 800 mg. which is the highest prescription dosage that you can get. Three of them (600 mg.) might do the trick so you can get through finals. You can only take this dosage every eight hours. I also took Phenergan with it. Phenergan is an anti-nausea med with a mild pain killer in it. It is very safe and is given to very young children. This combination worked for many a migraine for me for a long time, except for the occasional killer ones. My migraines have gotten progressively worse over the years. If you feel that you really need the help, is there a minor emergency clinic near you. Most doctors have no problem at all writing a prescription for Phenergan and you might be able to get some tonight so that you will have it for the rest of the week. It may make you a little drowsy. It doesn't me and I take 50 mg. at a time. The usual dosage is 25mg. I don't know what I would do without it. I don't know what it is about it, but it works. Good Luck and we are here if you need us. Sandra