BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: black walnut
Date: 01 Apr 05 - 08:43 AM

Anacin? Tried it. Didn't work for me.
As for the other remedy....no, I don't think so. :)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 01 Apr 05 - 08:16 AM

I may have said this before but i swear by Anadin Extra. I had this dreadful pain and vomiting once a month, for 3 days in a row. I must admit it happened less frequently when I left my then husband!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: black walnut
Date: 01 Apr 05 - 07:46 AM

I just got back from a trip to western Canada. Alberta gave me migraines (chinooks, mountainous altitude). Saskatchewan was SO MUCH better (cold, sunny, flat prairie). Then I cam back to Ontario, the weather changed from sunny to rainy, and WHOMP one of the worst migraines of my life. I was in tears and couldn't lift my head off the pillow. Like a jack hammer drilling into the left side of my head.

I'm on beta blockers. I take Maxalt. I'm in line for an MRI. These are nasty.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Gurney
Date: 26 Mar 05 - 04:55 AM

Judy's howebrew mixture is a one-quarter teaspoon of jollop to 250ml of boiled, lukewarm water. The jollop is half-and-half sea salt / bicarbonate of soda. Again, very cheap.
You can't use it just before bed. Give it a half-hour.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Margaret V
Date: 25 Mar 05 - 11:01 PM

A little over a year ago I simultaneously gave up caffeine and started using a neti pot. I have FAR fewer migraines now (probably about 75% fewer) and virtually no more sinus infections. So I'd recommend trying one or both of those things to anyone suffering migraines. Mind you, the caffeine-withdrawal headache in the first two or three days is no picnic, but for me it was entirely worthwhile.
Margaret

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: open mike
Date: 25 Mar 05 - 02:48 AM

i had a roomate with migraines once and she was prescribed coca cola
or coffee--it seems the caffeine is a vaso dialator...and eases the
pressure built up in constricted blood vessels...seems like a particulary difficult condition..i hope all who suffer from it
find relief!!

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: robomatic
Date: 25 Mar 05 - 12:27 AM

When I was in college I'd come down with a major headache about once every month or two. The solution that worked was to ride my motorcycle at high speed into town, about 30 miles. Usually by the time I got into town the headache would be dissipated.

It was the act of being forced to concentrate on the process of the ride that did the trick. My father, the single most intelligent person I've known at first hand, was able to eliminate headaches by thinking them away. In other words, his power of concentration needed no activity on which to focus.

He bought me a Consumer Reports publication, "The Headache Book". These days I just hit myself on the head with the book.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 11:26 PM

I'm glad to read that it's so helpful. We've used it with sinus conditions such as colds and allergies, but my son get's migraines, so I'll mention it to him next time he's down with one. I'll report back.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Gurney
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 08:47 PM

Sage, I think it was you who mentioned it. A sort of a small stainless-steel 'teapot' from the description.
Yep, that's it, Sage.   Thanks.
Still not available here.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 07:37 PM

I don't know if I'm the one who mentioned it here, but we use a device like that. The gadget is very low tech and is called a Neti Pot. Warm water and a little salt is all that goes into it.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: harpgirl
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 06:58 PM

great news, chris. I'm going to lay in a supply if I can.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Gurney
Date: 24 Mar 05 - 06:54 PM

Hi folks. I've revived this thread in hopes that it will help someone.
On one of these migraine threads, someone (sorry, cant remember who, can't remember which thread) told us of a gadget that his family used to rinse out their sinuses, but it was then unobtainable in NZ.
Last Christmas Judy heard of a variant, bought it, used it, and hasn't had a migraine since, or even a cold. As she was getting a 4-day migraine every two weeks or so, you'll guess what a difference that made to her life, and mine too.
The apparatus is marketed by NeilMed Products, Inc, or NeilMed Pharmaceuticals, which I suspect is a US firm. It is called NeilMed's Sinus Rinse and comes as a squeeze bottle kit with a few satchets of powder and a comprehensive pamphlet. It cost NZ$10.   Peanuts.
Judy makes up her own mixture, it is only salt and bicarb in boiled water, and she uses it as casually as her toothbrush. 30 secs daily. Part of her routine. More often if she suspects the onset of a headache.
I suppose it will only help those sufferers whose migraines are triggered by sinus problems, but it must be worth a try for anyone.

