Migraine Advice

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So interested in this ear piercing thing!! Never heard about that.

Botox i had in my forehead for cosmetic reaaons...still had mild headaches. Not sure where the botox should be injected for migraines specifically?

One thing that REALLY changed things was a tooth guard. Fitted by my dentist. I used to wake up with AWFUL headaches that lasted all day. Reduced significantly since the toothguard its unreal. Anadin Extra also helps and tons of water.
 
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Did you have it done at a piercing parlour?
yes cause I wanted it done but my neurologist told me it was all rubbish so told me not to bother. I did it thinking I could prove him wrong.

So interested in this ear piercing thing!! Never heard about that.

Botox i had in my forehead for cosmetic reaaons...still had mild headaches. Not sure where the botox should be injected for migraines specifically?

One thing that REALLY changed things was a tooth guard. Fitted by my dentist. I used to wake up with AWFUL headaches that lasted all day. Reduced significantly since the toothguard its unreal. Anadin Extra also helps and tons of water.
I had the Botox in forehead,back of head and shoulders by the nhs headache clinic
 
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yes cause I wanted it done but my neurologist told me it was all rubbish so told me not to bother. I did it thinking I could prove him wrong.


I had the Botox in forehead,back of head and shoulders by the nhs headache clinic
Ah yeah it’s hit and miss if done by a general piercer. I had it done at a medical clinic that test your pressure spots with acupuncture first then pierce exactly where you need it, it’s much deeper than a standard daith.
 
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yes cause I wanted it done but my neurologist told me it was all rubbish so told me not to bother. I did it thinking I could prove him wrong.


I had the Botox in forehead,back of head and shoulders by the nhs headache clinic
Hello new to the thread how are you all! I have suffered from migraines for 16 years. At my worst it was Everyday I’ve been having Botox now for 4 years I think. It’s a life changer. As for the piercing it doesn't work I’m afraid
 
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Has anyone who has tried topiramate suffered when coming off it? I was fine when starting it and had no side effects at all. It didn’t work for me at all. Might as well have taken smarties but coming off it is horrific. I’m having an awful time. I’ve only got this week but really it’s horrible. 😭
Im starting Botox this week too so hopefully that will help.
 
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I am a fellow migraine sufferer. I started with them when I was 13 (I’m now 48). I also get suffer with vertigo, which is made worse by my migraines.
I am prescribed amitriptyline, previously was on beta blockers. The amitriptyline seems to help as I get a migraine about once a month now rather than weekly.
 
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Has anyone who has tried topiramate suffered when coming off it? I was fine when starting it and had no side effects at all. It didn’t work for me at all. Might as well have taken smarties but coming off it is horrific. I’m having an awful time. I’ve only got this week but really it’s horrible. 😭
Im starting Botox this week too so hopefully that will help.
Sorry to hear that.
How are you coming off it?
With any of these meds you need to taper off gradually, you can’t just stop, your body has to adjust.

So cut down the dose gradually.
if you’re on 100 mg, go down to 75 mg for around a week, then down to 50 mg, then down to 25 mg or alternate days. In my experience it takes 4-6 weeks to come off meds like this successfully with low side effects.
 
Sorry to hear that.
How are you coming off it?
With any of these meds you need to taper off gradually, you can’t just stop, your body has to adjust.

So cut down the dose gradually.
if you’re on 100 mg, go down to 75 mg for around a week, then down to 50 mg, then down to 25 mg or alternate days. In my experience it takes 4-6 weeks to come off meds like this successfully with low side effects.
Yes I’m slowly tapering following the neurologists advice it’s just horrible. I think it’s being made worse by the fact when I got the prescription it was also a different brand to normal and I’ve found changing brands affects me. I know that sounds silly but with some meds if you get it made by a different company it can affect you slightly different. Im just feeling crappy and sorry for myself right now 😂😂 it’s only like 4 more days to go before I finish them
 
