Urgent CT scan & Duloxetine

[AMG26]

In the past couple of weeks; my migraines have been so severe, I have been unable to attend work. Last week my manager sent me home, as she is very concerned about me and didn't think I was ready to return in my "return to work interview". I visited the doctors on Friday, and I have been signed off work for a minimum of 1 month with chronic migraines, depression and anxiety.

This week I have been weaning off Sertraline in preparation to start Duloxetine. My consultant that I see for my chronic migraines said it can be known to help those with the combination of depression and migraines. If you take Duloxetine - what has your experience with it been like?

Furthermore, I haven't had a repeat CT scan in over 2 years (pre-diagnosis!) and find myself constantly overthinking what could be at the root of this insufferable pain I am experiencing EVERY DAY. Therefore, after much deliberation, I have finally been referred for an urgent CT scan. Also following my first Botox injection and weaning off Topiramate, my consultant said he would next see me in 6 months time. Following the phone call regarding the CT scan and my current state (chronic migraines and depression), he has invited me for a consultation next week.

I am at my wits end now & honestly don't know what else I can do to help manage this HORRIFIC pain. Any suggestions are welcome - previous treatment list is huge and none have been helpful or beneficial.

[Cat00]

Sadly time is probably the thing that will make the most difference.I've had chronic migraines over 20 years, never had a CT scan. That is to say it is possible to be absolutely floored by daily migraines and there being nothing actually wrong in the way a CT scan might show.

My migraines eb and flow over the month and years regardless of what treatment I have. I got migraine everyday for 6 weeks in spring, thought I was going to loose my marbles, and then gradually they start to return to chronic rather daily. This is what has always happened.

The only you can do is try to de-stress as much as possible and give some time for medication change to settle and hang in there.

There are things you could try, like magnesium and high dose of b2, 400mg, but personally I've never found them to make any difference.

Exercise is really important to my mental health so I do that everyday regardless of migraine.

[Bakery40]

Hi there , sorry you going through this. I was taking Topiramate for years. I had to come of it because it's very likely it gave me kidney stone. It took me 9 months to come of it. Now ( two weeks ago)I started on injection which I give myself every 4 weeks. It has to be prescribed by the headache specialist. I tried over 10 different medication. I suffere with migraines over 30 years. I can be two weeks vomiting, in bed feeling terrible. After I might be two weeks ok- ish. In heat 🔥 it's non stop. Had CT and nothing wrong. It's in my family. I wish you good luck and hope you find what works for you 😊. Take care.