Constant migraines *really* getting me down :(

[NomDePlume]

I've suffered from migraines for about 9 years. I get both focal (where my visual field is disturbed significantly but there is no pain) and normal migraines which give me 'starry' eyes, pain and nausea. Obv these are pretty awful and the only thing I have ever found that can deal with them is lying down in a darkened room until it passes (could be 5+ hours).

I know my triggers are sugar and caffeine and so I try to cut down on them as much as possible (I have a sweet tooth). Despite this I'm still getting them. Usually I only get a focal attack maybe once a week and a painful attack maybe once/twice a month, but recently they have been getting more frequent and are causing me real problems with my day to day life. In the past 10 days I have had 7 painful migraines (lasting most of the day). They affect everything I do. Driving is impossible when I'm experiencing an attack as my vision becomes so poor and the pain is so distracting, my patience with the kids is so low that I'm snapping and biting all the time, somethimes when they really don't deserve it.

Last time I went to the GP I was basically told to get over the counter stuff, Migraleve, and that was that. I cam away feeling like I was making it all up and that I should just pop the pills and be over it. The pills don't work and I'm exhausted by the attacks. Has anyone on here found a sympathetic GP ? Or a med that can cope with migraines ?

Are you on the pill?
I used to suffer and it was hormone related..I came off the pill and not really suffered since..just odd ones

DH isn't all that sympathetic TBH, he tries but he thinks that it's just a headache. So he's prepared to be sympathetic to a degree but I know he gets exasperated and thinks I'm exagerrating when I tell him that I can't get up or do anything during an attack.

No, I'm not on any form of contraception, because of the migraines.

my GP told me that you shouldn't be on the pill if you suffer from migraine -- increased risk of strokes

NDP you can be prescribed beta blockers for migraine - Propanolol

I suffer from migrain and was refered to a clinic. They put me on painkillers and I must say that this has been horrendus. I got addicted to the painkillers (long story) and they themselves had a side effect of producing headaches! I have spent the last year trying to come off the tablets. So be really careful with painkillers. They have become a bigger issue than my migrains now!

Have you been tested for food allergies? I do sympathise because it ruins your quality of life doesnt it.

I didnt suffer till I was on the pill.

That's right iota, my risk of stroke is already high (for my age, weight and lifestyle) due to migraines and a strong family history of 'young' strokes, so hormonal contraception is a big no-no.

Never been tested for food allergies, emily05, that's an interesting point.

I think I need to go back to my GP and be a bit more forceful when it comes to getting help.

Beta-blockers are a hugely scary prospect......

Just made an appt to see a GP at my practice at 2pm. Fingers crosssed, please !

Sounds a bit of a vicious circle - you are getting stressed by the migraines and the way it's affecting you so you get more migraines - 7 in 10 days is awful. Just a thought - I was suffering recently and eventually went and had my eyes tested. I now wear glasses and have suffered much less since. Sleep deprivation wasn't helping either - I'm working on that one.

fingers crossed NDP - agree that beta blockers are not an enticing prospect, especially as it means no alcohol, but if you are really suffering they might help.

Well, that was a bloody joke.

Got to the doc and saw a locum. The guy couldn't work the computer to get the dosage right ( I had to help him !) and had to keep refering to a BOOK (mims) to medicate me. I hold no hope of this latest prescription working. Next time I go to the doc I'll make sure I see another doctor. Really, really cross.

Franke, I already wear specs . Have done since I was 12. I have regular eye checks etc so I know my prescription is right. Thank you anyway

NomDePlume, you just have to be a bit more forceful with your GP. Luckily for me my GP suffers from them too. I've been on a constantly changing drug regieme for the last 5 or 6 years to try and find the solution for me. Basically there are several options:

1. Pain killers. Probably not the most important issue for you with the mainly visual variety. I'm on some fairly strong coedine based ones that make me stoned and constipated, but can be really effective.

2. Anti inflamatories, specifically diclofenac. Surprsingly these work quite well for me. Currently I take these coupled with coedine based pain killers

3. Triptans are a class of drug for migraines. They weren't so good for me, but they are worth discussing with your doctor as they've worked wonders for my dad.

4. Beta blockers. They are known to have and effect on migraines, but it's a big step.

5. Antidepressants. Amitryptiline in very low doses apparantly is very good for chronic and persistant migraines.

6. Osteopathy. Apparantly there is something called the 'Timothy technique' that can be of use to some sufferers. I need to research that one more.

There are other combinations avaliable out there, you just need to keep trying till you get the one that works for you. Just don't let yourself be fobbed off by the GP. If necessary, turn up for an emergency appointment EVERY time you have an attack. Your doctor will get the point eventually.

Good luck.

The problem is slug, that everytime I go to the doctors surgery I end up seeing yet another doctor. It's like musical chairs at that surgery, so my appointments aren't what they should be.

I've been prescribed 'Paracetamol & Domperidone'. Probably the equiv of Junior Disprol or something. I'm really annoyed by the appointment, feel very short-changed

There are newer types of beta blockers which are much less problematic re side effects I was on propanolol(old type)very low dose for years and it got rid of my migraines completely I haven't been on them for 4 yrs now and have suffered migraines again but not as many but still as severe.I am now on a v low dose new style beta blocker for my heart problem and as a result the headaches are getting milder and i hope will stop.I also still drank alcohol with them and don't remember any effects.Also have you tried 4head that rub on stick it is really helpful in combination with painkillers hth

thanks nh, I'll try it.

Have just read up on domperidone and it is an antiemetic (sp). So all he has given me is paracetamol which DOESN'T TOUCH IT and an anti sickness drug. I feel like crying. What a useless crapweasel.

thanks nh, I'll try it.

Have just read up on domperidone and it is an antiemetic (sp). So all he has given me is paracetamol which DOESN'T TOUCH IT and an anti sickness drug. I feel like crying. What a useless crapweasel. TBH, I'm reluctant to even hand the prescription over tho a pharmacist and pay £7 for drugs that are shite for my kind of headache.

no idea what happened there!

def try syndol and loads of that rub on stick I had an awful one yesterday (vomited in the car!)and I found that the stick really helped til the painkillers kicked in.I don'y know about you but |I sometimes get a sort of milder residual headache the next day which can build into another full attack if I don't get pain relief in time and I had it today and the stick alone worked

tried syndol, didn't work.

what about syndol and nurofen together?

Sounds like cluster migraines to me, my dh suffers from these and its something to do with a muscle in his head, theres nothing he can do to stop them but he takes (cant spell it) amtripylene, no 5 on someone elses'post every night and that stops many of them from starting. Before these tablets he would often be found lying on the floor somewhere in the house unable to move. He had an MRI scan as well to see what was going on.

I do get a sort of 'hangover' from them the next day and they often do build back up into a full blown attack because I am yet to find anything that works for me.

pepsi, poor DH . They are so debilitating. The thought of taking an anti-depressant scares me too. I'm not depressed !

try these people and if necessary make an appointment with the practise manager to discuss how you feel you are not being taken seriously.

i know, but I think when he weighed it all up he felt its worth it......at the time our children were very young and he just couldnt bare being in a noisy house, then there was work, driving, it goes on. He does still get headaches but with some painkillers he can on the whole get by.