Kelli's Migraine Daily

Update on my Migraine management goals...

I'm on the plane back home after visiting nieces, nephew, brother, and sister-in-law in Connecticut, so I thought I'd write a quick update to my previous "goals" post to try and keep myself on track.  I had a really good 5 days in terms of headaches while I was up there.  I think I only had one headache I'd classify a migraine and I was able to catch it pretty early with Treximet and Hydrocodone and ended up having a good day anyway.  No motion sickness this time (which isn't surprising since it's usually connected with the migraines).  I slept with my ice bag every night, just to make sure my head stayed cool and to give myself the best chance of waking up with no headache.  It seemed to work.  :)

So, here's a quick update of the things I've been trying to change, work on, to see if they help with my migraines (and to just make my life better in general too):

1. Neti Pot - I have started doing the nasal rinsing.  I did for for 3-4 days, and then made a mistake and felt like I almost drowned myself.  It was unpleasant, so I slacked on it for a few days, and am back to it again.  I've just been doing it each evening before I go to bed, and I do like the feeling when it's over.

2. Acupuncture - Had my first appointment with Donna Huber of Thirteen Moons Acupuncture here in Omaha, and she was great.  She pegged me in terms of my "type" in a matter of minutes (an empath, introverted). She was easily able to connect those things to issues in my life - migraine, depression, overweight, etc.  She did agree that things are all inter-related.  It was a wonderful first appointment in terms of building my confidence that she is very well read and educated in these areas.  The acupuncture itself was great too.  Definitely different than the type I had through a chiropractor.  The chiropractor I saw didn't go in with the needles very deep at all - maybe 1/4" -1/2" and then the idea is to wait until they pop out.  Donna said this really isn't true acupuncture.  Her needles all go in 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches for my treatment (it would be different for someone else), and you generally leave them in 20-25 minutes or so (or at least she does) - no popping out or anything like that.  I did bruise up quite a bit.  I naturally bruise really easily (she said that can be a spleen issue that acupuncture could potentially help).  When I give blood, the use of the big needle can cause my the entire inside of my elbow area to be black and blue, it looks yucky, but to me, it's worth it to give blood.  

3. My sleep schedule:  Well, this one has made no real improvement.  I have been trying to stop working when I feel tired or my head starts to tighten up (usually around 4pm/5pm or so) and lay down for maybe an hour or so just to rest my eyes and then I'm okay to work a little more in the evening if I need to.  It hasn't really made any difference in terms of when I get to sleep at night, because that's always so late anyway.  I really need to make a concerted effort to work on this though.

4. Food choices and behavior:
    a. Not assuming that I need to eat something if a migraine starts:  I've consciously waited and thought carefully about what I'd eaten that day (or the evening before).  Then unless I truly am hungry, I've consciously not eating anything just because I think it might make me feel better (when intellectually, I know it probably won't ).  So, that's some good progress on that one.
    b. Rewarding with food when the migraine is gone:  I've actually had a pretty good couple week or so here, with many fewer headaches than the past month, so this hasn't been too much of an issue.  Haven't felt down, or depressed, from the pain, so no real feeling that I have suffered and need to be rewarded with something good.
    c. Cutting out cheese: No progress on this so far really.  It's just really a tough one.  I've eaten pizza when I was up in CT visiting my family - New York style is my favorite!!  I wish cheese wasn't such a huge part of the diet I'm used to and enjoy.

5.  Exercise:  Mediocre progress here.  Walking the dogs a little further, but haven't ventured to fix up my downstairs exercise area or start on one of the 10 DVD programs I could be doing.  I think I'm going to start with a dancing one.  I love dancing and music... so maybe that will inspire me to keep doing it.

All in all, pretty good.  We'll see how I do in the next couple weeks.

Kelli  :)

CureTogether.com Migraine study

Hi all,
Just got an email about what looks to be a really great new site for migraineurs. There's a section specific for migraines and you can help other migraineurs (and be helped in return), by participating in the online survey.  You'll need to sign up for a free, anonymous account to post your survey results, but it only takes a few minutes.  I'm going to participate as well. Click the CureTogether graphic below or go to http://www.curetogether.com/Migraine/

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Does Aspartame trigger my migraines?

I have stopped consuming artificial sweeteners and any type of "diet" labeled food with fake sweeteners.  This was based upon a bunch of reading I had been doing about the chemicals in the sweeteners and how they fool the body into thinking you're consuming sugar and DO effect your insulin levels.  In that case, I'll take the extra calories and just have real sugar... I'd rather do that than put the chemicals in there.  But, I wasn't really sure if those artificial sweeteners had any effect on my migraines.  I feel pretty sure that they do now.

