https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 24 May 2026 20:31:17 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890710 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 17:58:20 +0000 RKitty 2890710@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I seconded the food triggers. I used to get 2 or 3 migraines weekly then I randomly noticed it happened on days I drank Apple juice. Pulled Apple's out of my diet now I get them 2 or 3 times a year. I did some testing with it and fresh apples are the worst with in 15 minutes of a couple of bites bamn three day migraine. I've learned I can tolerate small amounts of processed apples at least though.</p> <p>I've got a friend who gets triggered by cinnamon and chocolate.</p> <p>So an elimination diet may be worth trying or keeping a food log. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890686 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:39:04 +0000 agold 2890686@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: I can specifically tie the first episode I've ever had back to March 2015, which is when I was in the midst of my second IUI. In all, I've had 2 IUIs and two IVF cycles, followed by two pregnancies and two year+ long stretches of nursing. I'm still nursing one baby. I think they could be hormone related, so that's a starting point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890683 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 14:25:23 +0000 jennlin821 2890683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: There are so many tiggers, it can be so difficult to know where to start! Could you think back over the past 3-6 months and note when you had a migrane, then try to think about any triggers during the previous 24 hours?<br /> In the example of my dad, he used to alway get sick the day after eating chinese food. But because he usually ate chinese as a celebration with alcohol and chinese food is notorious for making people feel ill, he never really though much about it - still he started tracking the episodes. Chinese food was a big trigger because of all the MSG + nitrates/nitrates in whatever alcohol he was having. </p> <p>So instead of trying to randomly elimate stuff from your diet, maybe try to identify some possible triggers and then go from there. And the triggers do not have to be food! Again with my dad - stress is a huge trigger for him. And when I was in high school my biggest trigger was exhaustion. </p> <p>Again, I think I gave you many more things to think about, but hopefully you can start figuring things out. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890663 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 12:32:22 +0000 agold 2890663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: These are all great tips. Thank you so much. I am still pending some treatment with the neurologist and am also contemplating paying out of pocket to go see a migraine specialist doctor who does research and may be interested in whats going on with me and hopefully can help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890649 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 10:45:06 +0000 hellobeeboston 2890649@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: I would do some research on diet changes... not knowing how you tend to eat I wouldn't know what to recommend... I just did the Whole30 and was reading the book - that diet is an elimination 'cleanse' that is a bit intense, but it's all about anti-inflammatory... I would look into maybe eliminating gluten for a few weeks, or dairy, or sugar. One at a time probably and see how you do? I'm not sure... i think tracking your food would also be really helpful to see what might be triggering them. Also chiropractor (if you go) might be able to give some good ideas about what helps. Maybe look for one that specializes in migraines! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890603 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 00:43:19 +0000 agold 2890603@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jennlin821: thanks. Really, the thought of figuring out my diet to this degree seems daunting. I just read I should avoid aged cheeses. :shocked: and I’m already in major google search of migraines and am wondering where I Fit into this world. I’m still very much pursuing my medical diagnosis. Thank you so much for your thoughts. I’m going to consider all of this. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890555 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 13:29:09 +0000 jennlin821 2890555@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: more food for thought :) my dad gets silent migranes and his trigger is MSG &amp; nitrites/nitrates. He started out by cutting those completly out of his diet, but now has figured out a balance. </p> <p>I used to get migranes headaches, but eventually figured out that they were triggered by sinus pressure. (Not a sinus infection, not a cold, not allergies... just pressure.) I started taking a daily anithistamine, Allegra I think) and I haven't had a migrane in nearly 8 years. </p> <p>So this probably isn't helpful, and just more for you to think about! but I hope you find something that works for you :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890542 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 10:12:33 +0000 agold 2890542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: Thanks for these suggestions. I will consider diet changes. Do you have any specific diet changes you can share that have worked for you? The neurologist suggested avoiding red wine and dark chocolate - the two things I keep stocked in my house! :silly: I am going to look into it more. Its really an odd thing to be considering, mirgraines, because besides this random (significant) pain behind my ear sometimes, I didn't consider myself someone who ever got headaches. And its kind of this other random cognitive issue that I was being seen for. So to now have someone telling me it might be migraines, as opposed to seizures, a stroke, or worse, I'm actually so happy to think this is what it is. I've been keeping note of my "episodes" and it may all be making sense. I'd love regular visits to a chiropractor, and I'd love to lose 10 pounds of baby weight I'm still holding on to while nursing, so this could all be the kick I need to start doing it. Thank you so much for these suggestions. I am really new in to this world of migraines! