BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s

Subject: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 01:19 PM

An echocardiogram this morning turned up a P.F.O. (common in about 20% of the population, but implicated in some people's chronic migraines) as well as a faulty valve (it 'collapses in on itself').
Apparently it is quite controvertial at the moment as to whether one should correct the P.F.O. for mere migraines, or wait for something more life-threatening to occur, such as stroke. All very interesting to ponder. It will be interesting to hear what my neurologist suggests.

Anyone else encountering this combination of P.F.O.s and migraines?
~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: bobad
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 01:29 PM

What's PFO stand for ?

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Ebbie
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 01:31 PM

This is what ScienceDaily reported from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester:

First paragraph:

"U.S. researchers found a patent foramen ovale, a small hole between the two upper chambers of the heart, does not predestine an individual to a stroke."

December 9

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 01:43 PM

Would this present as a skipped heart beat every minute or two?

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: jeffp
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 01:53 PM

I know a few people who would not characterize migraines as "mere." For some people, migraines can be seriously debilitating. If this is the case for you, by all means address it in any way you can. If it's just a minor annoyance, like it is for me (occasional and fairly mild), you may want to hold off.

Just my 2 cents, your mileage will, of course, vary.

Jeff

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 02:12 PM

I'm in the seriously debilitating category. I've quit teaching, except for the occasional seminar I lead, and I dare not even drive the car without another driver beside me lest a migraine strike suddenly while I'm driving. It would be very dangerous.

I was wrong about the P.F.O. leaning to stroke. I do have a lot to learn.

A really interesting article about the link between migraine and P.F.O. can be read here: Article

Mind you, this research is new and expanding, so I don't know what this will mean in my case yet. As I said above, my P.F.O. was only confirmed today, and since about 1 in 5 of us have them, it's not an uncommon occurance, only a link in the chain of events which they will be looking at in my case.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 03:23 PM

Oddly enough, since I got my dicky ticker fixed in Jan, the few migraines I've had have been much less severe than previously.

My dicky ticker was an extra beat that just shunted blood round too fast to pick up enough oxygen. Unfortunately, that COULD lead to a stroke, I consider myself lucky I'm a lazy moo.

Hope everything works out OK for you BW, take care.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 03:39 PM

No wonder I'm confused about whether P.F.O.s are linked to stroke. The Science News site says: "But in some cases, blood clots passing through the PFO can shoot to the head and trigger strokes. Air bubbles and dissolved chemicals can also slip through the one-way shunt rather than ride to the lungs, where they'd be exhaled or broken down. To reduce the (woman's) odds of another stroke, Sztajzel and his colleagues at the University Hospitals of Geneva performed surgery to close her PFO. According to the patient, her migraines immediately disappeared." But of course Mayo's website is likely a more reliable and more up-to-date source. What does predestine mean exactly, though? It still may leave room for greater possibility of stroke, if not certainty of one.

SO glad your heart is pumping as it should now, Liz. Dance to the beat of that inner drum, my London guardian angel!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 03:40 PM

BW, it's always good to find the reason why something is going on with our bodies, imo. I am glad they found the cause and that it sounds as though there is something they can do which would be helpful. I know what a struggle it has been for you. Let me tell you, getting it fixed is a good idea, at least from my experience. Seven months or so later, I am doing things I hadn't done in years and it feels good. This will so for you, too, I am sure!

Keeping you in my heart and in the Light,

lotsofluvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 03:50 PM

I agree totally. I felt so much relief when she said that I had a P.F.O. It's crazy, I know. It's not as though it's a rare thing or anything, but just knowing that there might be a biological cause for this crazy thing that's been going on in my brain is so much nicer than that self-blaming thing that happens when you keep trying to analyze what foods you ate, what drugs you took, what hours you slept, what stress you lived, what perfumes you inhaled...and on and on and on!

I know, Kat....b r e a t h e :)

~b.w.

(Personally I think they should take out my brain and my heart, both at once, and give them a good once over. A thorough checkup and an overhaul. Get the kinks out, you know? A little oil, maybe a massage, plug up the little P.F.O., fix the wacky valve, then back in there, and away we go. I'd show it live on the internet, and charge people $1.50 (CAN) to watch, in support of the 'Cat, of course).

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 04:24 PM

With quality of life issues (the ability to be an autonomous adult, free to come and go, drive, work, etc.) it looks like this surgery is worth considering. Any surgery has risks, but it sounds like driving with you is about as risky as the surgery (not to be facetious, just to draw on your report of the dangers of your condition).

