Need help with migraine

[somethingshiny]

I have gotten migraines for 20 years and am aware of my triggers. However, since having had Lily and starting the pill (yaz) the migraines have increased, significantly. This morning I woke up with my 3rd migraine in 3 weeks. Since they are coming so frequently it doesn't seem to be hormonal but that is the only thing that I can think of. My other triggers are: stress, lack of sleep, too much caffeine, fried foods. Obviously I keep these under control.

My entire life, my migraines start with an aura of colored lights. These do not. I did notice last night it felt almost like I was buzzed when I laid down. Kind of like how the room almost wants to spin. Then this morning, I woke with the pain so bad I couldn't get to the bathroom. Right now, I'm able to sit in the quiet while on loads of Percocet. I've been able to avoid vomiting so far today (thank God for small favors)

I need advice on what other triggers may be happening, if anyone knows anything about hormonal migraines that happen this frequently (if they are hormonal), also any info on Imitrex or anything else along those lines. Since I've basically been able to control my triggers, I have never been on a daily medication for migraines but am considering it now. btw-I have an appt next tues with my doc to try to figure some of this out too. But, based on the past few weeks, I'll have another migraine between now and then.

sorry that this is rambly but I can't stand to look at the screen to go back an edit.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Do you have a prescription for imitrex? Have you taken it before? I used to get migraines, and imitrex was a true blessing for me, so long as I took it early enough. It comes in pill form, nasal spray (great for those who suffer from nausea) and, I believe injections as well. If I did not take it quickly enough after the onset of symptoms, then I was out for the day -- cold dark room, eye mask, vomiting all day. I've also found migraine cooling pads like these http://www.drugstore.com/qxp39875/wellpatch/migraine_cooling_headache_pads.htm?fromsrch=migraine extremely comforting, whether I would take the imitrex soon enough or not.

It does seem like the pill may be causing these migraines, since the symptoms differ from those that you have experienced in the past when you have not been on this pill (I'm assuming it's new to you.) Hopefully, your dr can prescribe something different. Hoping you feel better soon!!

 

[Pandora II]

If you have a history of migraine with aura then you really shouldn't be taking BCP as it carries a increased risk of stroke. You can take the progesterone only pills (mini-pill) like Cerazette. I didn't get on well with it but lots of people really like it, plus it doesn't have the small window that most POP's so you don't have to take it the same time every day.

I've had migraine for many years and was seriously annoyed when they banned the BCP as mine are mainly oestrogen triggered - I get them around ovulation and just before AF as your oestrogen levels drop at these times. I used to run 6 packs of BCP back to back to avoid the migraines!

Nowadays I take Zomig - I have the 2.5mg tablets and take 1/2 a tablet at a time. They are the only thing that works for me and they don't make me sick like most of the other meds seem to.

You have my sympathy as it is really nasty. Mine tend to come in clusters as well - I'll have a couple of months with just one or two and then others where I'm getting 3 a week... eugh!

 

[AprilBaby]

Please ask your Dr about Topomax. Might not be the right time for you but definitely works.

 

[DivaDiamond007]

If you have a history of migraine with aura then you really shouldn't be taking BCP as it carries a increased risk of stroke. You can take the progesterone only pills (mini-pill) like Cerazette. I didn't get on well with it but lots of people really like it, plus it doesn't have the small window that most POP's so you don't have to take it the same time every day.

I've had migraine for many years and was seriously annoyed when they banned the BCP as mine are mainly oestrogen triggered - I get them around ovulation and just before AF as your oestrogen levels drop at these times. I used to run 6 packs of BCP back to back to avoid the migraines!

Nowadays I take Zomig - I have the 2.5mg tablets and take 1/2 a tablet at a time. They are the only thing that works for me and they don't make me sick like most of the other meds seem to.

You have my sympathy as it is really nasty. Mine tend to come in clusters as well - I'll have a couple of months with just one or two and then others where I'm getting 3 a week... eugh!

I agree with Pandora: you shouldn't take BCPs with your history of migraines. As a DVT survivor I would also suggest that you have a full blood workup to check for clotting disorders.

When I get a migraine (rarely) I take 2 percocets and lay down in a dark, cool room with a cold washcloth on my forehead or neck. Mine always seem to start in my right eye and then I get the aura too. I hope that you are feeling better soon.

 

[artdecogirl]

Somethingshiny, I am sorry you are going through this! I have had migraines since i was a kid, they also escalated during my childbearing years. I did notice that my triggers changed when my body changed with having children. Some of the issues were nitrates - processed meats, abruptly stopping caffine , eye strain, and after having the kids artificial sweeteners, (my beloved diet pop ). I have used imitrex spray in the past but found 800mg ibuprofen and a bag of frozen peas at the back of my neck worked best for me. I have not tried any of the daily meds but you might want to try one for a while until your body levels out a little bit? or until you find if your triggers have changed? Good luck!

 

[zipzapgirl]

I think you should look into the issues with YAZ. I stopped taking it because it was making my migraines more frequent. I switched to Nuva Ring (which had its own issues, but not with migraines ). Google Yaz + Migraines + research studies and you'll see quite a bit is out there.

