Can a doctor help with migraines. How do you manage yours?

[newnamenewyear]

DP is in bed for the 3rd day running with a migraine. Day 1, he was in bed the whole day. Yesterday, he was up in the evening. Today his head is sore but he seems to be over the worst of it, I expect he'll be up later.

He's really, really shit at going to the doctor or seeking help for anything. e.g. he has an underactive thyroid and only knows about this and has medication for it because I made him go to the doctor and get tests, after years of him minimising the symptoms and saying that he was "just run down" and didn't need to see a doctor.

So, when he says there's not point in going to the doctor for migraines, I don't believe him!

He treats them by ignoring the issue entirely when he's not got a migraine, then taking whatever painkillers we have in the house when he gets one. (Usually ibuprofen or occasionally cocodomol). He also takes Paramax or Migraleve if I've bought them and they're in the house and these seem to help.

(He seems incapable of planning ahead and getting these in. It's me who buys migraine pills for him).

So, should I be making him go to the Dr about this? He's getting debilitating migraines every month or so. They're undoubtedly linked to stress, but getting him to deal with that is another kettle of fish entirely. It'll be a battle to make him go to the doctor, so I need to know if it's what he should be doing?

Also, if you get migraines, can you share any tips on how to treat or prevent them? Thanks :)

(Yes, I know, he should be doing this stuff himself but his fear of doctors or whatever it is, is so ingrained, and I can't change that).

Thanks for that info, SilverHairedCat, that's useful.

The depression is part of post-drome.

Equally for a lot of people who describe food triggers, what they are actually describing are cravings that are happening in the prodrome - the migraine is already underway and making them want to eat chocolate or carbs, they then get a headache and think 'Aha, chocolate caused it'

On the other hand eating a much more healthy diet and losing weight reduces migraine, it's just bloody hard to do this if every time you get hungry it triggers a migraine - bitter experience.

Sumatriptan is the work of the gods. I've had migraine since I was 2 (one of my earliest memories). I suffered through 1-6 per month until I was 30.

I went to the doc a lot and tried a few things (beta blockers??) until a new doc gave me sumatriptan. I take 1 when I feel it starting and an hour or so later it's gone.

Fabulous things!!

There are a couple of specialist clinics that can help. migrainetrust.org
www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk

Best to take (dispersible) aspirin or ibruprofen (paracetamol less effective) with a fizzy drink + something with caffine. But bad migraines really are nasty - you think you are dying, then worry you won't.

GP's can be hit or miss. The last time I tried I got a different one who was actually quite helpful and prescribed anti-sickness tablets to take to make the aspirin/ibruprofen more effective. I find cold towels over the head also helps - numbs the pain a bit.

There are lots of things for him to try. Can't understand why anyone would put up with migraines when you don't need to. They're awful.

Mine are triggered by hormonal changes and I've had to try a few things to keep them at bay (was getting 3 attacks per week at one stage). GP and neurologist have been fantastic.

He need to stop messing around and opting out of family life and get to his GP.

Very interesting partially relevant thread here:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4446884-GP-appointment-cancelled-looking-for-any-advice

I'll have a look, thanks :)

I felt like a miracle had happened the first time I took a triptan for my 3 day migraines. I have frovatriptan.

@Bakingdiva

Sumatriptan is the work of the gods. I've had migraine since I was 2 (one of my earliest memories). I suffered through 1-6 per month until I was 30.

I went to the doc a lot and tried a few things (beta blockers??) until a new doc gave me sumatriptan. I take 1 when I feel it starting and an hour or so later it's gone.

Fabulous things!!

This for me too Changed my life.

Interesting thread, thanks! My migraines have recently ramped up.

Re: the husband though, how frustrating that he won’t do anything about it. Can you ring the doc and hand him the phone?! He does have a responsibility to you and himself to do something.