| Author | |
CrunchyMom
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 03 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6385
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 6:14pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Can you tell me what you know? Do you take strong meds to ward them off at the onset? What do you know about them?
Paul and I both get migraines. I am fortunate in that mine are usually connected to my menstrual cycle, and since I only cycle once in a blue moon these days (or to be exact, twice in 5 1/2 years!), I haven't had to deal with them much. I get tension headaches, too, which are a pain, but not nearly as debilitating.
Paul, on the other hand, gets the real thing. It seems to me to be happening more frequently. I used to tell people that it happened 2x a year, but his last one was on our way home (fortunately started just in the last hour or two) from traveling at Thanksgiving. He has one now which he claims is the worst one he's ever had.
I don't know if that's true. If he still has it tomorrow, I think I will take him tot he hospital, if that still seems to be the case.
When he gets them, they put him to bed. He came home at 2:15 and went to bed, but I didn't get home from homeschool stuff until 5:30. I hung blankets over the windows to make it as black as possible, got him some ibuprophen (he'd taken tylenol when he got home and it hadn't helped but wasn't sure about taking something else--but I know that you are supposed to be able to alternate the two so you don't have to wait the full 6 hours to take something.). I only gave him three because he is super paranoid about taking medicine and never does it unless he has a migraine.
I know some people can somewhat function with them at varying levels, but I recall when we were first married, he had one that lasted two days, and he was crawling on the ground. I don't think he's "exaggerating" or anything.
We don't eat a lot of chemicals. I'm pretty sure MSG is a strong trigger for him since it affects us both very much (and always has even before we knew that was what it was) even when not resulting in a migraine.
However, I just read that beans and aged cheese are both triggers--as well as the weather (which I think is a trigger for me sometimes). And of course we had beans with cheese (which we have very often) and there is a front coming through (freezing now but supposed to warm up this weekend).
Anyway, I was reading about when you should go to the hospital, and "if this is the worst its every been" is an indicator.
There is also some speculation of their being connected to heart disease which I know will scare Paul to death if I tell him because he already worries about his blood pressure being on the high side, heart issues (because of panic attack type incidences), shortness of breath on occasion, etc... He just HATES doctors and hospitals (not personally, just has always been freaked out to go--a true phobia regarding needles).
Anyway, he's never been to the doctor regarding them. Our chiropractor is actually an expert on stopping migraines (he used to suffer which is why he became one), but ever since Paul discovered he could stop them in his tracks, EVERY migraine that has happened since has been at a time when the doctor is off-duty  :
So, I will probably recommend he schedule an appointment with Dr. Forwood to see if he can offer further advice.
But, I'd also like to hear of any experiences in treating them as they are super, super debilitating. Even the day after it ends, Paul feels weak and unable to do much--which he is usually super busy (when he stayed home from work with a bad cold recently, he kept saying he felt like he should be doing something constructive  ).
ANy thoughts?
__________________
Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Red Cardigan
Forum Pro
Joined: June 16 2007
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 470
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 7:41pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Lindsay, migraines here, and high blood pressure too, and really bad about going to the doctor...
One thing I've heard, and have seen firsthand from men I know, is that men who get migraines usually do have the worst, most debilitating sort. I get that kind fairly infrequently, and can usually tell when an ordinary one is coming so I can take medicine pre-emptively; but the debilitating kind usually hit me first thing in the am (that is, they develop during the night while I'm asleep, so I don't know to take anything, and I wake up with the full symptoms: throbbing head pain on one side, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, etc.).
I don't use a prescription med; Excedrine usually does the trick for me, b/c the caffeine in it really, really helps. I also put ice in a towel on my neck, or will lie down in a dark room with ice around my neck and over my eyes, though some people find that heat works better. For my worst kind it can still take eight hours or more for the pain to diminish; the "worst one" I ever had lasted from before dawn to well past midnight, but I've heard of people having that level of pain for days (I don't know how they can get through it!).
Recently I found out my bp had skyrocketed (I was running 170/100) and ever since I saw a doctor & started taking a blood pressure medicine my headaches have been much less frequent--some of the ones I thought of as "migraines" were probably blood pressure headaches. I had migraines before I had blood pressure problems, though, and have to stay away from those triggers I can control. For me, the big one is chocolate. It doesn't take very much, either--I ate four chocolate chip cookies on Christmas day and spend Boxing Day in bed feeling like I'd been "boxing" already. 
