https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:11:28 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1827041 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 23:21:00 +0000 sarac 1827041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've struggled with head aches my entire life. Identifying my triggers has mostly cured them. Too much salt and too little protein were the two big ones, along with not eating regularly. Mine also mostly went away with pregnancy, and returned afterwards. The ones I get now are mostly hormonal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1827011 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 23:02:17 +0000 Katrocap 1827011@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78H20: I had Immitrex shots a few years ago. I don't remember how well they worked, but I do remember that I was terrified of administering the shot. Honestly, I got so worked up about it that the stress probably exacerbated the migraine. That's great to know that Patient First will administer the shot. A new clinic opened up near my work - I could go there, get a shot, take a nap, and only miss a couple hours of work! :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826970 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 22:22:18 +0000 MrsRcCar 1826970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have done a lot of research for work about chronic headaches and migraines. What we have noticed in our medical office is more often then not it has to do with imbalanced hormones or untreated food intolerances. </p> <p>I had chronic sinus headaches with the occasional migraine in there until I dropped dairy out of my life (for the most part). Now I am much better off. I would be happy to wall people information about questions to ask your healthcare provider. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826917 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 21:46:57 +0000 sandy 1826917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: I have a friend who suffered from daily migraines and she tried so many things to try and improve things. She said the one thing that worked for her was to go completely gluten free. She still get occasional headaches but nothing like the daily migraines she was getting before completely cutting our gluten </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826825 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 21:04:41 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 1826825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Only occasional migraines. Definitely chronic headaches, since I was about 11. They are hereditary for me &amp; my mom claims hers never got better until after giving birth the second time. Mine definitely get worse &amp; more frequent with hormone fluctuations. No amount t of exercise and clean eating adjust it enough to help. Since doing my best to avoid medication of any kind usually one Tylenol can do it for me </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826779 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:50:27 +0000 Mrs. Coral 1826779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have migraines! They come in waves. I can go for 3 weeks and be fine and then have headaches or migraines for 2 weeks straight. </p> <p>My triggers: sinus congestion, poor/tense posture at work on the computer, TMJ problems. weather/pressure changes, change in eating routine (too long between meals/snacks).</p> <p>What doesn't work: traditional migraine meds like maxalt or imitrex--makes the lymph nodes in my neck swollen and painful, difficult to swallow</p> <p>What helps: Major dose of caffeine (coffee or Mt. Dew) combined with a muscle relaxer. I like to lay down, but have to prop myself up significantly especially if sinus issues triggered it. I also use peppermint oil on my temples, face, forehead. </p> <p>I'm sorry to anyone whoever feels pain like this! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826720 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:32:51 +0000 mrswin 1826720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78h2o: That makes me feel better, maybe there is a chance that they will get better :happy: I wish I could take Imitrex but I tried it once and had a mild anaphylactic reaction (short of breath, chest tightness, etc.) so I have been hesitant to try anything else similar. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826677 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:24:20 +0000 mrbee 1826677@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78h2o: I am so grateful, I don't think I've ever had a real migraine! My headaches are hard to describe - they're not the "normal" headaches I had now and then as a kid, but they're not crippling migraines either. They started when I got a head injury and since then, I've had headaches pretty regularly. It could be so much worse though, and I'm so very grateful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826667 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:21:22 +0000 78h2o 1826667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrswin: I had them reaaaally bad from 6-9 weeks pregnant. They weren't too bad after that. I hope you feel better. </p> <p>If you are nauseous/vomiting, you can take Zofran while pregnant. I think you can maybe take some migraine medications (imitrex?), but I was too nervous to take them since I think they are class C??? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826641 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:15:34 +0000 78h2o 1826641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: I'm sorry to hear about your headaches. Do you think they are migraines? Light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea, one-sided pain? If so, I would look into preventatives if you haven't already. Some people respond really well to them.</p> <p>@Katrocap: thanks! me too :) I was so afraid I was going to have to go on disability. Fortunately, my boss was pretty understanding and I also learned how to work through the more moderate ones. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826637 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:15:11 +0000 mrswin 1826637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: I have struggled with migraines since I was 12 or 13 and they have been really bad lately (6 weeks pregnant). I just had a three day long one that I could not break. </p> <p>Usually my go to is: Excedrin Migraine, salt &amp; vinegar chips (I have no idea why this helps but it does!), a cool gel pack for my forehead and a dark room. </p> <p>I second @Mrs. Bee: I saw significant improvement after a series of acupuncture treatments. It is worth a try for sure. I hope it gets better for you :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826632 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:14:22 +0000 78h2o 1826632@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Katrocap: do the imitrex shots work for you? they work waaaay better for me than the pills do. If the first doesn't work, you can do another one 2 hours later. I've only had that not work once or twice, which was when I got the steroids. Usually if I have a problem, it's because I'm out of the shots (my insurance doesn't give me very many per month). Patient First will administer them though and I've done that once or twice when I was out. I went once last year when LO was teething and miserable. The lady at Patient First was so sweet, even though I didn't need to stay more than 15 minutes post shot, she got me a pillow and blanket, closed the curtain, and said sleep here for an hour or two before you go home to that baby! I totally took her up on it. Best nap! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826625 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:12:42 +0000 lilyofthewest 1826625@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Katrocap: Err, I think so? I was so miserable with the menstrual pain that I attacked it from several different fronts all at once. I started taking some prescription drugs, I started taking some supplements, I started doing more yoga and other exercise, and I started going to acupuncture. I don't know which thing or things were what helped or helped most, however, my periods did get much more manageable, and then I got knocked up. </p> <p>I also find acupuncture to be really calming, relaxing, and just all-around pleasant. It just feels like a nice way to take care of myself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826623 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:12:12 +0000 Katrocap 1826623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78H20: I just reread your post and saw that you used to get 20+ migraines a month. You poor thing! I'm so sorry; but I am SO GLAD that they've gotten better now :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826605 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:07:55 +0000 Katrocap 1826605@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If my nausea isn't too bad, eating sometimes helps as a distraction. Sometimes I eat too much, though and my stomach starts hurting - maybe that takes the pain away from the migraine? :happy: </p> <p>@lilyofthewest: Thanks for the link; I'll check it out. Did acupuncture help your menstrual pain and fertility problems?</p> <p>@mrs.bee: Thanks for the information. There is an acupuncturist in my neighborhood that a friend recommends. It's good to know that if it doesn't work it might not be the fault of the procedure, just the practitioner.</p> <p>@78H20: The threshold concept has enlightened my understanding of migraines and why/when I may get them. A few times when I lived in San Francisco I had migraines that were so bad and lasted so long that I went to the ER. They gave me a shot of demerol, which cured it almost instantly. Alas, now that I live in Maryland I've learned that ERs won't do that here!</p> <p>@mrbee: I'm sorry you experience nearly daily headaches. They truly are awful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826596 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:06:15 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1826596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had daily headaches as a teen. My mom took me to several doctors to try to find what was wrong. Eventually we found something that worked. I went to a chiropractor who realigned my top vertebrae with some sort of machine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826544 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:54:43 +0000 mrbee 1826544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get headaches almost every day... they get really bad when the weather changes. It's had a big impact on my productivity, but I think I'm getting better at working through it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826533 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:51:23 +0000 lilyofthewest 1826533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@78h2o: yes! to cold water. The migraines I've had as an adult have all been relatively mild and manageable. But as a teenager I would spend ages sitting in child's pose in the tub with cold water running over my head. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826524 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:47:56 +0000 lilyofthewest 1826524@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Katrocap: I've never tried acupuncture for migraines, but, I did go for menstrual pain (probably endometriosis related) and fertility reasons. I found this series of articles really helpful for understanding how/why acupuncture works from a western medicine perspective.<br /> chriskresser.com/chinese-medicine-demystified-part-iv-how-acupuncture-works </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826514 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:44:56 +0000 78h2o 1826514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had them REALLY bad for years (20+ a month), but now they are better. I tried every preventative medication under the sun and finally found one that worked. When I was on it, I only had one or two a month and they responded to medication. I went off of it to TTC and haven't taken it since. I am considering it though, as I have started to get them more frequently again (though nothing like before in terms of both frequency and intensity). </p> <p>I keep Maxalt and Imitrex injections on hand. First I try ibuprofen and maybe a cup of coffee... if that doesn't work, I take the Maxalt. If I wake up with a migraine that has really set in, I give myself an injection. Lots of water, a snack, a dark room, and a pliable ice pack also help. When really desperate, I have stuck my head under cold running water and that actually helped a little. (If nothing else, it distracts you from the pain of the headache)! If congestion is contributing, sometimes a steamy shower helps. </p> <p>I found the book "Heal Your Headache" by David Buchholz really helpful. