Headaches

[kdt_president]

I have always had problems with headaches, but in the past couple years they are getting extremely worse. I would like to know if anyone knows the following. I was suppose to have a hysterectomy a couple years ago for fibroid tumor. I made it to the operating room and they could not intibate me and I almost died so they stopped and never did the operation. Since then they put me on the birth control pill to slow down the bleeding, well actually no bleeding at all. I am 48 years old and think I am start menapause or peri-menapause. Does anyone think the birth control pill or the onset of menapause can cause headaches. The headaches are so bad that they will last for weeks on end and make me sick to my stomach. The last one I had lasted 6 weeks and I had one day of no headache and today the headache is back again. I seem to plan my life around these headaches. I am afraid to plan anything. Thank goodness I work from home.

[colleendancer]

Absolutely! Hormones are notorious for causing migranes especially around menstruation.

Colleen

[kdt_president]

And they will last for weeks. Oh man lucky me lol.

[clogaholic]

I had horrible headaches after my hysterectomy. My dr increased my hrt and they went away. Now, I "only " get sinus or stress related headaches.They're not half as bad as those hormone related headaches. Maybe your dr can help you out if you discuss it with him/her?

[kdt_president]

I am over due for my yearly womans check up, I will make a appointment and what they can do for me. Thanks.

[LindaAnn]

I used to get migraines once every 2 weeks - the week I was ovulating and the week I got my period. I never had migraines until I started the birth control pill.

Now for the good news - there are many other triggers for migraines, including red wine, chocolate and aspertame (nutrisweet). I would recommend keeping a headach diary, and note what you had to eat within the 24 hours of the onset of a headache - you may discover it is caused by something you ate (or drank!). I found that nutrisweet was my biggest trigger, so I avoid it at all costs! The other thing I read recently is that some poeple tend to clench their jaws in their sleep, which can bring on a migraine. I thought this odd at first, but found that some dentists can make a mouth-guard that will not allow you to clench your teeth, and that it is successful in the prevention of some migraines.

Happy to say I rarely get them anymore, maybe 3-5 a year now, which is remarkable compared to 2 a month. Hope this info helps you, but please talk to your doctor. There are medications you can take at the onset of a migraine which if taken early, can stop it before it really starts. There are also medications you can take to help prevent migraines, so please explore all of your options! Good luck - headaches don't have to rule your life!!

[Melislite]

Several months ago..I started to develop headaches upon lying down...as soon as I would sit up I could feel the pain leaving...then after a few weeks..I started getting severe Migranes! They are awful...I vomit alot with them! I get them every few weeks, 1-2 in a row sometimes...lasting all day! Sometimes I awake in the middle of the night with extreme head pain, then it goes away after a few minutes. I still do not know why...I just am glad they are not daily!! I had a hysterectomy in 1999 with alot of post-op problems & Infections. I think I am in menopause right now...cannot stand heat at all...irritable. I am in my late 30s!! After reading these post..I am really concerned about this now!!

[MsDreamy1974]

I have suffered from migraines since I was a child. I used to get them 4 out of 7 days a week. I am not sure what caused mine but I guess 2 years ago I started taking Topomax and it has helped tremendously. I now only have maybe 1 migraine a month.
I also had a hysterectomy but I don't think that was the leading so called cure in my case although I used to have painful migraines around that time as well.

[marybeth8890]

When I get migraines, they last and last. I have gotten them most of my life as long as I can remember anyway. I know for me a couple of differnt things trigger them. Being overtired is one of my triggers for them. Nothing helps me especially if I wake up with one. I have tried so many medications but, nothing works for me especially if I wake up with one. Mine have gotten so much worse since my hysterectomy. My hubby is sick of me being so sick.

[futurekidnurse]

I was just recently diagnosed with migraines. I have always had headaches but never did much about them. I just kind of ignored them. Last quarter in school, out of no where I lost my site completely and had no clue what was going on. It was a horrible migraine. I have started to recognize triggers with me due to journaling and I just try to avoid those things. When I get a migraine, all I can do is take my Imitrex and sleep for many hours.

Tally

[GirlyGirl]

I started getting migraines when I was 10, right before I started menstruating. I started off with one migraine a month, right before my period. Then I had really bad migraines throughout both of my pregnancies. I had a hysterectomy 4 months ago. For the two years prior to my surgery, I had a migraine at least once a week. I'm happy to say that I've not had one migraine for the last 2 months! In my world, this is a miracle. Yes, hormones can have a big role with migraines....my experience is proof of that.

