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Migraines everyday, all day, for 9 months. Help!!

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Becky-Louise
Becky-Louise

Remember your worst migraine. How much pain you were in and how you just couldn't do anything. That's how I am everyday.

Right so I'm a 20 year old female, I'm and student and work as a waitress part time.

So, I started with a headache on the 18th January this year, pain killers didn't touch it. Woke up the next day and still had a terrible headache.

I have a terrible headache all day, everyday, without fail. It's got to the point now that I'm stressed; fed up, hardly sleeping, can't concentrate at uni or any time really.

Please understand that the pain never goes, the headache never ends. I have literally had a migraine 24/7 for 9 months now.

I wear glasses (short sighted) but I know it's not my eyes causing the migraines.

I've cut out everything that's apparently supposed to aggravate headaches. Stop drinking caffeine, stop eating chocolate and cheese. No change in the headaches.

This continued for a week or two before I went to see my GP who referred me to a neurologist.

The first neurologist thought I had tension headaches caused by stress.

At this point, I wasn't stressed at all, not with uni or work, nothing. So I didn't quite understand this diagnosis.

Anyway he put me onto tablets called amitriptyline, which is an antidepressant, and told me to gradually increase my dosage up to 50mg a day. This didn't help at all, had horrible side affects.

I then saw another neurologist who diagnosed me with migraines, put me into Topamax, which are an anti epileptic drug meant to also treat migraines. I got my dose up to 100mg within 3 months and the side affects were horrible and didn't help at all.

I've had a CT scan, which was normal. Had an MRI scan, which was normal. I've also tried Imigran and some migraine medication that melts into your tongue, with no affect what so ever.

After trying all this, an idea was put forward that I could have raised intracranial hypertension, so yesterday I had a Lumbar Puncture. The pressure was at 19 and a half (apparently if its over 20 it's high), so it's not thought its that. The migraines were worse for a week after the lumbar puncture, I couldn't even sit up without being in agony and being sick. Spent a week in bed unable to move.

I've got another type of MRI scan booked for the end of this month that's apparently going to look at the veins/blood vessels in my head to see if there is a problem there.

I feel like I'm not being taken seriously now by doctors, because "there isn't anything to be worried about, like a tumour" as I'm always told! As much as I'm so very glad I don't have anything serious to be worried about, I hate spending everyday in so much pain that I can't function.

Please don't think I'm over reacting/attention seeking/whatever, but I am literally fed up and can't cope. I can't get a minute of relief, I'm constantly in pain (different variations of pain, but pain all the same). As I'm writing this I'm crying my eyes out because I haven't managed to sleep more than 3 hours a night in that past 4 days. I'm exhausted and depressed now. I've even told my GP that I am so depressed now, I have thought on more than one occasion of overdosing just to end this pain. And he literally turned me away saying he couldn't do anything. I feel so defeated.

If anyone has had this type of problem before or knows someone that has, please let me know.

24 likes, 741 replies

741 Replies

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  • nathanael32122
    nathanael32122 Becky-Louise

    Posted

    I have had a similar headache for six months non stop all day every day. The only thing that heleped me is clonazepram taken right befor i sleep. You might want to try this.  I truly understand how you feel even though you have a few months on me. hope you get better!
  • heather835297
    heather835297 Becky-Louise

    Posted

    Hi everyone, just thought I'd post an update. Hope you are doing ok. Im still getting migraines every day, but only take sumatriptan with naproxen 3 days a week to avoid medication overuse (and p*ssing off my neurologist!).

    Since my last post I've had the occipital nerve block in one side of my neck and it definitely had some effect. The sharp occipital neuralgia (piercing radiating pain from the base of my skull to around ear/eye) was reduced significantly on that side, although I still experienced the migraines.

    Has anyone had any success with antiemetics? I am being sick everyday despite taking buccastem and ondansetron most days...

    It is interesting that vit d has been mentioned, as it is the only thing I am deficient in.

    Lastly, has anyone else found that dietary changes have had an effect? (Aside from cutting out triggers) I would like to try to eat better but have lived off almost pure bread for months as its all that stays down when I'm nauseous (so always..).

    It's frustrating when my general doctor starts asking whether it's really migraines because I look alright, this illness really messes with your head because most of the time it's invisible and you don't want to constantly bring it up even though it's constant.

    X

    • Becky-Louise
      Becky-Louise heather835297

      Posted

      Hi heather,

      I hope you find something soon to help! I haven't had any success with the things you've mentioned but I've had some success in helping my migraines but it hasn't fully got rid of them, but myself and my life have improved so much.

      When I've got a migraine I take Rizatripton tablets for pain relief, and I find these really help.

      But what has given me the most success is that I've been put on blood pressure tablets by a migraine specialist- not actually sure why I needed them, my blood pressure has always been normal, but he said they help, and they have! I'm on 4mg of Candesartan daily.

      Now I usually just have a small niggling headache around my eyes everyday instead of a full blown migraine, and the amount of times I have an actual migraine has reduced massively. Sometimes I go a full week without one!

