Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Does anyone else have chronic fibro headaches? I've had two headache free days in the last year and I am just about at my wits end. This has been going on for about ten years. Four or five days a week, the pain level can be controlled with tylenol 3 or even sometimes with over the counter extra strength stuff, but the other two or three days are horrific. The headaches are so bad, that they actually make me not care that the rest of my body hurts. I work full time - if and when I'm at work. I've missed appointments, conferences, training sessions, board meetings, speaking engagements, air line flights, and even a banquet where I was supposed to be the guest of honour, simply because my head hurt so much that all I could do was lie on the bed and throw up in an old ice cream pail. I've had migraines since I was a little kid, but these are not the same. The migraines usually are treatable with Migranol nose spray and fiorinal and sleep. But these other bad headache days don't respond well to anything I've tried so far. All a shot of morphine does is make me not give a damn for a couple of hours, but it doesn't even dull the pain. Fiorinal with codeine dulls it, but it dulls me too. I can't function properly with two of them in me every five hours. Between the migraines and the fibro headaches, I often feel like hitting myself over the head with a brick, just to get some relief. They are wearing me out physically and emotionally. I've been through a pain clinic, biofeedback, catscans, MRI's, PT - the whole nine yards. I force myself to have a few pain prescription drug free days each month, just to make sure that my body has not become physically dependent on narcotic pain meds, and I have never experienced rebound or withdrawals, so at least that part is still okay :-) Taking those narcotic free days doesn't make the headaches come back harder the next time, but it does give my liver a bit of a rest. If anyone has some experience, strength and hope to share on this one, I would really appreciate it. Thanks Lyndi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Hi all, I also have migraines. They're horrible. I couldn't take Imitrex because of an allergy to it, but, they put me on Maxalt which is wonderful! It works rather quickly. I also take Neurontin 4 times daily and it is supposed to hold the headaches off. It does, as I don't have them several times a week now, but only a couple of times a month. Someone that has them less often will probably have them even less on the Neurontin. It also works as a mood stabilizer which always helps with the depression. Hope this helps. Shay Join my new Diabetic Recipes group @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Recipes4Diabetes God Bless You All, Shay/Shalynn and the rescue gang; Max, Samson I, Samson II, Zeuss, Tazz, Walter, Curly, Ralph, Sebastian, Tina Marie, Bear, Bogie and Jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Hi all, I also have migraines. They're horrible. I couldn't take Imitrex because of an allergy to it, but, they put me on Maxalt which is wonderful! It works rather quickly. I also take Neurontin 4 times daily and it is supposed to hold the headaches off. It does, as I don't have them several times a week now, but only a couple of times a month. Someone that has them less often will probably have them even less on the Neurontin. It also works as a mood stabilizer which always helps with the depression. Hope this helps. Shay Join my new Diabetic Recipes group @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Recipes4Diabetes God Bless You All, Shay/Shalynn and the rescue gang; Max, Samson I, Samson II, Zeuss, Tazz, Walter, Curly, Ralph, Sebastian, Tina Marie, Bear, Bogie and Jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Hi all, I also have migraines. They're horrible. I couldn't take Imitrex because of an allergy to it, but, they put me on Maxalt which is wonderful! It works rather quickly. I also take Neurontin 4 times daily and it is supposed to hold the headaches off. It does, as I don't have them several times a week now, but only a couple of times a month. Someone that has them less often will probably have them even less on the Neurontin. It also works as a mood stabilizer which always helps with the depression. Hope this helps. Shay Join my new Diabetic Recipes group @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Recipes4Diabetes God Bless You All, Shay/Shalynn and the rescue gang; Max, Samson I, Samson II, Zeuss, Tazz, Walter, Curly, Ralph, Sebastian, Tina Marie, Bear, Bogie and Jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 In a message dated 10/16/01 8:43:32 AM Central Daylight Time, IndianaQuilter@... writes: > The headaches are part of Fibro. Not every one gets them. > > > I have had them since the age of 15, and use Imitrex for mine. But I have a question for those of you that take these " triptan " type drugs for migraines....has anyone had the experience of taking them and while it helps your headache it makes your other pain worse? I have noticed that everytime I take Imitrex for a migraine I hurt MUCH more. I have been diagnosed with fibro and peripheral neurpathy...and I can't quite tell which of these problems it might be affecting. Does anyone else have this experience, or once again....am I just the " odd one " when it comes to the way meds affect me? Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 In a message dated 10/16/01 8:43:32 AM Central Daylight Time, IndianaQuilter@... writes: > The headaches are part of Fibro. Not every one gets them. > > > I have had them since the age of 15, and use Imitrex for mine. But I have a question for those of you that take these " triptan " type drugs for migraines....has anyone had the experience of taking them and while it helps your headache it makes your other pain worse? I have noticed that everytime I take Imitrex for a migraine I hurt MUCH more. I have been diagnosed with fibro and peripheral neurpathy...and I can't quite tell which of these problems it might be affecting. Does anyone else have this experience, or once again....am I just the " odd one " when it comes to the way meds affect me? Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 In a message dated 10/16/01 8:43:32 AM Central Daylight Time, IndianaQuilter@... writes: > The headaches are part of Fibro. Not every one gets them. > > > I have had them since the age of 15, and use Imitrex for mine. But I have a question for those of you that take these " triptan " type drugs for migraines....has anyone had the experience of taking them and while it helps your headache it makes your other pain worse? I have noticed that everytime I take Imitrex for a migraine I hurt MUCH more. I have been diagnosed with fibro and peripheral neurpathy...and I can't quite tell which of these problems it might be affecting. Does anyone else have this experience, or once again....am I just the " odd one " when it comes to the way meds affect me? Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 In a message dated 10/16/01 9:05:37 AM Central Daylight Time, janissa@... writes: > Addendum -- if you're on Prozac or another SSRI, you cannot take drugs like > Imitrex. Bad interaction. If your pain doctor prescribes a new drug to > treat your headaches, make sure to consult the pharmacist before actually > filling the prescription. Absolutely Em! Thanks for the warning. It is called " serotonin syndrome " and depending on your reaction it can be life threatening. Please take Em's warning and beware of doing this! Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 In a message dated 10/16/01 9:05:37 AM Central Daylight Time, janissa@... writes: > Addendum -- if you're on Prozac or another SSRI, you cannot take drugs like > Imitrex. Bad interaction. If your pain doctor prescribes a new drug to > treat your headaches, make sure to consult the pharmacist before actually > filling the prescription. Absolutely Em! Thanks for the warning. It is called " serotonin syndrome " and depending on your reaction it can be life threatening. Please take Em's warning and beware of doing this! Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Em, Ask your doctor/pharmacist about 1.) Neurontin, because it is supposed to keep the headaches from even surfacing in the first place. 2.) Topomax, because they are also supposed to keep the headaches at bay. and 3.) Maxalt for when you get the headaches. and 4.) Stadol, if nothing else works at taking the headache away, whuich the Maxalt usually does, then the Stadol will help with the pain. Shay Join my new Diabetic Recipes group @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Recipes4Diabetes God Bless You All, Shay/Shalynn and the rescue gang; Max, Samson I, Samson II, Zeuss, Tazz, Walter, Curly, Ralph, Sebastian, Tina Marie, Bear, Bogie and Jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Em, Ask your doctor/pharmacist about 1.) Neurontin, because it is supposed to keep the headaches from even surfacing in the first place. 