possible abdominal migraine

[Florapaige]

hello

I’m 62 and suffered from migraine for 40 years.

Originally it was hormonal so I’d hoped it would be better by now

Unfortunately things have just got worse. I was taking sumatriptan 12 to 15 days a month so I asked if I could be referred to try one of the migraine injections

The GP insisted I had to try another preventative first even though I’d tried several

He prescribed Topiramate and it’s been a disaster

It made me so ill i soon stopped taking it. 9 months later I’m still getting the same amount of migraines but also suffering from nausea and stomach discomfort most days.

I’ve had tests and everything is normal. My feeling is the topiramate has changed my migraine so I’m feeling it more in my stomach and more frequently. I’m wondering if this could be abdominal migraine and if there’s anything that can prevent the nausea?

I get so down as I hardly ever have a good day now

[Gambit62]

I'm really sorry that you are continuing to suffer.

My migraines were also hormonally related but it was a sensitivity to changes in hormone levels and it has continued post menopause (different sets of hormones) but in my case it has got a lot better - only had one bad migraine this year and the rest of the time it seems to respond to ibuprofen. My migraines do involve the gut - with nausea and violent gut spasms - and that is the bit that has got much better for me.

I was given an anti-emetic in hospital that stopped the nausea but the stuff my GP gave me didn't so I tend not to use an anti-emetic. You could talk to a pharmacist and see what they recommend.

I also have a condition that means I have no/very little stomach acidity and personally find that taking something slightly acidic helps with calming my stomach - and lying on my back when I have a migraine that involves nausea is a no-no as that encourages the gut spasms. My migraines also got worse before the condition (which affects absorption of B12) was diagnosed. Unfortunately it is difficult interpreting the tests associated with B12 deficiency and B12 absorption - I was diagnosed in hospital after a fall that resulted in a broken ankle.

[Florapaige in reply to Gambit62]

Thank you for your reply. I have recently had a blood test and my b12 levels look normal

I have tried asking the pharmacist but they couldn’t help. I’m using acupressure wrist bands which help slightly but not much!

[Pompom6 in reply to Gambit62]

It's amazing how different everyone's migraines are and what little things we do that can help or seemingly normal actions can greatly affect us. I can't lie down with a migraine, the pressure in my head increases so if I'm exhausted I have to prop myself upright somewhere to rest!

[dylandolly]

Hi FLorapaige,I really feel for you as a Lifelong Migraine sufferer,Had my first one at eight, its absolutely awful.I used to get stomach Migraines along with the head ones,and I was so sick with it all too,Being sick along side a pounding headache was the worst.Ithink Ive tried every treatment under the sun,But during the menopause I felt so ill,I had a headache every day for 5 years straight,I felt my life wasn't worth living.Always having a headache and feeling sick.My Daughters was always surfing the net to try and find away to help me and she was on a forum and lots of people were talking about Amitriptyline.My GP who was amazing said I had be on that 17 years ago, but on a low dose of 10mg,He was willing to up the dose of that.well I went on 75mg of Amitriptyline and it was life changing.Pryor to taking this I had only slept for 2 hours a night for months.I slept for about 14 hours straight when I woke up No headache or feeling sick😀and since then I haven't had a migraine for 7 years😳 Its been truly amazing.I still get the odd headache, but nothing like a migraine.And Ive cut the dose of Amitriptyline down to 50mg. wishing you luck in finding something to help you

[Florapaige in reply to dylandolly]

Thank you for your reply. Like you I tried amitriptyline many years ago and it didn’t help. I can’t remember the dose though so will have to check with my doctor

[dylandolly]

Hi Florapaige,I think the standard dose for pain is 10mg,Although they it might be more in some cases.but by the time I got them again I had practically had a break down as the menopause on top of the Migraines and being diagnosed with a thyroid condition I was at my lowest point that I had ever been.Hope you too are able to find something that helps you through this x

[Onthemove1971]

I am so sorry you are suffering so much a few thoughts. Are you getting treatment from the correct doctor? GP should not be managing this complex issue.

My son has abdominal migraines both head and stomach.

I have ( had) migraines, but after 1 Amovy injections, they have stopped!! Not kidding it has been life changing. I will most likely do at least 2 total injections. It is a miracle.

I have heard some countries are starting with these new injections. I would warn one of the side effects for Amovy is GI issues.

A few other tips about migraines: do you wake up with pain? If so please ask for a sleep study to see if that is the issue.

Make sure you are not skipping meals, include protein in all meals.

Start or change Magnisium if you are taking it. 1600 MG is thr max dose.

I take 3x 500mg daily.

Make sure you get sleep daily.

Our son has Cycicle vomitting Syndrome, which is similar. He would wake up same time sweating, have GI issues, vomiting. He would then have to sleep for 2-3 hours after the cycle.

Hope this helps.

[Pompom6]

So sorry to hear of your suffering, this must be awful. Have you an option for referral to a specific migraine clinic? Mine were mostly hormonal, now they are weather, new face cream, didn't eat on time, whatever. But not as frequent so I feel very lucky. I also feel nausea with my migraines so I know it is exhausting and very unpleasant. I hope you find someone to help.

[Florapaige in reply to Pompom6]

Thank you, I have an appointment with a migraine specialist for April 2025

[webbs8]

Hi FlorapaigeReally sorry to hear how much you suffering and that things haven't been going too good for you. I didnt even try the toperimate but I am currently taking a propranolol in the morning and a magnesium at bedtime and seems to be helping so far! Really hope something can help with yours soon for you

Take care and try to hang on to hope that you will get better with yours too sometime soon. Sending love and feel better soon hugs x

[Florapaige in reply to webbs8]

Thank you