Many year's with migraines!

WOW!  I finally found THE Forum that I've been seeking!  I've been on a Drug Addiction Site that has had me pretty stressed out and depressed but I sympathize with them all.

I have been pretty hard on myself for taking an opiate for 39 years, under a doctors supervision.  You see, he suffered from migraines also, so he knew how his migraine patients suffered with pain.  I was 8 years old when I had my first migraine, I am now 67 and STILL looking for answers, although I'm feeling better already!  After reading so much over the years and trying all imaginable therapies, and just after reading many of the post's here, I can finally relax and accept the fact that for the rest of my life I will just cope the best as I can.  I thought I was a heavy addict and it has had me extremely "over the edge" upset, to the extent of thinking I should be in a rehab!  Which has made the headaches even more frequent!  I know my headaches are brought on by stress, and being a caregiver and just by being too sensitive..... to everyone and everything.  (I guess you would say I've been a co-dependant also, my mother was a periodic alcoholic, starting to drink when I was about 8! What does that tell you?)  I was so fortunate to finally find a doctor at age 28 to help me...but sadly he passed away 3 years ago and this too has stressed me, he knew me so well and was always willing to listen. HE got me through so much over the years.  The doctor that took over his practice seems to understand my headaches but would like me to pull off the pain pills.  I have tried, but it is difficult, after taking them for so long. Thirty capsules used to last me 6 to 8 months, maybe even a year...now thirty lasts me 30 days.  I'm not sure if I'm supposed to name the medication in this Forum but if I can I'd like to talk with someone about weaning myself off them, if that is feasible for me and, I would like to do it safely.  Also, I have found that the sciatic nerve problem that I have often leads to a headache when it flares up.  I have done some research on the Thorasic nerve and this ties in to the sciatic and migraine as well, right to my eyebrow!  The migraine will travel from one side to the other at times but is most generally on the right side of my head.....and body.  I have been through PT and have found ways to alleviate the sciatic problem, plus I use the TENS Unit, which does help at times.  But when I need to be somewhere or have to live up to any responsibilities I must resort to meds if I have a headache, otherwise I would have no life now or for the past 40 years. I carry a pill and a bottle of water with me wherever I go.....just in case.  I'm always proud of myself when I don't have to take it though.

I sympathize with all migraine sufferers....my heart goes out to you....never, ever feel guilty about having a headache!!!  It happens to the best..or worst of us! 

I know this is long (I could write a book about my life of migraines) but I am so happy to have found this Forum, maybe I will even sleep tonight!!!  Thanks for listening and any help will be appreciated.

CAN

Thanks, Ann, for the "heads up" regarding the separation in paragraphs.  I was experiencing a problem with the Healing Well Site, my computer kept locking up and had to get out and start over several times.  I was so excited to find Healing Well,  I just typed as fast as I could, afraid I'd lose it all again...therefore not inserting my usual paragraphs.  I apologize for that.  Today my computer is doing fine.

And yes, I would like to see a Neurologist even after so many years.  My "new" doctor doesn't seem to think it is necessary and my insurance company will only act upon referrals. 

I'm almost sure I'm having "rebound" headaches from the pain meds I take but when I start to get myself off the meds...it seems invariably, a stressful situation arises and I end up with another migraine, and so the meds again. By the way, this is the only medication I take. 

 I have taken pretty good care of myself over the years, even while raising a family, being employed and being a caregiver to many older family members and friends until their deaths, I loved them all so much.  After retiring 5 years ago, I still snow ski, and keep up with my children's and grandchildren's activities, as well as my husband of 46 years.  We have been a very active family over the years.  I could not have done this without pain medication for the migraines.

 I need to use my relaxation methods on a regular basis but time does not permit most of the time....and without the headache pills the headache doesn't go away without sleep anyway.  I suffered for so many years without ANY aids whatsoever, that finally when offered by a doctor, it was such a relief to take a pill and it was gone!  I will never forget the first day that happened, I laughed and cried...in complete disbelief!  I got a life after that day, 39 years ago.

 After having these headaches for so many years I realize I need to make some new changes in my life once again.  The doctor I had for 40 years often said to make changes when feasible, or get a change in "scenery" once in a while...this helped a great deal....even if just a walk around the block!  

Also, I think a lot of my headaches are psyco-somatic, due in part to my childhood.  I could use a good therapy group but have experienced only drug addiction/alcohol related groups.  I will continue to search for one in my area...or I may even have to get one initiated.