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Yes I’m slowly tapering following the neurologists advice it’s just horrible. I think it’s being made worse by the fact when I got the prescription it was also a different brand to normal and I’ve found changing brands affects me. I know that sounds silly but with some meds if you get it made by a different company it can affect you slightly different. Im just feeling crappy and sorry for myself right now 😂😂 it’s only like 4 more days to go before I finish them
It doesn’t sound silly at all and is quite common.
In the UK the pharmacist might substitute a cheaper brand. I’ve found when this happens to say to the pharmacist when you hand the prescription you need a particular brand, the same brand you’re already on. Then when you collect the meds, check as they hand them over and refuse if it isn’t the right brand.
 
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Feeling really stressed out as I'm ringing in for the second day and it's a job I've only been at just over a month. The thing is I actually had the migraine on Saturday night and haven't really got over it but usually I'm feeling better than this by now - not 100% but not awful. I'm worried work will think I'm taking the piss. All I said yday was that I had a migraine, not that it had lasted a couple of days, so I'm hoping they don't doubt me? I'm really anxious about ringing in (I also have anxiety haha) and scared they're all talking about me behind my back. I also don't know what triggers my migraines - I assumed it was stress but I haven't been particularly stressed the last couple of weeks so idk.
 
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Feeling really stressed out as I'm ringing in for the second day and it's a job I've only been at just over a month. The thing is I actually had the migraine on Saturday night and haven't really got over it but usually I'm feeling better than this by now - not 100% but not awful. I'm worried work will think I'm taking the piss. All I said yday was that I had a migraine, not that it had lasted a couple of days, so I'm hoping they don't doubt me? I'm really anxious about ringing in (I also have anxiety haha) and scared they're all talking about me behind my back. I also don't know what triggers my migraines - I assumed it was stress but I haven't been particularly stressed the last couple of weeks so idk.
It’s so hard not to stress as most who don’t suffer don’t really understand how debilitating a migraine and the after effects can be. I don’t know my triggers either but if you are on Facebook there is a great support page UK Migraine support and I’ve gained lots of tips to help manage my migraines from there. Hope it passes for you soon x
 
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It’s so hard not to stress as most who don’t suffer don’t really understand how debilitating a migraine and the after effects can be. I don’t know my triggers either but if you are on Facebook there is a great support page UK Migraine support and I’ve gained lots of tips to help manage my migraines from there. Hope it passes for you soon x
Thank you, I will go and have a look at that group.
 
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Glad to have stumbled across this thread! I was sent to a&e yesterday and had to have a ct scan because the gp was concerned about the migraines I’ve started getting since the beginning of this month. Luckily, the scan came back fine but I’ve been told by the a&e dr that it’s probably migraines and to keep a diary of them. I’ve also been prescribed triptan.

I’ve noticed you’re speaking about Botox, and it’s made me think. I get my forehead and laughter lines done for cosmetic reasons, and have done for years. I’ve never left it as long as I have now between top ups but I’m trying to lose some weight and I’ve put Botox as the reward for my half way point.

Do you find that getting forehead botox helps your migraines? Or is it prescription head botox that’s the only saviour? I’m wondering if it wearing off almost completely has caused this/unmasked the pain.
 
Glad to have stumbled across this thread! I was sent to a&e yesterday and had to have a ct scan because the gp was concerned about the migraines I’ve started getting since the beginning of this month. Luckily, the scan came back fine but I’ve been told by the a&e dr that it’s probably migraines and to keep a diary of them. I’ve also been prescribed triptan.

I’ve noticed you’re speaking about Botox, and it’s made me think. I get my forehead and laughter lines done for cosmetic reasons, and have done for years. I’ve never left it as long as I have now between top ups but I’m trying to lose some weight and I’ve put Botox as the reward for my half way point.