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890540 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 09:54:20 +0000 hellobeeboston 2890540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so sorry to hear about about the migraines :( I only get them very rarely and and I'm completely incapacitated...</p> <p>Have you tried acupuncture or a chiropractor?</p> <p>Also - have you tried diet changes to help prevent?</p> <p>I have a friend that swears by a chiropractor to help her migraines. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890528 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 07:35:31 +0000 threeplusme 2890528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold i havent had any problems taking maxalt and going about my day except being more tired but migraines in genereal make me more tired. My migraines are not silent. I present with pain on one side of my head and nausea/vomiting. I'll take maxalt when i feel that a headache is becoming more than just a headache. Key for me is to catch it early. I usually also take zofran for the nausea. I do tend to have very vivid dreams if I've taken maxalt and feel a bit spacier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890513 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 23:02:07 +0000 agold 2890513@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePeony: Thank you for responding! I am being treated for a theory diagnosis of silent migraines. I have never heard of these before. I will now have this maxalt in my pocket to take if I have an episode of the pain or the cognitive disruption. Its not something to take regularly, thought. And its not preventative. I'm just curious what would happen if I took it while at work. Could I drive home? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890470 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 17:10:49 +0000 PurplePeony 2890470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I get silent migraines, which basically consists of floaters and tunnel vision with occasional nausea and/or vertigo but not the actual head pain. We haven’t figured out the cause and since I’m not in severe pain and they don’t disrupt my life too much, my doctor doesn’t want to put me on meds. She did prescribe a large dose of vitamin B12 combined with magnesium, I don’t remember the exact amount. It’s not a total game-changer but I do think it helps when I remember to take them regularly. My mom used to get awful migraines and pretty much nothing helped, so I’m just grateful mine tend to be merely annoying and not painful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2890469 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 15:48:44 +0000 agold 2890469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@threeplusme: Hi! Do you still take maxalt? I just got prescribed that medication and am wondering what to expect in the event I have to take it for the first time while I'm away from home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2207141 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:51:24 +0000 Keybee 2207141@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was getting migraines stemmed from tension headaches from clenching my jaw at night. I was getting a headache every day with a few a week resulting in migrains. I'd tried lots of meds and just wanted to stop clenching my jaw. A friend at work reccomend Energy Kinisiology, it's pretty hippy-dippy holistic medicine but it's the only thing that worked. </p> <p>I have to go in a couple times a year for a session, it's like $150. I totally recommend it. They are hard to find online, I've seen a couple different people who I've only been able to find word of mouth, in my area any way. Ask around, it really works. </p> <p>It's an extension of chiropractics, so you can start there if you are more comfortable with that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2207030 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 15:25:54 +0000 JennyPenny 2207030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had weird recurring migraines a lot in my late teens. I would get these intense awful headaches that lasted about 30 seconds. Not as bad as what you mention, but they were pretty terrifying since they hurt so bad I couldn't focus on driving or anything when they happened. And I started getting them 5-10 times a day!</p> <p>When I finally got referred to a neurologist (after changing diet, exercise etc), he gave me a low dose of an anti-seizure medicine. Maybe Topomax like @Littlebug, but it was 10 years ago so I don't remember.