2.) Topomax, because they are also supposed to keep the headaches at bay. and 3.) Maxalt for when you get the headaches. and 4.) Stadol, if nothing else works at taking the headache away, whuich the Maxalt usually does, then the Stadol will help with the pain. Shay Join my new Diabetic Recipes group @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Recipes4Diabetes God Bless You All, Shay/Shalynn and the rescue gang; Max, Samson I, Samson II, Zeuss, Tazz, Walter, Curly, Ralph, Sebastian, Tina Marie, Bear, Bogie and Jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 I get really nasty headaches every so often, in bed all day, only up to go to the bathroom and vomit. The doc gave me Imitrex, it's for migraines and it works really well. You should ask your doctor for some samples and give them a try. Rhonda Chronic Headaches > Does anyone else have chronic fibro headaches? I've had two headache free > days in the last year and I am just about at my wits end. This has been > going on for about ten years. Four or five days a week, the pain level > can be controlled with tylenol 3 or even sometimes with over the counter > extra strength stuff, but the other two or three days are horrific. The > headaches are so bad, that they actually make me not care that the rest of > my body hurts. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 I use " Zomig " for my migraines. I haven't had to go to an ER in 2 years. This is excellent. I usually went at least once every other month. The headaches are part of Fibro. Not every one gets them. DigitalAngel wrote: > I get really nasty headaches every so often, in bed all day, only up to go > to the bathroom and vomit. The doc gave me Imitrex, it's for migraines and > it works really well. You should ask your doctor for some samples and give > them a try. > > Rhonda Soft Hugs Aria Roanoke, Indiana Yahoo & AOL Instant Messenger: AriaAJR ICQ: 36167718 Check out my lists when you have time: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericaUnderCovers http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlockOfTheMonth http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QuiltingWithLimitations http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UFOsInTheQuiltWorld http://groups.yahoo.com/group/USA4JesusQuiltBlockSwap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Neurontin has been a life saver for me. I take 900 mg 4 times a day. That is every 6 hours. If I miss a dosage I know it. It has helped my headaches a lot also. I don't have them near as often. I had my first migraine this past Sunday in 2 - 3 months. Neurontin works on the nerve endings in your body. This is why it's so good for fibro. ShayPugHugs@... wrote: > Hi all, I also have migraines. They're horrible. I couldn't take Imitrex > because of an allergy to it, but, they put me on Maxalt which is wonderful! > It works rather quickly. I also take Neurontin 4 times daily and it is > supposed to hold the headaches off. It does, as I don't have them several > times a week now, but only a couple of times a month. Soft Hugs Aria Roanoke, Indiana Yahoo & AOL Instant Messenger: AriaAJR ICQ: 36167718 Check out my lists when you have time: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericaUnderCovers http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlockOfTheMonth http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QuiltingWithLimitations http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UFOsInTheQuiltWorld http://groups.yahoo.com/group/USA4JesusQuiltBlockSwap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Neurontin has been a life saver for me. I take 900 mg 4 times a day. That is every 6 hours. If I miss a dosage I know it. It has helped my headaches a lot also. I don't have them near as often. I had my first migraine this past Sunday in 2 - 3 months. Neurontin works on the nerve endings in your body. This is why it's so good for fibro. ShayPugHugs@... wrote: > Hi all, I also have migraines. They're horrible. I couldn't take Imitrex > because of an allergy to it, but, they put me on Maxalt which is wonderful! > It works rather quickly. I also take Neurontin 4 times daily and it is > supposed to hold the headaches off. It does, as I don't have them several > times a week now, but only a couple of times a month. Soft Hugs Aria Roanoke, Indiana Yahoo & AOL Instant Messenger: AriaAJR ICQ: 36167718 Check out my lists when you have time: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericaUnderCovers http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BlockOfTheMonth http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QuiltingWithLimitations http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UFOsInTheQuiltWorld http://groups.yahoo.com/group/USA4JesusQuiltBlockSwap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 At 10:45 PM 10/15/2001 -0500, Lyndi wrote: >Does anyone else have chronic fibro headaches? I'm not really sure I know what a fibro headache is. I DO get tons of headaches, though, different flavors. Migraines, which I usually only have once every two months or so, complete with aura and all that stuff; more generalized headaches, not one-sided like the migraines, which I attribute to