Hope this helps.    Chris.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: GUEST,Mr Red - not yet TT
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 10:39 AM

I get migraines from cold weather - usually frost and worse - but not if I wear my cap. I don't drink (without protest and dilution) Bulmers cider or any other excresence that I know would say "with added sugars and sweeteners" because it usually means aspartame which is well known to be a cause. So beware non-sugars unless you know what they are and you have kept your diary of food/migraines. Red wine is another contributer - but the ruile of thumb is usually "the darker the alcohol the more congeners" which basically means more indigestible alcohols. Hair of the dog does work (according to the New Scientist) but don't expect miracles.

With alcohol I dilute to get the fluids, drink plenty of weater after and a cheese sanwich before bed. Oh and no more than two pints on the first night of a festival. By Sunday I don't seem to suffer but maybe going home so would not risk the blood alcohol level. Cheese and chocolate do not seems to figure in my migraines.

I also find adrenaline helps temporarilly like dancing, singing publically - even the levels generated by ............ since you asked for advice ...............

NOOKIE

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: black walnut
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 08:55 AM

TV is surely more reliable then the www!!! :-)

Anyway, here's an article sent to me (thank you Tony B) about exactly what Foolestroupe is talking about. Mind you, it's from the BBC, and I've always thought that British hearts were a little bit more interesting (just ask Liz the Squeak!) than our common little North American ones:


MIGRAINE LINKED TO HEART DEFECT

One in 10 Britons suffer migraines
Doctors are examining whether migraines are linked to a common heart defect.
One in four people have a valve-like hole, which can be closed using keyhole surgery, but it is twice as common among a type of migraine sufferer.

The study by Kings College Hospital in London and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital will look at whether correcting the defect cures migraines.

Some 6m people in the UK have migraines, costing the economy £750m a year in lost production.

The heart defect, called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), often produces no symptoms.

This study could revolutionise the understanding and treatment of certain migraine headaches

Ann Turner

In the womb, the opening is necessary to allow efficient circulation of blood and oxygen before the lungs start functioning.

After birth, it should fuse to produce a wall, or septum, separating the two atrial chambers. Sometimes, however, this does not occur correctly.

Particles

The theory is that closing this hole will ensure blood going through the heart is always filtered through the lungs on the way to the brain - thus removing chemicals that are thought to play a role in causing migraine.

The operation takes less than an hour and is carried out under light general anaesthetic.

A tube is inserted through a vein in the groin and worked through the blood vessels into the heart. A patch is then used to block the hole.

Researchers are now looking for volunteers who suffer migraines with aura - one of the most severe types of the condition.

Lead researcher Dr Andrew Dowson, director of the headache service at Kings College Hospital, said: "While there are many migraine treatments that help control symptoms, as yet there is no cure for migraine.

"If the trial supports our theories about a migraine-PFO link, it could be the most significant development in treatment for over a decade."

Action

Dr Peter Wilmshurst, consultant cardiologist at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, who was one of the first doctors to make a link between the two conditions, said he hoped the study would help them improve understanding of migraines.

"It should help us to define the appropriate course of action for patients who experience migraine attacks and also have a PFO."

And Ann Turner, director of the Migraine Action Association added: "It is impossible for someone who has never experienced a migraine to understand its significant impact on a sufferer's quality of life - not just the attacks themselves, which are so painful and debilitating, but the constant fear of the next attack.

"This study could revolutionise the understanding and treatment of certain migraine headaches, but we must remain cautious until the trial is completed."

A spokeswoman for the Migraine Trust added: "At this stage it's much too early to have a clear picture on the efficacy of this procedure.

"There are many different types of migraine and many types of research into its possible causes. We will be watching all new research very closely."

Belinda Linden, of the British Heart Foundation, said: "There have been many reports about migraine affecting patients who have heart conditions such as a hole in the heart. Interestingly, there is also some evidence that migraine attacks can improve following successful treatment for a heart defect.

"These observations highlight the need improve understanding about the mechanisms that both trigger and relieve the migraine attack.

