Depression, Migraines

Hello Again,
I realize that my own little side of life isn't as bad as some of yours, but I'll tell you - the past three weeks have been hell. I am somehow blessed with very severe migraines, and after being hospitalized twice for several days each in two weeks - the following week (Jan 28 to be very precise) I collapsed at work, unconcious, unresponsive and spent three days in ICU followed by almost a week in the "general ward" of our local hospital - due to migraines. I must admit this past episode was quite serious - and nope, I was not "on" anything, no weird drugs, overdose, even alcohol in my system. Can't say but these can bring you down, even though I know "it is what it is".

eileen

Hi Eilene,

I am so sorry that you have to suffer with something so severe as migraines.  I have had them and they totally wipe you out and are not at all any fun.  I use to have optical migraines but didn't have the headache, now I get the headache and the effects stay with me for a couple of days. 

I have noticed that people are getting headaches due to the weather.  But I wonder if yours could be due to tension.  Mine have been.  Mental and eye stress.  I get really tight in the neck and shoulders when I am tense and it seems to bring them on.

I wish you luck finding something to help with the migraines.

Hugs,

Karen

getting by-
what exactly are optical headaches? i get severe headaches every day and i feel most pain from my eyes and i think thats what causes it but my doctor doesnt think so....

eileen, what are you taking for your migraines? i know its rough to deal with them, i hope you find something that helps

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Hi BTE,

I sometimes get what is called optical (or ocular) migraines.  Most of the time there is no headache, but it does cause a lot of discomfort.  I will start out by seeing a flash or movement in my pereferal (sp) vision.  Then it turns into bright colored patterns similar to carnival lights.  It takes about 30 minutes for the patterns to work from one side of my vision to the other then it just works its way out of sight.   I haven't been able to find a lot of information on them though I have looked.  I always feel funny in my head afterwards and sometimes a little nauseous.  But now I get the actual headache, no patterns to forwarn me, nothing.  And then I am down for the count.  I have noticed that eye strain or emotional stress causes the migraines.  The doctor said avoid chocolate, cheese and caffiene.  Or that these foods can cause the migraines.

I hope that this helps,

hugs,

Karen