what is there that i havn't tried

  i am a 32 yr old male that has been fighting migraines for half my life, i have tried everything that they throw at me. i have had botox, cpap, imitrex, topamax, betablockers and the list just goes on. for the past 5 years my headackes have gotten so bad that i have missed more work than i have attended, lucking for me we have short term disability where i work and in the past i have stayed within allowed amount of time available for this insurance. but this last event has left me feeling unsure if my migraines will lessen before the insurance runs out. i have 2 little girls who are the apple of my eye and a third due in a month.

  i am tired of being told about all these breakthrough drugs and procedures.  i have tried most of the procedures and drugs and the only conclusion that seems to come out of them is that i just wasted money i dont have and that i could have used that for something important like my kids future.

  As i am sure all of you on this web site knowes that along with migraines comes depression. how do i stop the depression when the headacks dont stop. and how does the headackes stop if the depression doesnt. i guess all i have learned is that migraines is something i will have to live with til i die.

  i am glad i found this site i am always trying to find ways to help myself with the headaches. i do take prescription drugs for the pain but who wants to live their life being afaid of getting addicted that in return will only make your life worse. if anyone has any advice how to cope please post..

thank you

I will list a few things I have tried and you may ask the doctor about some of these or do a little internet research on your own.

Anti-depressants/SSRI: Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Amitriptyline (Elavil), Noritriptyline (Pamelor), Norpramin, Sinequan, Tofranil, Paxil, Effexor

Anti-Seizure: Topamax, Neurontin, Depakote

Beta Blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol/Lopressor, Nadolol/Corgard, Propranolol/Inderal, Blocadren

Calcium Channel Blockers: Cardizem, Cardene, Procardia, Nimotop, Verapamil/Calan

Triptans: Amerge, Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, Zomig

Ergots: Ergotamine, DHE Dihydroergotamie, Migranal

Others: Midrin, Duradrin

Ok, well that is a list I have put together. There are literally hundreds of combinations-and they all work differently for different people. Maybe you could take this list to your doctor and see what they suggest. I always do research on meds before seeing my doc. so I have an idea of what is available and possible side effects.

Sara

Great post Pegasus!!!

Thanks,

Sara

Hi, Droll. I don't know what state you live in, but some states have a disability program. Check into that first. If there is one, talk to the doctor who seemed the most helpful to you. If (s)he grants you disability status, file for your benefits. The doctor will know how to do this. Then, immediately contact Social Security and begin filing a Social Security Disability Insurance claim. I am currently collecting SSDI, but not for migraines. I live in California, which has a 6-month disability program. I was forwarned to start a Social Security disability claim quickly, because it takes several months to complete all of the paperwork. There is a lot of paper work. Lots of forms, but it is worth the time and effort. There are lawyers who specialize in helping you do this. Do not waste your money on them unless your claim is denied. My claim was approved. It did take several months, and I received retroactive benefits when they were finally done. My benefit includes additional money for my child, even though my husband works. His income is not a concern to Social Security.     Normally, Soc Sec considers your income for a certain number of years prior to the beginning of your disability.  But you might qualify like I did. I became ill a few years before becoming unable to work. I didn't know why I was sick, but I had to stop working full time. So for the two years before I filed for disability, I was only working part-time. Because I was sure to tell them that on my paper work, instead of only looking at my income for the two years prior to my disability, Soc. Sec. went back five years. That gave me a higher benefit.

A couple more things, Droll. Check into the possibility of medical care payment assistance, also. (Like Medicaid, maybe?) It sounds like you are trying to pay all the bills yourself.  That can cause more headaches!  Also, Merck is one of the big pharmacuetical companies. They have a program for people who don't have prescription drug coverage. I don't know if they manufacture the medicines you use, but you can probably find out from your drug store. Or call Merck directly. To get more details about their discount drug program, call

1-800-506-3725. I saw an ad in this month's Readers Digest:) 

I hope things start to come together for you, Droll. It might take awhile. You might need some more help. Let people help you, OK? Ask neighbors, friends, doctors, former coworkers, and people here in this forum.  Good luck.

~~Pegasis