"Ultimately the findings may also help us understand more about migraine affecting the millions of people in the UK."

HEY, WHAT ABOUT THOSE OF US OVER HERE IN CANADA, EH???????

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 12:08 AM

A recent TV news article mentioned that a person with a small hole in the heart had an operation to fix this which cured migraines. The blood returning from the body was mixing with the re-oxygenated blood and the resultant 'toxins' were what was causing the migraines.

Must be true - it was on TV.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: black walnut
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 11:56 AM

EXCELLENT READING: A MYSTERY NOVEL - "CLARE'S HEAD" BY CATHERINE BUSH. It's about 2 sisters who have migraines. Set in Toronto. Very well written and quite fun to read when you are a migreur yourself and can identify with the descriptions of migrianes in the book.

Yes. Migraines. Horrid beasts, aren't they. This morning it was like having a pit bull terrier attached to the left side of my head.

I shook it off with a MAXALT. Good effective drug. I no longer have the pit bull, but it will still take a while before I can drive a car to get to a studio gig.

Since last summer, I've hardly had a single day without a migraine! I keep a calendar. I label my migraines - 0 (for not interfering with life and no medicine required), 1 (for bad, requiring medicine), 2 (for evil (meaning I cancel things left right and centre), and 3 (hell - that's the screaming vomitting up the medicine hide under the sheets duct tape the curtains closed and hope to die kind of migraine). Unfortunately I've got way too many 2s and 3s happening.

The doctor has just started me this past weekend on a calcium inhibitor, hoping to ward off them off before they start. HHeerree''ss crroossiinngg aallll finnggerrs aanndd ttooeess.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 10:59 AM

So you didn't toss the bulbs out in the garden with the bicycles? :)

Good advice, John.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 02:07 AM

Be aware that flourescent lights can cause migrains, if you work in an office with flourescent lights, try changing it to a normal light, see if it helps.
Also AVOID the cheap poor quality energy saving light bulbs.
I got one from the local pound shop a few weeks ago for my sitting room, I started getting REALLY bad headaches, chucked the lightbulb in the bin, and they stopped!
problem with the cheap energy saving bulbs is they give off a very slight, almost undetectable flicker, stick to good quality well known makes, such as Phillips or Osram etc.

If you have flouresecent lights at work, and they can't/wont change them, you can get coloured lenses for glasses, see a good optician for advice, even if you dont need glasses to see properley, you can get plain lenses, they are like sunglasses, but slightly tinted blue.

As with any medical problem, its best to try to see wahts causing it, instead of just taking strong drugs, ie for example, I'm allerigiced to MSG, its a food additive, E 621, and is used a lot in processed food, try to eat only fresh food, ie nothing processed or out of packets.
Or ask your doctor to do an allergy test.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: kendall
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 02:12 PM

I used to suffer from migrains back when I smoked and was married to someone I didn't like. So,
I got divorced22 years ago, quit smoking 7 years ago and havn't had one since.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: GUEST,Dr.Dzugan
Date: 20 Aug 04 - 12:18 PM

Hi,



I decided to share with you my personal experience with patients who suffered many years from migraine. Two articles were published in Life Extension Magazine (August and September 2004). Just read them. You will not regret about it.



Dr. Dzugan

P.S. Migraine is curable! I have no a single patient who still has migraine.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: patriot1314
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 05:04 PM

I can sympathise with fellow sufferers, I've had cluster headaches for years now. I can be fine for months or even years, but when they strike! oh boy!
My headaches don't last for very long, 40 minutes would be a long one, but the pain is intense.
Two things have worked for me. I had a course of "Bowen Technique" from a qualified practitioner and I was fine for about 5 years. Earlier this year I had a cluster period again which coincided with a strain on my neck muscles.
I saw an Osteopath and had a few appointments where my neck was gently manipulated and..... touch wood..... I've been fine since.
I hope this helps anyone who suffers from the same thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 04:12 PM

I had migraine for many years. Three days of severe pain and vomiting every month about a week before my period, and being told by my then husband that I was a malingerer and swinging the lead etc. Bastard. Anyway I tried homeopathy for a while which sometimes worked, Bryonia I think. Then I found that leaving my husband relieved the pain somewhat! When I do get a twinge (bearing in mind that I am now 48 and having many hot flushes a day etc., so the hormonal aspect of this affliction doesn't come into play any more really) I take good old simple Anadin Extra. It's brilliant.

