Splitting migraine for 3 days straight

[Circe]

I've never had one like this before. Have tried every over the counter pain med there is with no effect: have had caffeine; am still temples-throbbing, puking headache-y. Do you guys have any tricks for making these GO AWAY?

 

[yennyfire]

Oh Circe, I am so sorry. There's nothing worse than a migraine, much less one that won't go away. Vomiting and then sleep usually helps me. If you haven't had any relief in 3 days, I'd probably call the doctor.

Hope you feel better soon!

 

[VRBeauty]

Oh Circe, I am so sorry. There's nothing worse than a migraine, much less one that wont go away. Vomiting and then sleep usually helps me. If you haven't had any relief in 3 days, I'd probably call the doctor.

Hope you feel better soon!

Ditto - call the doctor.

 

[JaneSmith]

Go straight to your MD.

 

[Circe]

I have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning - and it's not ER-worthy, just a remarkably nasty headache (I'm assuming because of local foul weather). That said, man, do I wish there were a magic bullet for these things. They are MISERABLE.

 

[baby nurse]

Were you diagnosed with migraines? I don't mean to sound snooty-- some people refer to any really bad headache as being a migraine when it's actually a very specific type of headache (dilation of a blood vessel in your head). I've had them since I was 12 and have tried different medications. Imitrex (sumatriptan) has helped me tremendously.
I'm sorry you're suffering ! It's a great idea that you're seeing your Dr. tomorrow.

 

[Circe]

Were you diagnosed with migraines? I don't mean to sound snooty-- some people refer to any really bad headache as being a migraine when it's actually a very specific type of headache (dilation of a blood vessel in your head). I've had them since I was 12 and have tried different medications. Imitrex (sumatriptan) has helped me tremendously.
I'm sorry you're suffering ! It's a great idea that you're seeing your Dr. tomorrow.

No, no formal diagnosis. I've only had a headache of this caliber once or twice before - once when I was on a drug called Premarin when I was having some hormone shifts after a late miscarriage, once or twice while I was pregnant a year or so later. This is the worst one I've ever had. It matches all the migraine symptoms I've heard of, and doesn't sound like anything else - but I'll ask my doctor to consider the possibilities tomorrow.

I don't suppose imitrex is the sort of thing I could just send my hubby out to the pharmacy for, is it ....? Highly unlikely. Alas, will just take some paracetamol and wait until the morning ....

 

[kenny]

Sorry you're suffering.
I used to get them many years ago and reducing stimulation to the eyes and hears helped.

Turn off the lights.
During daylight use dark curtains/shades.
Have everyone in the house stay quiet.
Sleep as much as possible.

That's what worked for me.

Also catching them early was important.
They started as a vague disturbance to my vision, like a mirage effect off to the side.
The area of the mirage increased over the first hour or so and could affect much of my vision.
If I immediately laid down in the dark and slept I may wake up with the migraine gone.
If I waited a few hours the migraine took off and took hold and became crippling and I could not stop it so easily.

For some reason I stopped getting them maybe 30 years ago.
When young I'd get a few a year.

 

[beaujolais]

So very sorry, Circe. I'm glad you've got a Drs. appt.

I'm a migraine sufferer (true migraines with the vomiting and all).

Other ideas - ice packs to head (migraines are vasodilation, that is why the caffeine works -it vasoconstricts). Other things I've tried with success for me: walk outside for a bit with wet hair if you are up to it (I think it changes up the vessels in the head) (works especially well if it is cool out), alcohol (meaning a glass of wine - do not mix with other contraindicated meds), tylenol and motrin at the same time (you can do this as they both have different effects), hot pack to the neck (if it is coming from neck tension). (and perhaps a new/used UV light? )

For prescriptions, I take Esgic Plus and Relpax (only half, if I take a full one I get short of breath).

Feel better, Dear.

 

[baby nurse]

Yeah, unfortunately you need a prescription for Imitrex. One good thing is that if you've had this for 3 days, it's likely due to wear off sooner rather than later. If you feel better in the morning though, make sure to see your doc anyway. Sending you lots of dust that relief is on its way!

