Exertion Migraines

So I finally started run/walking again (starting off slowly at 1/1 intervals) and as awesome as it feels to be hitting the pavement again, the exertion migraines are still there.

History: I ran a lot from about 2005-2007; completed a marathon and countless 5ks, 10ks and a couple Halfs...I would almost always get a migraine after I ran but I just dealt with it and they progressively got worse.  Each Saturday after my long-runs, I'd have to come home and go directly to bed for the rest of the day to try to sleep it off.  Tylenol, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, nothing ever touched them. During the week, I'd run right before bed so I could be asleep before the pain set in.

PCP prescribed Topomax for a while but before I could find out if it was really working, she took me off of it because I had spontaneous numbness in my feet (one of the side effects of the Rx).

It's not dehydration...and I am not overly pushing myself...I do not have blood pressure issues (but admittedly I've never taken my blood pressure during a run)....I "cool down" afterward...

I have had migraines since I was an infant but never experienced the exertion migraines until I started running regularly.  During the years I was so active, I just came to accept them.  I took a break from running and gained a crap-ton of weight. 

I am post-VSG and truly, truly enjoy running.  I feel AMAZING when I run...but within about 90 minutes-2 hours, I am in horrendous pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea.

I know some people will just suggest I do something else like biking but running is what I enjoy (minus the migraines) and I wish I could just figure out how to prevent/treat/cure them.

(and btw...I still get them if I try doing an elliptical or bike as exercise, too)

Thanks in advance! :)

Obviously any type of exertion is setting off your migraines. Have you talked at length about this with your doctor? I mean, I know you've seen him about your headaches, obviously, but I mean have you told him in detail when they occur? There must be some kind of prophylactic (preventative) drug you can take.  I'm no doctor, but I do medical transcription and see a lot of doctor's notes about migraines. You might ask your doc about Imitrex or Relpax. Other than Topamax, which you've already tried, those are the most widely prescribed for migraine prophylaxis.

Good luck, I hope you find the answer!

Jenny

Thanks, Jenny

Yes, I have talked to her at length about them.  She never had any answers.  That's why I eventually quit running.  I used to take Imitrex injections for my regular migraines and hoped to avoid having to do that 3-4 times a week if I had to do it each time I ran but it might end up being my only hope.  I know Imitrex has a pill form and a nasal spray now.  I'll have to ask about Relpax next time, too.  

Thanks, again. :)