8-) Sal

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: mg
Date: 22 Jul 04 - 12:43 AM

I just got a library book called Miracle Cures by Jean Carper. She talks about feverfew..chewing three leaves a day..or300 mg of the tablet..start with one and go up to three...says side effects few and mild...check it out obviously before trying. approved in canada for migraines. Also talks about peppermint oil applied externally to forehead (can sting skin..bad in some people) for tension headaches.

mg

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: GUEST,Only one
Date: 21 Jul 04 - 08:06 PM

I have only had one migraine in my entire life. I was 12 years old. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was the worst and only headache I have had in my entire life. I remember everything going black. I took 2 bayer asprin and laid down and went to sleep. When I woke up the headache was gone. I have not had one since and I am in my mid 30's now. I am starting to get mild throbbing headaches now and wonder if I am going to start getting migraines now?

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 02:49 PM

Morticia, if it's lasting this long you should go to the doctor. Most likely it's either a classic migraine or a long-standing sinus infection, and either of these need stronger medicine than what people are suggesting.

For instance, I had one long series of sinus headaches which were cleared right up by two courses of strong antibiotics; a friend has true migrains and takes prescription pills when she gets one that only work on migraines, not on other headaches.

Also, it's best to ease your mind of the worry that it might be something more serious. Head for the doc on Monday morning and clear this up - we'll be thinking of you. Commendations on your sensible approach to this.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Morticia
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 01:40 PM

JTT, I've tried both of those things, with no joy, as well as many of the fixes recommended in previous postings.I am eating lots of fresh veg and stuff, drinking lots of water and went for a longish walk this morning.The pain started to taper off yesterday afternoon ....this afternoon I am right back in as much pain as I was when I started this thread all those days ago. I don't know quite what's going on, but I know it's getting really old now.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 08:01 AM

Morticia - Stilly River Sage has described exactly how to do the salty water snuffle thing; it doesn't have to be seawater, though seawater from a clean source is best - hot water with salt (preferably sea salt) will do.

It clears out your sinuses, and also takes down the swelling; I've seen someone's face go from being swollen right out on one side to being almost normal within minutes of doing it.

Lyle's pinching of the web between thumb and forefinger interests me, because that's one of the acupuncture points a Chinese doctor used to treat my infected sinuses. (The others were the top of the head, the middle of the hairline on the forehead, just over the sinuses beside the nose, and beside the hipbone at the side of the stomach.)

But the most important thing for me is prevention: don't get into that crazy workworkwork state, eat enough raw fresh fruit and vegetables and enough cooked fruit and vegetables, and walk every day with the dog. And *get enough rest*. Don't get into that state where you're so wired up that you can't sleep without the radio on.

Speaking of which, anyone look at that Dog Dancing video I flagged at all? It's really sweet. I was laughing, with sentimental tears rolling down my face, while watching it.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Zhenya
Date: 09 Jan 04 - 02:44 PM

I was surprised to see the thread got this far with no mention of Excedrin migraine. This non-prescription medicine works well for me, and has a lot less severe side effects than things like Imitrex, which I've also tried. It's just a combination of aspirin, Tylenol, and medicinal caffeine. I try to take one as soon as I can tell a migraine is really going to establish itself, but it even works on the entrenched really severe ones you sometimes wake up with.

Through trial and error, I've found that for me, it seems to work best to take one pill with at least 8 ounces of water, wait about 30-45 minutes, then eat a fairly substantial meal. (The pill takes the edge off the nausea.) If I take it with the meal, I get more side effects. If I don't eat, or don't have much water, it just seems to be a lot less effective. The directions on the box say to take two, but I would probably just try the one first, which may be enough. You can always take the second one later if you need it.

Two other things I've heard about and tried that seem to help with very mild migraines (is that an oxy-moron?):

-        Hold your hands under the hottest water you can stand for several minutes (probably similar to taking a hot shower right away.)

