I'm going to complain a little and beg for some prayer.
Had another horrible migraine this week. It's unusual for me to have two in a year, let alone two so close together. Was out Thursday and Friday, recovering today.
Last time, about 3 weeks ago, I had numbness in my left arm. Though this is common with migraine, I have not experienced it before. So my Dr. ordered a couple scans - MRI and MRA. The scans, to my relief, returned normal.
After having had the scans, I'm not so much worried about there being something seriously wrong as I am concerned with finding a medication that works. Tried the latest "miracle" medication, Relpax, and although I did notice maybe a difference of about 25%, it was nowhere near the response my Dr. had hoped for.
It's obvious that my migraines have changed - the numbness is new, as is the frequency and the intensity. Also, I have typically been able to treat with heavy doses of ibuprofen (as directed by my Dr.) but the ibuprofen has had NO effect the last two times. We also are working to find the cause, though that is secondary to finding a treatment that works. In any case, my usual triggers have not been the culprit the last two times. I know the triggers can change over time, but I am still in the dark as to what my new trigger(s) are. My last one before this series of two was in October, and although I also did not know the trigger that time, I was able to treat it by the usual methods.
There is some speculation that my last two triggers were changes in barometic pressure/weather/temperature. While this is certainly not unheard of in migraine sufferers, I have never had this experience before, and as I have lived in the same climate my whole life, I have trouble seeing this be the cause. But I won't rule out anything at this point.
To make a long story short, this has seriously affected my life, including blogging. Trying to keep track of what's going on in my life each day (sleep, food, weather, stress etc.) so I can watch for a pattern, but also just the cycle of being ill ... three weeks ago hubby had to take time off work to take care of the family and take me to the Dr. This time he did not have to take time off, but had to do all the parent duty for 2 days. Since I lose at least 2 entire days each time, and I am usually not up to 100% for 2-4 more days, of course there is catching up to do with housework and life and all.
And of course, hving migraines where I do not know the trigger and am not able to treat have created in me a fearful being. I am beginning to be terrified of them, afraid to go out in the sun, afraid to drive (because I have aura which renders me unable to see), afraid to sit at the computer for too long, afraid to do anything or eat anything or go anywhere out of the ordinary.
I just want it to stop completely, but if it won't stop I want to be able to treat it effectively and to know what the underlying cause(s) is (are) so I can prepare for or even prevent them.
And if anyone has any advice to offer, I would appreciate, post a comment or e-mail me. Also, if anyone is inclined to shoot up a prayer for me, that would be cool.
Thanks so much, Lily
A sidenote: isn't it interesting that Blogger's spell-check doesn't recognize the word "blogging"?
Had another horrible migraine this week. It's unusual for me to have two in a year, let alone two so close together. Was out Thursday and Friday, recovering today.
Last time, about 3 weeks ago, I had numbness in my left arm. Though this is common with migraine, I have not experienced it before. So my Dr. ordered a couple scans - MRI and MRA. The scans, to my relief, returned normal.
After having had the scans, I'm not so much worried about there being something seriously wrong as I am concerned with finding a medication that works. Tried the latest "miracle" medication, Relpax, and although I did notice maybe a difference of about 25%, it was nowhere near the response my Dr. had hoped for.
It's obvious that my migraines have changed - the numbness is new, as is the frequency and the intensity. Also, I have typically been able to treat with heavy doses of ibuprofen (as directed by my Dr.) but the ibuprofen has had NO effect the last two times. We also are working to find the cause, though that is secondary to finding a treatment that works. In any case, my usual triggers have not been the culprit the last two times. I know the triggers can change over time, but I am still in the dark as to what my new trigger(s) are. My last one before this series of two was in October, and although I also did not know the trigger that time, I was able to treat it by the usual methods.
There is some speculation that my last two triggers were changes in barometic pressure/weather/temperature. While this is certainly not unheard of in migraine sufferers, I have never had this experience before, and as I have lived in the same climate my whole life, I have trouble seeing this be the cause. But I won't rule out anything at this point.
To make a long story short, this has seriously affected my life, including blogging. Trying to keep track of what's going on in my life each day (sleep, food, weather, stress etc.) so I can watch for a pattern, but also just the cycle of being ill ... three weeks ago hubby had to take time off work to take care of the family and take me to the Dr. This time he did not have to take time off, but had to do all the parent duty for 2 days. Since I lose at least 2 entire days each time, and I am usually not up to 100% for 2-4 more days, of course there is catching up to do with housework and life and all.
And of course, hving migraines where I do not know the trigger and am not able to treat have created in me a fearful being. I am beginning to be terrified of them, afraid to go out in the sun, afraid to drive (because I have aura which renders me unable to see), afraid to sit at the computer for too long, afraid to do anything or eat anything or go anywhere out of the ordinary.
I just want it to stop completely, but if it won't stop I want to be able to treat it effectively and to know what the underlying cause(s) is (are) so I can prepare for or even prevent them.
And if anyone has any advice to offer, I would appreciate, post a comment or e-mail me. Also, if anyone is inclined to shoot up a prayer for me, that would be cool.
Thanks so much, Lily
A sidenote: isn't it interesting that Blogger's spell-check doesn't recognize the word "blogging"?
Lily,
ReplyDeletesorry to hear that you've been feeling so poorly and will certainly keep you in prayer. in the meantime, go to this website:
http://www.integrativenutrition.com/graduates/WBattles.aspx
wendy is a dear friend and colleague - she just left our company to pursue a career in holistic health counseling, and, she suffers from migraines. I am certain she can help you, definately with some nutritional recommendations.
this might sound silly, but tell her that 'the twister' sent you, that you are a blog friend of mine.
get well.