[whitefeatherliz]

I have had migraines since childhood. As well as just your everyday type headaches... I usually try to work through the migraines without medication / over the counter stuff, and instead use a herbally filed pillow that can be frozen or warmed. I don't have the luxury for napping with a little one at home. Broke down in Fall 2004 and used Topomax for about a month... should be called Dopomax! Turned me into a real nut case, couldn't finish my thoughts or sentences! Doc took me off and put it in my medical records DO NOT Perscribe! LOL For the lady that mentioned she gets the headaches when she lays down; I was getting them then as well, and have found I need a special pillow. I had some pinched nerves in my neck and shoulders causing the headaches. Food and caffeine is another culprit for me... read those labels ladies and do some research on the subject if your doctor isn't a world of info. In my case now, I had a hyster kept my overies in Dec. 2005, still getting the headaches several times a week. I do believe the older I get, the worse the headaches / migraines get, so I tend to agree it has a lot to do with hormones! I haven't tried the Imitrex, but really should. My 16yr old daughter has had migraines since around 2yrs and swares this medication works. But she has to take it right at the onset and sleep for her to see any real relief! I end up with the migraines that are full blown for an entire day, then have 2 or 3 days of the dull migriane. Also get the cluster type. Wouldn't it be grand if they came up with an injection you could receive that would put an end to them altogether? ;)

[tinkerbell]

I've had migraines since I was 13. They were the WORST in my 20's & 30's. In my late 30's, I began perimenopause, but menstrual problems got worse, and I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy when I was 44. 5 years later, I rarely have a true migraine, and the "regular" headaches I still get are mostly controlled with prescription meds. The only time I didn't have a single migraine was the 9 months I was pregnant with my daughter, 26 years ago. I know all the hormonal stuff was what made my headaches so bad. That's been a REALLY good thing about getting older!

[DJAKoala]

I have been treated and diagnosed with classic migraine headaches since age 14. It is a hereditary factor in my family. I must say int he last few years they have decreased dramatically. A lot of discipline on my part, I must avoid certain foods, MSG, high frutose corn syrup, salt, nitrates, honey. I have utilized Chiropractic treatments and find they help. I to have had week long headaches. I associate most with my anxiety/stress levels. I also were a Estrogen patch(Hysterectomy 3/17/03) I notice when I changed the patch I get a slight headache for a day, probably the boost in my hormones. Many factors for headcahes. Definatley get a complete physical.
Debbie

[girlfriday]

I feel for all of you as I too have sufferred from severe headaches and migraines all my life (now 37). My saving grace is in a form of a tablet called Immigran and if taken on the onset will definetly ease the pain. This one does not make you feel nauseaus or vomit or sleepy. Being tired or stressed is one of the causes for me as well as the biggest culprit...CITRUS. Yes in any form, ascorbic acid in medication, citric acid in drinks and food as well as skin and hair care. I have to read labels very carefully. Peeling an orange is a definite NO! Preparing a meal that does not contain any form of citrus is a challenge (just read any label). Chocolates and wine would also be a cause for me. I have had a hysterectomy which has lessend the migraines so hormones also play a part. Keep a headache diary, it does help and you too may find out what your trigger is! It really is a slow process of elimination. There is hope, but you are the only one who can help yourself. :)

[kdt_president]

I have had headaches all my life (now 48). I am the one that started the headache question I think, unless I just replied to one. Anyway. I dont do caffiene at all because of anxiety and havent for about over 25 years, yes ladies and this means chocolate I NEVER do msg. I even ask at a chinese place, no msg please. Pecans are a definete nono. I cant even touch them. Since I had to go on the pill for controlled bleeding thats when my headaches went into migraine mode. The third week into the pill is terrible. If I get migraines sometimes they can last a month or so. Not to mention I have to advoid any fragrances whatsoever because I am allergic to smells. (I know I am odd LOL) The last BAD migraine I had was I had a slight headache and got my hair dyed. Had a migraine for over a month, no relief. No more hair dye for me. Guess my natural hair is going to come out eventually
I do notice that I get tired and if I dont lay down the headaches get worse. Oh and I do have a bad neck and back and if my neck gets stressed then headaches get worse. Did I mention I am prolly going through menapause. Anyway that is my headache story.