      I hope you find something that can help you! But ask your doctor about trying blood pressure tablets!

      All the best, let me know how you get on! xx

  • crystal98194
    crystal98194 Becky-Louise

    Posted

    Hi Becky-Louise, I'm not sure if your still suffering from headaches but I know exactly what you are dealing with. I got the flu shot 2 years ago and every since I've had really weird dull headaches everyday all day long for 2years. When they first began the day after the flu shot I was rushed to er because it felt like something was going to explode in my head, I got a ct scan everything was fine but still felt the same they told me I was having migraines funny thing is I never had a migraine a day in my life before I got the flu shot. The head headaches got worse I went back to er and got a MRI the doctor told me I have a perfect brain. I seen a neurogist and he prescribed me some part pills for depression that are also used for headaches I have not yet taken one of those pills, I have an appointment this week for another MRI to make sure they didn't miss anything 2 years ago. I hope you are feeling better, did you figure out what was going on?
    • Becky-Louise
      Becky-Louise crystal98194

      Posted

      Hi Crystal,

      I haven't found out what was causing the migraines but I have had some success in reducing the frequency.

      That's so weird that yours started after the flu jab. Have you had any luck since posting this?

      Try your best to cut out painkillers! Paracetamol, cocodomol etc cause rebound headaches! I know that sounds hard when your in a lot of pain, but it will really benefit you.

      When I've got a migraine I take Rizatripton tablets for pain relief and I find these really help.

      But what has given me the most success is that I've been put on blood pressure tablets by a migraine specialist- not actually sure why I needed them, my blood pressure has always been normal, but he said they help, and they have! I'm on 4mg of Candesartan daily.

      Now I usually just have a small niggling headache around my eyes everyday instead of a full blown migraine, and the amount of times I have an actual migraine has reduced massively. Sometimes I go a full week without one!

      I hope you find something that can help you! But ask your doctor about trying blood pressure tablets.

      I'd definitely avoid antidepressants though, horrible stuff that always gave me the worst side affects ever!

      All the best, let me know how you get on! xx

  • Billy2be
    Billy2be Becky-Louise

    Posted

    Hi Guys, not sure if this has been mentioned. Thought it may help. Doing Chiro and Therapeutic massages to let the unclog the blood to flow better to circulate the head helped me a lot.
  • mcastro1991
    mcastro1991 Becky-Louise

    Posted

    Hi! I know this was posted about a year ago, but i was also wondering if you are still getting the headaches and if you're not what did you do to get rid of them.? 

    Ive been having constant headaches for about 2 months now. I have them for a few weeks and then they are gone for a week and then come back. I feel the times they come back they are worse. I just feel a constant pain in my head, especially the back of my head like if i got hit by something. I also get pains around my temples and now my left ear hurts like if i have an infection or something. Also, sometimes i feel nauseas and feel weird pains on my chest arms and left knee. I dont know if this has anything to do with my headaches but since its happening all at the same time it's freaking me out and im thinking the worst possible situation. I have basically convinced myslef that I have cancer and its spreading and since I have anxiety problems its only making my thoughts worse. Right now my head hurts, the pain has calmed down a bit but 5 min before this my head hurt so much and felt nauseas that i cried. Idk what is wrong, but i am truly terrified of what it can be. A week and a half ago my boyfriend realized that we didnt have a filter in our AC, which can cause alot of the symptoms I am suffering from. After we put a filter my headaches went away, so i thought that was the problem but they have come back sad I went to the ER clinic about 2 weeks ago and i had a urine test and he did a neurological exam on me and everything was normal, he checked my eyes and he said that I need glasses and that it might be the reason for my headaches. I requested an MRI on my visit and he said that an MRI is step 4-5 and that he doesnt see any signs of a tumor so an MRI isnt necessary at this time. I have an appointment for my vision this week and another appointment to see my primary doctor, but I just think since i have other symptoms other then my headache its something more serious. I hope and pray its nothing serious, but like I mentioned before my anxiety is not making crazy thoughts any better. It's hard to explain this problem to anyone because they just dont understand, I feel like my boyfriend is so annoyd of my constantly compaining about how much it hurts. Idk what to do sad 

    I also read in another forum about constant headaches that after going to the Chiro they felt better and their headaches went away, so i want to try that. I have noticed ever since i moved into my boyfriends place i have had back aches bc we have to eat on the coffee table so im constantly hunched over, so that may be a cause, hopefully. 

    Im glad im not alone in this, i seriously wouldnt wish on anyone. It sucks so much. I feel like i have to put my life on hold bc of the pain, i have no energy or no motivation to do anything bc the ach is constantly there. sad 

    • Becky-Louise
      Becky-Louise mcastro1991

      Posted

      Hi! Sorry I haven't replied sooner, I actually completely forgot I wrote about my migraines on this forum haha!

      I completely understand how you feel, but honestly, try not to worry about anything like cancer. If there was any evidence to suggest that might be what you have, just put faith in that the doctors would have picked up on it. They obviously aren't worried about it being that, so just try and calm yourself down about it. Worrying will actually make your migraines worse.

