sb129 Posted July 27, 2008 Share Posted July 27, 2008 It definitely sounds like migraines to me- mine is headache first, then vomiting and its been confirmed by a doctor that its migraine. There are lots of different manifestations, for example I have never had visual disturbances, but they are another common symptom of migraine. Thanks for the good wishes... my mother calculates that if we get married in Jan she could be a grandmother by Christmas (no pressure!!!) we are a little more.... shall we say... relaxed about the process and aren't in quite as much of a hurry. Good luck and if I can answer any other questions I will try my best! Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 visual disturbances I get those sometimes. Aura's and also flashing lights on the sides. I also have black floaters in my eyes caused by the migraines. Link to post Share on other sites
Keridan Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I haven't read all the responses to this post so I'm not sure if this was mentioned. Migraines tend to be worst when they are caused by an expansion of blood vessels near the brain. In my case, I developed them when I developed a heart condition. The restriction, then increased flow of blood causes me miserable migraines at times. Please get checked out by a doc. Even if it turns out to be a simple old-fashioned migraine, there are a lot of treatment options available. Get checked, though. It could be related to something more serious. Best of luck to ya. I know those things suck bad. Link to post Share on other sites
phalanx Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I know that my doc wanted me to get a blood test for Rheumatic diseases to see if it is associated with migraines. but on a better note I am Hoping the toradol my neurologist prescribed does the trick of knocking this migraine out I have had for almost a week now it has worked in the past for me I dunno about any of you migraine sufferers but I also notice with the weather esp if it is going to rain I get them Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I dunno about any of you migraine sufferers but I also notice with the weather esp if it is going to rain I get them Yes, I do too, its to do with the drop in barometric pressure. Link to post Share on other sites
morrigan Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Taramere, have you already had your wisdom teeth removed? Severe headaches and neck pain can be a symptom of your wisdom teeth coming in or becoming impacted. My own migraines became less horrific after having my wisdom teeth removed, and restricting sugar and alcohol from my diet. They still are lousy, though. I've had tolerable to severe migraines (at least one every two months) since I was 14. Both my maternal grandmother and my mother suffered from them for years. I've dealt with the works--the dizziness, the light flashes, nausea, etc. Most of the migraines I have now are linked to any change in barometric pressure, especially thunderstorms or traveling through high altitude areas. On the rare occasion all it takes is an overly strong perfume or smoke to trigger one. Laying down often makes them worse--I try to walk around or exercise if it's possible (while trying desperately not to dry heave). Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Taramere, have you already had your wisdom teeth removed? Severe headaches and neck pain can be a symptom of your wisdom teeth coming in or becoming impacted. My own migraines became less horrific after having my wisdom teeth removed, and restricting sugar and alcohol from my diet. They still are lousy, though. I've had tolerable to severe migraines (at least one every two months) since I was 14. Both my maternal grandmother and my mother suffered from them for years. I've dealt with the works--the dizziness, the light flashes, nausea, etc. Most of the migraines I have now are linked to any change in barometric pressure, especially thunderstorms or traveling through high altitude areas. On the rare occasion all it takes is an overly strong perfume or smoke to trigger one. Laying down often makes them worse--I try to walk around or exercise if it's possible (while trying desperately not to dry heave). This thread has actually been quite "nice" (I say nice even though migraines are not nice at all) to learn that I am not the only person in the world who gets them, and my symptoms sounds pretty common- perfumes and smoke are triggers for me too. I have had my wisdom teeth out and I still get them, although I know that grinding your teeth particularly when you are stressed can cause migraines too. If this is the case, your dentist can make you a guard for your teeth that helps stop you grind them. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Taramere Posted July 28, 2008 Author Share Posted July 28, 2008 Taramere, have you already had your wisdom teeth removed? Severe headaches and neck pain can be a symptom of your wisdom teeth coming in or becoming impacted. My own migraines became less horrific after having my wisdom teeth removed, and restricting sugar and alcohol from my diet. They still are lousy, though. I have, Morrigan. Ages ago, and yes - they had become impacted, though I don't recall getting headaches. I've had tolerable to severe migraines (at least one every two months) since I was 14. Both my maternal grandmother and my mother suffered from them for years. I've dealt with the works--the dizziness, the light flashes, nausea, etc. Most of the migraines I have now are linked to any change in barometric pressure, especially thunderstorms or traveling through high altitude areas. On the rare occasion all it takes is an overly strong perfume or smoke to trigger one. Laying down often makes them worse--I try to walk around or exercise if it's possible (while trying desperately not to dry heave). That sounds really bad. I think imminent thunderstorms do tend to bring on headaches, with all the mugginess in the air. This thread has actually been quite "nice" (I say nice even though migraines are not nice at all) to learn that I am not the only person in the world who gets them, and my symptoms sounds pretty common- perfumes and smoke are triggers for me too. I saw my doc, and as soon as I described the symptoms he nodded and said "sounds like migraine". He told me to record times I get it to see if it corresponds with the end of my period. And I've got something called "Migraleve" now. The good thing about it is you only need to take it if you feel a headache coming on. No headaches since I started the thread, so maybe it is just a hormonal thing. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I think what's very important is keep a log of the migraines (daily journal or something). I'm very aware of what I eat, how much I sleep, if I'm stressed, or not feeling well, all of it has some effect on the migraine and it's intensity. Link to post Share on other sites