I've been off them for quite a long time (maybe a year now).  I am trying to stop drinking any type of sugar soda because I'm wanting to lose weight, and I know those are just empty, useless calories.  So, I thought I'd start doing a regular lemonade mix (the sugar kind - Country Time) or a cranberry juice, and mix it with a diet 7-up and that will be my "weaning" off the pop for the next couple weeks.  I had just had the lemonade for a few weeks and was enjoying it.  I've had a good 5 days or so with only mild head pain.  Yesterday, I made my first mixture of 1/2 lemonade and 1/2 diet 7-up and drank it with my standard lunch sandwich... and within 30 minutes, I had a raging migraine and had to take medicine, get my ice and lay down.  I couldn't believe it.  It was that fast... and the only thing I did differently was put that diet 7-up in my drink.  Yes... it could have been a coincidence... but I have other items (raw onions, msg, chewing gum) that do the same thing... so it seemed pretty obvious that it must be the diet soda. 

By the evening, I was feeling a bit better and went to dinner with my parents.  I had an ice tea and put regular sugar in it... and a baked potato and some mixed veggies... and by the time I came home, I felt great.  So, I think there is something to this artificial sweetener claim that's out there.  I know that aspartame eventually turns to formaldehyde in our systems.  I think you'd have to be consuming a lot of it for this to be anything hugely toxic or damaging... but still... the idea of purposefully putting a chemical like that in my body is pretty yucky.

So, I will experiment with this again on a day when I know I don't have anywhere I need to be... and see if the same thing happens.  If anybody else has had similar experiences... please feel free to comment.  (I apologize for requiring the sign up/registration - it's only because if I don't, the spammers go crazy and post porn links, etc.)

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Are my migraines my own fault?

Sometimes I feel like I just must be doing something wrong in life to not be able to figure out how to control my migraines.  This past month, I've had some form of a headache, (not always a full blown migraine, but bad enough to need to use ice and medication), on all but 3 days.  So, needless to say, I am frustrated.   I usually wake up with them... and that's never the most promising way to start a day.

The good news is that in the last couple months, I managed to stage and sell my house in Kansas, housesit for my parents for a month, buy a new house, pack all my stuff, and move back to Omaha, where my parents are, and where I grew up.  So, I got a lot done before this past month when the headaches set in.  So, I have to be grateful for that.

My concern, and reason for some of my self-blame, is that I am not living the healthiest life.  I just wonder if these headaches are my fault... or even halfway my fault.  I work a lot... and spend WAY more time on the computer than I should. My work and life just so revolve around being online that it's hard to get away from the computer screen.  I also don't eat as healthy as I should or sleep on as strict a schedule as I should.  I write this blog about things to do to help migraines... and am finding that I don't follow so much of the advice I've posted here.  I need to make some changes.

So, I am making these pledges to myself:

1. I have ordered a Neti Pot and am going to do a nasal rinse no less than once a day to help with some mild allergies I am pretty certain I am experiencing. These are the items I ordered:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011FPZLW
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G7QMYE

2. I have made several months worth of acupuncture appointments with an experienced practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.  I am trying this, as opposed to the chiropractor I went to before, because this particular person comes highly recommended and has helped other migraineurs with their pain.

3. I am going to be more conscious of the way I am work and sleep.  I have a bad habit of getting involved in a project and just staying up as late as I need to in order to finish it.  I could just as easily stop, go to sleep and resume in the morning, but I don't.  I think this is partially because I'm fearful that I will wake up with a migraine and not be able to work as well as I was working the night before.  I need to just let go of that fear and stick to a schedule no matter what.  This will be a hard one for me... but I'm setting a goal that I go to bed no later than 12am and wake up at 8am every day.  A solid 8 hours... headache or no.

