Inflamatory Headaches

[john140]

As an RA sufferer, I have also been a lifetime headache sufferer. My headaches can sometimes be on a hair trigger brought on by paint of petrol fumes etc. Nothing other than very strong painkillers (ie not paracetamol or Ibuprofen) would touch them until I discovered Sumitriptan which works in a completely different way. Surprisingly only one doctor ever joined the dots on the link with my RA when I said the headaches 'throb' and he said that is caused by inflamation. Since I have been on Imraldi my headaches are much better and usually now only caused by too much wine ! Have any other inflamatory arthritis suffered this ? Headaches have been a lifelong Kryptonite for me !

[Hezekiah]

I've never come across Sumatriptan before. I'll mention it to my daughter, and sister-in-law, both of whom suffer from headaches. Is it an over the counter purchase med?

[john140 in reply to Hezekiah]

It is a brilliant drug. Taken with a throbbing headache it usually nails it in about 25 min. I could take a shovel full of Paracetamol and nothing would happen. I think you can buy it but mine is prescribed.

[Hezekiah in reply to john140]

I'm in the process of writing an email to them to advise them of it. Thank you.

[Karen12]

Sumatriptan is generally prescribed for migraines and is prescription only. You can buy 2 tablets over the counter but have to prove a prior diagnosis of migraine to get it. I think you need a yellow card to do this.

[Downtime]

I used to have severe migraines when I was younger lasting 72 hrs and sumatriptan was great if I took it early on. it stopped it getting into a full blown one where I could hardly function. Glad to hear it works for you.

[Katie-Mag]

Hello John, I also have RA and take naratriptan for migraines (basically it’s the same drug as sumatriptan). I’ve long wondered if there is a link between RA and migraine - I’ll raise this now with my RA team, thank you.

[john140 in reply to Katie-Mag]

I had a young Indian GP who was not long out of med-school who came up with the inflamatory link for me - no one else ever had and I have been suffering with these headaches for decades and a junior doctor was the one that made the link.

[Brushwork]

Yes, headaches and sinus issues too. I also take the game changing sumatriptan.I’ve always believed that RA is strongly linked especially as they can last for days even more than a week as then, just disappear with no reason.

[Hidden]

Note my diagnosis of Stills Disease which manifests as RA for me.It started with a headache over 40 years ago, cluster migraines and strange headaches have continued throughout the years. I only take codeine for wrist pain and a branded migraine treatment. Some times the headache can last weeks without a break. Some times it goes away for a few days max.

Your story is interesting.

[kittypebbles]

Yes, I have suffered from migraines all my life and now 66. Prior to the sumatriptan medication they would last 72 hours accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. Sumatriptan has definitely been a game changer for me as nothing else ever worked. XX

[weymouth321]

Have you thought of going to a chiropractor ?

[nomoreheels]

Years ago I used to have what were put down to hormonal migraines, which I guess was right as I very rarely have them now I’m post menopausal. This was around 15 or so years before I was diagnosed with RD. I was prescribed 'triptans’ to take on onset back then but they didn't help me, they made nausea & sickness worse, known side effects. Just shows, further exemplified with RD meds, that what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another, though I’m pleased this particular one did for you & sorry it's related to inflammation.

I hope Imraldi continues to keep both RD & the headaches low lying for you & that posting this may help others who's doctors may not have 'joined up the dots'.

[Kershon]

Hi, yes I do. I have had RA for nearly 30 years now and get bouts of headaches that last 7 - 10 days. They could never pinpoint of it was any of the drugs as they all can cause headaches but I think it is worse when the RA not completely under control and have asked the consultant this. She said its not a normal symptom but not everyone is the same.For years I was in Humira and they most disappeared even though I was also still on methotrexate and sulphasalzine as well. When the Humira got swapped to a bio similar as cheaper and everything went tits up 2 years later I wake with a headache every single day.

So unless it's the tocilizumab I'm back to square 1. In fact worse as this is every day although not blinding headaches gust constant niggling headaches that wear you down.

[john140 in reply to Kershon]

Its funny how blase medics are about headaches but if you suffered from bouts of them for 50 years they are life changing.

[Kershon in reply to john140]

Totally agree

[Brychni]

Who knows what causes them but I have been a sufferer of migraines and cluster headaches since I was about 17. I've been f***** about by the healthcare 'system', trying one hideous drug after another I have had to resort to relying on Sumatriptan injections when I have an attack which is not great because they stop working with overuse.

After all this time, too late, really, I have finally been allowed to start Ajovy injections. Had the letter the other day, still waiting for something to actually hapen though.

One 'treatment' was HRT, which I had huge doubts about but I have been on the patches for 4 months now in order to give it a good go, but it's done nothing. I've decided to stay on it though as there are so many health benefits.

I've often wondered if the headaches are a symptom of Inflammatory Arthritis, Hypermobility but I don't think so. They probably make it worse but aren't the underlying cause.

I'm 51 now and it just feels like it's too late.

[GranAmie]

I'm CEV/RA but he has sinus and headache with hi bp so can't take any other meds, just paracetamol and salt water nose wash... but I found a pure honey+wax rub for him at farmer market which dotted on bridge of nose, forehead and cheekbones at night has minimised his probs [and rally level snoring].. no idea how or why tho'. Produced by local beekeeper abt £5 a small pot. name Veebee at Greyabbey BT22 with website. Might hep someone?

[Mmrr]

Absolutely John, when I'm not so good I get headaches, when feeling 'better' I don't have headaches. When I flare I have headaches too.

I use migraleve pink tablets which work well for me, they can be bought over the counter in the pharmacy.

[john140 in reply to Mmrr]

Trouble is Migralieve is only really a painkiller whereas Sumitriptan works on the cause of the migraine in the brain -- sorry for sounding like a drugs rep !

[Mmrr in reply to john140]

No problem John, we need to use whatever works for us.