    -   Pull gently on your earlobes. Sounds strange, but it helps. I think it has something to do with acupressure points. I read about a device you could buy to put on your ears to do this for you, but I've never actually found it in a store.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Jan 04 - 11:01 AM

Andrea, maybe your doctor would consider keeping you on beta blockers regardless of your BP. Beta blockers are also (at least in the U.S.) used to prevent migraines.

This is highly-technical, but please see (PDF file) Pharmacological Management for Prevention of Migraine at the U.S. Headache Consortium website.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: mouldy
Date: 09 Jan 04 - 03:12 AM

Metchosin - the migril I have doesn't have all the extras in. It may have caffeine, but the main active ingredient is the ergotamine. You can take them every half hour at first, but the "safe dose" is 4 in any one attack and 6 per week. Ergot is what LSD comes from. It was the stopayne that had the meprobamate. Meprobamate is a tranquiliser. As it wasn't considered a good thing to use by the powers that be, being addictive I believe, it became restricted. I think you might have been able to get it on private prescription some years ago, but my daughter and I have been through the British National Formulary (she's a pharmacy graduate), and there's nothing around with it in.

My GP told me to take 1600mg of ibuprofen at onset. He told me the current thinking is to hit it early and as hard as possible. He said that it was safe to do as hospitals use far higher doses than is normally prescribed, or recommended on the medicine packets. My daughter has confirmed that occasionally the doses set are actually sub-therapeutic. Anyway, all I got was rampant heartburn, so I had to phone the local pharmacy and ask when I could take something else. I had to wait yet another 6 hours.

I can't take the migril now I am on beta-blockers, but I am not getting so many headaches anyway, although they used to hang around for days, and by the end I'd given up on the painkillers. (I also used to get sick of being told off by my daughter and warned about rebound headaches - apparently codeine, maybe by being an opiate, is a beggar for causing them).

I just hope the GP doesn't take me off the pills if my bp stays down. It'll be back to the headaches again, I'm sure! (And it's down to 140/90 now, which is better than it has been for ages).

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: alison
Date: 08 Jan 04 - 10:20 PM

well mine started when I was about 19.... only used to get them about twice a year......

this year...... admittedly a stressful one..... started to get them every two months..... then I had a car crash in June and suddenly got 6 in a month and thought..... time to do something about this... doctors recommended migraine tablets for the rest of my life... I thought "stuff that for a picnic".....

anyway went to a naturopath and through herbal homeopathy he has me back to about one every three months... with a view to getting rid of them completely.....

basically mine are stress and hormone related

I get auras.... and once the lights go I have 30 mins before the migraine hits... so if I zonk myself on panadeine and head off to a dark room to lie own immediately the tablets have time to work and I can usually get rid of the worst of it

Nurofen also works pretty well......

from a reflexology point of view, when it happens find the most sensitive spot on your big toe (relates to your head, could be either foot)...... and squeeze really hard... it will hurt like hell... and hold the pressure there until the pain in your toe subsides

hope you feel better soon Morti

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: GUEST,Lyle
Date: 08 Jan 04 - 02:13 PM

Don't know how good this is, but the "Old Farmers Almanac" for 2004 (page 140) says this:

"Feel a headache coming on? Pinch yourself. Specifically, put the squeeze on the webbed area between the thum and first finger of either hand. Hold it for 30 seconds. Pressure applied here will stimulate nerve impulses to the brain and relax blood vessel dilation. Your headache won't have a chance to settle in."

Doesent cost anything and doesn't take long, so it is worth a try!

Lyle

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jan 04 - 02:10 PM

Morti, I've found that when the migraine has given up and I'm left with a re-bound headache, an 800 mg Ibuprophen tablet will work. They help with migraines (if my stomach complies) but they can completely get rid of the rebounds.

Metchosin, my doctor experimented on me with Cafragot (not sure I spelled that right) - a combination of ergotamine and caffeine. I was supposed to take up to 6 pills. I think that's the equivalent of a whole pot of coffee, if not more. I'm not particularly caffeine tolerant. I got up to three and my heartbeat went whacko (pre-ventricular contractions - not life-threatening but very distracting), I got a SEVERE case of heartburn and I was bouncing off walls (and I get manic when I have a headache anyway, much like a cluster headache sufferer). Plus, it had no effect whatsoever on the headache.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Morticia
Date: 08 Jan 04 - 12:12 PM

I have lived that long Donuel and am about to hit exactly mid forties....if anything they have become much more problematic since I hit forty.