      I've had some success in helping my migraines but it hasn't fully got rid of them, but myself and my life have improved so much.

      Definitely go and see a chiropractor, it didn't help my migraines but it might help you, and even if it doesn't help the migraines it will help with your backache.

      Try your best to cut out painkillers! Paracetamol, cocodomol etc cause rebound headaches! I know that sounds hard when your in a lot of pain, but it will really benefit you.

      When I've got a migraine I take Rizatripton tablets and I find these really help.

      But what has given me the most success is that I've been put on blood pressure tablets by a migraine specialist- not actually sure why I needed them, my blood pressure has always been normal, but he said they help, and they have! I'm on 4mg of Candesartan daily.

      Now I usually just have a small niggling headache around my eyes everyday instead of a full blown migraine, and the amount of times I have an actual migraine has reduced massively. Sometimes I go a full week without one!

      I hope you find something that can help you! But ask your doctor about trying blood pressure tablets.

      I'd definitely avoid antidepressants though, horrible stuff that always gave me the worst side affects ever!

      All the best, let me know how you get on! xx

  • beverley42358
    beverley42358 Becky-Louise

    Posted

    Hi Becky Louise. I just wondered if you had any luck at all in finding out what it was/is? I had exactly the same problem a few years ago. Migraines every day for over 12 months, the doc put me on antidepressants after 3 months but the migrains still lasted a further 9 months. Then I started vomiting and couldnt keep anything down, so the doc put me on antisickness tablets. These had no effect. I couldnt stand the light and needed darkness and only felt slightly better (and it was only slightly) when my body was slighly upside down and my head was pointing towards the floor. I was really dizzy and lightheaded. I never found out what it was and after months (12-13) of being really ill it got better on its own. Not sure if its the same as what you have got but I am still interested in finding out what it was just incase it comes back. 
    • Becky-Louise
      Becky-Louise beverley42358

      Posted

      Hi Beverley,

      I've had some success in helping my migraines but it hasn't fully got rid of them, but myself and my life have improved so much.

      Try your best to cut out painkillers! Paracetamol, cocodomol etc cause rebound headaches! I know that sounds hard when your in a lot of pain, but it will really benefit you.

      When I've got a migraine I take Rizatripton tablets and I find these really help.

      But what has given me the most success is that I've been put on blood pressure tablets by a migraine specialist- not actually sure why I needed them, my blood pressure has always been normal, but he said they help, and they have! I'm on 4mg of Candesartan daily.

      Now I usually just have a small niggling headache around my eyes everyday instead of a full blown migraine, and the amount of times I have an actual migraine has reduced massively. Sometimes I go a full week without one!

      I'd definitely avoid antidepressants though, horrible stuff that always gave me the worst side affects ever!

      I really hope your migraines don't start again, all the best xx

  • kathryn0731
    kathryn0731 Becky-Louise

    Posted

    hi,

    going through the same exact thing.

    I also took amitriptyline which made me extremely drowsy. The topamax made we worse the neurologist even referred it as 'dope-amx'.

    My biggest problem overall is that im 13. and i have had to grow up very fast because of all this mess.

    The headaches initially started due to a concussion which lasted about 4 months witch after i had no more symptoms for 6 weeks. i was able to go on vacation and summer camp but when school started back up the headaches came with it.

    I had a MRI, went to a chiropractor, did acupuncture, cut foods, even nerve blocking injections in my head (witch by the way hurt like hell). Nothing has worked.

    Again i have the same headache all day every day. I am at the end of my rope. starting jan,4th I am going to the hospital for medicine through iv.

    I am fed up. Have you been able to have some relief?

    let me know.

    -kathryn

    • Becky-Louise
      Becky-Louise kathryn0731

      Posted

      Hi Kathryn,

      Sorry to hear your suffering with this at 13! I thought it was hard enough at 20 to start having migraines but I doubt I'd have coped while in school. I really hope you find something that helps!

      I've had some success in helping my migraines but it hasn't fully got rid of them, but myself and my life have improved so much!

      Try your best to cut out painkillers! Paracetamol, cocodomol etc cause rebound headaches! I know that sounds hard when your in a lot of pain, but it will really benefit you.

      When I've got a migraine I take Rizatripton tablets and I find these really help.

      But what has given me the most success is that I've been put on blood pressure tablets by a migraine specialist- not actually sure why I needed them, my blood pressure has always been normal, but he said they help, and they have! I'm on 4mg of Candesartan daily.

      Now I usually just have a small niggling headache around my eyes everyday instead of a full blown migraine, and the amount of times I have an actual migraine has reduced massively. Sometimes I go a full week without one!

      I hope you find something that can help you! But ask your doctor about trying blood pressure tablets.

      I'd definitely avoid antidepressants like amatripulin and topomax though, horrible stuff that always gave me the worst side affects ever!

      All the best, let me know how you get on! xx

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