Question for Andrea RE: Migraines

Hi Andrea,

I know you suffer from migraines. Were they bad during pregnancy for you? The past week and a half have been awful. My doctor gave me percocet. I don't like taking it and when I do I get very nauseous and I think they cause a rebound headache. Do you have any suggestions?

Melanie 

They were hell on earth.  In fact, they are why I am not interested in having a third child -- well, that and the lack of sanity I have with 2 hooligans.

percs are oxycodone and tylenol -- it's a bit strong.  Did the doc try you on fioricet or a hydrocodone mix (vicodin, tylenol 3, tylox) first?  Hydro isn't NEARLY as strong for most people, and it should have reduced effects.  As for the fioricet, it uses a combo of caffeine, butabital, and tylenol.  Oh, also you could try darvocet -- it works for some but not all.

In any case, try those.

For me, I also have found peppermint oil (in moderation) rubbed into the skin directly under the nose helped.  Lavender oil rubbed into the temples can sometimes have an analgesic effect.  I've also found using a tea tree shampoo (a strong one -- sniff it and if it smells sweet, skip it) and a hot shower might help.  Others found ice packs to be helpful.

In any case, they suck.  I know, I get it.

If there's anything else I can help you with, lemme know.

 Thank you for the suggestions. I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and ask about fioricet. With my first two children I actually had less headaches than usual. This pregnancy, the headaches have been debilitating. I just want to feel well enough to function!

Thanks again!
Melanie

Here's a few more ideas..

There are a few meds that can be taken to help prevent migraines.  One of them is propranalol (sp) which is a BP med.  It's a calss D I *think* -- with the side effect of decreased birth weight.  Kaitlin was a normal 6lbs 9oz at birth, and so was her brother when I wasn't on it.  So take that as you will.  I tool 40mg x 4 a day.  That would be something to consider.

Also, if you aren't seeing a neurologist, you should be.  See if you can find one that does trigger point injections.  Depending on your TYPE of migraine, they might be helpful in alleviating some of the pain.  Basically, these are injections of a steroid (think cortisone) and a numbing agent (think lidocaine) around the greater and lesser occipital nerves.  Basically 8-12 shots, while are EXTREMELY painful, can be helpful for some types of pain.  Not many neuros do this, so call around and see.  My neuro is a prof with the local medical school, and he frequently has docs coming in to do fellowships with him for trigger point injections.. and they definately helped me with my 2nd pregnancy.

I got fioricet and that worked so much better. My headache didn't completely go away, but it was brought down to a point that I can function. I really should see a neurologist. I've dealt with headaches for so long!

Thanks again for your help!

Melanie

iknow u were asking andrea only, but if i may be so bold as to just step in here and agree with andrea on the fioricet.  i had to take that during pregnancy for migraines...it was a lifesaver!  it didn't erase the pain, but made it bearable.  i hope u get to feeling better soon!!!!!!

 Thank you. I'm glad to know fioricet has worked for others!

Melanie

I second, or third...the Fiorcet. I also suffer from Migraines and they were worse with pregnancy and the Fiorcet did help...not 100% but took the edge off so I could function.

I am with all the girls on here... Fioricet has been a LIFESAVER for me!!!! Couldnt of made it thru the first trimester without it!!!  Pregnancy has just made my headaches WORSE!!!! I would just have to sit in the dark and quiet.   But with the meds... it is not nearly as bad!

So MAKE SURE to ask your dr about it!!! 

I add the nod to the Fioricet.  Even post-delivery, we've found that since I'm photo and auditory triggered on my migraines, that my daughter's really TICKED off mad cry will trigger a migraine for me.  I'm hoping I'll either grow immune to it, or she learns another octave.  I've had one on and off since I brought her home 11 days ago, just put in a request to the pharmacy to have the Rx refilled.

The Fioricet makes them bearable, with some sleep, they tend to go away.  Oh, and hubby rubbing my feet .. that helps a LOT.  The pressure points in my feet and on my hands, then gentle rubbing of my wrists.