 

[Mayk]

Circe,

My step DD gets these but nothing that has lasted three days... We do...Really cold coke in a can, Excedrine Migraine, ice pack and a sleeping mask for blocking out any light. I'm sure you've tried all of these...but just in case... I will toss out our combination... Doctor in the morning please!

M

 

[Dee*Jay]

If I whack down enough caffeine (translation A LOT OF FVCKING caffeine) early enough, and keep up that level of caffeine until it goes away, I can usually keep mine at a manageable level. But as you said, that has not worked for you--most unfortunate. One of the other things I've had success with is a gel mask that you keep in the freezer (or really probably a zip lock baggie of ice would do if you don't have a gel mask). Put is on the area of pain and keep it there until relief comes. And then do it again. And again.

I'm really concerned though that you don't feel better after having puked. That is usually defining factor. I know you are a big girl and can evaluate these things for yourself, but if you've puked and aren't feeling better you may want to seek more immediate care than tomorrow. (Of course *I* wouldn't, but this may be a case of "do as I say and not as I do" becaue I've always read this is a potential sign that something might be really wrong.)

Edit: Do you also have tunnel vision and/or a heightened sense of smell?

Edit #2: Also try an ice pack to the back of the neck. There is a medical response this prompts that makes it impossible to be naseaus (or nauseated, more accurately). I will look it up and give more info. Work for everything; motion sickness, hanger puking, EVERYTHING.

Edit #3: I can't find the name of this right now and the airline pilot who explained it to me is not answering his phone. Sorry--but please try it.

 

[erinl]

Circe,

If you have a dr's appt tomorrow, have them check your blood pressure in both arms. My mom had "the worst headache of her life"--she had terrible allergies and I think migraines--that didn't go away for a really long time, we all thought it was just a bout of that. She had an aortic aneurysm and died--it wasn't caught. I don't mean to be an alarmist, but terrible headaches can (but usually aren't) an aneurysm or a heart issue. I don't mean to scare you, just wish I could have prevented what happened to my mom....

I remember Sharon Stone had a brain aneurysm and she said a horrible headache should be checked out since she had one.

 

[VRBeauty]

Circe - I don't have personal experience with migraines - only had one in my entire life. My father used to get them a lot, although I don't recall them ever lasting more than one day. I think you need to get in to see a doctor to confirm that this is a migraine and get proper treatment - and to rule out the possibility that the pain is due to something other than a migraine. If the pain is gone when you get up tomorrow, go see the doctor anyway.

 

[iLander]

Are you dehydrated?

My DH gets headaches from being dehydrated. I make him drink about 32 oz of water, and he feels better in about an hour.

Do you have referred pain from the back, shoulder or neck? My DD gets headaches, and nine times out of ten, it's referred from a really tight shoulder muscle that she doesn't even know she has. The shoulder feels fine to her, but if I touch it, it's like a rock, all knotted up. Get thee to a heating pad right away.

I get optical migraines every now and then. They start out as confusion and trouble focusing, then they escalate to a bright burning light that "fractures" my vision. It's like a streak of immobile lightning across whatever I look at. Scared the hell out of me the first time, I thought it was torn retina or something. I went to an optical specialist and he diagnosed it. They tend to go away in an hour, if I lie down and relax. No one knows what causes those, but when I feel them coming on now, I take an aspirin and lie down for 10 minutes. My own theory is that optical migraines explain the burning bush, halos, angels, all kinds of things in the Bible. But that's my own crazy thought.

Actually, now that I think about it, the last time DD had a headache, she had it for three days . . . then it turned out she was getting sick! She had the flu for about 10 days after that, and it was awful. Maybe you're coming down with something? Get an antibiotic prescription, DD's flu went straight to bronchitis and she's still coughing a little, six weeks later.

 

[amc80]

Are you dehydrated?

My DH gets headaches from being dehydrated. I make him drink about 32 oz of water, and he feels better in about an hour.

Do you have referred pain from the back, shoulder or neck? My DD gets headaches, and nine times out of ten, it's referred from a really tight shoulder muscle that she doesn't even know she has. The shoulder feels fine to her, but if I touch it, it's like a rock, all knotted up. Get thee to a heating pad right away.