[whitefeatherliz]

Just some recent info to add to this thread. Not sure how new this information or idea is? Yet it speaks to my question, "Why can't they just come up with a shot to rid us of these headaches?" Click Link below

http://us.video.aol.com/video.index.adp?mode=2&guideContext=65.73&pmmsid=1475952

[Lavendergrey]

I get migraines, and have for the last several years. I believe they are tied mostly to menopause and hormones. I have not been able to take HRT very successfully because it seems to bring on more migraines. I haven't been able to nail down any one trigger, but have found some. If I am upset and cry really hard, I usually end up with a migraine the following day, or even a couple of days later. If I don't eat on a regular schedule it will sometimes cause one. And the hormone thing...when I have an imbalance one way or the other I suffer from migraine. Most of the time when I get one it will last several days...gradually becoming more manageable. I had what I call a "banger" when I woke up yesterday...which happens occasionally in the mornings. Those usually require I end up taking 2 Imitrex, plus Advil, and rest...and then I have residual pain for several days after. I figure I got that one because I had been upset the day before and cried alot. I try not to do that, but sometimes it is just what has to be done. There is alot of info out there on migraine and it is slowly becoming more recognized as a real affliction. Unfortunately, the reasons for getting them can be very elusive. Hope things improve for you.

[coolcanuck]

How sad that so many of us are afflicted with this horrible condition. I"ve been there for most of my life as well. Recently I purchased a home ultra-sound device ( Sonic Relief). It has changed my life. I can now STOP a headache by taking otc medication with a cup of coffee and one 10 minute ultrasound treatment. It has given me a sense of freedom and great joy. Perhaps this could help some of you dear ladies as well...

[whitefeatherliz]

Where did you purchase the Ultra-sound device (Sonic Relief I assume is the name of the product?). What research has been done, and how did you find out about it?
Thx Liz

[mcquaigejohnsonbv]

Hi! I just read the threads on headaches. I am going through menopause and my headaches are quite frequent and intense. My doctors are not thinking about placing me on hormones. Does any of you take hormones? If so, do you have any family member that had breast cancer? Well, my mother had breast cancer. I am extremely worried about taking hormones.

Bernie :(

[colleendancer]

would it work for other kinds of pain?

[mcquaigejohnsonbv]

Hi! I am not sure yet. Right now, I need to do more research. If you find out something, please share.

Bernie :o

[coolcanuck]

Hi again everyone. As I mentioned I use a "Sonic Relief" home ultrasound unit. It has been such a blessing to me for headache relief and more. I heard about it from my onocologist. His wife was thrilled with her device. She used it for tendonitis. I usually don't endorse a product. Please do your own research. The website is http://sonicrelief.ca/
I phoned them for more information and to order. There may be other home units in the market. Please share with us if you try this treatment. Blessings to all.. Lori

[Dutch]

I started getting migraines when my last daughter was born, I was 28. I continued getting them every month after that and I could track them to my cycle. At 40 I had a hysterectomy, they left my ovaries and I no longer have migraines, but I have a host of other problems. They put me on estradiol and without it I am unfit to be around humans...
I developed something called Hemi facial spasms, which I was told will most likely get progressively worse, and that is where my left eye twitches constantly 24/7 and will continue to get worse where my face will spasm and it can intefere with vision. Right now it is embarrassing and it tends to "bounce" my vision so that I get a LOT of headaches, thankfully not migraines... eventually I may have to have brain surgery to hopefully fix it, but that is not a guarantee. I also developed stomach "issues" since my hysterectomy. So, although it fixed my migraines, I have had other problems since I had it done... I just try to remember that it could always be worse. Even though I always tell my husband "I'm sick of being sick" I am alive I have 4 beautiful children that are doing so well in life and my husband is the best. I don't have anything life threatening! If I have ONE more doctor tell me it is stress though and try to put me on an antidepressant I am going to explode. I feel they never take me seriously and that maybe they think I am a hypochondriac, but these are real physical issues! After 3 years I got my Hemi Facial Spasm diagnosed, but only after being on 4 different antidepressants that did nothing but make me depressed! I feel there are serious women's issues that need to be addressed. Sorry so long winded...

Dutch