These headaches have been going on for about
6 months. In January I got the weirdest headache. It was sometimes on the side of my head, sometimes all over. It lasted 3 hours. The Advil I took did NOTHING. Light and sound were the enemy. Laying still with my eyes closed in a dark room was my only relief. Even moving my head a tiny bit caused pain. I laid and slept. Afterwards I felt nauseous and exhausted as if I had been beaten up (not that I'd know what that feels like). I kept falling asleep, but had such vivid and frightening dreams, I awoke more tired than rested. I felt strange and light-headed the rest of the day, as if I had had a bad scare or some kind of adreneliene rush.
I had another one a few days later. A month later a had a couple more less severe ones, but with more nausea, and dissiness. I also was getting after symptoms of nausea, light sound and smell sensitivity. I did some internet research and I got some Excederine Migraine.
I took Excedereine Migraine and drank Coke the next time. The pill stopped the pain, and seemed to make the symptoms less severe. I was able to function through the headache. However, I still cringed at bright light and sudden and loud noises. (This happens a lot. I stay home with my 6,3, & 1 year olds) I was edgy, had trouble focusing my eyes and my thoughts, and my head felt weird.
This continues. The longest one lasted 2 days, the shortest 3 hours. They are not regular in pattern but seemed linked to stress and insomnia, any change in my sleep pattern (like taking a nap), menstral cycle, and the weather (low pressure), exposure to heat, humidity, and cold also seem to trigger. If 2 or more of these conditions converge, I will definitely get one.
I feel bad complaining about this. So far, they have been relatively mild. I know many have it much worse. I can ususally continue to function with the Excederin. One time, I got a feeling one was coming, drank a Coke and it didn't happen. I feel like I'm acting either sick or loopy most of the time. I'm having side effects from the high caffeine levels, like insomnia, which make it hard for me to care for my children and bring on more headaches. I don't know if its the migraine or the caffeine that makes me loopy, almost high, afterward.
I guess my question is, what should I do? I don't know if my symptoms merit a prescription with possible side effects. But, I don't feel like myself a lot of the time and its hard on my family. Should I see a doctor about this? I hate taking pills.
Incidently, my sister was diagnosed with ocular migraines this past year (she is my age). My mother doesn't get them.
If anyone has any advice for me or comments on any of this, please post. I can't stop thinking about it when I have one, even if the medicine stops all or most of the pain. Its a constant preoccupation: I don't care about anything else I need to do.....and all I want is to be left alone, which is not conducive to my life or fair to my family.
Thank you all so much. If its OK, I will say a prayer for all of your intentions tonight.
Kate