Relief for migraines? Pepto Bismol (seriously)

Hi QOTH,

Your not the only one who suffers from constipation , iVe had it as a side effect of all the different Pain killer drugs I've been put on.Go to your GP first before trying anything else.I have just been diagnosed with colon and rectum conditions , basically an internal prolapse of the rectum and a very slow transit Colon.Ive been taking micro goals up to 8 satchels a day plus strong suppositories even dynamite ones given by a nurse plus very healthy diet, coconut oil and hemp oil.Ive been told the Ibrufen I was on has caused Gastritus and the various codine meds have probably done the damage to the colon and severe straining and meds affected the internal collapse .Im now awaiting barium meal tests, X-rays 

Endoscopy from the bottom up and one from the throat down!

Learn from my lesson read up and never take anything unless you know what the side effects are long term.All this on top of severe HM and sciatica you don't want to do more damage than what's absolutely necessary. Contact your neurologists secretary or migraine nursing officer

and ask first.I am all for self knowledge but know all the facts about something before you take it and Peto Bismol with your symptoms does not bode well.Think long term health not immediate pain relief and building up further trouble elsewhere. be careful first check.

Good luck Yvonne

This reply is for everyone that may be suffering from constipation due to all the migraine drugs. I eat 2tbsp. Of organic flax seed in greek yogurt daily. This keeps me regular.

Opioids give me horrible constipation.  The Pepto hasn't. Remember, you can always take a break from the Pepto or use less than the amount I use. Listening to all of the permanent medical damage some people have from taking migraine meds for years, it's hars to understand why someone wouldn't just try iPepto - once even. I'm sure you can relate, but if someone said lighter fluid was a miracle for migraines, I'd drink it (not really - lol).  Good luck, I'm praying for you!

I'm not really advising anything, if I did, I apologize - I was just trying share my experience hoping it may help [u]one[/u] person. I've been to my GP, my endocrinologist/internal med dr, and my pain dr. They ALL said my doseage is PERFECTLY SAFE. This info is for anyone who wants to try it. I do not get constipation from it but I do from opiates (which I haven't had to take lately) Please google the pepto and see how many people have reported relief from Pepto before you scare everyone off who may benefit if they want to try it. You can take a lower dose, 4 per day is what my dr's suggested. Remember, Pepto Bismol has been around forever, and I've never heard of an overdose, nor is it likely according to my dr's.. If you want to try it, ok - if not - that's fine. I've done my homework already. I've worked in pharmacy as a Senior Exec. for 15 + years. I have a law degree, and a masters in clinical studies design, so you can bet I've done my homework and I've had migraines for 38 years. I've had no rebound effect with Pepto - I know what horrible rebound is, and haven't had it, nothing but relief. It's your head, your migraines, so please do what you've been doing and ignore my experience, good luck and thanks for your advice. Oh, and by the way, mfg's always put lower doses on their meds for sale w/o an RX, it's just like when a dr prescribes way more Motrin than you can get over the counter. Good luck with your migraines!

Hi MigraineAllTheTime,

I apologise if I sounded like I was patronising that wasn't my intention.Im glad that you've had it ok for you, and I acknowledge your experience and understanding of drugs.HM and Suna are a fairly rare form of migraines that don't tolerate certain drugs that are prescribed for migraines in general.Im sure you'll understand re Triptans are bad news for HM,s sadly some doctors are behind with the research and findings of the effects of Triptans on HM and Suna patients.I wish you well and let's hope with their doctors and consultants advice others can try it .As you say everyone's body has its own reaction and response to meds over time.i developed migraine with aura in the mid 60's which changed pattern and severity ?What the docs didn't know at that time was that it was really HEmeplegic migraine and Suna .Research and knowledge has changed so much since then in the UK but the majority of Gps sadly know and understand very little about Hm or Suna (sunct) in med circles.Good luck and again no offence meant The present research theory for Hms in the UK is that it's a genetic mutation especially for Famial Hms .It took me years before I found out through relatives that both my grandmother and aunt suffered with Hm , sadly both died of strokes but not until they were my age plus a few years in grandmas case.Are you located in the UK ? I ask because several countries have varying methods of treatment.India , Sweden and Germany have some interesting research and approaches.These are now collating their findings within the network in the UK.I feel for those who are having really difficult times and like you what I express relates to my own experience and treatments in the UK for Famial Hemeplegic migraine and Suna .My best wishes. Yvonne

I'm in the U.S., I'm not all all familiar with Suna. Would you mind providing a brief description? Finding migraine relief is my obsession. I feel like if I were a dog, someone would've kindly put me to sleep by now, I'm sure others can relate. Thanks for the follow up!

