Need Support

Morning all

ng for insight as much as support today.

Today is day 7 of migraine headaches.  I need help with understanding what the drs are telling me.  I don't think everything is being looked, but I am not a dr, so maybe I don't understand.  I do know the following:

- I am plenty hydrated, probably more than usual.  My urine is clear most all day.
- I usually get in between 100-120 grams of protien.  I try to stay between 1200-1500 calories a day.
- prior to the migraines, I starting having what I thought was hypoglycemic problems again.  I had them 6 months after surgery, tweeked things a bit, and have not had much of an issue since, unless I go over 5 hours of not eating.
- I had a bunch of blood work done, that showed that my b-12 and iron were low.  They though since I just ended my cycle, That might have been why my iron was low.  My Dr wanted to see what my blood sugar level looked like after a 8 hour fast, but it was in the normal range. 
- I started documenting what I thought were my low sugar issues, but come to find out, my blood sugar is dropping rapidly when I feeling like this.  One morning it dropped from 137 to 99 in under 5 minutes. 
- Migraines started last Wednesday.  Or as my hubby states, it was just a bad headache.  I went to the Dr on Thursday, they gave me a migraine pill - max something and a couple of shots.  When asked if the pill worked, I told them I didn't know because the injections took affect immediately - narcodic pain killer and steroid.
- Had a CT scan on Thursday, along with more blood drawn and a 1 cc b-12 shot.  They also gave me samples of Relpax - a migraine med for the weekend. 
- Migraines lasted though the weekend.  Relpax took the edge off but did not take them away.  It made me very sleepy and I layed in bed most all weekend.
- Monday - yesterday - I went back to see what they could do.  Migraines were still there, and meds that they gave me were gone.  I was told I could not have any more migraine meds because I had taken them 4 of 5 days and I was risking withdrawal symptoms of Migraines if I continued any longer. 
- They gave me predizone for 7 days to see if that helps. I took 2 tablets yesterday when I and 2 last night.   Don't see any change at this point.
- He said that Excedrin Migraine should help until the steroid takes over.  Yes I know, I probably should not be taking Excedrin Migraine, but it helps take some of the edge off. 
- Dr told me that I a pre-menapausal and that he thinks that the migraines are from hormone fluxuations.  From what reading I have been able to do, these type of migraines co inside with your cycle and normally start on your first or second day of your period and last 2 - 4 days depending on your flow time.  I am outside that parameter.  I started on 4/12.

I requested that my records be sent down to my RNY surgeons office.  I have not had good luck with support from them. 

I have been in correspondence with Pam T prior to the migraines, but not since they started.  This is now my 5th day off work and am considered on Medical leave on their part. 

If anyone has insight, I would greatly appreciate it. 

Thanks

Pam

Wow - Pam, that is a lot to go through.  I'm afraid I don't have much medical insight to provide you, since I don't know enough about the lab values and how they should be with our WLS, since I'm a "newbie."

But I do extend my support to you.  You are being proactive and taking the steps to direct your own medical care - so hats off to you. 

Maybe you should also keep a log of when you experience migraine symptoms, looking for any triggers - either food or environmental.  Are you sleepy, stressed out, hungry? 

I had a friend who developed cluster migraines in his 30s and they were very debilitating.  He did find that high doses of steroids were helpful, so hopefully the prednisone they have you on will kick in and help.

My prayers are with you - that the migraines resolve quickly and your doctors find the most effective treatment for you. 

thanks

Pam, sorry that you are having migraines.  I had them from the time I was a teenager until I went into menopause.  I rarely if ever have them now.  I used to have them a couple weeks each month, prior to my cycle and during.  Back then I went through tons of different migraine medicines.  The only thing that finally helped me was the invention of Motrin.  I would take an 800 for it and it really took off the edge.  My daughter has to take those shots that you administer yourself for hers.  I don't remember the name of the drug.  Ineprex, maybe? 

Sorry I am not much help.  Sleep might be the only thing for you, I know it was for me before they found a good drug for me.

Thank Sally,

Imetrex is what she gives herself.  That is what they prescribed for me for next month.  It also comes in a pill form. 

I just hope that it doesn't continue.

Pam

 

awww Pam!  We love you and don't like to see you in pain.  I hope your doctor can help you out.  Sorry I don't know much about migraines, so I cant help.  But I am here for you if you want to vent or cry or punch somebody in the throat (not me of course but I can find someone for ya)

Take Care baby-cakes,

bm

Thanks B

Frustrated with Barix.  Still waiting for them to call me back.  Have not had good care from them since my surgeon left in 08.   Just talked to my Dr office again, they can't do anything for me.  ""if it is that bad, just go to ER."  Arsholes. 

Pam

Pam,

I'm so sorry to hear your having such problems.  I totally understand your urgency to get this under control.  I had allot of pain in Dec and January.....there's absolutely nothing worse than pain.  Just remember to take your previcid (or alike med) to protect your pouch.

I had a friend who started having migraines with her cycle in her mid to late 40's and they did not go away until she was through menopause.  Sorry to tell you that.  She tried EVERYTHING, from the best drugs to holistic herbs to massage, everything.  So my recommendation would be to see your gyn and see if it's a hormonal thing, then get a good neurologist who specialists in headaches. 

I hope you get some relief soon,

Edie

I to suffer from migraines.  I have since I was a teenager.  I have tried all sorts of meds and have all sorts of test done.  One med that has helped to reduce the amount of migraines I get is Topamax.  I take it every night.  I still get at least one migraine a month around the time of my cycle.  When a get one I take Maxalt.
I also have dialy headaches.  Which the Topamax does help with also.  I also suffer from low blood sugar and low blood pressure, which both contribute to my headaches.
It's no fun and I hope you find something to help you soon.
Jessica

Pam - I'm sorry you are suffering from those terrible migraines!  I used to have a prescription for migraines I would only get around that time of the month.  They did go away but I always took a lot of Excederin for Migraine's before my surgery and now I can't do that anymore.

Just wanted you to know I'm here to support you, sorry I cant be more helpful!

Nan