I haven't been proscribed anything that will stop them, ever....and I've tried lots of different drugs ( not sure whether they were left or right handed though).....the best the doctors could come up with was controlling the pain....and that with drugs which leave me with horrible side effects so eventually I don't know what is migraine and what is drugs, a bit like the rebound headaches Jeri was describing earlier.I have to wean myself off the one to check out the other.That's what I've been doing today but only lasted til four until I couldn't take the pain anymore.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jan 04 - 10:26 AM

Donuel, regarding left handed drugs, I've never heard of them. I remember a science fiction novel that involved the protagonist being in a mirror-image world and couldn't digest any food because it was all left-handed. What a great thing for diets! (Or is that what Olestra IS?) The right-handed drugs work well enough for me.

The hot shower: I always suspected that might work, but I have little chance of getting in in less than 30 minutes. The only thing that lets me know I may be headed for a migraine is when I can't get warm. If it happens in the winter, it's hard to identify a vascular reason for the coldness as opposed to just being cold. I've tried taking a hot bath when I have a migraine, but 10 minutes out and I'm frozen again.

A couple of people I knew who suffered the worst migraines were in their 60s. It's probable that increased age will mean diminishing headaches, but I don't think it's universally true.

As to conscious control of blood vessel constriction/dilation, yes, I do think that's possible, and probably much easier than people believe. I had surgery on my finger under a nerve block and for some bizarre reason, they chose to do this in an operating theater and hook me up to various monitors. They wouldn't let me watch the surgery and I was bored out of my skull, so I played with my heart rate. Got it down to about 50, but as soon as I quit paying attention, it went right back to what it would normally have been.

Migraines often involve blood vessels in a localized area (I believe) so it's hard to target them. There's no machine you can hook up to tell you if you're doing anything right. The irritation caused by blood vessel dilation probably wouldn't go away fast enough to be able to feel success. It just might be that if one could target and constrict the right vessels, and keep it up long enough, it would have a lasting effect, since (unlike messing with heart rate), they're just being put back to normal.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Jan 04 - 08:58 AM

The 3 things that do work:

At the very first inkling of a migraine, take an unbearably hot shower and 3 aspirins. It will interrupt the vascular pattern of shrinking and swelling of cerebral blood vessels and bypass the headache. (do not put this off for even 30 minutes or it will not work)

If your body readily reacts to left handed synthetic narcotics like Vicodin it will control a migraine even in midstream. (some people have no receptors for these mirror image narcotic molecules)

Should you live long enough they will dissipate in your 40's and fifties. While the pain will not be present, the cycle of vasular constriction and other abnormalities associated with migriane will still be present. Its not really a good thing to be of diminished capacity and not be fully aware of it!




(Something good to know)
Should you suffer from migraines your blood vessels are quite used to swelling and shrinking. You will be able to consciously control them through self imposed deep relaxation to the point you can lower your diastolic pressure by 10 points and your systolic by 20.
Being attuned to this is an individual matter of self awareness.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Metchosin
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 11:02 PM

mouldy, I used to be prescribed something similar called Wigraine here in Canada. It contained ergotamine, caffeine and belladonna, among other stuff and you were supposed to keep repeating the prescribed dosage every 1/2 hour? until your symptoms subsided. And yeah, you could float.

What I do remember clearly, one time, after a particularly bad bout when I took a total of 3 Wigraine over the course of an evening, was my husband sittting up all night holding my hand, pleading to take me to the hospital. A dose of 3 caused the symptoms of a severe panic attack and my heart raced so badly that we were worried I was going to drop dead. Scary stuff.

Hormones may not play a big part with mine, as I had a hysterectomy about 17 years ago, (boy, did that knock the hysteria out of me! *BG*) and I discontinued hormone replacement about 5 years ago, but my pattern of migraines still continues, although I have noticed an increase in whiskers on my chin.

