2+ Week Migraine

I get migraines that last for weeks as well. Like you the doctors have tried various drugs but nothing takes it completely. What I normally do (actually the only thing I can do) is lay on the couch with a blanket over the window so its as dark as I can get it and put a COLD wet washcloth on my forehead. Also drink lots of water and try taking 800 mg of ibuprofen. Sometimes the over-the-counter migraine meds help a bit but you can get the same effect cheaper by taking ibuprofen and drinking a caffeinated drink.

Hello K T

There is one thing I can suggest and another to caution you. I had a migraine once and I was told to put my feet in as hot of water as I could stand and simultaneously put ice on my head where the pain started. This allows the blood vessles in your head to shrink while expanding the ones in your feet allowing the blood pressure in your body to equlaize. Works like a charm. Also, if you are in a tight spot, there are always nannies to hire for just a day.

On a less positive note, my son-in-law had a 2+ week migraine and had a CAT scan that revealed that the base of his skull was not allowing fluid to drain properly necessitating a srugical procedure.

Lastly, as it came on during a time of stress, it makes me think that perhaps your muscles are the root problem surrounding your spine, as we all tend to hunch our shoulders, and tense during times of extreme stress. You might look in to seeing I chiropractor before going the other extreme. If you would like a number and a same day appointment,I might be able to help you if you would like to send me a private email.

What ever you decide to do, I hoep that you do so quickly and feel better quickly.

My best,
T. Nelson CD (DONA)

Your neurologist knows what will work and anything short of his plan will not be effective for your situation. So, with that said, do you have any relatives or close friends that can come in and care for your little girls while you're in the hospital? If you live in Washington State, your husband would be able to take a sick/ill day to care for you without any reprecussions under the Family Care Act of 2002. It allows family members to use their sick time to care for seriously ill family members without having to fill out the FMLA paperwork, it's for immediate, intermittent type situations, like this one. It's a tough situation to be in, but this is one of those times that Dad will have to make the time to care for his family if other help is not available. I wish you well. Migraines are extremely painful.

Have you tried chiropractics? It REALLY helped with my migraines. My chiropractor specializes in migraines. Here's her info in case you're interested:

Dr. Courtney George
Mother & Child Natural Medicine
Woodinville Wellness Center
16818 140th Avenue NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
###-###-####

To note, she can't do much unless you have an xray of your neck, so you should call and find out where to get one (she needs a very specific one.)

Good luck!!

I am a lifetime (since 12) migraine sufferer but never have I had one for two weeks! Mine tend to be the think you're having a stroke, knock you to your feet with excrutiating pain kind. I am totally nonfunctional, so the idea of going longer than a day writhing in pain blows my mind -- no pun intended :)

KT, face it you are already "out of it" There is no way you are functioning properly going on week 3 of a migraine. Give your girls back their mom and get the IV. This is one of those airplane oxygen mask scenarios: If you don't put on your oxygen mask first you won't be around to help your girls put on theirs.

I also understand teh reluctance to pull your husband away from work. We, too, have no family anywhere within driving distance and my husband works like a crazy man-- god love him. BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT ENOUGH FOR HIM TO DROP WORK AND STEP UP. You can AND MUST talk with him about how to make this happen.

Good luck and take care of yourself: you're the only mom these girls have!

Hi KT,
I've atually had the same problem in the past, and a neurologist at the Everett Clinic (trying to remember her name!) set me up for an appt that would take a few hours, my young (at the time) son would have to be taken care of, and I was nervous and scared; but I made sure that I had backup care/people for my son, and that I could do everything possible to help myself, and make this work. Actually, the procedure involved narcotics and something similar to Benadryl. WOW! What an experience! I was unconscious the whole time, and when I woke up, I had no more headache (kind of like a migraine hangover) for quite a long time. It was incredibly wonderous! I would suggest you find care for your children and indulge (I mean, actually...make time for you, and your suffering- TO GO AWAY-if it works for you). Honestly, it was a God send for me. I could NOT get rid of the headaches and/or migraines. I hope my experience has helped you with your decision. By the way, I think her name was Dong Mai Lui, but I'm not positive. Good luck. You owe it to yourself (and everyone around you) to give it a try. Pain, for very long, begins to wear a person down; and makes their quality of life (suck) really crappy. Over the years, on my own (regular dr. visits), I had tried so much...narcotics are considered a bandaide, but this tx actually worked. Keep in mind that an MRI/CT scan would also be a good move, and stress issues can be a major cause. Just look into, and spead to, and research your symtoms vs. treatments (tx). Sincerely, T.

