Wish I could shake this headache

[MightyMouse]

Okay peeps... I'm trying to keep up with all the daily posts, but my head hasn't been cooperating. I started with a migraine last week, but now I think whatever is going on is probably my sinuses.

Lois, i hope you got my reply to you; it was very sweet of you to check in--I do have a sinus rinse system, but I can't use it once my ears become infected. (I use NeilMed).

I have tried using some vitamins to bolster my system while I wait for a my sinus doc appointment, but I don't notice any changes in my headache with using them. On a good note, I started a diet 10 days ago and I've lost a few pounds, so I do have something to feel good about, although it's a bit hard to relish while in pain.

Just wanted to fill my friends in, say hi to new members and let you know why I'm not as visible as I usually am on the forum. I am doing stuff in the background with Michelle and Melissa, but other than that, I'm pretty much all out of steam. I need to get it together because grad school starts again on Thursday.

Nina

[Poohbear]

Hang in there!! I hope you will be feeling much better soon.

[mom4cem]

Hi MM,

I hope you feel better soon. I am guessing you are having the same weather we are up here. Went from warm an rainy to cold and snowy...Been killing the sinuses...

I use the neilmed one also.

Feel well soon.

[Jacquie802]

Hi Nina, I have been wondering where you have been lately! I hope you are feeling better by Thursday for your classes. Take care.

Jacquie

[michiganjan]

Dear Mighty Mouse,

Since I consider you an expert on the maintainence of sinuses, I hesitate to suggest this, but have you tried Mucinex?

I am sure you know about using guavisin to thin the mucus to keep it moving. The Mucinex I have is time-release and can be taken 2 x day with lots of water. If I wake up with a "sinus head," I take one and then another one that night.

This has worked well so far this winter to ward off a sinus infection that can be caused with the mucas gets thick due to dry weather. Whenever I begin to feel stuffy, I take one and am fine the next day.

[morgan617]

My husband and son love mucinex. I hope you start feeling better soon. Sinus junk is ssssoooo tenacious. And makes you so tired. feel better soon...morgan

[AJVDK]

Hope you feel better soon!

Amy

[EarthMother]

{typing really quietly not to further agravate your headache}

Want to do a little guided imagery with your headache?

Here's one for you ....

Lie down in a quiet and darkened room.

Do a mental survey of your body and notice where you feel calm or solid. Maybe your hands feel peaceful and heavy -- for me it is usually the sole of my foot.

When you find a place (even it if is just a tiny spot on your earlobe) ... stay with that spot for a bit and just feel the sensation. Imagine if it has a color, a texture or maybe even a peaceful aroma.

Then when you are ready ... move to your sinus headache and but maybe back off a bit and look at it from your chin or the top of your head. See what color it is, what shape? Is the sensation solid or spinning or coming in waves. Just notice without judging what the sensation feels like in your body.

After a bit go back to your solid place again on your body and soak in the peace and calm for a while again.

When I do this, I notice that each time I go back to the trigger point it changes a bit and looks a little different than it did the last time. Sometimes it feels worse, sometimes it feels better .... but I always notice that given time it CHANGES. Every now and then something wonderful just RELEASES and my headache goes away completely.

I hope you find some relief while you are waiting for your appointment.

Good thoughts your way,

EM

[Guest Mary from OH]

Nina,

Poor sweetie, My head is beating with you!! It's this lovely changing weather systems we've been experiencing...!!! I hate it!! It kills me every time!! I'll keep praying for a stability in our weather so our heads can stabilize!!!

I hope your neurologist give you good aboritive and rescue meds!! Go to ER if you need to!! Migraines longer than 3 days mean that you're in Status Migrainosis and can be at high risk for a stroke. You need to break your pain cycle.

Sending pain-free waves your way!!

[MightyMouse]

Hi again. I think this is a sinus headache rather than a migraine at this point. My new otolaryngologist appointment is 2/2, so I'm trying to hold on until then. They're also having me see an audiologist to check my hearing, which I know is currently not so good.

Today I am just completely slaughtered. One of the students in my building was in crisis for more than 3 hours--I'm not his assigned behavior analyst, but because his wasn't there, I was helping the two other girls from his classroom--and the kid got a hold of me a few times--I got kicked several times in the legs, chest, arms, and a few really bad pinches/grabs to my arms. I've got a black an blue mark on my upper arm that's about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. It hurts so bad I want to puke.

