Posted 5/13/2010 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hello folks,
I am a patient of Ulcerative Colitis since mid-2006. Its pretty much under control as I take my medicines religiously. As far as my memory goes, very soon after I was diagnosed with UC, I started getting migraines. I mentioned it to gastroenterologist but he saw no connection. It began, every weekend. It would start with classic aura with throbbing pain in frontal region of head accompanied with gastric reflux, ending up in vomiting, along with other classical symptoms.
I maintained a diary on, what I am eating, what I am doing during the day, my stress levels (my current job is very very stressful) along with if there was any major event, to figure out triggering factors. None found. Finally, in Dec. 2008 my wife almost pushed me to see a doctor, a GP. After explaining him symptoms, he diagnosed as classical migraine and prescribed me Zomig / Zolmitriptan Nasal (5mg) It was not supposed to be taken more than 3-4 times a month and I ended up taking 4 times in 2 weeks. So another GP prescribed me with Neproxen 250mg.
During recent visit to gastroenterologist, he claimed that Neproxen can flare up ulcerative colitis. He also being a victim of migraine, he suggested me to go with diclofenac potassium 25mg (or 50mg if reqd). This one didn't help so I am now back on Neproxen.
My current status with migraine is twice a week and as soon as it starts, I pop in Neproxen and within 40-50 mins, I am functional again, with 3-4 hours for complete recovery. What worries me though long term effects of Neproxen on liver function. I seriously do not want to end up with cirrhosis. I talked to my gastroenterologist about my concern but he disregarded it saying, our liver is rather powerful and you get exposed to much powerful toxins everyday than Neproxen.
During recent Ulcerative colitis flare, I was prescribed prednisolone and I noticed that my migraine went away as long as I was on prednisolone. Now that I am on last dose of pred (5mg), its going to back to 'routine'. Also, Neproxen and diclofenac, both being anti-inflammatory and Ulcerative colitis also being an inflammatory disease, I am just trying to connect the dots here. I am really wondering, if there could be any possibility that my migraine is anyway connected to Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Hence, the question, how many of you, chronic migraine sufferers, also have IBD or any other inflammatory disease.
And
What have you been prescribed to control/treat/relieve your migraine?
Thank you very much.