4. I also need to make some changes to the food I consume... and this is BY FAR the hardest thing for me.  I clearly have addictions to foods that have nothing to do with hunger or nutrition.  I've have quite a few issues in this area that I've thought about carefully...

    a. When I have a headache, and am not nauseous, I will eat to try and make myself feel better.  I sometimes feel like maybe my body is lacking something... or it's hunger that's triggering it.  I think there have maybe been 10 out of 1,000 times that this is the case.  In general, eating does NOT make me feel better, or make the migraine go away.

    b. When I've had a bad migraine, or have been feeling sick for days, I reward myself with food when the pain finally goes away.  I have this feeling that I deserve something "good" because I've been suffering.  This is only hurting me in the long run... because my "reward" foods are generally not healthy choices.

    c. The last animal based product I've held on to is cheese.  I eat a vegetarian diet, but have not committed to a vegan lifestyle (there is a difference philosophically as well as in diet) because of my LOVE of cheese.  There is really nothing good about it except some protein, and when I really think about where the cheese comes from (I don't drink milk), it makes me feel sick to my stomach.  I'm not crazy about eating anything that comes from animals, and my eating cheese is very contrary to my emotional and philosophical belief about animals and food.  I've held on to it because of my love of pizza, mexican, italian, etc. I am going to work very hard to cut down on my cheese gradually to the point where I don't miss it anymore.  I believe I would be both happier and healthier the closer to a vegan lifestyle I am living.  I'm certain of it actually. It's my unreasonable food addicted brain that keeps me from my goals.  I'm also not sure that cheese is not contributing to my migrianes in some way.  I don't know for sure, but I'll never know if I don't stop eating it.

5.  And lastly, I will begin a reasonable exercise daily routine that I can commit to and stick to long term.  I sit SO much of the day, and this is not good for the body or mind.  I have a perfect exercise room in my new home... and have a wonderful neighborhood to walk in with my dogs.  Over the next weeks, I will set up my exercise environment in the house and commit to moving every day.

I'm sure this reads more like a journal post... but maybe adding my "pledges" to myself publicly will help me make them real.

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Good Morning America's story on Migraines

Hi all,

Good Morning America did a story about migraines this morning.  They've posted the information up on their website here:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=6888692&page=1

Best,
Kelli  :)

Double the meds... double the fun!

Hi all,

In my post a while back, I wondered if my insurance company was going to allow me to fill both an Imitrex AND a Treximet prescription at the same time.  GOOD NEWS!  For the last 2 months, I've been able to get 9 pills of Imitrex and 9 pills of Treximet at the same time.  So, that's double the meds for me since both work for me.

I'm starting to prefer the Treximet.  It seems to be working quicker and more reliably for me.  I'm tempted to get a prescription for the naproxen in whatever the dose is in Treximet and see if combining that with the Imitrex would get me the same result.  I need to check in with the professionals before doing this, of course, but my pharmacist is great at letting me know what's okay and what isn't. 

For those of you who are able to get meds through your insurance plans... and are having trouble getting enough to cover you for the whole month, you could also check to see if there is another medication that has very similar active ingredients to the medication that works for you.  Maybe your insurance will cover both for you too.

I'm traveling right now, so for the last few days, I've had that nervous feeling about whether a migraine attack was going to ruin my plans.  I'm at a seminar in Los Angeles (warmer and rainy - so different environment can be a trigger for sure), and staying in a hotel (not much air circulation, strange smells, etc).  I've been so happy that I have only had one migraine so far and it came on while I was sleeping.  It woke me up at around 5:30am, which was plenty of time for me to head to the hotel ice machine, make up my ice bag (it comes with me everywhere), take my meds, and go back to bed until 7:30.  When I woke up again, it was almost gone... so I was able to get up and and head down for the conference. By 9am, it was totally gone.  YEA!  As you all know, it's torture to sit in bright lights and try to concentrate with head pain... so I was very happy to make it through this whole event without missing anything I wanted to attend. 

How are you all doing?  I'd love to hear from you with any questions, suggestions, thoughts you might have.  To write me, just click on the "Email Me" link up in the top right corner area and send me a message.  I'm not always able to respond right away, but I read every message and keep notes about questions asked and try to address them in a post.  I'm working on a new book too, so any input is very welcome and appreciated.

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

P.S. Here's to migraine relief for us all!

Head On "Apply Directly To The Forehead!" for Migraines

I finally tracked down the Head On product that's supposed to be specifically for Migraines... and I have to say, I'm surprised.  I really like it. I've written before about how cold helps me... and this seems to have the menthol-like properties similar to products you can apply and they give a cold sensation.

The active ingredients are below.
Iris versicolor (Blue flag)
Kali bichromicum (Potassium bichromate)
Bryonia alba (White bryony)

I'm really happy with it as a great mobile solution for getting cold on my head. Thought I'd write with my quick review.