After he was stabilized, I finally started to feel the pain and exhauston and told his behaviorist, who showed up for the last 20 minutes of "fun", that I needed to go home. If it still hurts tomorrow, I'll fill out an occupational health claim and see their doc b/c I'm betting I'll have a nice sized hematoma (or two, three...fout...) tomorrow.

After all that adrenaline I had pumping for those hours of working throught this kid's tantrums and aggressions, I'm crashing and burning. I got home around 3 and immediately put on my jammies and some ice, and took some flexeril because I know the muscle pains are coming. Some days I really question my vocational choice--special needs kids sure can be a handful--especially in puberty. However, in my heart of hearts, I love figuring out the problem and helping others to be proficient at avoiding problems and helping kids succeed. Moments like thisl, however, make me think I'm completely nuts.

I want to thank you guys for your suggestions. Perhaps when I'm not so sapped, I will try to meditate again--It's been a long time. Oh, and yes, I have mucinex at home, and also the higher strength rx version.

Nina

[Guest Mary from OH]

Oh Nina,

My heart goes out to you!! You really make a difference in those kids lives!! I'm so sorry that you have to still be on call when you feel so lousy!! And I'm doubly sorry that the boys behavioral therapist wasn't there when he needed to be!!

Sending gentle hugs so as to to hurt anything else!! And sinus headache or migraine, I'm sorry for your pain!!

Here's a link that might help you distinguish between the 2 headaches...

http://headaches.about.com/cs/diagnosis/a/sinus_migr.htm

I have a horrendous migraine right now, so I can easily relate. And I have a 16 year old autistic cousin who is in a group home because he is unable to be maintained in any other setting.

Take care my dear friend ( OF YOURSELF!!!)

[Guest Julia59]

Nina,

I honestly don't know how you do it. Sounds like there are times when your job can get pretty challenging---and physically demanding, but it also sounds rewarding by enabling those with special challanges to have a chance. Hang in there the best you can---I hope your headache goes away---sinus problems are a pain in the you know what. My son gets sinus infections all the time---it seems about half the year he has them on and off. He's a trooper and continues to keep active---and never misses any work.

I'll definately have to tell him about mucinex---that might help take the edge off and possibly prevent some of the infections.

Don't get that adrenaline going too much---you know what that does to us. I hope your able to bounce back quickly once you get a handle on this.

Take care,

Julie :0)

[MightyMouse]

You know what Mary, I think it may be a tregeminal migraine after all... this all started at the base of my skull on the right side...in the spot where I'd had a nerve block done several months ago (in my trigeminal nerve on the right side). I still have ear problems and sinus problems, but this particular headache fit the description you provide for migraine as opposed to sinus.

Thanks for all the support--It really cheered me up. Nina

[Guest Mary from OH]

Nina,

No problem. In dealing with migraines (and chronic sinus problems because of allergies), I totally understand. I'm miserable most of the time too. I have a GREAT neurologist and a GREAT migraine support group through which I've learned a lot. (kinda like here!! ) When you get migraines, unfortunately, 9 or 10 times out of 10 (usually 10), it's a migraine!!!

In terms of your sinus problems, do you use a nasal spray regularly other than saline? My doctor finally convinced me to do this, and I have been "better". I still get regular infections, but I don't find the need to get antibiotics as often. I take Nasonex for my nasal spray. And, of course, Zyrtec.

How are you on preventatives for your migraines? I take multiple preventatives. PM me if you'd like. Take care!!

[MightyMouse]

Mary, I'll answer you here since I know I'm not the only one here who gets vicious headaches--so perhaps it might help others too... ?

Yes, I take flonase daily. I'm on zyrtec too, sinus rinsing w/ NeilMed, and bactroban (aka mucoprin) ointment swabbed into my nose.

I'm not on any preventatives for Migraines, at least that I'm aware of... but at one point they had me on a constant dose of Amerge for a month. Didn't really do anything other than make me tired. I am on a low dose of lexapro per Dr. Grubb--which being an SSRI should supposedly help? I also used to be on neurontin for the first year post spinal surgeries, which helped me with bone and muscular pain, but I don't recall it helping prevent any headaches.