Do you find that getting forehead botox helps your migraines? Or is it prescription head botox that’s the only saviour? I’m wondering if it wearing off almost completely has caused this/unmasked the pain.
I’ve started having Botox treatment. It’s prescription and done at the hospital. They put a very small amount In your forehead. Then temples, back of the head and down your neck.
i don’t know if just forehead alone would help but I know they told me it can take a few rounds to get a result either way
 
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Feeling really stressed out as I'm ringing in for the second day and it's a job I've only been at just over a month. The thing is I actually had the migraine on Saturday night and haven't really got over it but usually I'm feeling better than this by now - not 100% but not awful. I'm worried work will think I'm taking the piss. All I said yday was that I had a migraine, not that it had lasted a couple of days, so I'm hoping they don't doubt me? I'm really anxious about ringing in (I also have anxiety haha) and scared they're all talking about me behind my back. I also don't know what triggers my migraines - I assumed it was stress but I haven't been particularly stressed the last couple of weeks so idk.
If you’re in whats called postdrome (post migraine hangover, can sometimes feels worse than the migraine itself) dehydration and lack of nutrients is often the key. So drink lots of water and if you can have a proper normal meal, protein and lots of veg, not pasta or wheat or anything high sugar or processed.
The other tip is to regulate your blood sugar. Eat little and often so you don’t get any dips. So ideally 3 meals and 2 snacks a day so you are eating every 2-3 hours or so.
 
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I take migralieve but often find I need to be sick to relieve the pressure. Other than that I believe having an orgasm helps as releases endorphins and plenty of water.
 
Feeling really stressed out as I'm ringing in for the second day and it's a job I've only been at just over a month. The thing is I actually had the migraine on Saturday night and haven't really got over it but usually I'm feeling better than this by now - not 100% but not awful. I'm worried work will think I'm taking the piss. All I said yday was that I had a migraine, not that it had lasted a couple of days, so I'm hoping they don't doubt me? I'm really anxious about ringing in (I also have anxiety haha) and scared they're all talking about me behind my back. I also don't know what triggers my migraines - I assumed it was stress but I haven't been particularly stressed the last couple of weeks so idk.
You could be having a status migrainous/intractable migraine. Can you go to your GP for this or do you have a neurologist/specialist? I’ve gone to the ER for similar (migraine lasting 72h or more) and have been given an IV that finally took it away. I’ve also done steroid packs that have relieved it and I’m currently doing a stemetil bridge treatment for the same condition. Everytime I get rid of it it comes back with a vengeance. Feeling depressed and guilty is a symptom of prodrome as someone mentioned. I also get this way when calling out of work, I feel like everyone is upset with me, I’m magnified by 100. It’s not a rational thought, and I have to keep reminding myself of that. Can you do a small act of compassion for yourself like order pizza or a treat if you can eat? Or a long soak in the bath? Sometimes when I treat myself with compassion like this it reminds me that I’m not well, and that’s okay and work should see that too. Wishing you better days ❤
 
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If you’re in whats called postdrome (post migraine hangover, can sometimes feels worse than the migraine itself) dehydration and lack of nutrients is often the key. So drink lots of water and if you can have a proper normal meal, protein and lots of veg, not pasta or wheat or anything high sugar or processed.
The other tip is to regulate your blood sugar. Eat little and often so you don’t get any dips. So ideally 3 meals and 2 snacks a day so you are eating every 2-3 hours or so.
I have to echo this. Although I don’t get typical postdromes (which can be horrendous from what I’ve seen from other people) after my cluster headaches, I end up feeling so drained and terrified that another is going to hit that I am good for nothing for ages.

You definitely need to rest. Your body has been through a lot (particularly your brain) and you need to recover.

A diary will definitely help. Record weather, your other general health, sleep and food/drink. All of these could impact migraines. Hope you feel better soon ❤.
 
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Thanks so much everyone, I always feel better after posting here! Had a chill day yesterday and although I didn't have particularly healthy meals I did get 3 fruit and veg in there. I feel a lot better today. I've made a note of the circumstances around my last few migraines but wonder whether I do need to do a really in depth one like you say... I just know I'd struggle to keep up with it even though I know it's fairly basic. Does everyone else keep diaries?
 
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