Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Migraines...


I've been getting Migraine headaches with increased frequency. I have an appointment to see a Neurologist next week, presumably to diagnose and prescribe Imitrex to help control them. I am anxious to see if anyone out there has a remedy that might help. I'll take any suggestions...

22 comments:

LauraB said...

I'd suggest listening to David Cook cd's - that should make you feel better - after all he IS the American Idol!:)

Brian said...

No he's not. He's the "STUPID People's Choice". There are 46 million votes of people with style and taste. There's a reason this country is going to pot. It's the 56 million votes for Big Head that prove that. Go ahead, gloat if that's what you want to do, but I will thank Jamie for calling to see how I was doing and taking the high road. I love you Jamie! The rest of you...

ducklips said...

My mom gave up caffeine about 2 years ago and said that she has not had a migraine since. Of course she did have to go through the withdraw headaches, but after that, no more migraines.

Merilee said...

I'm sensing that you have a lot of stress in your life. Maybe you need to do some deep breathing exercises.

Teresa said...

Imitrex is a miracle drug. I have had horrible migraines for years. The drug works when you get the migrain, but you can help cut them down dramatically, but finding what is triggering them in you. For me, I had to cut down dramatically on caffeine and sugar. Also, lots of water is a help as I noticed when I was dehydrated I was more prone to them. Changing diet and exercise was huge. I went from having one a few times a month to having them once every couple of months.

Now that the advice is over, I want to thank you for voting for David Cook and helping him realize his dream. I am sure this is a very difficult time for you, but remember, you contributed to his win.

prism said...

I agree with Teresa. Much of what I've read about migraines indicates diet and exercise as highly important (not always the only reason, but play a big part). Also, too little or too much sleep. Another thing that can cause them is dental problems.

Here's a good place to start:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120

I highly recommend Phyllis Balch's book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". The great thing about this book is it is pretty thorough, with suggestions for foods, herbs, and lifestyle changes, and mentions the different drugs and their effectiveness/side effects.

Here's a couple vitamins you could try:
Calcium & Magnesium (important to take them together and in chelated form)
Vitamin B complex
Coenzyme Q10

balanced multivitamins and minerals

And, its important to try to cut out a lot of processed/packaged foods.

Rich used to get migraines with caffeine also, so he stopped all soda with caffeine (we rarely drink soda any more at all). Now, if he gets a migraine, a small amount (like the amount they put in those airline cups) can help - but just a bit. Some doctors recommend caffeine pills to help with the pain. My guess is you're only supposed use the caffeine when you have a headache (not daily with soda, etc.)

Also, the book says to eat small meals, nutritious snacks in between, and to avoid missing meals because it helps stabilize your blood sugar.

Lower simple carbs (sugar, white flour) and increase protein.

There's a ton more in the book, so feel free to e-mail me if you want more info. Or, just go to the library.

And, drink lots of water!

Sorry this is so long!

LauraB said...

Brian, you do realize, don't you, that you voted for David Cook one more time than I did? So, see, you are part of the 56 million and I'm not!

LauraB said...

P.S. Am I helping your headache any at all?

Brian said...

Amy, that's awesome! Thanks. I appreciate any and all suggestions.

Laura, no, you're not helping. Maybe you should go on another month-long vacation.

Jon said...

I hear xango works wonders! Why not use that...it can be applied topically also.

Brian said...

It would help, but it's expensive. And, yes, I did sense your sarcasm. Shun the unbeliever. Shun

Darrel said...

Brian, I know exactly what to give you for your upcoming birthday. I just hope that David Cook's album is out by then. If not I can just download all of his American Idol performances and put them on cd. Sorry that I spoiled the surprise. Just act like you didn't know.

Brian said...

That would be a shame for you to WASTE your money! Actually, I could use it as a Pinata...but how would we stuff it full of candy? Oh well, I'll bash it with a bat anyway.

Sheri said...

I think part of the migraines could be the air too. The air quality this year has been HORRIBLE. Ian has had a migraine every Sunday for the last month.

Kim said...

Sheri, are you sure it's not just a "church" migrane? I've been getting those a lot lately.

Becca said...

Brian, I agree with "Prism" and Teresa. Cut Caffeine, sugar (and I have heard that cutting meat works too), make sure you are hydrated (clear urine) and exercise, exercise, Sounds so easy doesn't it? I am also a Xango unbeliever, and yes it doesn't matter I can't afford it anyways.
Church migraines can be bad, but Melanie screaming in church migraines are by far the worst!
And for the record Tim and I didn't vote for Cook (although we didn't vote for Archuleta either).

Chris C said...

Brian this is going to sound weird, but it works. I have been to the doctor too, got Imitrix, it only works if you catch it at the beginning of the migraine. But this process works almost every time, even after the migraine sets in.

First... Take a very hot bath.
Second... Take an airbath. (This is a German trick... lay on your bed naked with the ceiling fan on. It's best to have the windows open, but since you are in AZ just turn your ceiling fan on)
Third... Meditate. If you can get into a good deep meditation state of mind. Focus on the breating.
Fourth... Take a nap. 30 minutes should be enough, but I found 1 - 2hours is best.

Cutting caffeine and sugar is always good, but I promise you, the above process works!

Brian said...

Chris, I can do the laying naked on the bed thing, no prob. How long do you meditate before napping?

Trina said...

What a good idea Chris C! Brian I am sorry you are having Migraines! What a total bummer! I am with you on the David Cook thing. I don't get it!

Trina said...

What is that weird thing next to your name when you comment?

Chris C said...

Brian you should meditate for at least 15 minutes. You need to get to that euphoric state of mind, however long that takes. It used to take me 20-30 minutes.

Jon said...

I hear a little glue sniffing will help excelerate that euphoric state of mind