Hey, I've had severe migraines before...and I know how it feels when they never end. I'm not sure you'll get a lot of relief from IV narcotics since it will only help to halt the pain signals from reaching your brain. Once they're over then there's a strong likelihood that the migraine will return. I use a drug called Fiuricet. It's nothing major, but it definitely helps me. It's got a mild narcotic, tylenol, and caffeine in it. It's amazing how wonderful it works within the first half hour. I'm sure you've tried as many treatments as possible for such long-enduring pain. If you'd rather be out of pain than go crazy with the migrain, then by all means go to the hospital. They have means to relieve your suffering. It will take away from your livelihood and your relationships may suffer. Though I was wondering if your neurologist has done any brain activity testing in order to see what's going on. You may also think of getting a second opinion from a neurology practice that is not associated with your current doctor. That way they will be able to run their own tests and bring on their own diagnosis without preconceived notions from your current provider. I'm sorry for your problem. I hope things get better soon.

Yes I have migraines, and they are awful.
Have you tried a chiropractor? Massage? muscle relaxer? Acupuncture/acupressure? Bowen Therapy?
You can also try using aroma therapy. You would use Lavender oil sprayed around the room.. Or mix it with an olive oil (only a couple of drips of lavender) and then rub it on your temples. Or put a couple of drops on your pillow or clothing.
Good luck, and sorry about your aunt.
As for the kids... do you have a neighbor or family member that could help with them? What about someone from their school? Or if you go to church?
Hugz
B.

Hi K T,

I can sympathize I've had violent and at times debilitating migraines since I was 5 years old, I'll be 29 this year so that is 24 years with migraines. I would like to suggest two alternative treatments that have worked well for me as a breastfeeding/pregnant mom with medication restrictions. The first thing I use is "migraine tea" it's 2 parts nettle, 2 parts calendula, and 1 part ground ginger. I was blown away by how well this tea actually works, for me it was more effective than codeine which is what I was on for 5 years to control the debilitating pain. The other thing I use will sound very silly but it helps so I wont complain. The fever patches they make for little children that stick to their heads and cool them down also seem to help. The coolness reduces the pressure and relieves the pain somewhat.

Oh...I am so sorry for your loss and the resulting headache. I had a migraine that lasted on and off for almost two years. I did the IV drip that your neurologist is recommending and it was only mildly successful. I did take Topamax for a while and got some relief, but didn't like the side effects (eye-twitching, for me). The best thing I found was cranial-sacral massage. It's a very specialized massage that focuses on the base of your skull. Ask your neuro if he knows of anyone who works in this specialty. I think you'll find some relief. Good luck. I know how hard it is to have a terrible headache and try to be a good mom at the same time.

I too, like many others, suffer from migraines and have had them last for weeks on end. One of the tricks my doctors found for me to go in for an oxygen treatment. It is simple and takes only a short amount of time - usually less than 30 minutes. It is so simple - you go in they have you breath pure oxygen for a specific amount of time. With a bad one I may have to take a couple of treatments. It is amazing how well it works. If you have had your headache for over a couple of days and nothing you are doing is working you will have to have to at some point take the meds. I was like you and didn't have the down time my body was screaming for but you must make the time. My doctors explained to me that once you have the headache that long your body had set it in a cycle and in order to get ride of it you must break that cycle via the oxygen and meds. I have now found that if I have a migraine that won't seem to go away for a couple of days I will go in for an oxygen treatment and it almost always breaks the migraine. Good luck to you!

Hello my name is L. and a mother of three. Two years ago I ended up getting a migrain mostly when I went to bed it would come on for hours. It hurt so bad that I ended up going to the emergency a few times and they found anything. The only thing that relly worked was my Imitrex that the doctor gave me. Very expensive med but insurance will usually cover it. I even cut them in half so that they would last. I feel for you. It is so hard to go anywhere when you have to bring all the kids. If you live in the Spokane area I would be willing to help you out. I am a stay at home mom also. I have a 21 month old, a 3 year old, and a 7 year old. Well I hope you start feeling better soon. My headache's got so bad that Ihad blood shot eyes for awhile.
Take Care,
L. H.

I think that you should make the time to take care of this migraine headache. If you are in so much pain that it is dissrupting everything you do - what is missing one day on your daily chores and work. I think that you need to take care of yourself. I don't understand why your husband cannot take a day off to take care of the children - I understand the stresses of working and being swamped, but I'm sorry the health of my spouse is very important. The work will be there tomorrow.

Anyway - I haven't had a migraine for more than a day or two. For two weeks is a very long time to be misserable. What I do is that I take about 3 Ibroprophen and frozen veggies from the freezer and put them in a ziplock baggie and lay it on the spot that has the most pressure. And then relax and try to sleep it off. I don't have an ice pack. The reason why you have a headache is because the brain is swollen and is pressing against the skull.

I hope that you can get rid of the headache. Good luck.

Hi,

I would head over to www.emofree and then do a search for migraine headaches within the site.

EFT, an emotional freedom technique is like acupuncture without the needles and is very helpful for symptoms that may be emotionally triggered.

If your doctor has determined no physical cause and you feel it may have do with the stress you have been experiencing, you might want to check it out.

People have had amazing results and I certainly include myself in that group.