My son rolls up in a ball every so often and sleeps off migraines. They usually go away after a nap or if he vomits. At this point they're not bad enough to warrant surgery so invasive as that, but at the same time, it might warrant a checkup to find out if this condition exists.

Those are good articles in the links you posted above.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Donuel
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 05:04 PM

Migraines effect a person before the pain and days after the pain.
It is not just the pain event. I am having a migriane right now.
It would be honest for me to say that migraines have stolen 20% of my waking life from me.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 06:49 PM

I should have mentioned that my son is also on a daily medication (low-dose amytriptaline) to reduce the number of headaches.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: autolycus
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 07:30 PM

I'm always banging on about drinking more water since a doc told me most people are dehydrated.

A lady where I work took that up,and soon reported to me (unasked) that her migraine, which she always seemed to have had gone.

That was months ago. She's told me recently that she feels better for more water and still no migraine.

The doc had suggested 6 pints a day, and not in tea, coffee(both of which leave you more dehydrated than before) or in squashes.

When I'm watering (used to hate it as a teenager) I think of it as a medicine.

There's a book out in uk currently called The Body's Many Cries for Water.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 09:02 PM

Auto - Oh for heaven's sakes. My neurologist sends me for a heart test and you're telling me to drink more water?? Now I think I've heard everything. (I say as I sit here drinking my dandelion tea.)

SRS - I'm glad you found the articles helpful. I think it's worth talking to the doctors about. My GP likes to hear what I come up with. My neurologist was eager to find out if I had a P.F.O. when he knew that I'd been diagnosed with a heart murmur as a child. All of this is a very new way of looking at migraines, I think. I'm also on prophylactics. The one you talked about worked really well for a couple of months, then totally lost its effectiveness, so I've been switched to something else, which is helping a little bit. It's a journey, and the landscape keeps changing. It must be even more difficult when you are trying to interpret someone else's symptoms. All the best!

Donuel - You're so right. There's the before, the during, and the after. Like a sandwich. I'm in the process of trying to make myself into a different kind of sandwich. Instead of teaching, I am working from a home office, and I am really excited about some projects I am now able to work on, which had previously been on the back burner. By working at home, I have more control over my time and energy output. It's great in a lot of ways. I hope you can find some ways to turn it around for yourself so you don't feel so much the weight of the wasted time. (a phrase I have used many a time!)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 12 Dec 05 - 10:34 PM

autolycus is right, though. We don't drink enough water, and we are dehydrated. Getting enough of the right kinds of fluids during the day can help solve any number of our persistent problems.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 13 Dec 05 - 10:01 AM

Doctors seem to call any headache that really hurts a migraine. The literature says there are two common types, tension headache and migraine headache, but I am convinced that the situation is more complicated than that.

In the last ten years, my "migraines" sequed into what they called "migraine equivalents" - slurred speech, optical auras, numb hands. Years ago, a neurologist told me that these symptoms occurred because part of the brain was not getting enough oxygen.

Now the docs have found that a big artery feeding my heart was 99% blocked. I have a stent now. I shall be interested to see if the so-called migraine equivalents go away, now that my heart is more efficient and my brain is getting more oxygen. Certainly they haven't occurred since mid-August, when the stent was put in.

What I am trying to say is that the migraine bone is connected to the migraine-equivalent bone, and the migraine-equivalent bone is connected to oxygen in the brain. Also that, in my opinion, these links are not well understood by the medical profession.

If I were you, I would try to get the PFO and the valve fixed. But only after checking the reputation of the doctors and the hospital who would do the work.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 13 Dec 05 - 10:04 AM

There is research coming out now, though, SRS, saying that we are causing medical problems for ourselves by actually drinking too much clear water. I'll have to find that article and post it....anyway, the issue is that when you get migraines like I do, drinking more fluids is not the quick and easy answer. I already drink a lot of fluids. Often people suggest things without even asking if the person with the medical problem if he/she has already thought already thought about or even tried their remedy. I've had a kazillion people hand me their 'remedy' for my problem, or give me their doctor's phone number, without ever asking me about my own journey. It can be a tad frustrating, and even demeaning. I have a brain, I have a support system, I have a belief system, and I have a journey. No matter how 'caring' someone is, they don't have the right to try to take the wheel away from the driver if the driver is compitent.

