Migraine Hell...is there a way to avoid drugs? - Page 2

[carfreemama]

I have to second acupuncture. I have been on every medication out there since I was a kid and nothing has helped as much.

I also would mention that dehydration is my No. 1 trigger. Migraines got worse when I was breastfeeding and I finally made the connection. Too much fluid loss and not enough time to replace it.

With acupuncture, I thought it wasn't working the first couple of times I tried it. Then I found a Chinese practitioner who insisted I come at least 3 times a week. I think that's what did it. She was VERY aggressive, putting needles near my eyes and in my chin and absolutely everywhere else. Not for the squeamish! But holy smokes it worked.

My migraines have never been associated with my periods as far as I can tell. But I was migraine-free for 3 years after those acupuncture treatments. It took tons of time and dedication, though. It was covered under insurance, but I was working and it was hard to go so often. I think I went 3 times a week for 2 months and then a little less frequently. Sadly, they're starting again; so I think it's back to her. I was on some herbs, too; but I can't remember what. I will probably have more options now, since I'm not breastfeeding.

I do have to be careful about trigger foods and sometimes  they change. Green tea is an example. I was fine with the supermarket stuff and drank it many times a day. Then I got some "real" stuff from a Japanese import store and it took me 2 days to figure out what was causing the brutal migraines. It was the tannins, just like in red wine; which I can't even sniff. So I still need to be on the lookout.

God, I know how bad these things suck.

[Halfasianmomma]

Has anyone ever heard of or used 5-HTP to treat their migraines?

[subtlycrunchy]

Good article that might help: Menstrual migraines and other hormonal headaches Relief is out there!

[3TsMom]

You can try epsom salt baths to help prevent migraines.  The magnesium will help your body as will the sulfates all while pulling toxins out. 

http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/health_benefits.htm

[seashells]

For DH and SIL, they found their migraines were triggered by flourescent lights. DH now avoids them entirely - CRT monitor instead of LCD, handheld device with no backlight, incandescent light bulbs. He can't avoid them in big box stores, but since he is not looking directly at them, he seems to be able to tolerate them for a half hour shop or whatever. But working under flourescents all day would put him in constant migraine mode, until he was able to change the lighting situation (boss was willing to turn off the overheads and install task lights for everybody, thankfully - there was already decent natural lighting too).

[Eeyore35]

I take amerge, (naratriptan) and it works well. The earlier I take it, the better. I've ended up in hte ER twice. The first time, I got gravol & morphine...man i LOVED the morphine, but  morphine IV isn't a home treatment option...2nd time in the ER I just got Tordol. It worked, but didn't send me to my happy place like morphone, lol.

Anyhow, usually, I manage at home. If I don't catch it before the pain starts to get bad, I take tylenol 3, and if I feel at all nauseous, I take gravol right away. What worked the best, (and I need to go get more, actually) is a tylenol supository. It works faster, and no worries about keeping it down.

If the maxalt isn't working for you, I'd ask my dr. about trying a different triptan before going to daily meds.

I haven't personally tried Feverfew, but my brother took it as a teen, and it seemed to help. I am thinking of trying it myself, even though the amerge works for me. I'm not supposed to take triptans with my antidepressant, but i do it anyway.

My biggest trigger is skipping meals, but that isn't something I'm going to change apparently, ( I forget to eat). I also suspect red wine, but I dunno...a glass or 2 doesn't seem to cause a problem.

Oh, i also get more migraines around any change of seasons, summer to fall being the worst.

God luck!