</p> <p>Anyway, I took it twice a day for 6 months and they went away almost completely. Then weaned down to 1, then every other day, etc until I was off of it a year later. Now it's been 10 years and I still get them occasionally (once every month or two) but nowhere like before. My neuro explained it as sometimes the brain just gets into a pattern, and its enough to break the cycle with medication and often that will reset so you don't have to stay on the medication forever. I was really worried about this since I got the medication at 17. </p> <p>I hope you can find relief soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206954 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 14:20:19 +0000 tofuwad 2206954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Without going into too much detail, I'll just say that I discovered my migraines were increasing in severity and frequency because of hormonal birth control (they were always worse on birth control and absolutely debilitating when I was on NuvaRing). This honestly took me almost 8 years to figure out, all the while changing birth controls maybe once a year or two. A few years after I got married I basically decided to go off all hormonal birth control (honestly only after DH straight up told me that I should never take HBC again) and my entire life changed. I still get migraines but they're back to my normal rate of about one every few months, vs. constant migraines. They came back really strongly in my first and second trimesters, though, so I don't know what that's all about. </p> <p>I'm so sorry you're going through this! I always felt so weird missing work because of a migraine because I felt like people don't really understand how debilitating they can be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206913 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:33:44 +0000 threeplusme 2206913@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel your pain. I suffer from migraines too. Mine are mostly hormonal but can be triggered by lack of sleep and missed meals as well as stress. On occasion I will take maxalt but it gives me crazy dreams and makes me spacey. I found taking Zofran and aleve or excedrin really helps. The Zofran is for nausea since I tend to vomit with my migraines and when they get really bad I can't stop it but the Zofran really helps. Years ago I did acupuncture and it worked wonders. I only stopped since I moved and also since I was either pregnant or breastfeeding most of the last few years my migraines haven't been as bad but they are starting up again and I've looking into acupuncture again. I also read about butterbur working but haven't tried it. My other go to is caffeine. If I feel A headache coming on I'll have a coca cola. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206888 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:04:18 +0000 Shutterbug 2206888@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit: Imitrex made me feel exactly like you described. I take Relpax (eletripan) for migraines and it works magic for me.</p> <p>ETA: it is more expensive though, and insurance wouldn't cover it until I tried imitrex (sumatriptan) first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206877 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:58:32 +0000 MaryM 2206877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was diagnosed with chronic migraines a few years ago and was on topamax for a while. But I started having weird side effects (I'd forget my words. I'd stop mid sentence and not be able to come up with the word I wanted. Which is annoying normally, but more tough because I work as a writer). </p> <p>It was also really expensive. </p> <p>I eventually weaned off, and once I started working in a different location and symptoms changed just slightly, I started having horrible allergy symptoms and as I was treated for them, the headaches went away. </p> <p>It's really easy to confuse sinus headaches and migraines. I didn't realize how severe my allergies were until I was literally surrounded by allergens. But before that I'd still have 2-3 headaches a week that were debilitating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206873 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:55:41 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2206873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit: The other thing I want to discuss with my neurologist is the link between the migraines and heat and exercise. When I was in shape and exercising multiple times per week I feel like I rarely got them (or maybe I was just younger and on the pill then?). I know I need to exercise more, but whenever I get over heated its a huge trigger for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206868 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:53:19 +0000 ShootingStar 2206868@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit: I used to have really bad and frequent migraines. I was on imitrex but developed an allergy to it, and none of the other rx meds had any effect. I did take a preventative (topamax) for a while but I kept having to increase the dose for it to be effective. It was pretty effective for a while though and helped the constant domino of headaches.</p> <p>I'll sound crazy when I say this (or like I'm trying to sell something) but Excedrin completely solved my migraines. Someone offered me some while I had one and it made it completely go away. That was maybe 10 years ago and it still works well on the occasional migraine I might get. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206864 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:52:42 +0000 littlebug 2206864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit: I went through a period where I was getting daily migraines for about 2 months. It was absolute hell. I finally was able to get an appointment at the Headache Center at a local hospital. My first appointment was 4 hours long - I saw the neurologist who did a full neuro workup, a neuro RN, a psychiatrist, and a dietician. I also had to take the MMPI-II personality test. It was really interesting and I learned a lot about myself from just that 1st appointment.