I think this product is supposed to be available at drugstores, but I had a hard time finding the "migraine" version, so I ordered it from drugstore.com.

Here's to migraine relief,
Kelli  :)

Migraine Relief

Hi everybody,

Ahhhhh.... migraine relief! 

I think I've finally found a great combination of medicine and homeopathic remedies that are helping me get migraine relief.  The combination of Imitrex (or now the new Treximet that seems to be working better), hydrocodone (generic Lortab/Vicodin), ice packs, and peppermint aromatherapy, is my magic combination. 

This summer has been a tough one in terms of the frequency of my migraines.  I went for several months having migraines every day... and that was trying.  So, to end the summer on a high note having this combination working well, makes me very happy.  I've been able to travel and not feel the stress of possibly having a migraine for days during the trip.  It's still a frustration, but not as much stress knowing that the Treximet is really working right now.

I hope you all are doing well.

Wishing you all migraine relief,
Kelli  :)

Treximet - new from the makers of Imitrex

Hi everybody,

If you've been reading my posts for awhile, you know that the medicine that works best for me is Imitrex.  I just learned today that there is a new drug that uses the same main ingredient in Imitrex (sumatriptan)... and I tried a sample of it today and IT WORKED!  Now the big question is whether my insurance company is going to fill both a prescription for Imitrex AND Treximet.  If they will, that will probably double my medication each month, and I will be VERY happy about that.  They're made by the same company (GlaxoSmithKline), so I'm not getting my hopes up that insurance will cover it.  They're a different medication... but have the same main ingredient made by the same company... so maybe I'll still be limited to 9 of that type of medicine each month. I'm hoping not though... keep your fingers crossed for me!

Here's the main site for Treximet.  I don't endorse any medication, but the sumatriptan medication in Imitrex has been working for me for MANY years (maybe 15 now)... so I wanted to make sure you all knew about this one too.

http://www.treximet.com/

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Struggling - trying to keep a positive attitude

Hi everybody,

It's been a long time since I've written, and I suppose in some ways that's a good thing.  I.e. migraines not on my mind, so that must mean I'm not as frustrated as normal. 

But, they're back on my mind again, pretty much daily now, and I'm starting to get frustrated and upset again.  Since the beginning of Spring here in Kansas, I've had head pain almost every day.  I was all excited because when I went up to visit my Mom in Omaha for a week or so in May, I had 7 days in a row of a perfectly clear head.  That RARELY happens this time of year, so I got ahead of myself and started thinking maybe I was cured!  Ha! Ha!

I was trying to think of anything different I might have been doing while I was there.  I've stopped drinking/eating anything with artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame - I'm convinced that it's poisoning us slowly - who knows, but I'm not having a lot of trust for food manufacturers these days).  I thought maybe that was it, but a day after I came home to Kansas, the migraines started up again and I had one every day for a month. 

I'm starting to wonder if I might be cheese that's causing me problems.  I am vegetarian, but still sometimes eat cheese (which is something I struggle with from an ethical standpoint - ethically, I want to be vegan, but struggle with it due to habits, favorite foods, etc).  I've noticed recently that I eat cheese a lot more than I thought and on the days when I have not had any cheese at all, I have not had head pain the next day. 

I don't think I'm going to find ONE answer though.  There are so many things that contribute to this condition.  It could be the cheese, in combination with mild allergies, in combination with the fact that I'm still also drinking regular soda (caffeine), and not exercising, in combination with the heat and humidity.  UGH... when is the answer coming???

Oh well... then I stop and remember how lucky I am that ice helps me and that I have Imitrex and Lortab that both help me get by.  So many of you I hear from just don't have any relief and all, and I am so sorry for that.  I hope we can all just keep positive and remember that EVERYONE has something they struggle with.  This is just "our thing" to deal with in life. 

I've gotten much better about being honest with family and friends about it.  When I know there's a good chance I may have to cancel on plans, I just don't commit to anything.  It sucks, but it makes the stress on me so much less.  I cannot stand disappointing my friends canceling plans on the same day.  I know they understand, but it still bothers me, so I just don't promise to do anything, so then I don't have to back out.  When my Mom can hear on the phone that I don't feel well, I just answer honestly that I have a migraine, but that I'm used to it, have taken my medication, and am sure it will be better soon.  That's honest but positive enough that then she doesn't worry that I'm upset or depressed. 