I get optical migraines every now and then. They start out as confusion and trouble focusing, then they escalate to a bright burning light that "fractures" my vision. It's like a streak of immobile lightning across whatever I look at. Scared the hell out of me the first time, I thought it was torn retina or something. I went to an optical specialist and he diagnosed it. They tend to go away in an hour, if I lie down and relax. No one knows what causes those, but when I feel them coming on now, I take an aspirin and lie down for 10 minutes. My own theory is that optical migraines explain the burning bush, halos, angels, all kinds of things in the Bible. But that's my own crazy thought.

Actually, now that I think about it, the last time DD had a headache, she had it for three days . . . then it turned out she was getting sick! She had the flu for about 10 days after that, and it was awful. Maybe you're coming down with something? Get an antibiotic prescription, DD's flu went straight to bronchitis and she's still coughing a little, six weeks later.

I get ocular migraines as well. Scared the crap out of me the first time. I kept thinking someone was shining a light into the side of my eye. And then the tunnel vision but sort of in reverse. I've learned that if I don't take it easy it will turn in to a full migraine.

I really hope you are feeling better soon!!

 

[Circe]

Thanks, guys, for all the advice - stayed down for the evening, visits to the porcelain altar aside, and have maintained the status quo of pounding headache. I'll definitely ask the doc for a full work-up tomorrow, better safe than sorry, and all suggestions for specifics to check are very much appreciated. Will write more tomorrow, just wanted to tell y'all how much I appreciated it.

 

[VRBeauty]

The father of one of my co-workers had what he thought were non-stop migraines that turned out to be shingles in his eye socket. He's in his 80's so at far, far greater risk for shingles than you are, but... something to ask about if the pain continues and stumps your doctors.

 

[stepcutnut]

Oh Circe-yuck, I feel for you!!! No medical advice here, so I am glad you are headed to your MD tomorrow to make sure all is well!

One thing to keep in mind-I saw in the other thread that you are working on weight loss-your body is more than likely in a state of detoxing right now and your body my be overwhelmed with all the 'junk' that is being released during this time. Make sure if you can keep it down to drink lots of water to flush out all the bad stuff and continue to do so through out your weight loss journey.

Also, have you tried any peppermint tea? That is one thing that seemed to work well for my aunt-she also liked peppermint oil on her temples. Good luck!

 

[natascha]

Im not in the us but over here you can get sumatriptan over the counter. Ask if any triptan is available.

Otherwise NAPROXEN is available over the counter. If its the 225g tablets take 3 in one go. Paracetamol is not going to help at all if its a migraine. As you've probably heard stay somewhere were you can keep it as dark and silent as possible, dont move around to much and cold packs usually help.

If it is triggered by muscled knots than getting a massage that gets rid of them will help.

 

[JewelFreak]

Circe, hell on wheels for you. Hope your doc has a good remedy -- it might have to do with your diet, good thought. I had migraines for about 20 years, starting when I was 9. Full on, with the glitter in the vision, feeling like the head will momentarily split in 2 like a melon. Agony. Mine stopped when I began taking antidepressants -- for depression -- but a good side effect of those meds.

You're doing the best possible thing -- going to the dr. Let us know what he says & in the meantime, much Noggin Dust for you!

--- Laurie

 

[Kelinas]

Triptians are not available OTC in the U.S.
I have very severe migraines, and the only thing that works is sumatriptan (Imitrex)
I was one of the worst cases my neuro saw- with 20 migraine days a month. Regardless of the medication that I'm taking now (which lessens the number of migraines, not the severity of it) my ritual is the same:
At the first sign of waves (aura distorted vision) I know that for me, I have 27 minutes before hell breaks loose.
I inject sumatriptan a la Sumavel DosePro. Find they darkest, coolest, and quietest room in the house. Lay down and prepare for immense nausea and vomiting. In about 4 hours, feel better enough to pass out from being tired :/

For me, naproxen worsens my migraines, as does caffeine.
I know most people don't have them as severe as me, and that plenty of people have it worse.
I hope that yours was a once in a life odd experience, as I wouldn't want to wish chronic migraines on even my enemies.


I advise for everyone to drink at least a cup of water a hour (great benefit for your skin too!) and really watch how much processed food and caffeine you are really consuming.

