Day 66 of a migraine. What has worked for you?
Day 66 of my first migraine. I’ve been to multiple neurologists and headache clinics and had several ER visits. I’ve tried dozens of otc and prescription meds- nothing has touched it. My pan is a constant 7-8/10 24/7.
Currently on propranolol, gabapentin, memantine, ajovy, migranol otc supplement, magnesium, and daily electrolytes. No rescue meds have touched it.
MRI, CT, lumbar puncture, and many blood tests are all clean.
I’m beaten and debilitated. I can no longer work or function. Please help me! What has worked for you all?
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You probably need hospitalization. You have Status Migrainosus, having a migraine for 66 days is an emergency.
Yes, you know about the IV cocktail for migraines administered in the ER. Someone mentioned the IV drugs used, also add steroids to that cocktail. Steroids have good success in breaking a migraine cycle.
Since you have been to the ER many times, I question the staff as to why you are still suffering?
My sense is this is medical incompetence at some level. You have been down the ER road many times.
Discuss with your neurologist about being admitted. You most likely (my personal opinion only) need to be in the hospital, receiving IV medical care, until you sustain relief. This can take several days...a week?
Advocate strongly for yourself. Your migraine situation is treatable but you need the big guns now.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. And your migraine situation more than calls for this.
Stand firm. Speak up. It is beyond unacceptable that you have been suffering for so long.
All the best to you.
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1 ReactionDysport injections (botulinum toxin) worked for me when nothing else did. I had migraine pain for about 7 months. Unfortunately I paid out of pocket but it was worth it. Good luck.
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1 ReactionI can definitely relate. I think now the focus should be on breaking this particular migraine and you may need ER for that. May I ask what they gave you previously? Reglan, toradol, Zofran?
When I can’t break mine I need this iv Cocktail.
1mg Dilaudid
50mg Benadryl
8mg Zofran
Every 4hrs until broken
If you aren’t used to that high dose
Cut all in half.
This is the only thing that works once the migraine is so severe nothing at home will break it for me personally.
Then you should be able to manage with your normal meds but in my experience (only) nothing will work until the migraine is broken.
I have also needed the DHE infusion in the hospital as well. With those pain meds for more severe migraines.
I hope you are able to find some relief soon.
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1 Reaction@mikaylar
I started Vit B2 400 mg daily (riboflavin) that he recommended , that has made a huge difference. Have not had to start the Magnesium.
Thanks. Tried that years ago with no luck.
@mikaylar , my neurologist has said Magnesium citrate or glycinate , 400 mg. If you have kidney issues check with your primary doctor first.
Try sleep medicine. They put you on a sleep lab and study your sleep cycles. If you are not sleep good daily then that can increase the chances of more migraines.
Good luck.
VJ
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1 ReactionCall the manufacturer. Sometimes you can get it for free.
Lots of good comments here. I’ve had lots of problems with migraines in my life, and the triptans stopped working for me as rescue meds long ago. I’m now on a CGRP antagonist, the newest class of migraine meds. I take an orally dissolving tablet called Nurtec although there are other forms of this class of drugs that have to be given by IV. It has changed my life. It can be taken as a rescue medicine, but I need it every other day as a preventive. It’s not cheap, but if you just need it, your doctor’s office should be able to justify it. It requires prior authorization. I max out my out of pocket limits and at that point, I end up getting it for 0 copay the rest of the year.
Ask your doctor about it as you follow up on the other suggestions folks have had made. Do you see a good neurologist who really understands migraines?
@rjdowdell25
Haven't asked, I didn't realize how expensive when I saw him. But I really think the Vit B2 (riboflavin) is helping. I feel a bad headache starting, and then it fades after an hour. Thats totally new for me.