That said, Autolycus was not getting so personal. The fluid issue was merely being raised. It's just that 'drinking water' is veering away from the core of the thread subject, so I had my knee-jerk reaction. There are a lot of threads here on the Mudcat about migraines. I was mostly interested in this thread to inform about the P.F.O. issue and to ask if anyone here has had experience along this line.

Hope I've been clear. Health care is a difficult issue to talk about sometimes. We all come with our various sizes and colours of baggage. Migraines are affecting my musical life big-time, as some of you know, and so I bring this issue here to my music/friendship community.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 13 Dec 05 - 10:09 AM

Oh leeneia, thanks for posting! We must have been writing both at the same time. I love your musical way of connecting all of these things. If there's one thing I've learned in my migraine journey, it's how little 'they' know. It's symptom control, mainly. And what they used to think was all neurological, they are now finding other causes for, and that's a good thing when they do, and when they can fix them. I hope that your spirits are up, and that your headaches are relieved forever! What a wonderful story!!!!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 13 Dec 05 - 06:18 PM

Thanks to you, too, black walnut. Good luck in your endeavors.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 14 Dec 05 - 08:27 PM

(Rats. I don't usually throw around 'quotes' like that which I can't verify. My husband and I both remember recently reading that article on drinking water, and we think it was in either Discover, or MacLean's, but I can't find it yet. Really sorry about that.)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Joybell
Date: 15 Dec 05 - 06:34 PM

I'm always on the lookout for answers to the migraine problem. I've had them since I was two. (maybe before that). As a child I had auras and vomiting but no headache. I thought everyone had "warnings" like mine before they vomited. What a great idea, I thought!. I wonder how this new idea fits with the gut involvement of migraine. I've been recently diagnosed with calcification of the aortic valve and an incompetent mitral valve. Probably genetic, my father also had this diagnosis. It's not of concern for me (yet - and I'm 60). A big hit of asprin, with caffeine, at the aura stage eliminates the headaches for me. Asprin thins your blood hmmmm?

I enjoy migraine auras. Wonderful light show, exhilarating mood changes, creative energy spurts, Alice-in-wonderland changes in body perception. Wheeeeee! But I'd just as soon not have a stroke.

Good luck black walnut. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Dec 05 - 01:45 AM

Alice in Wonderland chances in body perception are all very well, but not if you are trying to drive and have the perception that you can't reach the pedals and wouldn't know what to do with them if you could!

BW - drinking dandelion tea to rehydrate? Not for nothing is it called 'Piss the bed'... a great diuretic if you want to detox, not much good for rehydration!

There are basically two types of migraine, those caused by constriction of the blood vessels to the brain - in which case, thinning of the blood or expansion of the blood vessels with caffeine works; or the opposite problem, where blood is rushing in too fast to provide enough oxygen. That's the one usually caused by intake of caffeine or tannins (coffee, chocolate, red wine) and I don't know how to fix it except by resting and denying stimuli.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 16 Dec 05 - 11:21 AM

Hi Liz,

Sometimes when I'm craving coffee and know I shouldn't (like at bedtime, I'll drink a substitute, such as dandelion concoction. A dentist friend of mine says that mild 'diuretics' just make you pee what's in there...they just give you the urge. But you are drinking fluids, which are giving you more of the fluids you need, so that's adding to the fluids not actually taking away. She said even coffee is adding fluids not taking away, because what you're peeing out is already ready to come out. Unless maybe you're overdosing on coffee or other diuretics. Does that make sense? It does to me. That's the theory I'm going on at the moment anyway, and I vary my teas...mints and gingers and whatever is something that I feel like drinking. Very little caffeine though.

It seems that exposure to citrus and perfumes trigger my migraines, and coffee at the right time can help them, but quiet dark sleep is the best...but if the P.F.O. thing is the real cause and can be fixed, then I'm all for fixing it. I'd like to do it the Star Trek way, though, without actually invading my body. Dr. McCoy, where are you?

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Dec 05 - 06:16 PM

I don't blame you - I KNOW first hand the route they use!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 02:13 PM

If you're addicted to diuretics, you're gonna pay the price.

Drink lots of water. Plain water. Stop eating sweets... get LOTS of excersize.
ttr

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 03:48 PM

Addicted? Who's addicted?!
And I have a personal trainer!
Good grief, Charlie Brown.