This time of year, I'm not going to buy expensive tickets for an outside concert when there's a greater than 50% chance I'll have a headache and would be miserable (sick) the whole time I'm there.   I don't agree days ahead of time to go to the movies, or out to eat, etc.  I just do everything spur of the moment, which means I do alot of stuff by myself... but I've never had a problem with that.  So, it's all good.

Thanks so much to everyone who emails me with their stories, suggestions, questions.  It's great to hear from people who really understand.  I try to get back to everyone if I possibly can, but am not always able to reply.  I appreciate every email and read them all though.

Hope you are all doing well,
Kelli  :)

A Really Good Day!

I have had one of the best day's I've had in a long time today.  For two reasons:

1. SMOKING BAN where I live.  As of yesterday, a smoking ban went into effect that will make it so pretty much everywhere I want to go, I can avoid smoke... a huge trigger for my migraines.  I know my friends who smoke and other smokers just don't understand how big a deal this is for me... but it's HUGE!  I bowl in a league with friends, and it's pretty much torture when we bowl a team with smokers... and the alley was even allowing cigars... YUCK!  Now my bowling alley is SMOKE-FREE and tonight was the best night of bowling I've had.  I bowled one of my highest series ever... and felt great the whole time.  I just got home and I don't smell of smoke and have to go up and shower right away... and that is just so great!  Now, if I've been invited to go somewhere, I'll likely be able to go even if I do have a hint of a headache coming on.  Before, if I had made plans with friends to go out and have dinner or shoot pool, etc... most of the places we went allowed smoking, or had smoking sections (which we all know does not contain the smoke in one area).  Now, none of the restaurants, bars, entertainment places I go to will have smoking... so even if I'm not feeling well... I can still go and take my medicine when I get there, and have a decent chance of having the medicine work and being able to enjoy myself.  With the smoke there, it was a definite that I would get worse, and would be so sick I could hardly make it home without throwing up... so I canceled on people all the time when I had a headache.  This is so HUGE, and I'm so happy about it.  I wanted to share because I know so many of you understand how important this is in my life... and hardly anybody I know really gets it.

2. I am just now watching the results of the Iowa caucuses.  I really don't talk a lot of politics... as I always hate to be too outspoken on things like that (or religion) as I know these are very personal things to people.  But, I have shared with many people the thought that if Barack Obama is elected President of the U.S., it will be one of the happiest days of my life.  There are many, many reasons I feel this way, that I won't go into here... but I am just beside myself that he is winning in Iowa. If you've read my previous blog posts, you know I have trouble with depression... and much of that is because I've felt hopeless about the state of our government.  With someone like Barack in the running, I feel like I have hope that things can be better... and for me, that is a really big deal too.

I hope you are all doing well.  I've been struggling with more migraines than usual this month.  Some of which is because of the holidays and my abandoning my normal sleep schedule (WHY, WHY do I do that to myself, knowing what's going to happen).  And the holiday smells, and overeating, etc... it all plays in.  But, I am feeling better today and hopefully that will continue for another 2-3 weeks when my inevitable hormonal migraines will kick in.  :)

Best, Kelli  :)

Migraines and Depression

As you guys have read, the last few months have been tough for me.  I've been seeing a therapist to help me learn how to cope with migraines properly (and some other stuff)... and to try to stop using food as my primary coping mechanism the way I've done for so many years.  I'm struggling though and have been spiraling for some time now.  We decided today that I need to go back on medication for the depression again... and I just can't help but be disappointed. 

I truly do know that it's a chemical imbalance as it was before because so many of the "symptoms" are the same.  Not sleeping well at night and then wanting to sleep during the day, crying a lot even when I'm having what I would normally consider a great day, letting the migraines and a recent knee injury really get me down when I know in time I'll be better, never waking up and being excited about my day.  I'm finding happiness in only a few things (my nieces and nephew and the time I get to spend with them mainly)... and it shouldn't have to be that way.  I have an incredible life... I am so blessed, and lucky.  It should not be such a struggle to try and be happy.  I have so much to be happy about, and I just can't let this continue any longer. 

I honestly can't say why I feel such disappointment.  It's not like I'm ashamed about it... or embarrassed that I struggle with depression.  I suppose I'm just disappointed that I've been through this before and really thought I would catch the signs quickly enough that I could do something about it and not have to take medication.  But, what did I think I was going to do?  Eat better... exercise more... force myself to be happy?  That's silly... by the time I have the symptoms, I'm not mentally capable of helping myself... so I just let it get worse and worse.   

