Migraine advice

[Ikeameatballlunch]

I’ve not really had them before and I’m not actually certain they’re migraines so trying to work out triggers or patterns before I go to go for help as it’s starting to interfere with work and life. I’m on tamoxifen for breast cancer which may have stopped my periods (a good thing) but possibly there’s some hormones things going on in the background. I’ve discussed coming off it with a menopause consultant, either temporarily or permanently.

I’m otherwise doing really well - it’s just if this is a side effect, I may well ditch it as it’s so bad . I can’t work it out.

My worst one coincided with a storm over Easter.

Is there any website or app that follows pressure changes that might affect joint pain/ Migraines?

I’ve definitely had full body pain due to a storm before, prior to tamoxifen but it’s not consistent.

Best to ask your GP.

Triptans were a revelation to me, changed my life. Seem to have very few side effects. Worth asking your GP if they can be prescribed with your other medication. They stop my migraine pain in about ten minutes (though they don't cure the fuzzy feeling that comes with it).

Where I get confused is that I don’t particularly get a sharp head ache; the neck and spine pain are more pronounced. My worst “attack” was when there was a storm and it was extremely bad for several hours with extreme head pain as well, and I felt unwell for a few days afterwards. I do get a fuzzy head/ brain fog. And it comes on in a wave, then subsides. Last night it came on in the middle of the night and kept me awake. Paracetamol and ibu don’t do a thing.

I’ll see gp. Am also thinking of seeing physio incase it’s muscular. I’m having some strange issues in my shoulder

Are Triptans the things that can also be bought over the counter if you’ve been prescribed them before?

pharmacist mentioned them but as I’ve never had them before she wouldn’t give

You can buy them, but it's a ballache. I even struggled to get some when I was out for a day and could show them my repeat prescription on the NHS app. Considering the pack is only two tablets anyway it does seem like a lot of fuss.
My bf tried to buy them for me once and bc they weren't for him, they refused. By the time he told me, the shops were shut.

You can buy them online easier and cheaper.

But you really do need to ask your GP about contraindications. And probably a good idea to try some physio.

thank you, this is really useful.

I have hypermobility and hypothyroidism and with the tamoxifen too it could certainly be joint/ muscular related too

Yes, changes in barometric pressure can cause migraines. Yes, they don't always mean a headache. They can be very frightening to have when there are other symptoms. You should see a GP and talk through your symptoms though in case they are indicators of something else going on that needs investigating. You have my sympathy - all my adult life I have had migraines although they are decreasing now I'm in my 50s.

Hi
I’ve been a migraine sufferer since I was a child. The absolute best thing for me is having something with quick sugar like haribo, 2 anadin extra and then going to sleep. This is the best thing that works for me although having a nap obviously isn’t always practical. I’ve actually done it under my desk at work before and locked my office door 😂. When I had a series of really bad attacks a few years ago I had ‘blockers’ from the GP can’t remeber what they were actually called it may be what other people on here are advising and they were a god send after weeks of agony. Thankfully since then I’ve not had them so bad. I also find that mine are definitely triggered by certain foods - anything rich or overly fatty.

Yes, there is a type of triptan that acts as a prophylactic. Only on prescription.

I have always had a three day migraine every month. Changing through peri, at times I suddenly get loads in a row, then can now go ages between them and they surprise me. A storm the other week did seem to trigger one, which lasted three days - but two days later I had a period (had a couple of spots near my chin, and sore boobs) which was a bit of a surprise at 58 and with a Merina coil, but my hormones are all in a big muddle!

Try 900mg aspirin. Took me 40 years to discover that works for me when nothing else ever has including beta blockers and triptans.

thanks for all this.

the “hangover” has slowly lifted during the day.

I think fatty and rich food can contribute too.

is there an app or twitter account that tracks weather changes? I believe it’s large drops isn’t it?

I’ll see what gp says. I used to take beta blockers for anxiety; he refused them last time saying there’s some sort of change in prescribing. But i am wondering if one of the reasons I liked them so much is because they helped with mild silent migraines.