UC & suffering w/ migraine for 4 days now

I didn't know what was going on with my headache. I don't get normally get them. It started on Wed. I thought maybe it was sinus or a cold coming on, so took some OTC cold/flu meds. But it didn't help much and now it is the weekend and I am still suffering with the headache and feel nauseous. It gets really bad in the evening - almost unbearable. I am guessing it is a migraine. Any suggestions until I can call my dr. Mon.? Tried Tylenol, but it didn't seem to help. Only took two extra strength. Heating pad on neck & shoulders seem to help some, but am suffering and don't want to flare. Have been in remission for 4 years! Do you think more Tylenol is safe to try?

Has there been any change in your medication? Does the headache come on at the same time as you are due to take some medication?

Tylenol (paracetamol / acetaminophen with or without codeine) is fine as long as you follow the instructions with doses being spread apart however many hours and no more than a certain amount in 24 hours. It's the NSAIDs (ibuprofen / Nurofen) that you should avoid with UC.

I take over the counter pink Migraleve tablets in the UK for migraines (paracetamol, codeine phosphate and buclizine hydrochloride)but don't know what the American equivalent would be.

@ Gary, I am on 2400 asacol hd daily, take Xanax for stress relief and watch my diet closely. Whenever I feel anything different in my gut, I immediately start low residue diet. Also take zolpidan, melatonin, Vit D, biotin, red yeast rice, Prevacid, fenafibrate, B12 & exercise 3x a week. Funny thing is I retired in Sep. and have been sicker with cold, flu and now migraines, but luckily keeping the UC in check. I had two flares within 6 months of diagnosis. Prednisone for 6 weeks each. Have my 4th colonoscopy coming up next month. Gut problems run in my family, so get them every two years. I am luckier than a lot of uc'ers I see on here.

Someone mentioned a cold washcloth and a dark room.
I like a dark room but a hot as possible washcloth and the heat pad.
Sometimes caffeine helps me, sometimes something sweet. I have risked ibuprofen if I'm in a lot of pain even though it is not a good idea.

Thanks everyone. Went to doc today as Tylenol gave me no relief. Trying Butalbital/acetaminophen/caff. I hope it works and I hope I can sleep. :) here comes Ambien, melatonin & Xanax.

InSoFla,
I've found that migraines often triggered by foods too. I'm also a migraine and crohn's sufferer and for my chronic migraine I started Gluten Free Casein Free diet 11 days ago. I eliminated lots of other known triggers for migraine and since the 5th day of the diet I started to see positive effects. I'm wondering that when will I see the full benefits of the diet? Would you share with me your diet and migraine experience?

xy,

Good for you - eliminating gluten and casein isn't easy, and since you're already seeing good results that tells you that you are on the right track. Other offenders would be HFCS, sulfites, and MSG as well. Have you identified casein vs. lactose as the problem? Does that mean you can partake in goat and sheep cheeses without problems?

How long would it take to see benefit?
Are you asking UC wise or migraine wise?
Migraine wise, IMO within a week of the changes.
UC wise, it might take a few weeks, depending upon the level of damage/inflammation to your colon.
But there are all sorts of things you can do to help the progression into the positive through diet, supplementation of certain things ( in my sig, I have a listing if you copy and paste the link), etc...

My diet is Paleo - lots of grass-fed animal products, some veggies, salads, nuts, low fructose fruits, wild fish, eggs. And I take lots of supplements too.

Hope this helps. If there's anything I have failed to answer, do let me know.

Welcome to the forum BTW.

InSoFla, thank you for your answer. I found both casein and lactose is problem.

I just noticed this thread because I am deep in researching Riboflavin/Vitamin B2 as being part of the reason for the breakdown of colon integrity.

There is a thread going right now www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=2990185 which was started by someone prescribed Riboflavin for migraines and also found a UC improvement. It if is migraine that you are suffering from, Riboflavin/B2 seems to be a well researched and safe way to help them.

Dairy is one of the main sources of B2 in our Western diet and I see you are lactose free

Following my recent discoveries that I have made myself ill with over use of other B vitamin supplements, I would say try to consult with a doctor if you are going to try it.

I get migraines from Asacol. I took 4800 daily (2 pills 3x day) and so once I lessened it to 2x daily, they went away. I don't want to suggest decreasing your amount or switching pills in case you flare up but that might be the cause.