If you have a home blood pressure monitor, I'd suggest that your dh take his blood pressure right away as this headache is so bad. If the bp seems okay and he's coherent and starting to feel better, then you can probably wait until morning to seek medical advice; I'd watch for any incoherence or additional symptoms as well as the blood pressure level.
Hope this helps! I'll be praying!
__________________
http://www.redcardigan.blogspot.com
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 7:51pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Lindsay - I have them to varying degrees.
You know almost all that I would be able to tell you about them - watch for triggers (add chocolate and red wine to your list), block the light and brace yourself.
Here are a couple of other things I've found to help:
**Regular exercise has really been helping me. I had one the other day, but it left quickly and with only ibuprofen (usually ibuprofen is only spitting in the face of a migraine.)
**As SOON as you feel one coming on - start chugging copious amounts of water and cease any and all sugar consumption. I'm certain from the things you've said that you probably do this already, but I thought I'd mention it.
**Take an Excedrin for migraine and 2 aspirin immediately if you have no other health reasons that contraindicate either of those meds. For the biggies...the ones that knock you out...Excedrin for migraine is the only thing that touches it. And, I've had very good success with it. I don't take it while nursing or pregnant though...so that limits my consumption.
**Wrap an ice pack in a clean, soft dish towel and gently place the ice pack over the eyes and forehead. A very little bit of pressure here on the forehead offers me some relief. Another option that sounds weird but feels really good is to fill a long (clean obviously) kneesock or other sock with rice and knot the end to keep the rice in. Put it in the freezer and once it's cold put it on your forehead and over eyes. Relief.
**My mom and I call the day after the migraine - "headache hangover" and it feels just like that...you're fuzzy, a little weakened from the experience, likely dehydrated from being so nauseous. Have him drink as much water as he can and really focus on good protein meals.
For now, I'd be very worried if he were saying "this is the worst ever." I'm not sure how to advise you, I've taken my dh to the er (not with a migraine) a couple of times in the middle of the night and it is super frightening. I think I'd have the keys out, and be dressed and ready to run. Make some arrangements right now for the littles just in case and watch him. If you can get out to get him the Excedrin - do so! He'll be up all night (there's a good shot of caffeine in there, but I'd rather be awake than suffering from an intense migraine. It may help him round the corner and then make that appt with your chiropractor!!!
It would probably be wise once he's coherent to think back and record everything he ate the last couple of days in a food diary so you can begin to connect the dots to find his trigger.
I'm sending lots of prayers tonight, Lindsay! I'm a puddle when my strong guy is suffering intensely! Praying he feels relief soon sans hospital if at all possible!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 7:52pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Cross posting with Red...sure hope there's something here that can help get him through the night, Lindsay!
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
folklaur
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2816
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 7:56pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
no blood pressure issues here, but I get debilitating migraines - to the point that if I can't fall asleep I will begin vomiting, etc. And I can *TOTALLY* relate to not liking meds - meds are a major panic attack trigger for me.
However, I will take something for a migraine. I can't not. Even taking something usually just allows me to go to sleep, and hopefully sleep it off, although I will usually have residual pain the next day. I have gotten them since grade school, usually triggered back lack of sleep. I haven't noticed a food trigger.
Aspirin w/caffeine helps me. Or Excedrin - which is basically tylenol, aspirin and caffeine. The caffeine is the trick.
When I was younger and didn't have panic attacks, I would take Fiorinal (BUTALBITAL/ASPIRIN/CAFFEINE) or Fioricet (instead of Aspirin it has tylenol). They work excellent, and my DH takes one very occasionally (2 or 3 times a year) for bad headaches. So does my Mom. I desperatly wish I could take them, they work well.
Praying for him - and you too. And if it is to bad - yes get him to the ER, they will give him something so he doesn't have to suffer.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
folklaur
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2816
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 7:58pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Also - yes, it is better to take something at the first sign of a migraine. The longer you wait, the harder teh meds have to work and the less effective they will be. I know I often try to "wait it out" to see "if I really need it." But I shouldn't. Usually a migraine - even the start of one - feels different than a regular headache....