I'm grateful that I now know enough to seek out professional help... then I know I have an objective eye that can tell me when things aren't normal.  The first time around, I put my parents through so much before I agreed to get help.  This time, I've decided to just work with my therapist and let my family know that I'm being taken care of and they do not need to worry.

I would venture a guess that many of you reading this have gone through the same struggles.  I've read many times that there is a clear link between migraine and depression. I was doing some reading today to try and help myself feel better and came across this information...

"Doctors from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York examined the health history of 768 people, half of whom suffered from migraines.

They found that 47% of those with migraine also experienced bouts of depression.

This compared to just 17% of those who do not suffer from severe headaches.

Their research, which looked at patients in both the US and UK, found that while migraine and depression are linked, they have independent causes.

Dr Richard Lipton, from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said:

"It seems logical migraine patients would be depressed because of their pain.  But it goes the other way too - depressed patients are more likely to have migraine. We think the two disorders must have a common neurobiology."

- Read the full article

So, I've decided to do my best to go to bed each night believing that better days are coming. 

Thanks to all of you for listening (well, reading) and for your emails.  I am sometimes not able to reply to everyone... but I do read every email and appreciate you all so much.

Best, Kelli  :)

Bad Migraines This Month - Increasing my Imitrex Dosage

Hi everybody,

Well, since my last post, I have to say this has been one of my toughest months in quite a few years in terms of migraine pain and frequency.  I wouldn't say they've been daily, but right now, every day that I wake up with no pain is a day I am feeling really grateful.

I hardly ever get frustrated with the fact that I have migraines.  I feel like I've really learned how to cope and how to understand that almost everyone has a physical malady they deal with.  Migraines is just my personal malady. 

But, even when I can talk myself out of feeling sorry for myself intellectually, it doesn't remove the emotional pain that I feel after having headaches that last for days on end.  It just wears me down and I end up crying on the phone to anyone who might call me that day.  I cried when I was talking to a client the other day and just felt like an idiot.  Luckily, she's someone I know well and have a great relationship with... but it's still kind of embarrassing that I was so worn down by the pain that I couldn't control my emotions.

And I cried again that night when none of my medicines would work and I had to cancel plans on one of my friends... again.  Sometimes I can still go out... but recently, I've been having such bad motion sickness associated with the migraines that I don't feel like it's safe for me to drive. 

I think I posted before about the connection between kids that have motion sickness and their propensity to develop migraines later in life.  I was fascinated by that because I was always one of those kids that didn't do well on long distance drives.  I could never read or play those counting cars games... I would just have to listen to my music in headphones and try to sleep as much as possible.  I found that all pretty interesting when I first saw an article connecting motion sickness with migraines.  It makes sense from the whole vascular angle.

To the point of my subject line... I thought I would post that I tried taking a 100mg dose of my Imitrex the other day instead of my normal 50mg pill... and it seemed to work quite a bit better.  These past few months, I've had so many headaches that my Imitrex (the 50mg pills and also the shots) just can't seem to touch.  I had received a few samples from my doctor of the 100mg, but hadn't tried them.  It seems like it helped to up the dosage.

That's all for now.  I hope you all are doing well.  I'm anxiously waiting for the cooler weather.  We've had 2 cool days in a row... and no surprise to me, no headaches! YEA!

Kelli  :)

Summer Heat and Humidity - Horrible for My Migraines

The last month has been one of the worst I've had for migraines in years.  I live in Kansas and the heat and humidity has just been awful, and that is definitely a trigger for me.  I think it's possible that I may have some adult onset allergies as well, and those flare up in this weather too, triggering even more headaches. 

I cried on the phone to my Mom the other day for the first time in years.  Not so much from the pain, but from the frustration of feeling bad for so many days in a row.  I always keep in mind that there are many of you out there who are struggling with daily headaches all year long.  I am, in comparison, VERY lucky that for most of the year, I can control them fairly well with Imitrex and hydrocodone for the pain. 

My Dad suggested that I get some of the full strength Claritin and see if that might help.  I never think of the allergy thing because it just wasn't something I dealt with until recently... so I tend to forget (or be unaware) of when allergy season has kicked in.  So, I started taking some Claritin yesterday and am hoping maybe that will release the vice grip I feel on my head all the time. 