  In regards to pulling off the meds, the direction my "new" doctor gave me was to take a "pain pill" in the morning and Ibuprophen after that if needed.  I told him that Ibuprophen only made the headache worse, he had no answer.  I also told him I take medicine only when I need it!!!!!

As I said, I was on another WebSite for addictions and finally realized I did not fall into that category.  I didn't know about this Healing Well Site, just happened on to it and this information was/is a God send to me.  Until you hear of other's experiencing your ills, you think you are the only one.  It is amazing what I have learned here and the similarities of conditions. 

I am sorry for the lengthy reply but after so many years it feels wonderful to write to someone that understands the pain of a migraine!  I will continue to read and learn, I'm sure it will help me to overcome some of my headaches, among other things.  Maybe I can even be of some help to someone, but with a much shorter reply!!

Thank you again for your response, Ann, Bless You.

Welcome to HealingWell.com. As you mentioned in your first message, there are many of us who suffer from migraines like you.

I have weaned off pain medication with my doctor's assistance. I started by taking the regular dosage I was used to (say 4 pills a day) and then reduced it as often as I was able to stand it. For example, I may have reduced it by 1/2 a pill every week. So, week one I would take 2 pills in the morning and 2 at night, week two, 11/2 pills in the morning and 2 pills in the evening. The key is having a medication to take when you get a headache, because you will suffer rebound headaches. You might investigate triptan medications, non-narcotic pain relievers such as Toradol or other pain relief systems your doctor may recommend.

I noticed that you said you don't have the time to relax. For me that has been key to my recovery. I meditate and do relaxation exercises. I used to be the family caregiver until my headaches made me stop. You are lucky that you have been able to function with your headaches. At 35 I have had to stop working and make the life changes because I couldn't function anymore.

I agree with the recommendation to see a neurologist, especially one who specializes in headaches. A neurologist may also be able to prescribe a preventative for your migraines to aid you in withdrawal.

Don't feel guilty about taking narcotics. You may find that this is the only way you get relief. In partnership with my doctors, we have decided that is the best course of medicine for me and I take them daily, with my doctors' blessing. It's the only way I am able to live without a migraine each day. If you chat with people on the Chronic Pain forum you will find that there are many people who need narcotics to make it through the day.

However you decide to proceed, good luck and keep in touch. We're glad you found us.

Boy!  Am I ever glad I found this Site too!!!  And many thanks for all your encouragement, Nicky.  And what a shame you had to quit your job. 

 I've had many jobs over the years; raised two children/seeing them both through college and two large weddings; was a caregiver to 8 people; traveled off and on with my husband during his 50 years of employment....and could not have done any of this had it not been for FIORINAL/FIORCET W/CODEINE, every 4 hours as needed..... and I have never exceeded those directions.  Although the headache used to be gone in 20 minutes, now it is about 45 mins to an hour, resistance has slowly built up.  I have only taken them for headaches though, for no other reason or other pain unless my doctor directed me to do so. As I said, I've taken this medication for 39 years.  Many days I could go without any, even weeks....taking them only when the headache would persist. 

 Years later, I asked my doctor if I could try something that would might help me to "catch" the headache at the onset, so I didn't have to resort to the CODEINE?  He was always so understanding.... and prescribed BUTALBITAL/APAP/CAFFEINE TB (generic for FIORICET W/O CODEINE).  It works some of the time but sometimes it takes more than one.  These are the only meds I have used for migraines, they have worked for me.  My doctor was wonderful and I miss him so, so much.

It has only been the last 5 years that I have had to increase the dosage, I guess my life situations have been the reason.  But I would still like to get back to less per month, I will continue to try.

 Within the past 5 years...I've lost my doctor; my 88 yr. old father, (who lived with us); an "old" friend (85yrs old) who was like a mother to me; and my best friend and soul mate of 25 years..to breast cancer after a 7 year battle, I was by her side all the way too!  Guess I have a good reason for headaches, eh? 

These people were so much a part of my life, I miss them something awful.  They all died in my arms, except my doctor of course.  I was the very last patient he saw before they had to carry him to the hospital (it was across the street from his office....he was so dedicated. He was my neighbor when he first took his internship, I was 22.  He would give his patients

1 1/2 to 2 hour physicals, plus a follow up appointment, he was  loved and respected by all.  Wish they made them like him now-a-days!

 Geez, I always seem to write so much....sorry.  You are so right on, if you find what meds help you to function then so-be-it!  I still am very active for my age and plan to continue..life is short, live it to the fullest!  If that means regulated doses of meds...then do it!!!  Thanks so much again, Nicky...and Bless You!