No problems basically a Suna attack is having very sharp and sudden stabbing pains in your head , sudden, strong and repeatedly but only for a few seconds ie 10-15 seconds.These can repeat during the day or night no warning no triggers as such .They stop you in your tracks because of the severity of the pain.Another name for them are SUNCT. Medical terms are

Short lasting Unilateral Neralgiform pain with Autonomic features.

For years I had them and thought they were another part of the HM but they happen on days sometimes before during or after an attack of HM.

iMagine someone attacking you with a screwdriver at the back of your head that's exactly the way I'd describe it.But they increased severity over the last year or two again, but orin ally I'd have them four to five times a day then a few days break and then off again.My aVerage now about 12 to 16 attacks a month, plus Hm attacks I don't get many days free of attacks of either sort.The Botox has reduced the pain of the HM but not the hemeplegia thats

not good right now .I now have acquired various shaped walking sticks from the very thin sporty to the proper medical stick with proper arm rest support

beacuse my walking is affected .Its quite funny at times as I Lean and walk veering to the left because of the weakness of my left side .I get some very funny looks and I don't touch a drop of alcohol at all.When my speech goes aswell then people avoid me if I'm out .My hubby's great at supporting me until he can get me to a curb to sit down. Or bench or wall.The Suna attacks

can often happen so quickly I cry out and boy do you get funny looks then,

I don't know what your experience is of public response to sudden attacks in public places, sadly my experiences differ greatly.Even in hospital car parks , waiting areas and having an attack whilst eating in a hospital restaurant surrounded by nurses and doctors.At Warwick Hospital I slumped over my chest unable to move or speak or ask for help, for Half an hour in a full restaurant with nurses and doctors sitting less than five yards away and walking past me all the time no one came and asked me if I was alright .

My husband came back from his cancer check appointment to find me semi paralized unable to speak or raise my head or walk properly.He had to support me out of the cafe leaning me along the corridor wall.After struggling for ten minutes an electrician and a janitor offered to get me a wheelchair.

Im not going there again.My hubby never leaves my side now when we go out and checks me in the home especially when I have a shower I hardly ever have a bath now for fear of drowning .I do have a shower rail which helps.Suna is not well known or understood in the UK Indont get any treatment as such for it because of the Botox and other painkillers I take .Botox doesn't kill the pain totally for me now initially my head was numb

for several days, stiff neck and difficulty in swallowing.But it has helped the pain score drop and reduced the regularity of HM but not enough to lead a normal life.Hows your memory? Has it been affected by the long time you've had migraines mines definitely deteriorating now.Perhaps a book should be compiled about life of a migrainer and how differing migraines affect lives differently from the suffered own testimonies.No embellishment just honesty.

Good and bad pos and neg responses to meds , medical professionals responses and approaches etc.Not just from the UK but Globally coallated

Maybe it could inform. Not just the public but also employers and the medical professions themselves.

Dont give up trying, I'm going to carry on .Like you I want others to be encouraged to challenge and fight any apathy or ignorance about Migraine

of all variants .Its hard at times to keep going but knowing your not on your own makes a big difference .Youngsters and newly diagnosed need any help 

and support they can get from each other and this site this applies also to those who've had it for years.Im having my brain recycled and used for research when I finally leave this planet, I'd encourage others to donate theirs to help future Migrainers .Future progress depends on research not just collated data  and I certainly won't need it then.We are encouraged to recycle these days surely this is a good way of not wasting what's not wanted but still be useful to others.Stay positive.Good luck Yvonne.