I saw a therapist the other day (I have trouble with depression when the migraine pain gets really bad) and she asked if I had tried Botox for migraines yet.  She said she has a colleague who is being treated with Botox and is having excellent luck so far.  I've been really resistant about it because I know it's tested on animals (as most stuff for humans is, of course), and since I think of it as a "cosmetic" drug, in that respect I would never use it if I know it's been tested on animals.  I have to change my tune a little bit though if it really might relieve pain for migraine as I'm certain that my Imitrex and hydrocodone were at some point tested on animals as well.. so I'm hypocritical to say Botox is off the list for my migraine treatment for that reason alone. (I struggle with the animals rights issues in all areas of my life, so this dilemma is always at the forefront for me.)

I'm feeling fairly clear headed this morning, except for whatever bug my niece has given me that's starting to fill up my sinuses and make me cough.  I swear, if it's not one thing, it's another with me these days. (whine, whine, ha ha!)

I hope you all are doing well, and managing your migraines as best you can.  Keep your spirits up.  New things are coming on the market so frequently now... so we just have to keep trying them and finding what works for us individually.

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Migraine Videos on Topomax Website

Hi everybody,

I do not endorse or promote any particular medication or migraine treatment via this blog... but I do try to share things that I think might be helpful or beneficial.

I just ran across this page on the Topomax website and really appreciated the time that was taken producing the videos they share on their "My Way With Migraines" page.  It's always helpful to hear other experiences/stories to remind us that we are not alone in our struggle with migraine pain.

http://www.topamax.com/topamax/mywaywithmigraines.html

Best, Kelli  :)

Cigarette Smoke Smell Triggers Migraines

I received this excellent question from a reader today... and wanted to post my response in the hope that my "survival tips" might be of help to you.

Hi Kelli,

My question for you is about cigarette smoke as a trigger for a headache.  When someone comes inside from smoking cigarette and I can smell it, it instantly gives me a headache that will last for hours, even after the person is gone.  I have always been avoiding smokers, but sometimes I can’t.  I go to college, and it happens on the bus, in classrooms, and in the tutoring center.  It happens countless other places, like in line at a store, movie theaters, etc.

What should I do?  Is there anything I can do to prevent the headache from the smell.  The same thing happens from perfume.

I see a neurologist who tells me I have migraines, but sometimes from the smell of a smoker I feel like it’s just in my sinuses.  I tried topamax and verapimil for a preventative medication, topamax made me sick and verapimil didn’t work.  Any pill for migraine relief makes me very nauseous.  I feel desperate, so I wrote you for advice.

Thank you,
Stefanie

Dear Stefanie,

First, let me tell you that you are not alone.  So many migraineurs cite cigarette smoke as a major trigger for their headaches. Unfortunately, as you stated in your email, there are many times where we just don't have control over whether we will be around the smell of it (it makes me so mad sometimes).  I don't have a definite answer to eliminate this in every situation, but I can at least tell you what I do personally.

I find peppermint to be a great smell for me when I'm confronted with a smell trigger... or even when I already have a migraine (most mint scents are great for me - and there's a cucumber/melon combo I love too)... and I carry a little vial of peppermint oil in my purse (mine came from a Bath & Body Works Headache Relief kit they came out with several years ago, but I can't find them anymore - http://www.migrainedaily.com/2004/10/peppermint_head.html - but they do still have some cool aromatherapy stuff).  I also found a similar vial to the one I carry, but with both peppermint and lavender oil, at this website:  http://www.lilslavender.com/product/1431

Sometimes, if I'm sitting next to someone who has been smoking... or I am in a smoky environment, I will take the peppermint oil and put it on my pulse points (wrists, neck, temples)... and then at least I can have the nice fresh scent of peppermint close to me.  I have some peppermint lip balm too that I keep handy and wear all the time... I just love the fresh, clean smell.  Sometimes it can help mask the smoke smell... or any unfamiliar smell that I know might be a trigger for me.  (Perfume can be a tough one though if the wearer has really overapplied it... but hopefully that isn't too often.)

There are scents other than peppermint that are known to help migraineurs including: lavender, bay, melissa, jasmine, eucalyptus, and rosemary.  I personally do well with some citrus smells too... but they have to be pretty subtle.  If you don't do well with any smells though, this isn't going to be a good solution for you.

If you are being forced to walk through clouds of smoke to enter "non-smoking" buildings (smokers always seem to stand right by the door), consider talking to the building administrator and asking them to post signage that requires smokers to move away from the entrances. It's the least they can do to help us non-smokers not have to smell like smoke for the rest of the day just for entering a building.

