My first post here

 Yea, my first post on this board. I thought it would behove me to post and read your posts as well. I have had migraines for years, but during the past few weeks, they have been the worst ever. All last week I was vomiting and my head hurt so bad and then puking made it even more unbearable. I took the Imitrex at the first sign, but sometimes they come on fast. Like most of you, I get sick, can't stand light, loud noise, and I just want to be left alone. I also have epilepsy and it has know to be caused by migraines. Yippee! I take a lot of medication because I also have Lupus. I don't like taking narcs because I am a recovering pain killer survivor. Have been clean for 1,125 days, (I think) I take the Imitrex at $5 a pop WITH insurance. My doc got all over me for taking 6 Aleve at a time.  

Hello Lefty and welcome, I just read your post and I am sorry that you have epilepsy. But I wanted to share my story in a shortened version. I was diagnosed with Cluster Headaches/Migraines about 2 and a half years ago. I had a Migraine every single day for those 2 and a half years. Nothing worked I was even having seizures (little ones) that I was not aware of. But I began to do my own research and I found that for me herbs and vitamins do the best work. I now take one pill of Feverfew and a pill of Ginger everyday and a daily vitamin with B2 and magnesium and my pain is gone for the most part. I only have really severe pain once in awhile but not to the extreme that it was. I hope that you find something for you that takes away the pain. There is usually a Tuesday night chat at 7 eastern time if you would like to come and talk. Take care and best of luck.
Ashley

Hey Lefty...

Welcome!!!! We are glad to have you.

I have had migraines for about 10 years and the last 3 have been absolutely unbearable...I lost my relationship, my job, my house and my car...I just started putting my life back together and I am having to stay with my mom (after living alone for years!!!) I have also started a new job and have to pretend to be fine more days than I actually feel well....

I have no insurance at this time and have gone in the hole financially...but sometimes these things happen.

As far as your question about symptoms...I have daily symptoms and then I have the monsters that really knock me down where I end up in the hospital and there is nothing I can do to prevent that. My worst symptoms include passing out, vomiting contunuously, head pain so severe that I can't walk or move or even lay my head down on a pillow, I get dizzy, my whole body gets cold, I get extremely grouchy and can't stand any light, sound or smells. I have been to the point where after days of severe pain I don't want to live anymore...not saying that I would act on that, just that I don't feel the will to continue on in the same manner.

I was diagnosed as a migraine sufferer at, would you believe it, 13. I had an 'off' period from 15 to 17, but now at 18, am having another on period. My doc refuses to put me on a preventer, so I am dealing with both Crohn's Disease, and constant migraines!!!

My headaches come on very suddenly, very rarely with aura. My head feels like lead, light almost kills me and don't start me on noise!

I know what you mean about having to take a huge dose of painkillers. This is what happens to people like us, painkillers lose any effect, so we just have to increase our dose or live with unbearable pain. It's alright for the docs hey? They don't suffer the pain!!!

Hope you find the answers you are looking for,
Abbey