L. Crunick

Hello K,

I'm wondering if you should seek a cardiologist. If you have a family history of heart conditions, blood clots, or aneurisms, then I would make an appointment with a cardiologist. If I were you, I would make an appointment with the primary doctor and get his/her opinion to see what his/her suggestion is as far as being referred to a doctor who specializes in migranes, blood clots. But I strongly suggest ask your doctor for a referral to a cardiologist. Really ask questions. You know, with the health issues that are rising today, you can never be too careful with yourself. The body is SO complicated and very unpredictable.

Take Care!

My husband had a similar situation. Narcotics did not help. He had an MRI to rule out tumor/ aneurysm. Then he was prescribed Relpax. It worked like a charm! Good luck!

You took the steps to see a neurologist, now do what he is suggesting. It will break the cycle of the migraine and more than likely he will have you on something after the IV treatment. GET FAMILY, FRIENDS, SOMEONE!!! to help with the kids while you do this. You being miserable isn't a good thing for your kids. I am sure they feel mommies pain too. Make it stop for all of you. THERE HAS GOT TO BE SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP YOU WATCH THEM, so you can get treated and your husband doesn't have to miss work. What about his days off? I am sure the IV can be done any day of the week, even on a weekend. Even he can ask a friend to help him while you do it, he doesn't have to be alone either. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

KT,

I would first like to say I have not read all the posts...you are under alot of stress to say the least....have you been to the dentist...it sounds strange...but I have been in the dental field for 15 years and many people don't realize that they clinch and grind their teeth all the time and even more when they are stress. This will definately trigger headaches and severe ones at that. I wear a night guard EVERY night and sometimes during the day for this reason.
Some people even go to a TMJ specialist....no drugs.
I hope this info will be helpful.
M.

I'd suggest seeing a therapist who can help you to grieve and cry, or finding a support group or a good friend to listen and encourage you to express your feelings. Maybe a good massage from someone who understands grief and headaches and who can really listen to you. It sounds like this headache is clearly linked to your unexpressed feelings. I know it can be hard to grieve when you have so many responsibilities, and it sounds like your husband isn't available to listen. Maybe even if you could just find someone to take your children for a while so that you could have time at home alone to take a bath, cry, journal, read a good book about grieving, that would give you the time you need to help you move through this.

Go to a really good massage therapist. Get the muscles in your neck and back worked on. I've seen people that have migraines like that get relief. It could take a couple of visits but, it really can help without drugs. You are going through a tough time, the tension will be carried in your neck and shoulders.
My thought go out to you, I get migraines and used to not be able to function during one.

Well not quite two full weeks of a headache like that but a good few days which was long enough. Do you go to a church,if so they may have child care providers that the teen girls do for donations to help out with their field trips they are the ones who are sixteen yrs and up at least I do know the LDS church has them and they are wonderful help you can have one or two that work either by themselves or like you may have two together for your time in the hospital, where your husband can either be there in the later evening or you will be home they work two -four hours at one time.even a sister elder sister would be happy to helpjust call and ask --- other then that a ice mask in a very dark room total quietness like when they are sleeping or even at night when you go to bed plus take ibprobin for pain ask your dr for 800mgs they work good for such pain. S.,

Yes go! You have all already be been out of it for 2+ weeks. The difference it will make is more than worth it. Everybody deserves a healthy mom.

Break the cycle of this headache and then worry about the next thing in your life.

I am a migraine sufferer. Do you do anything to prevent the headaches? If not send me an email and I can suggest some things.

W.

Have you thought of getting a massage? They are very helpful. Most headaches have their roots in tight mucsles. I think it is definetly worth the time to get a relaxing massage over drugs. It could be that you need a few, but you would most likely be addressing the root cause and not just covering up the symptoms.
You could also try heat/ice, relaxing bath, stretching, rest.??? I don't know what your life style is, but I hope this helps you.

I too suffer from migraines. I go to the chiropractor and an adjustment always helps if not takes it away. A massage is also a great release of toxins and should offer some relief. Short term instant relief: massage the web of your thumb...there is a pressure point there. you will know when you hit it cuz it hurts like hell but for that second..your head does not! Good luck.

I had migranes for many years before we knew what they were. Thought it was sinus related and only took meds for that. The one time the doctor tried me on Imetrex, it worked. I usually had them for 3 days at a time. If yours is muscle related, do what you can for that too so that you may not need meds.

I'm so sorry - that sounds awful. A colleague finally tried acupuncture to treat her migranes after nothing else worked, with moderate success. I hope you find relief soon!

The meds that I take to get rid of my migraines are Maxalt....I love it! It works like a charm!! I take Topamax as a preventative and love it too....as a side effective it helps you loose weight! GReat! It does have some weird side effects for some people but I don't have them....deffinately no eye twitching! ;-) Anyway...I hope you get rid of the pain...I will be praying for you. God Bless!