Migraines-I need some friends that are going through the same thing as me

Dear Liz,

I feel for you girl! I've been suffering headaches for ten years, particularly daily for the last 10 months. These have been diagnosed as migraines, no matter what anyone else calls them. They are all related to the same mechanism that triggers the headache. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do me a huge favor and get the book "Heal Your Headache" by David Buchholz, M.D. I think it might help you GREATLY. I cried through the whole book because it describes the situation so clearly! The first thing he tells you is to get off all the meds (painkillers), and change your diet. This has helped me so much. My migraines used to last 4 days, and are now down to 1. They also come once every two weeks instead of twice a week. This doctor will swear that those meds that you listed earlier are causing rebound even though you don't think they are. Also, if you have had anything stressful or tramatic happen to you in your life (I read that you lost weight at one point) or these headaches, I would recommend checking into talking with someone about your adrenal gland function. I found a naturopath that put me on a homeopathic "Isocorte" that has helped with sleep, and energy. The adrenals can get really messed up during these times. Don't get me wrong, I am here for help too, I still have the nagging daily, all night long, "background" headache that I'm still dealing with, but I feel that I am making progress. So far, for anyone reading this, I would recommend a naturopathic doctor, a good one...They seem to look deeper into the issue rather than focusing on meds, and treatments. I feel the hopelessness too. Luckily I have two kids that have kept me going, but I can guarantee that you are not alone. You did a good thing by getting on here and asking for help.

Good Luck!!! Get the book and let us know that you did. PLEASE

Sarahswan,
I am currently seeing a regular neurologist, but I have seen a few that specialize in migraines in the past. When they were unable to find the right treatment for me after a few hospital stays they decided that it was all in my head (no pun intended) and sent me to a psychologist. When the psychologist said that, aside from the depression which usually accompanies migraines, I was absolutely fine, the migraine specialists told me that I would just have to learn how to live with the pain and hope I age out of it.

Cabin gal,
I have actually wondered about toxic mold, but I'm not sure how to check for that. I'm so happy that you found the cause of your migraines and they have gotten better. It's always great to hear about people who have finally found the cause/cure for them after so many years of being in pain.

Thank you both for your replies, I appreciate them so much,
Liz

Dearest Liz-Hopeless, Please know there are many of us who do understand and can feel your pain.  I am now 53 years old and have had migraines for 28 years, and had them daily for over 15 years.  There is no easy answer, I do not know of any migraine medicine that I have not tried, DHE., Stadol, Topomax, Inderal, Imitrex, and so many more I have forgotten them all.  Finally ended up at the emergency room to many times to even remember, then ended up on tylox and methadone.  Had migraines everyday for over 15 years and then in 2001 they eased up.  I had moved from the house where the migraines started . Went to the Dr. for what I thought was a sinus infection and I had a fungus in my sinus cavities and also in my brain. Had surgery and they removed what they could, come to find out the fungus was growing all in my clothes closet and under the floor .  My being in the room and wearing the clothes with all the spores is what was the cause of years and years of misery.  I will never be over the migraines totally due to the fact the spores have multiplied in my brain tissue and there is nothing they can do about it so I have migraines now about 2 times a week but I am blessed I moved out of the house, I never put two and two together until the house sold and that is when they found the fungus, had to rid the room of the fungus and under the floor So never give up!!!!! I can relate to your pain and doctors not understanding, remember there is hope, God bless you and I will keep you in my prayers, Your Friend!!!

Cabin Gal,

How was the fungas in your sinuses and brain diagnosed. Was it a CT Scan? I'm always concernced about sinus issues. I am constantly congested and feel sinus pressure. My CT Scan and MRI, however, are clear.

Hi Mother 2 , I had a cat scan and an MRI and they said it was a sinus

infection, it was not until the antibodies did not clear it up and I went in and had sinus surgery that they found it was a fungus. I had to have two surgeries and also for some reason i wrote i was 53 I do not know where my brain was I am going on 51, wanted to get that straight don't need to add any more years than i really am. anyway I went to the best hospital in Alabama and had the ct scan and the mri. and had one of the best surgeons in the state.  He did all he could but the fungus will never be gone.  I had alot of sinus infections but was clueless as to why I was getting them, of course it did take many years to show up on mri.  I had numerous ones in the past and nothing showed up or the person reading them did not see it, but finally the last one showed a severe blockage and that is when they thought it was an infection until they did the surgery.  The surgery was a godsend for me. Going from everyday migraines to the point of I was totally bedridden, quit driving and did not leave my house for the light was to much for me, any sound and movement the only time i left the house was to go to the drs. and then they would take me right back and the I would see the dr. and leave immediately, the sickness and pain was unbearable.  I will be truthful and tell you I had many times considered taking my own life, the pain was just to much to bear, now I am glad that I survived and every migraine sufferer is a true survivor i now have 5 wonderful grandchildren that I can actually on my good days enjoy. I am back to driving and living for the first time in decades literally.  God Bless each and every one who has suffered the torture of this crippling disease, and may doctors come to understand what we live with each and every day, just praying that tomorrow will be better. If I can be of any support know that I am here and will pray for you and with you and give you any advice that may make your life easier, God bless you all so very very much. Please try and have a Merry Christmas may you be pain free. God Bless   Deb