tension; and some nasty ones courtesy of my TMJ, that concentrate in my temples and the back of my head. Is there a specific type of headache common to FM sufferers? I may be misidentifying some of mine, I'm not sure. Addendum -- if you're on Prozac or another SSRI, you cannot take drugs like Imitrex. Bad interaction. If your pain doctor prescribes a new drug to treat your headaches, make sure to consult the pharmacist before actually filling the prescription. I got an RX for Midrin the other day, went to the hospital inpatient pharmacy, and after they told me the risks of combining Prozac with many painkillers, I elected not to even try the Midrin. Best, Em ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is the tale, not he who tells it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 At 10:45 PM 10/15/2001 -0500, Lyndi wrote: >Does anyone else have chronic fibro headaches? I'm not really sure I know what a fibro headache is. I DO get tons of headaches, though, different flavors. Migraines, which I usually only have once every two months or so, complete with aura and all that stuff; more generalized headaches, not one-sided like the migraines, which I attribute to tension; and some nasty ones courtesy of my TMJ, that concentrate in my temples and the back of my head. Is there a specific type of headache common to FM sufferers? I may be misidentifying some of mine, I'm not sure. Addendum -- if you're on Prozac or another SSRI, you cannot take drugs like Imitrex. Bad interaction. If your pain doctor prescribes a new drug to treat your headaches, make sure to consult the pharmacist before actually filling the prescription. I got an RX for Midrin the other day, went to the hospital inpatient pharmacy, and after they told me the risks of combining Prozac with many painkillers, I elected not to even try the Midrin. Best, Em ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is the tale, not he who tells it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 At 10:55 AM 10/16/2001 -0400, GirlMomx4@... wrote: >Thanks for the warning. It is called " serotonin syndrome " and depending >on your reaction it can be life threatening. Please take Em's warning and >beware of doing this! I mean, most of us already know to check on this kind of thing. But doctors are absolutely notorious for prescribing medications without 1) reviewing the patient's chart, checking for interactions, allergies and so on; and 2) even knowing what the side effects and interactions of a given medication ARE. Some nurses are very good at keeping track of this, but your best bet is your pharmacist. We FM'ers tend to take so many medications, it's just a nightmare to figure out what you can take that won't interact with something else you're taking. I have classic, textbook migraines: preceded by visual aura and some confusion; one-sided; can't bear the light; vomiting; etc. When I found out I couldn't have Imitrex I literally sat down and cried. My migraines may not happen very often, but the last two put me in the ER. It's the worst kind of pain I can imagine, and there's NOTHING for it? for me? Makes me want to step out in front of a bus. Be careful of OTC meds as well. I risk a little when I take some OTCs; I am allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, and I'm not always on the ball with checking the ingredients of OTC meds. But for example, most cold and flu nostrums, I can't take. They have aspirin in them. Etc. It's not a question of buying an extremely expensive current volume of the Physician's Desk Reference. Trust your pharmacist. S/he's a walking PDR. *g* Best, Em ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is the tale, not he who tells it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 At 10:55 AM 10/16/2001 -0400, GirlMomx4@... wrote: >Thanks for the warning. It is called " serotonin syndrome " and depending >on your reaction it can be life threatening. Please take Em's warning and >beware of doing this! I mean, most of us already know to check on this kind of thing. But doctors are absolutely notorious for prescribing medications without 1) reviewing the patient's chart, checking for interactions, allergies and so on; and 2) even knowing what the side effects and interactions of a given medication ARE. Some nurses are very good at keeping track of this, but your best bet is your pharmacist. We FM'ers tend to take so many medications, it's just a nightmare to figure out what you can take that won't interact with something else you're taking. I have classic, textbook migraines: preceded by visual aura and some confusion; one-sided; can't bear the light; vomiting; etc. When I found out I couldn't have Imitrex I literally sat down and cried. My migraines may not happen very often, but