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SueLaBear

1y ago

Living with Chronic Migraines: My Struggle

I HATE migraines. I'm 19 almost 20 and I have had these stupid things since I was 6. You'd think by now I'd be used to them or be able to work with them but no. They appear when they want, last how long they want, and leave when they want. Some migraines I have last up to several days with intensity fluctuating. My migraines make me tired, nauseous, make my vision go black and make me extremely dizzy and nearly pass out. it makes it extremely dangerous to do even the most simple tasks because I risk hurting myself or others. it makes it so dang hard to do anything I want. not a lot of medicine works and medicine I have taken that was prescribed to me by a doctor typically only works for a few days before the medication stops all together or just makes them worse. The only thing that's typically worked is Excedrin and I can't even take it all that often because I don't need to have it stop working for me. I've been to multiple doctors and I've tried everything! I feel like a liability. and within the last year, the intensity of my migraines has gone up. they hurt so bad I feel like I'm about to die. I thought I knew pain but this new level of hurt is so much worse. and the thing is, I've grown up in a family that if you don't work while you're sick, then you might as well not contribute to anything in life. I'm completely useless most of the time because I'm in bed waiting for the migraine to pass. I promise I'm trying my best. I work, I take college classes, I have therapy apps for my mental health, I take care of myself but it never seems to be good enough. I see the looks of disappointment and pity when I tell someone I have a migraine and need a break. the kicker is that these migraines are genetic. I don't want to be in pain anymore.

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Coffee_hound

1y ago

What helped me, my neurologist had me keep a food diary, along with when headaches hit, etc. I found I had food triggers. Some up to 48 hours after I ate it. Hot dogs are the worst because of the preservatives- which are also in deli meats like ham etc. I get uncured hot dogs now. Sugar also is a culprit. Getting very tired another. If you haven’t done the food diary thing, give it a shot.
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SleepyLizard

1y ago

I have chronic migraine with 80% of my days being attack days. Haven't found anything that helps yet. There's this book called "150 Ways to Stop Your Migraine Pain" and it basically lists 150 different methods that could potentially work to reduce migraines and links to scientific studies that back it up. It's the first thing that's given me hope because I realised that there's still quite a few drugs and methods I haven't tried (I've tried about 35 out of the 150 for context)
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ItsSam

1y ago

I couldn’t have described how I feel any better. My migraines are debilitating some days. Most of my family just looks at it like another overdramatic headache day. It’s dangerous for me to drive when I get them so I don’t commute to my college classes on days I get them, which impacts my schoolwork. I’ve tried so many medications I’m afraid to tell my neurologist when ANOTHER one didn’t work out, bc I’m afraid she’ll think I’m faking. I’ve given up hope that they’ll be gone like normal people, but instead it’s just me ending up in the ER a few times a month bc that’s the only thing that works.
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BbyBunnny

1y ago

I've had migraines for around the same amount of time as you (since I was about 6-8 and im 19 almost 20). I get to points where I am completely unable to function, have excruciating pain, throw up, and am unable to look at any light or hear any sounds without the pain worsening. (I also get other symptoms but I don't really remember them off the top of my head) I tried a lot of daily medication and rescue medication with none of it working. My neurologist has started botox injections on me. I only started them 4 days ago, but my daily headaches have subsided a bit already (botox injections are once every 3 months). It did take over a year to get to this point though and 4-6 different medications. But it may be worth a try. There are also monthly injections, but I sadly don't know the names of those medications.
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ItchyAndScratchy

1y ago

I know how you feel. I have daily migraines and the doctors can't figure out why. My brother and sister both had them but grew out of them, and I've never been so lucky. No medications work for me, either. But my neurologist is absolutely useless. He's put me on antidepressants because he thinks my insomnia is causing them, which is fair enough, but each time I speak to him he only ups them even though nothing works and I've told him that. And I've never even met him! Nor has he requested any MRIs. His next plan for me is either a nerve block or Botox injections in the scalp apparently.
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nsiberian

1y ago

My psychiatrist did a gene test on me to see what meds would work the best, its just a Swab, but more for like mood stabilizers and stuff. I do botox and nurtec and it has helped the best, so far, this time. If you have any questions for me you can just message me anytime!!! Best of luck. I hate migraines w a passion!!!
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malachai

1y ago

Cymbalta and Depakote together have worked super well to lower my migraine days. I was getting them 3-4 times a week and the rest of the time was regular headaches, and I'm down to maybe 3-4 times a month, with regular headaches maybe 15 days out of the month
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bridgiebee

1y ago

Botox actually worked for me in combination with Cymbalta. I recommend looking into both
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RandomMama

1y ago

Genetic so find out who it is that has them. Talk to them if you can. I changed my diet and it worked wonders. I gave up since I didn't have the support I needed. Prüvit ketones are amazing if you can get them and drink more water than you think you should. Still take the time for yourself in a dark room though. Also, in person therapy may be a better option. Screen time is sooo bad for migraines.
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MichealB

1y ago

I feel you to my soul. I don't know which state you live in, but have you looked into getting a medical Marijuana card. I take a micro douse every day, and it helps a lot.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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