Abortives that I have here at home: midrin, nasal DHE (migranal), and zomig. Asside from those, all I have are pain relievers/analgesics. Maybe I need to see my pain doc again -or- my neuro. Not sure what to do next.

Nina

[Guest Mary from OH]

Nina, Nina, Nina,

Oh My!!! No offense, but who's the idiot who had you take Amerge for an entire month??!! Talk about REBOUND!!!! Sometimes drs drive me nuts!!!! You should NEVER take ANY triptan more than twice a week and not in a 24hr period back to back. This includes different triptans, ie rotating Imitrex and Amerge. Here's a link on Rebound:

http://headaches.about.com/cs/medicationsusage/a/rebound_2.htm

You are undoubtably in rebound! You need to be on preventatives!! I know I should be good and read back and see what other meds you take, but... Lexapro is not a "biggie" in helping migraines. Neurontin helps some people. It sounds like you do need to touch base with your neuro or pain doc to get you on some preventatives. The nice thing is that many of them help POTS/dysautonomia too. I don't remember (blame it on the meds/POTS/whatever!) but, can you take any betablockers or are you on any? Or are you like me and can't take any? Sorry, mind blank... But, you can always add other SSRI's or my favorite, Topamax!! It does act a bit like Neurontin, but if you could handle that, you'll be ok with the Topamax!! The Neurontin kicked my butt! There are SO many preventatives nowadays.

Also, if you are in a HUGE pain cycle, they may use the DHE, steriods or a phase of heavy narcotics to break the cycle.

In terms of your sinus meds. Do you think the Flonase works well for you? Have you ever tried any of the other nasal sprays, like Nasonex or the others? And, doesn't it stink that Zyrtec is the best that the medical world has to offer us??!! Someone needs to come out with something better!! With you working with the kids all the time, it probably doesn't help!! There are these one nose swabs that my PCP and the NP recommended. They use them so that they don't get sick from the patients. I forget the name, but I'll look again next time I'm in the store. I keep meaning to get some. I have seen them.

PLEASE, promise me you will go in and have your migraines dealt with!! You have them MUCH too frequently NOT to be on preventatives!!! It is VERY important to you!! Does your neurologist specialize in the treatment of migraines? If not, you might want to consult one who does. I can provide you with lists of drs in your area if you'd like. One website to look on is the ACHE website. I believe it is www.achenet.org

And, I want to also make sure that you know the 3 day rule!! If you have a migraine that has lasted for 3 days without a break (it can vary in intensity) that you are in a condition called STATUS MIGRAINOUS. It is very dangerous and you need to go to ER immediately to have them break your pain cycle. You are at a high risk for a possible stroke. Many people are not properly educated about this, EVEN some neurologists!!! I have personally had friends who have suffered strokes because of not seeking treatment and one person in our migraine support group actually died because of it. It is real. It is serious.

http://headaches.about.com/od/migrainedise...stroke_risk.htm

OK. I'll try to get off my soapbox now. It's just that I care about you and I KNOW how bad migraines are. I finally dealt with mine and ended up on tons of meds. My life improved dramatically until they took Palladone off the market. But, I digress... Please get yourself some help. Promise??!!

[MightyMouse]

wowsa! um... I feel kind of wierd telling you this now, but I get migraines that last more than 3 days all the time. My longest one was more than 3 months...and the best they could do was pump me full of demerol and xanax and have Teri drive me home.

I've asked about topamax, but that got me no where with my neuro. I love my neuro, but maybe I do need to think about seeing someone else. Harumph. Not sure what to do.

I do have narcotics here at home, but haven't used since last week... suppose I should take the oxycontin at this point.

Nina

[Sunfish]

aw man nina....i don't have any sage advice to offer but i REALLY hope you get some relief and start feeling better soon. i think a wise mouse once said "get thee to a doctor".....

melissa

[sally]

Nina, I don't usually like to suggest what medications someone should try but given the fact of the chronic severe migraines....have you ever tried taking propranolol & amitriptyline as a combination as a preventative? Those two medications works wonders in reducing not only the amount of migraines per week/month but also the severity of the ones that our daughter was getting. She had hemiplegic migraines that were severe and often. It took several months of playing with dosages but after a few months we did see actual positive results. There are numerous studies online talking about the use of these two medications in migraines that show positive results. Just wondering if you've ever tried them together?

