going through a really rough patch- warning- vent

Hi All,

For the last two weeks, I have been going through a really horrible patch with both the migraines and the fainting. I am incredibly frustrated and exhausted from having to fight this all the time.

I was able to get an IV of Depakan last week- and that did help some. It knocked the pain down from the 9.5/10 level down to an 8. However, the pain is slowly creeping back up and has gotten much worse over the last few days.

I did go with some friends to see the fireworks at the river on New Year's Eve. We were well away from where they set the off and I did have earplugs. I am not sure if the fireworks caused it or not, because the headache didn't become horrendous until yesterday. (usually loud noises and lights trigger one immediately.) I will say this- the fireworks were beautiful and it was nice to ring in the new year that way. But I think I'll stay away from the fireworks for a while. This was the first time I have seen any fireworks in about 3 years.

The bottom line is the migraine is horrendous. I have done just about everything I can do for it right now. Ultram and benedryl help some, but I broke down and took some Klonopin and tylenol 3- both last night and this morning. This combo has taken the edge off. (It is clear to me that these meds are not causing the fainting. But, I don't want to have go down the "your fainting because of the medication" routine again. I also had to take some last week before the iV. Other than that and todays meds- I've only had to take it a few times since I came off of it.

I have also been fainting/falling a ton right now. Today, it seems like everytime I move, I end up on the floor. It is so frustrating. The only thing I can do, I am doing. I am just going to take it easy today- rest, take the meds to stay ahead of the pain, and try to distract myself in any way I can. I am working on knitting a scarf and that is a good distraction.

I am really tired of fighting this all the time. I just feel kind of helpless right now. I know it will get better, but I don't know when or how.

I have an appointment with my neuro next week to go over the EEG results and the reports from Cleveland. I hope we can find an answer, or failing that, find something that at least helps.

Thanks for letting me vent. I am not sure what I would without y'all

Pain free days,
sailing

Hi sailing, I'm sorry you're going thru this. I've had 2 migraines since the new year began. The pain of my migraine today is getting worse with med instead of better. Do you know what is causing your fainting? Do you have Dysautonomia or POTS? Do you take your Blood pressure when you feel faint? Just curious, I have Dysautonomia which migraines is sometimes a symptom of. Best wishes!