</p> <p>Long story short, the neurologist recommended 1000mg of magnesium per day, as studies have shown people with chronic migrains have low mag levels. He also started me on low dose of Topamax in the mornings and nortryptilene at night. Topamax is an anti-seizure medicine that is FDA approved for migraines. I had actually been on a higher dose of that previously, and it helped but I wasn't a fan of the side effects at higher dose. At lower dose it was fine. The nortryptilene is an anti-depressant which he gave me to help me sleep, because lack of sleep is a huge trigger for me. I was also going through a tough time in my personal life, and the psychiatrist felt there was possibly an underlying depression. My rescue med was prescription-strength Aleve and Reglan. My emergency med (when the rescue meds weren't working) was Migranol, which is a nose spray, and I felt ZERO negative effects from the Migranol other than mild sleepiness.</p> <p>I stayed on the Topamax and nortryptilene for about 1.5 years until I weaned myself off. I continued taking the magnesium until I was about 36 weeks pregnant when I stopped it because I was afraid it would prevent me from going into labor (ha ha). About 2 years after I gave birth, my migraines started coming back and I was just about to talk to my physician about starting some medications again when I got knocked up, so I'm just going to wait. </p> <p>What did the neurologist prescribe for preventative? I would strongly encourage you to see a headache specialist, if you're able. Neurologists are great, but they aren't all versed in migraines. The first neurologist I saw told me I wasn't having migraines because I wasn't having aura.</p> <p>Sorry for the novel, but I feel your pain (literally!). I hope you can find releif. Feel free to wall me if you want more info (as if I left anything out)!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206861 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:51:40 +0000 Foodnerd81 2206861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit: well I can't imagine acupuncture or a chiropractic adjustment can make t worse while you wait for the appt. And you could always start the mess and the alternative stuff then try to wean off the mess and see if they stay away? Good call on trying the Flonase- that could hopefully be a pretty simple fix. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206858 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:50:17 +0000 Littlebit 2206858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I wish it was that easy! No :( They are scattered. We do know they are somehow hormone related because I didn't get a single headache while pregnant. I normally have at least 2 or 3 minor headaches a week, so that was pretty awesome! They started up with a vengeance as soon as I had my son (September). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206855 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:49:04 +0000 Littlebit 2206855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I may do that. It can't hurt! </p> <p>@Foodnerd81: that's my hang up exactly. I'd like to try some other things first...but on the other hand I'm in so much pain I don't know how much messing around I want to do either! It sucks. </p> <p>I think I'll try an allergy med and try to get an appointment for an alignment while I wait for me next appointment with the neuro. </p> <p>I'm so sorry we are all dealing with these. I feel like my husband can't relate. It's hidden so I don't think he realizes the magnitude of the pain. Thank you all for your help so far! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206851 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:46:00 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2206851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit: Are they around your cycle? I have also heard taking some B Complex and other vitamins prior to AF can help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206849 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:45:24 +0000 Littlebit 2206849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: Yeah, I think there is definitely something to needing an adjustment! The worst part is, they come out of nowhere. I wake up in the morning with them. I don't know what to do to prevent them! I block all the lights in my room, am very careful about perfumes. I've kept a food journal. They seem to come in cycles. I won't have one for two or three weeks and then I'll have three in the course of a week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206848 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:45:03 +0000 Foodnerd81 2206848@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine were not as severe as your describe, but I used to get headaches very frequently, occasionally migraines. Mine were usually either sinus, tension, or hormone related. </p> <p>I did several sessions of acupuncture and it honestly has been amazing. If t were me, I would want to try some other options (like acupuncture and chiropractor) before going on a long term med. I hope you get some relief! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206847 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:44:54 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2206847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit: You can get Flonaz OTC now. It may be worth just picking up and trying! </p> <p>I don't feel congested but I think any little bit seems to sit high in my sinuses and puts just enough pressure to trigger a migraine.</p> <p>PS- I just came off a 2 week migraine that Flonaz and an antibiotic finally kicked. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/migraines-1#post-2206842 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:42:28 +0000 Littlebit 2206842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I've never had any seasonal allergies and I thought it could have been from the pollen this spring, but I've had them really badly this week and the allergens haven't been too bad in my area right now. But that is definitely something to ask about at my appointment in July! </p>