Migraine sufferer

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have suffered with Aura type migraines since i was 9 year old, since i first started my periods. Now im 40+ and they seem to be getting more frequent and alot worse than what they usually are. I am seeing blue and yellow zigzags and a burning sensation in my eyes. I dont usually suffer with headaches, but i am getting them often too. Often when i do get them i get a numbness in my right side of my face and i do go blind. I find going into a very dark room, under my bed sheets, quiet and falling to sleep does help, after taking migraleve. But after ive had an attack i feel very tired.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Ruth, welcome to the Forum!

    Sounds like its time you were referred to a neurologist that specialises in migraine.

    Is it possibke you are peri- menopausal? My migraines were routinely end and mid month, ie linked to progesterone dips, then since my mid forties (i'm about to turn 48) as my cycle got erratic the migraines increased to 8-10 days a month.

    May be worth trying the menopause supplements and getting a blood test to check where you are up to. If you read the forum you'll find there are lots of prophylactic meds out tgere to try but most are best taken if you are not trying to get pregnant!

    Best wishes

    Helen

  • Posted

    Hello

    Yes i am going through the Menopause, ive had the blood tests also. Im unable to take HRT, (which i dont think id take it anyways.)due to my mum getting breast cancer which finally she died from in 2006. My doctor referred me to see a neurologist, who wasnt very helpful (he just said that when i was younger when taking the pill he was surprised i didnt suffer from a stroke). I have no idea what to take, i find my GP not very helpful with this sort of info. So that is why ive been riding through it for the past 2 years.. Thanks for welcoming me, (Dont take this the wrong way) But its nice to finally know there are other sufferers out there...smile

  • Posted

    Hi Ruth, I know exactly what you mean! It's nice not to feel mad or neurotic any more. I battled on with herbal and vitamins to keep the hot flushes at bay which I know trigger my headaches, which I suspect are hemicrania continua but since that's rare my neurologist is sticking with chronic daily migraine for now! Botox injections do help me somewhat, worth investigation they can be on nhs, but mine are £600+ three monthly privately: my insurers coughed for 2 rounds.

    Do take a look on menopause matters website for non hrt suggestions. I've been giving natural progesterone cream a try, just 6 weeks in but maybe... If not HRT for me but aware of it's risk benefit equation not good for all.

    Migraine Trust suggests B2, magnesium and CoQ10 in high doses, also expensive option but B2 can be prescribed, I'm looking into that after my neurologist agreed it worth a try for me. If you Google Springs TMS there is a magnetic therapy device being trialled free for 3 months... Didn't help me but worth looking into.

    Suggest you forcefully request a diff neurologist, ive been to three but finally found a headache specialist - look them up on the hospital website then seek a referral. If you start a headache diary, Migraine Trust again, it will back your requests up with evidence. Sorty if you've been thru all this already!!

    Take care

    Helen

  • Posted

    Hi Duvet - Thanks for the information that the Migraine Trust suggests B2, magnesium and CoQ10 which is interesting. At the moment I take B2 , folic acid and magnesium chelate which seems to work quite well to prevent my auras and migraines. Should I be taking CoQ10 as well? rgds Rob
  • Posted

    Hi Rob

    I'm unable to advise you as a fellow patient. Just reading the online resarch reports and what's available. My consultant has prescribed B2 for me, but in addition to Botox and just starting HRT. Seems like my bod needs a multi pronged approach! I've topped up the magnesium I was already taking for bone health and thought CoQ10 worthwhile to try.

    No full relief yet but the Botox dimmer seems to be kicking in again after 2 weeks. Enough to pencil in a long weekend in London at month end - our first "holiday" in over 18 months!!

    If I get more than 3 weeks with some 1's on my headache log I'll be able to report some success. I only acheived 4 hrs headache free last year so any diminution may get me able to plan ahead! Still a chronic insomniac though.

    Helen xx

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.