Migraine support thread

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

A lot of us seem to have migraine here. Lots of different types, presentations, severities, symptoms and lengths of attacks.

Here's a place for support, empathy, questions, inspiration and ice packs for the pain.

OP first: I have suffered migraine since I was 12. They go in phases of frequency, from 3-4 a week to one every few months. I've had stroke symptoms (scared me silly) and been to A&E with the pain once. I get crippling nausea but never throw up. Light sensitivity, skin sensitivity and oh, the pain.....

I take sumatriptan nasal sprays, but rarely as I try to tough them out first (terrified of them becoming ineffectual). Buccastem for the nausea is a miracle cure also spectacular for hangovers. I use an old fashioned ice bag on my face, must buy another for my neck.

If I could invent anything to help (other than a magic medicine for us all) it would be a whole head ice pack to cover my neck and shoulders too.

Am currently on day 5 of a low-level migraine that just won't shift. May have to give in and use the sumatriptan.

I just posted about mine before I saw this thread

I have a new type of migraine I've never had before. It's been 4 days and blue flashing lights (constantly) and blue dots
I've been to A&E sent by the 111 GP and got IV paracetamol because I couldn't stop vomiting
My neck is stiff and I am either boiling or shivering
My bloods are all clear
Sumatriptan is what made me vomit I think
Pain relief orally doesn't seem to help
I've never had one this bad or long before - after my A&E trip I'm having bit of respite but it's still hanging around in the background

It's making me so miserable. I've missed all my weekend plans and been indoors alone for days in the dark

@PookieDo How are you now? It's horribly lonely, I'm sorry you were alone.

Saw my GP today. He's taken me off pizotifen as I'm struggling with the side effects. I'm starting amitryptiline tomorrow (dreading those side effects too!). He's taken me off sumatriptan as well, and I'm trying rizatriptan instead.

No referral to the Migraine Clinic or neurology, as they will only follow the same clinical guidelines as my GP (I have a copy) and as he says, that'll be 6 months between appointments - I can be seen by my GP in a matter of days if I need to.

If this doesn't work, the next drug of choice is sodium valproate (Epilim). Not sure how I feel about that.