How much longer can I live with the pain? Please HELP

Hi I am a 27yr old SAHM. I was diagnosed with migraines in 2005,I was given fioricet for the pain and it seemed to help. For the next couple of years I was only getting 2-3 headaches a month. When I became pregnant with my 3rd child, my migraines became more frequent, which I assumed was hormones and would go away after delivery. Things didn't get better, I delivered my baby in July 2008, by then I was having 2 migraines a week. Fioricet would work sometimes and sometimes it wouldn't. In March 2009, I became really sick, I was convinced I had the flu. I had a severe migraine, nausea, aches, and chlls. After a week of this I went to the doctor, was given antibiotics and sent home, a week later everything was gone but the headache. And now 4 months later I still have the headache!!!
My family doctor tried putting me on antibiotics for a month because he thought it was sinus related. He sent me to an ENT, who said it had nothing to do with that. So he sent me to a neurologist, who sent me for an MRI/MRA and of course that was fine. I have been put on a no preservative, no caffeine, no nothing diet(didn't help)! Right now I am on Magnesium, Prodrin, Topamax, for headaches. I also take cymbalta for PPD and I have to take Zofran twice daily for nausea!! I don't know how much more I can handle! I know it hasn't been going on as long as some of you, but I am starting to feel like my doctors look at me like I am crazy!! I was put on the Topomax and told to come back in two months! It hasnt helped, why do I have to wait two months?? does anyone have any advice or encouragement?? It's so hard dealing with everyday pain, especially with 3 kids to take care of and I suffer from PPD. Also along with the headaches and nausea, I get dizzy, I can't sleep, hot, shakey. I am told to eat and rest more but I cant sleep and i am too sick to my stomach to eat!! Help, I feel like there is no relief in sight!!!

Hey there,   I'm so sorry this is all come tumbling down.  I know you probably feel a little like Alice falling down the rabbit hole right about now.  I know the situation you are in is tough, but I really think you need to find a new neurologist, one who specializes in migraines and/or daily chronic headaches.  Your doctors should be working with you through this situation, not telling you to hold on for two months.   Yes, it takes time for medicines to start working, but there are other things they can do to help you and there are other medicines you can take that will help you with the pain.  Something like Migranal has been really popular and works pretty well and it is not a narcotic.  I've been suffering with daily chronic headaches with migraine for almost 3 years now and one the best things I have learned is that you and your doctors are a team.  If there is something you do not like, tell them.  It also helps if you are able to take someone with you to the appointment to help stand up for you and also to keep you from overlooking things.  When I first got sick, I was lucky enough to be able to have a friend to take to appointments so I wouldn't be overwhlemed.    Also, may I ask you where you live?  Depending on where you live, you might have easy access to a headache clinic who are equip to handle people like us.  But I really think you need to find a doctor that is willing to work with you as a team, and not just brushing you aside.    We are all here to help, so please keep asking questions and I know people will try to answer them the best they can.  I hope you find some relief soon.  Take care.   Peace. Michelle  

Hello and welcome CynGill!
I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. I am a very long time head pain sufferer! I seem to be in a similar position (SAHM, had PPD...obviously the head pain issues) and hope I can offer some type of help.

First, Topamax was one of the best meds I took as far as preventatives (medications that are supposed to help prevent headaches, NOT treat headaches once you get them) So I can understand your doc wanting you to give this some time, HOWEVER, you need to have abortive medications on hand for when you are in pain and need something to break the cycle!

There are many options but considering your nausea issues (I lived on Zofran for a very long time) you would need something that you don't have to swallow. (some of the triptans are nasal sprays as well as Migranal and even imitrex injections) Ask your doctor for something to help you get rid of the pain so that you can give the Topamax a chance to start working.

IF they are not willing to listen and help please find a new doctor who is a specialist in treating migraines. I have found that not all neurologists are the best people to turn to. Sometimes I felt like they saw people with "bigger issues" and they downplayed the daily struggle we have!

I'm burn out and tired tonight, my 9 month old is teething! I will be around tomorrow to answer any questions if you would like.

Take Care,
Sara