Stress? Life is stress, I embrace it, I don't think I would even relish a small room, totally stress free.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 10:12 PM

On the more general topic of headaches, I used to get them all of the time, mostly sinus-types, and when I stopped eating or drinking dairy products they went away. I only get that type of headache for a day or two after I've eaten something with milk or cheese. I miss cheese and yogurt, but I don't miss the headaches!

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: rock chick
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 09:14 PM

I suffer from cluster migraine, and have done so for years, these last for 4 days, I know on the 5th I will be fine, I have had a MRI and there was nothing there (no puns please ;o) the only relief I get is from a drug called MAXALT, this is brill, but it's so tempting to use every time one comes on and this in itself is not a good thing, so every now and then I go cold turkey and suffer. I can have up to 3 a month, that's a long time in bed.

I am convinced these are caused by stress, and hormones. To be honest different medicines work for different sufferers. I hate taking any medication, but then if you are suffering, then to be honest anything goes. Try everything and anything. I keep hoping I will grow out of them!!!!!!!!!!!! Some hope.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: mouldy
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 07:41 PM

One thing my mum used to say was that you get migraines when you have time to have them, ie: AFTER stress.

The best thing I ever took was in S. Africa. Knowing that mine were possibly partly stress related as well, I was given Migril (ergotamine) and Stopayne (Aspirin, Paracetamol, Meprobamate). I was floating, and only occasionally had to take a second dose! Unfortunately they are not available in the UK as Meprobamate is not used anymore here, being addictive. Pity.

Andrea (whose BP check today showed an improvement!)

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: The O'Meara
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 09:27 AM

I've had classic migraines since I was a kid. They got much worse after Vietnam. I think the problem in dealing with them is that both physical and psychological factors are involved. An excellent psychologist told me "You get migraines from wanting to run away and not doing it." I'm pretty sure they are stress triggered, although not necessarily "caused" by stress.
Even that is tricky. For example many migraines happen on a weekend when you should be relaxed and not stressed. But the fact is you are still revved up psychologically form the week befoire but now you are just sitting around and not doing anything and the steam builds up until the migraine happens. Or a migraine can be a way to check out of a stressful situation for awhile, and so on.
   It used to be that conventional wisdom said that a child would "grow out of them" after adolescence.I expect that's true in many cases since adolescence is extremely stressful and when that stress is gone the headaches would diminish.
   But the pain and the other symptoms are physical and very real, caused by expanded blood vessels in the brain.
The only thing that helped for me was a painkiller and euphoric called Fiorinol. The trouble was that while I started out taking them when I got a migraine, I progressed to taking them for any headache in case it might become a migraine, then to taking them in case I might get a headache, and then I was hooked big time.
With the help of shrinks and MDs at a Veteran's hospital I got off the stuff and started taking verapamil, which is a med originally for angina but found to lower blood pressureand and prevent migraines in some people. That was in 1985 and I still get the aura and visual problems occasionally but no full blown migraines since then.
So the gist of this windy war story is try verapamil and see if you can figure out your stress business.
I really do hate long-winded war stories. But that reminds me of the time I was surrounded by hostile natives and I was armed with nothing but...

O'Meara

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Two_bears
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 06:59 AM

> some people on the aromatherapy list recommended getting bottles of > peppermint and lavendar essential oils...take one drop of each, mix > together and rub on temples

Please use caution when applying pure essential oils directly to the skin.

Most people have no problem with pure lavender oil applied to the skin; but most people report a severe burning sensation where peppermint essential oil was applied to the skin.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Two_bears
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 06:53 AM

> Didn't give feverfew enough of a chance -- it probably would have
> worked.

I tried feverfew; but only took one dose of it. I had an alergic reaction to Feverfew and had to toss the capsules.

My mouth and throat started tingling, then my throat started swelling.

If you want to try feverfew; be my guest; but listen to the signals from your body.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Two_bears
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 06:45 AM

Morticia:

I have had migranes for years. and have been prescribed Midrin, and later Zomig for them.

What helped me more than anything was keeping a log of the food I ate, then after a migrane, I would note when the migrane happened in the log, then continue with my log. After two months of keeping the log; I noticed that I had eaten wheat products a day or so before the migrane.

