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  :)

Comments

[BB]

Hi Kelli. I'm sorry you suffer from migraine headaches, personally, I've never had one. I just heard of your blog and immediately thought I should show what I've learned about migraines and botox treatments for them. G/L.

http://botoxbeauties.biz/category/migraine/

[thrasher]

I know the botox thing seems weird but now Botox is being used for so many things and helping so many people. Also, maybe try to think of it in these terms too... insurance companies cover Botox for medical treatment and not for cosmetic reasons so your insurance would probaby cover it. If you were to get a nerve block in the back of your head for instance would you ask if it was ever tested on animals? Same difference.

My mom recently got Botox in her arm because of spasticity/tone from a massive stroke she had a year ago. I don't know if botox would be helpful to you or not but I hope you can try to put the animal testing aside to research it further. Wouldn't it be worth the possibility of being able to be more productive in your life?

Just trying to shed a different light cause I know how severe the pain can get.