I’m 21 years old and for years now I have suffered with migraines. I’ve been to the doctors plenty of times and have tried tablets like propranolol and Topirimate. However, none have ever been affected. I then went on the pill which has definitely lessened my migraines but lately they have started to increase again. I have also been experiencing different types of migraines such as ocular ones that go within an hour and ones that are so painful I just decide to sleep. Please help me on what I can do next!
Written by
AbiH100
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Have you figured out what your main triggers are? It sounds like some are hormone related, but for many of us chronic sufferers there are several. I did an elimination diet to find my food triggers (mine are chocolate, some nightshades, gluten, soy and MSG) and my allergist helped me find some environmental triggers. A clean diet (especially the week before & during menstruation) and choosing health and cleaning products carefully has made a world of difference. I get fewer now my avoiding the triggers I can. I also get help from Botox for migraine (done by my neurologist NOT a skincare professional). Stress is also a big one for me, and it's kind of my goal for 2020 to work on lowering that. I wish you well. I'm sorry you're dealing with these awful things.
I agree that you need help from an expert and a neurologist referral through your GP is a good way to go. I found Botox to be helpful, but it does not work for everyone and it is not a complete cure. Are you keeping a migraine diary, which will help identify your triggers and you will need as evidence when you see health professionals. Don't rely on triptans to keep you going. When you do get a migraine if at all possible go to bed, drink just boiled water (or peppermint tea as recommended above) and no food except something bland like cream crackers and stay there till you feel better. Your body needs rest and there is no shame in looking after yourself properly, Proper rest should help reduce the frequency of migraines. You probably already know that alcohol and migraine don't mix. Caffeine isn't a brilliant idea either. Don't let friends or circumstances pressurize you into doing things that are bad for your body. Wishing you well and hoping that you get good medical advice and find a way to better health.
Hi AbiH100, I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing such pain at such a young age when really you should be enjoying life. I have suffered with migraine now for approx 12 years and have had periods where they have been so severe I have had to take to my bed for up to 3 days at a time. That was when I had a young family and worked full time in a very stressful job and I am aware that triggers could be stress, anxiety and tiredness. I take Rizatriptan wafers which I take at onset of migraine and 99 per cent of the time they work very well. There are a group of medicines called Triptans so if Rizatriptan does not suit you then you could ask your GP for another in the group. In addition you could discuss prophylaxis meds with your GP. This is medication that you take daily to prevent migraine and whilst this does not prevent 100 per cent of migraines they do assist in reducing attacks. If you do not get much support from your GP then ask for a referral to a neuro consultant who will be able to assist further.
I wish you well on your migraine journey and hope you can find some respite from these debilitating attacks soon.
I am now nearly 60 and in my case I have learnt that sometimes (unfortunately) it takes time to find what works to manage migraine. I know this sounds obvious but you need to get advice from a specialist at a hospital (referral via GP if in the UK) who will work with you.
Also I have found meditation has helped to ease the pain by sort of accepting it and 'observing' it by trying to detach yourself from it when you are having a really bad attack. It takes work and you need to Google the method because I can't remember where I heard about but it's worth a try and unlike meds has no nasty side effects!
I take Frova. It works well for me. I have tried others that don’t work. Do you have triggers. Mine are weather( thunder storms) chocolate and nitrates. Sometimes honey under the tongue can stop it if done early enough. Good luck
Hello Abi. It sounds to me that you first need a proper diagnostic. You won't get that from a GP, as they are certainly not specialised in treating neurological health issues. Haven't you had a brain MRI or any kind of proper testing? Your GP probably did a blood test, but remember that blood tests don't show anything most of the time, certainly not when they are done to try to find out why you have migraines, if it is migraines what you have... It could be neuralgia, for instance. And if you have tried 3 or more preventive treatments and they don't work, you are entitled to get Botox under the NHS. There is a waiting list I believe but it is better than nothing. Any chance that a friend or maybe a relative could come with you to the GP? Good luck!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
What to do when you cannot work?
What do you think?