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-David-Buchholz/dp/0761125663" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-David-Buchholz/dp/0761125663</a>. I liked the concept of having a headache threshold, and the idea that triggers have a cumulative effect that can push you over the threshold... explained why something might give me a migraine one day but not the next. I identified the following triggers, which are worse when compounded, and I work to avoid them as much as possible... lack of sleep, changes in pressure (due to the weather, flying, etc.), sinus congestion, stress, hormones (PMS and around ovulation), sugary foods before bed, dehydration, things with MSG, alcohol, too much caffeine/changes in caffeine intake).</p> <p>ETA: Also, when I've had a severe migraine that's lasted more than 36 hrs, I've been given steroids, which really helped. </p> <p>@Mrs. Pen: I hope you start having them less frequently, they are awful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826508 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:41:38 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1826508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Katrocap: they stick acupuncture needles all over your body at specific pressure points depending on what your ailment is. then you just lay there for half an hour or so with a warm lamp on over your stomach (i usually fall asleep). it's very relaxing and the pins don't hurt for the most part (even on your face/head). </p> <p>i went for three sessions when my migraines were cured. i've had 2 follow-up sessions when they started to flare up again. i really want to go again soon, but finding a good acupuncturist is also key and that can be a little hard. i go to one that my parents use... i went to one in ny and it wasn't really effective. the one in california was awesome though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826496 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:38:25 +0000 Katrocap 1826496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've gotten terrible migraines since I was a teenager. Although they've subsided since DS was born 19 months ago, when I do get migraines almost nothing helps (I've been on multiple prescription medications); all I can do is let it run its course. Lying down in a cool, dark room can make it a tad more tolerable.</p> <p>@mrs.bee: What wonderful news for you! I'm curious, how does acupuncture work? Do you have to get regular treatments? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826493 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:37:10 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1826493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: i was completely cured for years, and then they started to come back, but never to the same intensity, and only once in a while (not every day like before). i've had a couple more acupuncture sessions since (the first time was about 11 years ago).</p> <p>i would definitely look into it. i LOVE acupuncture! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826492 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:37:02 +0000 lilyofthewest 1826492@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Menstrual migraines here. I had back-to-back Mirenas that kept them at bay for 9 years, but, had some troubles while I was TTC. Not so bad as when I was a teenager, but, no fun. Now I'm waiting to see if I'm going to be one of those people who gets migraine suppression or migraine exacerbation while preggers. </p> <p>Caffeine + acetaminophen + naproxen, and some starchy food has been the best relief for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826488 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:35:45 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1826488@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Bee: hmmm that's not a bad idea. my mom tried it for her back pain and I think it helped a little. I'll have to look into it. Do you ever get migraines anymore? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826486 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:34:16 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1826486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i had bad migraines for years and acupuncture was the only thing that worked. it was seriously a miracle! </p> <p>i have friends who have had their migraines cured with acupuncture too. if it hadn't worked so well for me i might not have believed in it so much! have you/would you consider acupuncture? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826479 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:31:24 +0000 mrsjyw 1826479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep since my teens. Migraines. Bad.</p> <p>They went away w pregnancy but came back full force with af. </p> <p>Excedrin migraine ice pack water and sleep.</p> <p>Immitrex helped but I hated how I felt on it otherwise. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826470 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:29:44 +0000 Synchronicity 1826470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do. I've been getting weather-related migraines since I was 13ish. They are awful, and genetic (I get them from my mom, who got them from her grandma, and so on), and it worries me that I might pass them on to my own kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-others-who-suffer-from-chronic-headachesmigraines#post-1826466 Wed, 20 Aug 2014 19:27:33 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1826466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's been 11 years for me - since I was a mid-teen I've dealt with headaches. For the years after my son, they're progressed into occasional migraines. I have tried medication, chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, homeopathy - and nothing seems to work for me and I think I may just deal with it the rest of my life.</p> <p>MOST of the time popping two ibuprofen works for me if the headache hasn't progressed to a migraine. And sleep does wonders. </p> <p>Any others? </p>