Haven't posted in a long while

[darthwilko82]

Hey everyone. It's been a while since I posted on here. My life changed quite considerably over the last 2 years which is one of the reasons I haven't really been on here. After my separation and moving into a flat, my migraines became quite unruly and I also started having cluster headaches.

I then met someone fantastic and eventually moved up to North Wales with her in May 2019 where I've been ever since. My GP here diagnosed me as having cluster headaches and prescribed Verapamil. The problems I had after starting taking it were horrendous. Night terrors, panic attacks, the shakes - trying to stay focused in work was almost impossible. I muddled through with the support of my partner and I came off the Verapamil. My Propranolol doseage was changed to the slow release but higher dose which has seen a significant improvement in my migraines/headaches.

I still do get headaches but they are there in the background dulled by life now which is something I've never experienced. Usually they come to the forefront and interfere with my daily life but now, they don't.

[Onthemove1971]

Welcome back. This is a life long condition. Have you seen a migraine specialist? They only work with people who have migraines.

Also, are you taking any other preventative medications? I really recommend magnesium? I take it 3x a day and most of the time the migraines stay away. I also take feverfew to help.

Hope you can really cut down on the days in which you have pain.

Good luck

[darthwilko82 in reply to Onthemove1971]

Hey thanks for the welcome back. I haven't seen a migraine specialist - where I am the closest is Liverpool I think. I am going to try and get in to see someone once lockdown restrictions have been fully lifted - my partner has rheumatoid arthritis so is classed as highly vulnerable.

I take Propranolol only for prevention along with Sumatriptan should I have a migraine or aura. I will have a look at getting some magnesium though - a few people I've heard mention that it's effective - thankyou!

[Onthemove1971 in reply to darthwilko82]

Please be careful about how much Imitrix you take. If you have more than 15 doses ( of any medication even OTC) in a month you can give your self chronic migraines. Not including your Propranolol.

I would also like to recommend the Podcast ( it's free) called Heads up, they are 2 women migraine specialist from the UK. They are amazing and I have really learned a lot from them.

Good luck!

[darthwilko82 in reply to Onthemove1971]

Yeah I try not to take the Sumatriptan unless absolutely necessary. It gives me a really sensitive sinuses - like when you breathe in sharply in really cold air. Makes my scalp sensitive for days.

Thanks for the advice - I'll check out the podcast. Is it on Spotify?