Liz, thanks for the image. I can only imagine that a bit of your wonderful trifle would ease the pain.
~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Rockhen
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 04:24 PM

I inherited both classic and common migraine from my dad and mum respectively and have found the condition an infuriating nuisance and one that's severity was rarely appreciated by those who haven't had a full-blown migraine. I tried every treatment I can find including hypnosis, acupuncture, every over-the-counter treatment etc, doctors prescribed endless medication and gave helpful advice...for example if you are out, avoid alcohol, oh and tomato juice, orange juice, cola etc....(should I drink water then?!!!) don't smell things, don't work in too bright a light, too dim a light...don't get too tired, don't have too much sleep...er, don't live a normal life, then?!
Then one day, about 7 years ago I tried Imigran (or sanomigran)...I am not a drugs rep by the way! I know it sounds like it! It was the first treatment that worked ever...I can carry on with my job and my life through an attack with the severity hugely reduced or almost eliminated. I know it sounds excessive but it has quite simply changed my life. I wish I didn't get migraine but as i have friends with other much more devastating conditions such as MS and lupus I now consider myself fortunate to 'just' have migraine.
My mum has tried the same drug and also finds it just as effective. It sometimes gives me a slight sore throat but that is nothing in comparison to an awful migraine. Hope it helps others out there cos migraine is awful. Ideally, I would prefer not to take tablets but these really work for me.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Dec 05 - 04:59 PM

I looked it up and I see that Imigran is one of the serotonin agonists (triptans). I use Maxalt which is in the same family of drugs. These are a wonderful discovery, and I am totally in agreement with you Rockhen, they can change your life. I love Maxalt - it works really well, especially when taken right at the very start of a migraine. Unfortunately, my neurologist says that using more than 10 or 12 triptans a month can cause rebound migraines. That leaves me with many days without meds that work, because we can't find a prophylactic that has any long-lasting effectiveness yet. Hence, I still have many days without drugs, in bed. I have to juggle what is most important in my life...what 'needs' the Maxalt and what doesn't need it so much. It's not easy to prioritize your life like that.

These are expensive drugs...about $20 CAN a pill. And musicians like me, self-employed, well...it's not covered by OHIP or any other plan.   The Maxalt has pretty much no side effects (Imitrex, a similar drug, has a rotten after-taste) and even has an easy to take form which tastes like mint and doesn't require water - it disolves on the the tongue.

Glad you found it works for you. I agree with you that that family is one of the best things that's out there right now, in terms of migraine management. It doesn't stop you from getting them, but it does help to get rid of them quite quickly. If we can why I'm getting them nearly every single day, and get rid of the root cause, all the better.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 24 Dec 05 - 01:07 PM

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah to all of my friends! Peace and freedom from migraines (or at least good remedies) to each and all!

Blessings from the Creator of music and love,

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 17 May 06 - 02:20 PM

Well...the research is looking good apparently. I'm going for an MRI, and a consult with another neurologist, to discuss the possibility of PFO surgery for my migraines. Meanwhile my newest med is working well, so perhaps I can avoid the knife...

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 May 06 - 03:35 PM

I found Imigran useless

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 17 May 06 - 09:40 PM

Did you find anything useful?

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 May 06 - 11:38 PM

I hope you can avoid surgery, bw, but it is good you are looking into all options. Glad to hear the meds seems to be helping. Also, thanks for updating us! It's been a whirlwind around here and I keep forgetting to do things; my grandson and I have been listening to Up and Over the Moon (he's old enough to really sing-a-long now and enjoying it a LOT) and I keep thinking, I've got to see how she's doing! His favourite right now is Monkey's JUmping on the Bed. Oh, you should hear him cackle! Thanks, again,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 May 06 - 11:52 PM

I'll have to go back and reread the articles, I forgot now what they said. My son still takes amitriptyline in the same dosage and I think he has gone several months without a migraine (knock wood!). He's in a growth spurt right now, outgrowing his clothes fast (it seems I put a bunch of pants on the garage sale pile and two weeks later the socks go on it and two weeks later the t-shirts are added to the heap, then we're back to more pants again. . .) I'm expecting that the frequency and/or severity of headaches could be altered by this growth. I'm also expecting his dosage may need to be adjusted because he's putting on height and weight.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 21 May 06 - 02:07 PM

Kat and SRS!!! So nice to 'hear' from you again!!

Did anyone on the Starship Enterprise have migraines? I don't remember anyone having them. Proof that they will find a cure!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 22 May 06 - 12:09 PM

Actually, there was a comment once by one of the doctors, maybe Pulaski, about how when Picard had a headache it must be something serious because nobody has headaches anymore for no reason...