 

[natascha]

Triptians are not available OTC in the U.S.
I have very severe migraines, and the only thing that works is sumatriptan (Imitrex)
I was one of the worst cases my neuro saw- with 20 migraine days a month. Regardless of the medication that I'm taking now (which lessens the number of migraines, not the severity of it) my ritual is the same:
At the first sign of waves (aura distorted vision) I know that for me, I have 27 minutes before hell breaks loose.
I inject sumatriptan a la Sumavel DosePro. Find they darkest, coolest, and quietest room in the house. Lay down and prepare for immense nausea and vomiting. In about 4 hours, feel better enough to pass out from being tired :/

For me, naproxen worsens my migraines, as does caffeine.
I know most people don't have them as severe as me, and that plenty of people have it worse.
I hope that yours was a once in a life odd experience, as I wouldn't want to wish chronic migraines on even my enemies.


I advise for everyone to drink at least a cup of water a hour (great benefit for your skin too!) and really watch how much processed food and caffeine you are really consuming.

You've probably already tried everything, but since I know that not all neurologists are sometimes a bit classic, Ill just put it out there. Have you tried Neurontin (gabapentin) as a preventive treatment?

And I guess you've already tried all the different triptans, but if not do try the other ones. I personally found that naratriptan worked better on the really bad ones but take sumatriptan for the less severe cases.

Keep editing to add more stuff , when mapping your triggers were hormonal fluctuations one of them? For me keeping my hormone levels constant really helps.

 

[Kelinas]

Triptians are not available OTC in the U.S.
I have very severe migraines, and the only thing that works is sumatriptan (Imitrex)
I was one of the worst cases my neuro saw- with 20 migraine days a month. Regardless of the medication that I'm taking now (which lessens the number of migraines, not the severity of it) my ritual is the same:
At the first sign of waves (aura distorted vision) I know that for me, I have 27 minutes before hell breaks loose.
I inject sumatriptan a la Sumavel DosePro. Find they darkest, coolest, and quietest room in the house. Lay down and prepare for immense nausea and vomiting. In about 4 hours, feel better enough to pass out from being tired :/

For me, naproxen worsens my migraines, as does caffeine.
I know most people don't have them as severe as me, and that plenty of people have it worse.
I hope that yours was a once in a life odd experience, as I wouldn't want to wish chronic migraines on even my enemies.


I advise for everyone to drink at least a cup of water a hour (great benefit for your skin too!) and really watch how much processed food and caffeine you are really consuming.

You've probably already tried everything, but since I know that not all neurologists are sometimes a bit classic, Ill just put it out there. Have you tried Neurontin (gabapentin) as a preventive treatment?

And I guess you've already tried all the different triptans, but if not do try the other ones. I personally found that naratriptan worked better on the really bad ones but take sumatriptan for the less severe cases.

Keep editing to add more stuff , when mapping your triggers were hormonal fluctuations one of them? For me keeping my hormone levels constant really helps.

I've tried naratriptan (amerge) and I didn't like it. All together, I've been on rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan and a combo of sumatriptan and naproxen called Treximet. Straight up sumatriptan is the only one that remotely helps me. During a phase where we were trying different medication, my neuro gave me Maxalt (rizatriptan) and that about killed me. My pain got about 3times worse and lasted 33 hours before my husband finally ignored my protests and took me in to the ER (who quickly gave me a sedative and morphine)
As for daily preventatives, I take Topiramate which works really well, if you can ignore the side effects of thinning hair and hair loss along with a host of other effects that gives me nightmares. I'm in the process of weaning myself off the medication :/

Edited: my triggers are coffee (not so much caffeine persay but coffee definately), stress and sudden bright lights. My bedroom is pitch black thanks to some awesome blinds. I woke up one time to full sun and immediately knew I was screwed for the day. Same goes on turning on the light while I'm sleeping and flashing lights at clubs and rave like settings.
Oh and cigarettes. So I quit drinking coffee and smoking - two very big vices in my life. But on the bright side, I go running 5 miles a day and I can keep a decent pace.