the last two put me in the ER. It's the worst kind of pain I can imagine, and there's NOTHING for it? for me? Makes me want to step out in front of a bus. Be careful of OTC meds as well. I risk a little when I take some OTCs; I am allergic to aspirin and ibuprofen, and I'm not always on the ball with checking the ingredients of OTC meds. But for example, most cold and flu nostrums, I can't take. They have aspirin in them. Etc. It's not a question of buying an extremely expensive current volume of the Physician's Desk Reference. Trust your pharmacist. S/he's a walking PDR. *g* Best, Em ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It is the tale, not he who tells it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Lyndi wrote: > > There really wasn't any > treatment for it, so I just put up with it and did the best I could. Over the > years, I've tried everything from aromatherapy to acupuncture, massage, > chiropractic treatments, PT, meditation etc etc etc.... This is probably over simplistic, but I didn't see that you've tried it. I know it won't take your severe headaches away, but maybe it will help notch things down a level. Someone suggested to me using Ben Gay on my head when I have a headache. You apply it on the outside of your head on the spot that is closest to the pain inside. It doesn't take away your headache, but for me, it has notched the pain down at least one level, and on some occasions, kept it from turning into a migraine. Darcy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Lyndi wrote: > > There really wasn't any > treatment for it, so I just put up with it and did the best I could. Over the > years, I've tried everything from aromatherapy to acupuncture, massage, > chiropractic treatments, PT, meditation etc etc etc.... This is probably over simplistic, but I didn't see that you've tried it. I know it won't take your severe headaches away, but maybe it will help notch things down a level. Someone suggested to me using Ben Gay on my head when I have a headache. You apply it on the outside of your head on the spot that is closest to the pain inside. It doesn't take away your headache, but for me, it has notched the pain down at least one level, and on some occasions, kept it from turning into a migraine. Darcy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Lyndi wrote: > > There really wasn't any > treatment for it, so I just put up with it and did the best I could. Over the > years, I've tried everything from aromatherapy to acupuncture, massage, > chiropractic treatments, PT, meditation etc etc etc.... This is probably over simplistic, but I didn't see that you've tried it. I know it won't take your severe headaches away, but maybe it will help notch things down a level. Someone suggested to me using Ben Gay on my head when I have a headache. You apply it on the outside of your head on the spot that is closest to the pain inside. It doesn't take away your headache, but for me, it has notched the pain down at least one level, and on some occasions, kept it from turning into a migraine. Darcy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Try peppermint oil on your temples. It does help. It is not quite as strong as Ben Gay and will not burn like BG does. Liz Scrap in a Snap Consultant #10811 siasliz@... Proud to be an AMERICAN!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 16, 2001 Report Share Posted October 16, 2001 Try peppermint oil on your temples. It does help. It is not quite as strong as Ben Gay and will not burn like BG does. Liz Scrap in a Snap Consultant #10811 siasliz@... Proud to be an AMERICAN!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2001 Report Share Posted October 17, 2001 Alka Seltzer contains aspirin. That's probably why it helped your headaches. Despite having aspirin in it, it is surprisingly good at settling an upset tummy. Canada Dry Gingerale is my favourite tummy settler :-) Lyndi Lorraine Bowen wrote: > > Dear Lyndi > Do you suffer with constipation? the reason I ask is > that I found that my headaches linked up with the > times I was constipated or when my bowels were out of > sorts. When I was more able to go to the toilet the > headaches seemed to go. Just a thought that they might > be conected. I used to have an over the counter meds > called Alka Seltzer, I don't know if you have it in > the States. They are two large tablets disolved in > water and after I had taken them it would cause me to > belch and then I knew I would shortly feel better. > Probably any form of stomach clean out medication > which is diluted in water and fizzes may possibly > help. > I hope it does. > God bless > Lorraine UK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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