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 24 May 06 - 11:45 AM

I love it, Mrr!

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 24 May 06 - 01:12 PM

PFO = patent foramen ovale

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 18 Jun 06 - 10:29 AM

That's right...thanks for spelling it out.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Jun 06 - 11:13 AM

Different things work for different people, so this is just about my own migraines. Feverfew worked best, with no side effects. Amitriptyline worked, but made me semi-conscious for most of a year. Prozac worked until it didn't and I got every side effect in the book. Feverfew.

I'm sure you'd check with your doc if you were interested in trying it, but I don't think it interacts with anything else, and it's pretty inexpensive. If it dosn't say 'standardized', there's a good chance it won't work. The capsules I took contained feverfew extract, standardized to 0.7% parthenolide, the active ingredient.

Migraines, by the way, are caused by blood vessel dilation, not constriction. Caffeine, an ingredient in some anti-migraine treatments, is a vasoconstrictor.   This page is about migraine myths

In any case, I hope things work out well for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 07:39 AM

Weather can be a factor according to my doctor

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 27 Jul 06 - 08:33 AM

Hope it's okay that I've cut and paste Jeri's "Migraine Myths and Reality" discovery below, because the link she provided (to migraine-guide.com) only gets you to another link.   I recently had a mini-stroke which they believe is linked to my being a migraine sufferer, so this list resonated with me right off the top:

(~b.w.)

------------

Migraine Myths And Reality

Myth #1:

Migraines are easily recognized and diagnosed by doctors.

Reality:

Migraines are among the least properly diagnosed and most mistreated of all illnesses.

Up to 70% of migraines sufferers have never been properly diagnosed with having the illness. Migraines remain seriously underestimated and misunderstood, even among doctors treating the problem.

Myth #2:

Migraines are annoying and uncomfortable, but there's nothing life-threatening about them.

Reality:

Migraines can induce several life-threatening conditions such as stroke, aneurysms and coma.

27% of all strokes experienced by those under the age of 45 are preceded by a severe migraine headache. 25% of all cerebral infarctions are associated with migraines. In addition, studies have also found links between migraines and epileptic seizures.

Myth #3:

Migraines are nothing more than really bad headaches.

Reality:

The headache is really just a symptom of a disease and the cause of the migraine pain is the opposite of the cause of the headache pain. Migraines are a disease that are genetically based. Those with a single parent who experience migraines themselves have a 50% chance of developing migraines.

Myth #4:

Migraines are psychological in nature, caused by external environmental factors.

Reality:

A migraine is a neurological disease, not a disorder.

Migraines truly are neurological diseases, caused by physiological and not psychological triggers. Migraines happen when cranial blood vessels dilate, causing nerve endings to release serotonin, a crucial factor in the development of the headache.

Myth #5:

Only women suffer from headaches.

Reality:

Women, men, adults and children all suffer from migraines.

While it's true that the overwhelming majority of migraine patients are adult women, a significant number of suffers are male and an increasing number of children are being treated not just for migraines but for a particular type called abdominal migraines.

Myth #6:

There's no doubting about whether that headache you're suffering is really a migraine or not. If you've got a migraine, you'll know it.

Reality:

Millions of people suffer from migraines without having been correctly diagnosed or thinking that it's just a regular tension headache.

Myth #7:

If you aren't suffering from the most severe symptoms like nausea and auras, then it's probably not a migraine.

Reality: Only 20% of migraine suffers experience the kind associated with auras. And many never experience the more extreme symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.

Myth #8:

My headaches are triggered by allergies or changes in the weather conditions; therefore they are probably sinus headaches.

Reality:

Allergic reactions and changes in the weather can trigger migraines, but they are never the cause. In addition, migraines are offer accompanied by symptoms such as a runny nose or watery eyes that can be mistaken for sinus-based headaches.

Myth #9:

Migraines are caused by stress and tension.

Reality:

Again stress and tension can be triggers for migraines, but unlike tension headaches, migraines are not actually caused by any rise in your tension or stress levels.

Myth #10:

Only hypersensitive, uptight, perfectionist, compulsive types get migraines.

Reality: Research has been concluded that there is no such thing as a particular personality type who develops migraines. Therefore, put to rest all misconceptions you may have about a so-called "migraine personality."

Myth #11:

You can make the pain go away and feel better if you take more medication.