[MightyMouse]

I have asthma, so beta blockers are contraindicated That's why I asked my doc about topamax the last time I had string of migraines. I think I was on amytryptiline before to help me sleep? It was at least 10 years ago--I can't remember why the doc had me stop the stuff, but I think it might have had bad side effects for me... too long ago to recall.

I'll call my Neuro on Monday to see if I can get in...and if that doesn't work, I can call my pain mgt doc. He's the one who gave me the nerve block last time.

Nina

[Guest Mary from OH]

Nina-

I'm really worried about you. Here are 2 sites to find a headache specialist near you:

http://www.achenet.org/physicians/

http://headaches.about.com/od/recommendedspecialists/

Here is a link about the MANY preventative medications available now! There are SO many out there!! I thought I remembered you couldn't take betablockers!

http://headaches.about.com/od/medsarticlesandinfo/a/preventive_meds.htm

PLEASE PM me if you need any more info or just want to talk! Migraines are really nothing to mess around with! And you need to deal with a HEADACHE SPECIALIST. Many other drs *think* or try to deal with migraines, but just don't know all the facts. There are many sites on the internet that purport to "state the facts" about migraines that are totally inaccurate. It's sad. But who's there to stop them. No one. I care for you and don't want anything to happen to you. We all need you!! LOL! You're a special person. Take care and get some help!

Too bad you're not in OH! My neuro is awesome!!

[MightyMouse]

I took some oxy last night and this am, and it did turn down the pain...not gone, but tolerable. Meanwhile, thanks so much for the headache clinic listings...two of the three NJ docs are within 20 minutes of my house!! And, a few of the Pennsylvania listings are in downtown Philly, only a half hour away. Cool.

I'll call on Monday and get an appointment Thanks everyone, so much, for all the input and kindness. Hopefully one of these docs will pan out for me and I can live headache free at some point in the future.

Nina

[Guest Mary from OH]

Breathing a sigh of relief and sending pain-free waves your way!!

If the barometer would actually pick a place to stay, I believe we'd be in much better shape!!!

GENTLE HUGS!!

I hope I wasn't too pushy, I just get so worried about people with their migraines. It is such a dangerous thing that is often overlooked.

Hope that a specialist can get you in soon. Make sure you get an appt and also get on a cancellation list!

[MightyMouse]

Day 13 and still counting... I did take your advice Mary--I made an appointment with a headache clinic at one of the major hospitals in Philly. The earliest I could get in is on Feb 10...so I took the appointment, which i was told will be at least FOUR hours long (sounds like a Dr. Grubb appt, yes? ).

The hardest thing is that the headache center REQUIRES a psychological eval as part of the process and it cost 450$ out of pocket--not covered by insurance. Despite our finances being really tight, I think I'm just going to have to deal with it and add it to my ever increasing credit card balance. That, and of course, I have a personal predjudice against psychologists in a hospital setting---but it looks like if I want help with the headaches, I'll have to take these two hurdles in stride. I'm also going to be seen by a neurologist who specializes in headaches, and that's about half the visit time, so I'm assuming that the psych eval is the other half.

Right now I've taken to going to bed early with an ice pack on the back and right side of my head. I scoot out of work as soon as is humanly possible, get into my pj's and try to lay still. The cats seem to enjoy my company, although Teri has been missing me at the dinner table for a week now.

I'm looking forward to getting back to "my" normal as soon as is humanly possible. I'm also trying not to get my hopes up about the headache center b/c I did go to one a few years back at a different hospital and it was a really futile experience. I figure if I expect nothing and get something good out of it, I can be pleasantly surprised at whatever gift the universe sends my way that day.

Nina

[DancingLight]

Nina!

Yikes! I'm kinda missing threads left and right and am just now reading some of this one...sorry! (The board is very busy lately, eh???)

I really hope that the clinic will help you and that the out of pocket expense will be worth it. Frustrating that they put you in that bind where you don't have a choice with the out of pocket part if you want the rest of the appt!

We just invested a LOT of money in the Lyme exploration, etc. and I was terrified about the impact on my family and all that...but this time, for once, something was so worth it I was just so grateful. So, I hope so much the same thing will happen for you!

And...you will get some relief from the headaches!

Also, I got a delivery of Mr. Ritt's bread inthe mail yesterday! And I am now off to eat a sandwich with it! That place is a find!

Emily