In terms of how you feel the pain/pressure in your sinuses... I am not sure as to how the smell would affect your sinuses... I haven't had that same experience.  I do know several people who have allergies and sinusitus who use a "neti pot"?  I wonder if you may be having some sinus congestion... and if so, a neti pot might help you clear your sinuses.  There are some good articles explaining it below: 

http://www.netipot.org/about_nasal.htm (video here: http://www.netipot.org/demo_video.htm - and make sure to read the reviews on Amazon.com as some people have found these types of neti pots to be too big for their nostrils)
http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/neti-pot.htm
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/product/neti.html

You're on the right tracking by checking in with your doctor and continuing to look for solutions.  We are all different in the way we experience migraine and headache.  It can sometimes take quite a bit of trial and error to find the right personalized solution.  You will find yours... just keep your spirits up and don't give up.

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Wrap Ice Packs for Migraines

Hi everybody,

I just got a note from a migraineur today who was wondering about ice packs that would allow some mobility.  I personally use a wrap around version of the Hot&Cold Therapy ice pack that has been working great for years.  I thought I would share the info I emailed her as the last time I talked about ice packs was several years ago and that post is way down in the archives. 

Hi,

I use this product:

http://www.medi-temp.com/products/HEADNK.html

I love the wrap-around quality because I can actually get up and walk around, work at the computer, etc.  It does mess up my hair (darn it), but that's a small price to pay!!  I've been using mine for years and it still works great.  The don't have the "staying power" of a regular ice bag with cubes of ice in it (I still use my ice bag when I'm lying down because it lasts longer), but when I need to be up, the wrap is awesome.

The wrap below is also popular with migraineurs. I don't have this one but it seems to be very similar to the one I use.

http://www.painreliever.com/ha.html

Both of these are available at major drugstore chains like Walgreens, Eckerd, Osco/Savon, RiteAid, and others.  I think individual stores carry different brands... so I'm sure you could call and ask them which ones they have if you don't want to purchase online (save shipping costs). There may be price differences too.

Hope this helps.
Kelli  :)

Migraineurs - sign this petition

This is a petition created to encourage our government and employers to treat migraine as a debilitating disease.  Please sign to show your support.

http://www.petitiononline.com/Migraine/

Computer Monitor Flicker Found To Be One Migraineur's Trigger

I just received this email from a fellow migraineur and thought it would be helpful for many of you:

Hi,

Thanks for your interesting site.

My migraines almost always manifest as dizzy spells. I had them for
over 30 years before a very smart PT figured this out.

Reading your post on computers as trigger prompeted me to write. One
trigger for me is flickering light. Many older computer monitors, not
flat screens, flicker at low frequencies and have caused me a great
deal of misery. When I change to a flat screen, no more problem.

Many newer CRT (TV screen type) monitors permit adjustment of the scan
rate and higher frequencies don't seem to produce such an annoying
flicker.

Certain florescent lights, maybe old tubes that are going bad, also
have been triggers for me. The two combined, old monitor where I can't
adjust the scan rate plus lousy florescents can be a nightmare. I've
had some help wearing a cap with a brim to block out some of the
flicker from overhead.

Best regards,
Tom Noll

F-D-A calls for warning about mixing migraine and depression drugs

This worried me a little because I know many migraineurs (me included) have suffered from depression and taken an SSRI (Prozac) at the same time I was taking a triptan med (Imitrex).  Please check your meds and talk with your doctor to make sure your meds are okay and that he/she isn't concerned about this warning request.  I am doing more research on this right now and will post anything more that I learn.

One of my local news stations just aired a story about this, but their angle was that the combination of the two, in certain people who experience aura and visual disturbance during migraine, can increase incidence of heart disease.  Now, that wouldn't be good.  Something we need to make sure we know about in case our doctors don't. 

F-D-A calls for warning about mixing migraine and depression drugs

WASHINGTON Health officials say mixing a certain class of migraine drugs with some antidepressants can put patients at risk of a life-threatening condition.

What's called serotonin syndrome can produce a long list of symptoms including hallucinations, fast heart beat, blood pressure changes, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.Drug regulators say it can occur when migraine headache drugs called triptans are taken with antidepressants classified as S-S-R-I's and S-N-R-I's. The two together can dose the body with too much of the nervous system chemical serotonin.Some of the commonly prescribed antidepressants include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Effexor. The migraine meds include Imitrex and Zomig.The F-D-A wants the makers of all the drugs involved to issue warnings about the potential hazards.

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.