I have a genetic disorder called Hemiplegic Migraine Type 1. I have learned that no matter what I do, I have to stick to a strict schedule. My doctor at Stanford Medical placed me on a schedule almost a year ago, and I have not had a migraine attack since January of 2012. I also stopped taking any NSAIDs and all over the counter so called migraine relief pills. The only medication I am on is Verapamil and Magnesium. If I have an attack I have to go get a protocol treatment. This includes DHE, O2, and Fluids. Now I have to go to the ER to get them and that is like going to purgatory, but when I am in a full attack I have stroke like symptoms and my pain is so intense that I cannot function. I do not take any pain medications any longer. I also use Ice packs and a dark cool room. I keep a good exercise schedule and try to eat healthy, this includes NO fast foods or premade, or prepackaged foods. NO alcohol or smoking, and I stay away from smoking people. I stay away from places that have strong perfume smells as well. YES my life had to take a big change, but this helps me to have a better life. Other than that I keep a strict schedule, when I eat, when I sleep, when I take my med's, and when I exercise. When a person has chronic pain and; or chronic migraines a schedule is very important to keep so the body knows when and how to function. This also allows positive stimulation instead of negative stimulation. This works for me....
TESTEDDAILY's Blog
Loading recent content...
Author
- TESTEDDAILY I live with Hemiplegic Migraines. I have had one form of Migraines...
- Member since: 08/05/09
- 1 posts
- RSS feed
Post Comments
Add Your Comment!
Log in to leave a comment or Create an account
Hi TestedDaily,
Glad you have not had a migraine attack since January of this year.
I have a chronic muscle spasm in my upper back/neck area. I have not had an acute episode since March of last year! I credit it to my slow but steady improvements to my diet, like cutting out sugar, trying to take magnesium regularly, etc. I also stopped NSAIDs a long time ago because it was giving me high blood pressure and stomach pain. No fast food was easy for me, because I stopped eating it years ago!
I've only had what I call migraine-like symptoms relating to my spasm a couple times. Though, one time I was using a TENS electrical device for pain...well, suddenly a strange sensation overtook me, I felt nauseous, had intense pain in my head, then I ran to the bathroom to throw up! For the rest of the night I had to lie down in the dark and turn off the TV...oh my God, the misery...luckily I felt better the next day. That only happened once in my life. If I had to go thru that every day, I'd be absolutely MISERABLE!!! So I'm really glad you are feeling better :)
BTW, what is DHE?
Hi GreenFish.... Yes you did had a classic Migraine attack. I am so sorry you had to go through that.... DHE (Dihydroergotamine Injection and nasal Spray) http://www.medicinenet.com/dihydroergotamine-injectable/article.htm This is a questionable treatment for my migraines so my insurance will not pay for it. I have to go to the ER to have the Treatment. This is understandable, but I have only had to have it 6 times in the past year. With me sticking to the schedule and taking the daily treatment of Verapamil and Magnesium I am doing very will. I am glad to hear you are doing well also... Chronic anything really SUCKS!!!
Thanks for answering my question. And, yes, chronic anything does suck! I've had good days and bad days, but it's at least manageable, unlike my acute spasm last year that felt like a slipped disc (not that I know what a slipped disc feels like!)...a 20 on a scale of 1-10! I have to constantly be careful not to exercise too hard, not to make any sudden twists or movements, like when I load or unload groceries. Anyway, nice talking to you!
» Comments RSS