 

[elrohwen]

Personally, I would get on a daily preventative - I'm currently on topomax, but after 4 months it isn't working as well as it once did at the dose I am taking, while I get annoying side effects at higher doses. Still, it's very effective for many people. Another option are SSRIs, like Prozac. Taking too many pain killers makes the problem far worse, as you're building up your sensitivity and resistance to the meds over time. If you're getting more than 4 migraines per month, a daily preventative (that is not a pain killer) would be the way to go. Your PCP should be able to prescribe most of these, though mine had not heard of SSRIs for headaches and I have an appointment with a specialist now. Are you getting headaches other than the migraines? How often do you take pain killers?

As far as triggers go, I have never really bought the whole trigger system of migraine management. For some people it can be very effective - avoid caffeine (or chocolate, or whatever) and you never have a migraine again? Great! For others, it just involves thinking a million things are your triggers and trying to avoid them all. Or, for others, like me, the triggers can involve things like computer screens or dark rooms with bright lights (like watching presentations in meetings) which are unavoidable - in these cases, you can spend your life keeping a journal and examining every single trigger, but it won't help you get rid of the migraines. You can just drive yourself crazy.

ETA: Also, I'm curious about the research with Yaz now! I've been on Yaz for a few years, though I have had migraines for my entire life, so I doubt they're linked in my case. Still, it might be worth a change in medication just to see if it helps. Too bad I *just* went to the OB.

ETA2: I have also never been told not to take BCP with a history of migraines since there are no other clotting disorders in my medical history. This is news to me. I'll be asking the specialist.

 

[natascha]

The pill is probably the issue here, I would try cerazette instead. That one actually helped my migrains. I use naramig which I find gives me less side effects. Also if you start having more migrains during a long time I would bring up the possibility of using Neurontin (gabapentin) with your doctor.
Another thing that could help is massage, sometimes I get nots or what you call them in my neck and shoulder and that basically has me getting recurrent migrains until I sort them out.
Hopeing it get's better soon.

 

[Pandora II]

Personally, I would get on a daily preventative - I'm currently on topomax, but after 4 months it isn't working as well as it once did at the dose I am taking, while I get annoying side effects at higher doses. Still, it's very effective for many people. Another option are SSRIs, like Prozac. Taking too many pain killers makes the problem far worse, as you're building up your sensitivity and resistance to the meds over time. If you're getting more than 4 migraines per month, a daily preventative (that is not a pain killer) would be the way to go. Your PCP should be able to prescribe most of these, though mine had not heard of SSRIs for headaches and I have an appointment with a specialist now. Are you getting headaches other than the migraines? How often do you take pain killers?

As far as triggers go, I have never really bought the whole trigger system of migraine management. For some people it can be very effective - avoid caffeine (or chocolate, or whatever) and you never have a migraine again? Great! For others, it just involves thinking a million things are your triggers and trying to avoid them all. Or, for others, like me, the triggers can involve things like computer screens or dark rooms with bright lights (like watching presentations in meetings) which are unavoidable - in these cases, you can spend your life keeping a journal and examining every single trigger, but it won't help you get rid of the migraines. You can just drive yourself crazy.

ETA: Also, I'm curious about the research with Yaz now! I've been on Yaz for a few years, though I have had migraines for my entire life, so I doubt they're linked in my case. Still, it might be worth a change in medication just to see if it helps. Too bad I *just* went to the OB.

ETA2: I have also never been told not to take BCP with a history of migraines since there are no other clotting disorders in my medical history. This is news to me. I'll be asking the specialist.

I discussed the BCP thing with the specialist I was seeing at the National Hospital for Neurology here in London as I have extremely low blood pressure and no family history of clotting disorders and was told that neither of these things were indicators of the risk of stroke caused by taking the BCP. They were really adamant about not taking it. If you don't have a history of aura then it's fine, it's only migraine with aura that has the risk.

I have the aura that starts with weird coloured halos round things and then when the migraine kicks in I go numb down one side of my face and one arm, my speech slurs and I can't find words and I see horrible jaggy shapes and feel really nauseaus.. then I know I have to sleep for a few hours and take the Zomig.

 

[Keepingthefaith21]

I echo the ladies who mentioned the BCP could be to blame. For a long time I had horrible migraines with auras. When I switched from BCP to IUD the headaches self-resolved. Now I almost never get migraines.

I had my Mirena removed to TTC. As DH and I wound up with some complications I am going back onto oral contraceptive. This time around my OB will only prescribe the mini-pill as she echoed those who stated that regular pills can cause migraines.

Talk to your doctor about another method of oral (or vaginal) contraceptive that is avalible. I hope that a change in BCP will relieve your migraines. Maintenance meds to control your symptoms are also worth exploring. I am terribly sorry you are suffering so much with them.

 

[somethingshiny]

Thank you all for your advice. Sorry I can't write individually right now. Bit hard to type. DH finally insisted on taking me to ER. Got a shot of Imitrex and Demoral and Phenergran (I'm sure those are all spelled incorrectly.) I've vomited 6 or so times since last night. Feeling much better. ER doc inquired about a CT scan and advised I should switch to Nuvaring. Seems to think the estrogen is causing it. Have lots to look into, but now while the room is spinning. I'll come back to this thread to research these things.

 

[elrohwen]

Thanks Pandora! I don't get auras, so I guess BCPs are safe for me after all.

Somethingshiny, I hope a change in BC helps!