I eliminated all wheat from my diet (no cereal with wheat bran, no bread, no pasta, etc and my frequency of migranes reduced dramaticaly. My most recent migrane was mid November.

Your migranes may be from another cause, or you may have the same or different food trigger.

I hope this helps.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: mouldy
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 03:17 AM

I've had them for 40 years, and was initially told by the doctor that they were sinus-related. They're not. Feeling stuffy is just one of the symptoms I sometimes get, and I can't stand to sleep in a stuffy room anyway.

I can't drink alcohol because it's one of my triggers. Chocolate late at night sets me off, usually during the early hours, as does eating a meal very late at night. Biscuits can be a beggar late at night too. Cheese doesn't seem to bother me, but I can't take rich milky drinks late on.

Another problem I have is the addition of hormonal factors into the mixture, although hopefully that will "sort out" soon. I also have neck and shoulder problems, mainly on the right side, thanks to dancing border morris opposite a large bloke, meeting the strength of his sticking straight on, and giving back as good as I got. Often headaches "settle" into my neck and head and take some removing. They then present as cluster headaches.
If I do any work involving raising my arms above shoulder height or squeezing, such as pruning shrubs, it shoots right up into my head and neck. Sometimes the day after a heavy squeezebox session sees me with problems. Lengthy driving sessions too, with my arm raised on the steering wheel and the unconscious gripping of the wheel.

I also have slightly high blood pressure, which I now have tablets for...tablets that are also used to treat migraine! My headaches are fewer now, and seem to go off quicker with treatment.
My teenage daughter had a problem, and was put onto propanolol for a year or so. It really reduced the frequency of her headaches. She still gets them, but mainly when she's been overdoing it. They can last a few days, but like me, when the tablets don't work, she's learnt to grit her teeth and get on with it. They aren't the full-blown "classic" migraines with the aura. They're just nauseus one-sided headaches that lurk around your system for days, coming and going.

Andrea (who usually gets on the phone to Tig and gets her to come and give one of her wonderful massages).

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Jan 04 - 02:57 AM

I think the time issues are interesting.....when I get a migraine, it is remarkable, irespective of what I do, if it is gone in much before 3/4 days and on those occasions, I wouldn't call it a migraine, I would call it a tension headache.No less painful, but mercifully short lived.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 04 - 10:22 PM

My son curls up in a ball, covers his forehead, and sleeps. Often a two or three hour nap takes care of it. If he throws up, that helps it go away faster, but he throws up maybe one out of 10 headaches. Sometimes if he gets motrin early enough it goes away with a power nap or with no nap at all. About 1/4 of the time he puts himself to bed and just stays there the rest of the night and is fine by morning. He usually gets these in the late afternoon or evening. My photo-sensitivity is worst in the morning. Don't know what the difference might be.


SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Jan 04 - 09:41 PM

Ohhhhhhhhh...I feel for you...migraines are THE WORST.

I don't know specifically what sets them off in me but I do know that complete silence and darkness are my friend. I'd say try to sleep if you can....but I know I never can...the nausea just won't allow for it.

To fine relief, I do 2 things...and don't laugh because it does seem to relieve the pain.

#1. I concentrate on my toes. Why? Because they don't hurt.

#2. Stick your finger down your throat and puke. I know, I know...it's gross and disgusting...but honestly, once that is over I feel about 90% better and am able to sleep the rest of it away. I can only speak for myself, but whether I wait until Mother Nature takes her course or if I induce it myself...the pain remains. Why wait?

I'm not a medical professional and would suggest that you seek help there....these 2 things are what works for me...with any luck, maybe they will provide some relief for you too.

Be well.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Hawker
Date: 06 Jan 04 - 05:56 PM

Morticia,
My migraines stopped suddenly after the removal of one ovary and a hysterectomy, I went into premature menopause and once I had got over the 'Change' have NEVER had a migraine since, it may well be hormone related? I send you healing thoughts and hope that you find some help from all the suggestions, I sympathise with you.
Regards, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Migraine sufferers, advice please?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 04 - 11:05 AM

My Neti pot is like the first one on the list, the little white ceramic pot that could easily be confused with a single-serving restaurant tea pot!