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Servant2theKing
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 13 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1505
|
| Posted: Feb 06 2009 at 8:17pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
As already mentioned, migraines tend to be worse in men...sometimes men can be prone to a type of migraine known as "cluster" headaches. My late brother had them, along with a male cousin, and our teenage son get regular migraines. For all of them sleeping it off in a darkened room seemed to be one of the best remedies. Most of the women in our family who get them have had good results with Excedrin and using ice or a cold cloth. Some additional triggers that haven't been mentioned are lack of sleep, high humidity, bright light or sunshine, tobacco smoke, several foods (chocolate, caffeine, aged cheese, grapes, citrus, red wine, MSG, as well as other food additives such as nitrate or nitrite...the caffeine is a tricky one,since caffeine is often added to some migraine remedies; I think it's the amount of caffeine that can be an issue). Weather changes, heat and humidity, along with hormones, are some of my biggest triggers (and are the ones over which one has little control). My worst migraine ever lasted several days, during and after a trans-Atlantic flight, which lasted 24 hours...I'm assuming jetlag, change in air pressure, being exposed to smokers in several European airports, as well as lack of sleep were all contributing factors.
I hope your husband can see the chiropractor soon, since that seems to give him relief! Thank you for mentioning it...we may need to resort to that route if our son's migraines get worse. Keeping track of blood pressure is also an excellent suggestion. Several family members with migraine have had incredibly high blood pressure during their worst migraines. FWIW, I take Imitrex for severe migraines, and am able to treat milder ones with Advil liqui-gels. I recently received information in the mail that mentioned a new drug combining Imitrex with Naproxen, although Naproxen has never seemed to help my migraines.
I believe St. Teresa of Avila experienced migraines. Praying for her intercession on your husband's behalf.
__________________
All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
LisaD
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 27 2005
Location: California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 526
|
| Posted: Feb 07 2009 at 9:51am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I get them very occasionally. I did, in fact, have one on Thursday. It was triggered by not wearing dark glasses on a very bright day, and we were walking around outside for several hours. A neurologist acquaintance once told me that 800 mg. ibuprofen and a cup of strong coffee is as effective as prescription migraine medication for many people. That's what I usually take when I feel one coming on. This time, my head was already exploding by the time I could get to the ibuprofen (I like the liquid gels--they work faster) and coffee, so I did end up taking prescription pain killer that night.
I hope your dh is feeling some relief today.
__________________
~Lisa
Mama to dd(99), ds(01), ds(03) and ds(06)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
CrunchyMom
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 03 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6385
|
| Posted: Feb 07 2009 at 11:17am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you SO much ladies for your advice, insight, and prayers.
I think that the Ibuprofen knocked the edge off as a couple of hours after I posted, my husband was able to carry a conversation saying something besides "I don't know" and "Its really bad."
He slept it off and I think is find today except being tired.
I am going to take notes, though, about the different over the counter remedies and amounts and see if I can convince him of the prudence in keeping the "cocktail" at work, in the car, and at home so he can address them immediately.
I think I will also see if I can get him to keep a food journal. 3 months seems like a long time to keep such a thing--yk, as long as you are feeling good it seems like a hassle until you get sick and wonder what caused it! But, perhaps he can do it.
We do have a home blood pressure cuff, but I don't think either of us have thought to use it during a migraine. Thanks for the suggestion!
Thank you again.
__________________
Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
My Symphony
[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2009 at 1:20pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Does he regularly use caffiene? it seems that many people I know if they regularly use caffiene don't get as much relief from using caffiene during a migraine.
Myself and at least one other person I know that doesn't use caffiene typically. Can use it alone and mostly knock out a migraine.
So he could try the caffine alone and see if it helps so that he doesn't feel like he's needing to take lots of meds since he doesn't like taking meds.
I find a 12oz cola (coke or generic) is the best form to really knock out the migraine.. contrary to the person above who said no sugar.. other forms like in tea don't help as much (and I can't drink coffee).
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
D. Marie
Forum Rookie
Joined: Dec 04 2008
Location: California
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 71
|
| Posted: Feb 10 2009 at 2:58pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Migraines run in my family. I decided several years ago to see a chiropractor, and turns out that I have lost the natural curve in my neck. So if I go for regular adjustments, it cuts out the amount of migraines I get. Once I get one though, I'm down for a few days. I usually don't take anything, because I am usually pregnant or nursing! LOL I would definitely go to the doctor to make sure it isn't something else, or something that can be taken care of. Peace be with you...
__________________
Wife and Mom of 7
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
Forum Locked) 
4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Migraines
