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Looking for some help.. Chronic Migraines and Beta Blockers

Posted , 4 users are following.

kim64047
kim64047

Hi all smile

I am a 22 (soon to be 23!) year old female and I have been suffering with headaches since last October. I have literally taken every step to try and get rid of them.. I have had my eyes tested, a CT scan, changed my diet (which wasn't too bad anyway) by cutting out caffeine and chocolate, seen an ENT specialist as well as a neurologist too. They have confirmed that it is 'chronic migraine'. Fortunately for me, I don't (and hopefully never will!) suffer with the aura aspect of a migraine. Even though I am getting somewhere I sometimes feel at a dead end with it all.. and it might sound silly, but I genuinely cannot remember what it feels like not to have a headache or a dull ache somewhere around my neck and forehead.

I have been prescribed beta blockers to prevent the pain.. I have been taking them for just under 2 weeks and I haven't felt a massive difference. I am completely aware you need to be taking them for some time (6 months I believe?) before you can fully notice if they work or not. I was just wondering if anybody else has been in my position and whether beta blockers have worked for someone.

Trying to stay positive, even though sometimes all I want to do is crawl into a hole and cry for a week!

Hoping for some informative replies! smile - Kim

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • StevenRose
    StevenRose kim64047

    Posted

    Hi kim,

    Beta blockers can be effective and as you say they take time to work into the system and the drs arent sure to begin with if you are on the right dosage.  But you need something to take for a reliever of the headaches in the first place.  Ask your dr to consider something like Imigran.  The ingredients in this can be taken in tablet, injection and as a nasal spray too.  I find injections very quick to act on a migraine personally.

    Best of luck Kim and let us know how you get on.  But if know relief soon, NAG the drs as they will fob you off of you not careful.

    Take care

    • kim64047
      kim64047 StevenRose

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your response - I'm new to this forum business! 

      I definitely have been fobbed off a few times, I know there are people who are well worse off than me from a migraine point of view though. I just kept going back until they reffered me elsewhere! A doctor perscribed me amitriptyline, but they made me feel worse and since then I haven't been given anything else painkiller wise. You make a good point though, I will look into going back to the doctors and suggesting what you have.

      Thanks again - hope your head is clear : ) x

  • alex44230
    alex44230 kim64047

    Posted

    Hi Kim,

    I am on anti seizure medication, 1600mg Sodium Valproate and on Monday have now been prescribed topiramate in addition to try and improve my condition.  I have been diagnosed with chronic complex basilar migraine which causes blackouts I have had 14 since January plus many other symptoms.  Some symptoms are slightly better but blackouts are still occurring so not much better and wish for anything to help improve my condition, my 6 and 8 year old daughters have seen it and it scares them I can not drive anymore and it is awful, I sympathise with you and wish you luck with your medication as I think it is trial and error to find the right medication.

    Hope you notice a difference soon.

  • shaheen35354
    shaheen35354 kim64047

    Posted

    Hi Kim, sorry to hear that, I in a similar situation Beta blockers have not worked for me.

    I've been told to try Botox which I need to pay for

    The only thing which has worked, wet cupping going to go back to that

    Hope you get a resolution

    • StevenRose
      StevenRose shaheen35354

      Posted

      Hi Shaleen,

      Are you from UK?  If so Botox is available free on NHS but you have to go through your Neurologist

      Good luck with your treatment

       

    • shaheen35354
      shaheen35354 StevenRose

      Posted

      Hi I am, I did got to the Dr Friday, they are hesitant, my Dr will only give me 6 Triptans due to expense, I have to cut in half not ideal for someone who suffers a migraine every day
    • StevenRose
      StevenRose shaheen35354

      Posted

      Thats crazy him saying they are too expensive for him to give you more than 6 and cutting them in half is no good at all, you need 100mg at a time to be effective against the headaches.  you dont have to pay for the botox injections, just get your GP to refer you to a neurologist. You really have to nag the drs sometimes to get what you need.

      Good luck Shaheen

    • shaheen35354
      shaheen35354 StevenRose

      Posted

      awww thank you I will get on the case for Botox

      I've worked from 16, and this is the return you get

      The Triptans stresses me the same as my migraine, as im panicking I will have none left

      Thank you for your support really helps as it gives me confidence to fight back

      Thank you

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