Help for Migraines

[lwrt]

Why do all doctors want to only give triptans for pain management of migraines?  I have had migraines now for 15 years. In the early years I was given everything on the market in the ER. The headaches have been getting worse over the past 3 years. Now all anyone wants to give me is triptans.....which have never worked.  Recently I have had two doctors refuse to give me any other pain relievers at all except the triptans which forces me to go to the ER....more money I don't have.  If there is anything I have learned working in the medical field and having these migraines it's that every patient is different and treatments must be focused for that patient.  

I am sick of being in pain,  I am sick of my kids and husband living a normal life while I sit in a dark room.  I am sick to telling my kids I can't do things with them cause mommy's sick.  I am sick of my friends being able to go out and me having to make up excuses.  I am sick of worrying when is the next one coming and will I have meds to help me cope so I can get to work and maybe pay some bills on time.  I am sick of waiting 4months just to see a new doctor praying that this one was going to give me some hope just to be given a prescription for more "triptans" that yes I told him would not work.  Did I try it anyway....yes, I remained in pain for hours waiting, hoping just for failure.  

[Sunflower1975]

I have migraines and have had it since 2005. I've tried several tripans and so far Imitrex works most of the time and when I already took 2 imitrex pills (only can take 2 in 24 hrs period) and it didn't go away then I would go to ER. They have gave me variety of pain meds (pills, IV, or injection). They gave me Tordal and Ultram before and it doesn't work. Because its basically same as like Aleve, Tylenol...  They usually give me morphine, nubain, or demerol. It works and made my migraines gone instantly every time.

[sleepySophie]

The triptans just make my migranes worst. If one gets so bad that I have to go to the doctor, I I get a tordal shot (which is a pain killer,but not a narcotic) and , a nausa shot. Sometimes with IV fluids.At home I first try taking an ultram pill at home; again not a narcotic, but a pain killer and something for the nausa. This is just what I do. I hope everyones posts will help you .   Good. luck

[Brndnsdad]

I suffered from migraines for years with the doctors not being able to help I stumbled across something that helped me. I started taking Omega-3 (fish oil capsules) supplements and red yeast rice for my cholesterol about six years ago. My migraines stopped. It might be worth a try for you, and with the side benefits Omega-3s are well known for.

[Mollyrae]

Hello Lwt and welcome to the Pain Forum:

As Tuck had mentioned, there are other medications out there that are not narcotics and work well. One of which is called Remeron. I had good sucess with this but it made my blood pressure unstable. Another good drug is called Toradol, this has also helped me.

Has the Doctor done any imaging like an MRI of the brain with contrast? This will show any abnormalities that even a regular MRI can't see. If you have not had one done then I think one is in order.

You have most likely already done this but the web is a great tool in locating new drugs or old ones that maybe you have not tried. Give it a shot. It might be of some help.

Please take care and good luck in the future,
Mollyrae

[Tuckamore]

Hi Lwt

I apologize for this late response to your post. I had a response completed yesterday and for some reason it would not post. So I am trying it again.

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am very sorry to hear about your headaches. It is very difficult to watch those you love go on with the normal activities of life and you are not able to join them. I certainly know how that feels as I am sure others on this forum do also.

There are so many new migraine medications out there that physicians are extremely reluctant to prescribe narcotics. It does not make a lot of sense to me but those are generally the facts. You are so correct that everyone is different and therefore should be treated as such. What works well for one may not work at all for another.

Have you been to a Pain Management Physician or Clinic? Sometimes they are more meticulous in determining treatments and/or medications that does help an individuals pain. If that is not an option for you than you I would just keep searching for the physician that would listen to you and provide you with a medication that will ease your headaches. Physicians sometimes forget they work for us. It may take awhile but I believe there is a PCP out there that will help you. I know it is difficult but hang in there.

Please let us know how you are doing. I wish you the very best. We are here for you, even if you just need to vent. Take Care and Peace, Tuck