grogster Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Tara, you're so lucky. Pfizer's Migraleve contains codeine! Every cloud contains that silver lining. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Taramere Posted July 28, 2008 Author Share Posted July 28, 2008 Tara, you're so lucky. Pfizer's Migraleve contains codeine! Every cloud contains that silver lining. Hang about....I think I feel a headache coming on!! Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Hmm. Not trying to undermine your doctor at all, but migraleve has codeine phosphate in it, which is something that most migraine specialists advise against taking for migraines, as they can make the headaches worse. Codeine is an opiate which can also get addictive- I got mildly dependent on Syndol, which is a very similar combination to migraleve (in fact I think its the same but made by a different company). My headaches got worse, so I kept taking the meds, then I would panic if I left the house without any in my bag, i got to the point where I was buying loads and going to different pharmacies just in case they noticed how many I was buying and how frequently. Thats what prompted me to seek specialist advice, and I now won't touch anything with codeine in it. Personally, I have had much more success with Imigran and diclofenac for pain. The other thing I was going to mention was that migraines have been linked to low serotonin levels and some antidepressants are used to treat them as they increase your serotonin (which also becomes depleted when you are depressed). Imigran acts directly on serotonin receptors and mimics serotonin which is how it fixes your headaches. I have been taking a 5 HTP supplement at night, which helps me sleep and helps keep your serotonin levels up, and I think that has helped too. Its quite a little cocktail but at least i am not getting dependent on over the counter painkillers! Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 PS also because we are travelling to Dubai next month and carrying codeine phosphate is illegal there- I knew I had to find an alternative before our trip. Codeine is known to cause rebound headaches too which is why the cycle isn't broken and why its not recommended. It DID work initially for me though which is why I think I got so dependent on it. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Taramere Posted July 28, 2008 Author Share Posted July 28, 2008 Hmm. Not trying to undermine your doctor at all, but migraleve has codeine phosphate in it, which is something that most migraine specialists advise against taking for migraines, as they can make the headaches worse.! Oh dear. I'll keep an eye on it and see how I respond. Like I say, there have only been three episodes in 8 months. I sometimes get normal headaches (ie without nausea) and generally find that plenty of water, an aspirin and a walk is enough to clear them up. WWIU - I definitely am going to keep a diary. It's been good to get all these responses and find out how manageable this kind of thing can be with non-medicinal remedies. Link to post Share on other sites
morrigan Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I've notified a decrease in their severity by avoiding stress and watching my diet; but I will still feel 'foggy' in the head before a storm front moves in, even if I don't develop a migraine. I don't know if anyone's migraines become worse by laying down, as mine do---the pain and nausea always is worse if I lay flat, rather than if I partially recline or walk around (slowly). I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who avoids perfume counters like the plague. Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 When you keep a diary, you need to keep track of what time the headache started, what the weather was like, whether it went away with simple painkillers, where you were in your menstrual cycle etc etc. That link I gave you from the London Migraine Clinic has some downloadable charts that you can use. (Filling that chart in showed me how much codeine I was necking too! Not saying that you will do the same, far from it, just a warning.) Anyway, you are a sensible woman and I hope that you get on top of this. Exercise and a good diet is always a good idea. Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who avoids perfume counters like the plague. Oh me too. Can't stand them. I have been wearing the same perfume for 12 years because the thought of going to try a whole load on to get a new one is:sick:. I also HATE that shop "Lush" for the same reason, and if I share a car with someone who is smoking and wearing heavy perfume on thats a guaranteed migraine day. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Another thing, rebound headaches can also mimmick the migraine symptoms as well. So, careful on how much/many pills ya take. Christ I had a wicked rebounder afew days ago. Link to post Share on other sites
phalanx Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I absolutely despise the perfume counters I have noticed that the stronger perfumes set off my migraines certain smells too I literally feel like a freak sometimes with all the different sensitivity issues with triggering my migraines I was also told birth control isn't good either told by 2 ob/gyn it could be lethal Link to post Share on other sites
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