Reality: Far from providing relief, exceeding the recommended dosage of migraine medication may do far more harm than good. In fact, taking more medicine than recommended could result in even more serious health problems.

Myth #12:

People who complain about migraine headaches are just lazy slackers trying to get out of work.

Reality: Migraines are one of the most disabling diseases around. It disrupts lifestyles, affects relationships and is the cause behind over 10,000 annual visits to a physician each year. Most people who take days off from work due to migraines would be more than willing to trade in the pain for the work.

Myth #: 13

People bring migraines on themselves. It's psychosomatic, man.

Reality: Only to the extent that heart disease or diabetes is brought on by sufferers. Migraines have a physiological cause that takes place inside one's head. That does not mean that it is all in your head!

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Mr Red
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 03:02 AM

Now I get something with the heart - usually in bed as I drift off. It feels like a double beat. Once and only occasionally but I am susceptable to migraine if I don't watch what I drink - red wine - more than 3 pints of cider or 2 in the case of any commercial brew that has "added sugars and sweeteners" (aspartame?).

I don't get hypochondriacal about it - it's cheaper to stay sensible. But one does wonder.............

FWIW - I find adrenaline helps with migraine - singing in public - dancing and, yes, sex. By and large I have the situation under control but I suspect my case is not that onerous anyway.

come to think about it - it was worse when I lived with a smoker - she pointed to pub sessions as worse - isn't denial a wonderful thing.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 11:46 AM

Having sex while undergoing a TRUE migraine can burst a blood vessel in the brain but sometimes it may be worth it.

Migraine is a process that is not just the day/days of the headache itself but includes pre and post non painful migraine symptom days that may affect memory or other skills.

As to how migraine can disprupt a life, when a person has two migraines a month that last three to four days each...

20% of that person's active, effective, contiguous, conscious life is lost. Realisticly it can be over 50% of lost life for some.

It is a severe sentence to say the least however the brief creative burst that preceeds the headache is a reward despite the costs.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 12:08 PM

Apply directly to the forehead!!






sorry about that...*grin*

now read this

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 12:15 PM

Apply directly to the foreskin, apply directly to th...

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 28 Jul 06 - 02:17 PM

Was wondering about the title of the thread; in Ireland PFO is slang for a letter rejecting you for a job, etc (the P stands for Please, the O for Off...)

Imigran work for me, almost always; before I discovered them I had a whole series of things to use: Solpadeine; a long brisk walk with the dog (the puking holds off if you're upright and moving, though it's difficult when you're feeling the kind of stunned exhaustion that's part of a migraine); cool showers; showering with cold water directly on the face; snuffing up seawater; sea swimming. But in the end it always came down to alternately sleeping and getting up and vomiting and retching, for around six hours.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Jul 06 - 03:17 AM

I find the nausea can be held off with crystalised ginger or Canada Dry - I think the CO2 helps as well. But if it is bad - it is not much comfort if it only stops one puke.

I also found mushrooms cooked in butter can trigger migraine, and maybe sunlight and even white wine in the recipe - but lately I have controlled it (not much science here) with what I eat which whatever else - is: NO ONIONS or garlic or ........
maybe my red glasses help - I do wear them for driving (they are prescription lenses).

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 22 Oct 06 - 11:24 AM

WHEAT!!!!!!! I've just tested it out with 5 days wheat & migraine free...followed by whole-wheat pasta followed swiftly by a giant migraine. WHEAT!!!!! Now that's something I can fairly easily avoid.

(as opposed to my other triggers of perfume, thunderstorms, flashing lights, and song circles that go until 3 in the morning....)

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 10:50 AM

Okay...so it's wheat and aged cheese, and a few other things. But I can do this...I think I can, I think I can....

~b.w.

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Nov 06 - 03:37 PM

Don't get discouraged if you find multiple food triggers.

It took us over a year to figure out my daughters abdominal inflamation problems were tied to an autoimmune issue which based itself around her diet. Wheat and dairy were the worse causes, but when she eliminated only those items others took over.

Look into a rotation diet if necessary. She eats a different grain and only that grain each of five days through the week. Dairy is allowed every 5th day as well. She prefers to pair it with wheat for a "treat" day. So far it has worked miracles. She went from being unable to cross a room independantly to heading off to college this fall five hours away.

Tinker

Subject: RE: BS: Migraines and P.F.O.s
From: black walnut
Date: 13 Dec 06 - 09:36 AM

That's an amazing story...thanks Tinker!!!
~b.w.