Wow, it just hit me that My life is super boring now :/

 

[natascha]

I've tried naratriptan (amerge) and I didn't like it. All together, I've been on rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan and a combo of sumatriptan and naproxen called Treximet. Straight up sumatriptan is the only one that remotely helps me. During a phase where we were trying different medication, my neuro gave me Maxalt (rizatriptan) and that about killed me. My pain got about 3times worse and lasted 33 hours before my husband finally ignored my protests and took me in to the ER (who quickly gave me a sedative and morphine)
As for daily preventatives, I take Topiramate which works really well, if you can ignore the side effects of thinning hair and hair loss along with a host of other effects that gives me nightmares. I'm in the process of weaning myself off the medication :/

I never tried rizatriptan, but tried the rest.The worst one for me zolmitriptan as a nasal spray. Are you sensitive to all NSAIDs or just naproxen? Your experience sounds awful. Your husband did the right thing, you need to be careful with the really bad long migraine.

Ok, Topiramate is also an anticonvulsant, same as Gabapentin. Gabapentin is mainly used for epilepsy and neuropathic pain. At the maximum dose I was taking I would sometimes feel that I had a migraine due to the aura and lovely side effects, but I wasn't in pain so could live normally. The main side effect is that it makes you drowsy but I was still able to go to school, etc. My mom has chosen to only take it at night and not use a morning dose, so she sometimes still get migraines but less often and not as intense. The only other side effects that I experienced was lower blood pressure and some nausea the first two weeks after upping the dosage. After the first two weeks the nausea went away. Maybe that would work for you if the issue with Topiramate was the side effects.

 

[gem_anemone]

I get headaches that last days. I went to the dr and was prescribed rizatriptan. Most times it helps, but sometimes it doesn't It works better when I catch them early. I believe my trigger is dehydration.

 

[Sparklelu]

So very sorry, Circe. I'm glad you've got a Drs. appt.

I'm a migraine sufferer (true migraines with the vomiting and all).

Other ideas - ice packs to head (migraines are vasodilation, that is why the caffeine works -it vasoconstricts). Other things I've tried with success for me: walk outside for a bit with wet hair if you are up to it (I think it changes up the vessels in the head) (works especially well if it is cool out), alcohol (meaning a glass of wine - do not mix with other contraindicated meds), tylenol and motrin at the same time (you can do this as they both have different effects), hot pack to the neck (if it is coming from neck tension). (and perhaps a new/used UV light? )

For prescriptions, I take Esgic Plus and Relpax (only half, if I take a full one I get short of breath).

Feel better, Dear.

WOW I can't believe another wet head outsider!! I thought I was the only one. I went out once at midnight in February in NYC in my pajamas, coat and soaking wet head!

The other trick is ICE pack to the front of my head while standing in a really hot shower.
Ditto on the hydration.
I have noit had a migraine in about 3 months, but went on Topamax about 6 months ago. Except for the tingling fingers and the elevated body temp. I'm liking it

Also ypu may want to look into BOTOX in the back of your neck. It gets those tight muscles that trigger it.
Good luck hope it goes away

 

[backwardsandinheels]

Oh bummer Circe. Try some magnesium. A supplement at the regular amount, two if you feel one coming on. But a supplement everyday. Could stave off leg cramps a bit too, like potassium.

 

[PintoBean]

Circe!

Please get to a doctor ASAP!
I do get weather related headaches - right before or during rain, but nothing that turns my tummy upside down!

My concern is the length of time you have been enduring this - 3 days. My mother had a splitting headache for 3 days, thought she was coming down with the flu, and when she finally hauled herself to the doctor a few days later, it turned out to be an acute glaucoma. She was being stubborn and didn't go right away. They were able to relieve the pressure in her eyes, but there are some long term effects - think overinflated balloon going back to normal size being more "wrinkly" and "stretched."

Sending you healing dust!

 

[Skippy123]

I haven't read all the posts but I get migraines from time to time. If your get bad and often go to the doctor. If not, then lots of water and rest. I think often times when I get migraines it is my bodies way of saying slow down!! My doctor says aleve helps; I use it but it seems okay. could it be sinus? I sometimes think I might be getting a migraine and it is sinus. Sleep, dark room, and hydrate. I hope yours goes away.