Home... with update

Whew... it's been three weeks & I've missed you all!

So, first the cruise... it was nice. The co-workers behaved for the most part. I got to relax a lot. It was crappy weather, so I was happy - no baking sun & 90 degree heat! My husband came through & brought TWO bottles of Stadol & they got me through all of the late dinners I didn't want to go to. (This was for work, you remember.) Then we had an enjoyable day in Florida and came home.

I came home & instantly got a killer M. I guess it was waiting for me. I stayed in bed for 4 days.

But I also went to a new doctor! She honestly told me that I was making her work hard for her with all that I've been through. She thinks that coming off my preventatives of Effexor & Zonegran and going on Topamax & Pamelor will help. I am currently in the phasing out/phasing in phase. I also had a Medrol Dose Pack to start me off. So far, so good. I've been on Topamax before, so I know all the side effects to look for. If I get an unbearable M, I can take Relpax on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays and Compezine on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. On Sundays, I can choose which to take. I go back in 4 weeks. I'm really happy with her.

I'm catching up with how you've all been by reading the boards... but say hi anyway.

Rachel

I'm glad it went well while on the cruise. The letdown migraine always sucks. Every time I 'm in a stressful situation I get the migraine AFTER I relax. Another of the migraine mysteries!

Welcome back Rachel!!

Glad to hear the cruise went well. And it sounds as if you were able to kick that 5-month migraine before you went? That's wonderful!
I'm glad your husband worked with you to manage your pain and got you your stadol too. I'm sure it made a difference in both your pain and your stress level.

I know alot of people have mixed feelings about Topomax, and are especially unhappy with the side effects, but it has been a life saver for me. It's helped reduce both the frequency and severity of my migraines. Without topomax, my migraines would make life unbearable.
I hope it works as well for you this time around and that you are able to manage the side effects ok.

Congrats on the new dr. It sounds like she's going to work out well for you. I have never heard of Pamelor, what is that?
I've never had a Medrol pack though I've heard of them. I'm not familiar with what they are or how they work, though I can figure it out Does it replace the Stadol in your treatment regimen?
Forgive me if I am being nosy. Our migraine patterns are so similar that I'm curious about your treatment - I want to relate any options that seem viable for me to my nuero.

Good to see you back, Rachel. We all missed you.

Aw, I feel loved!

Pamelor is also known as nortriptyline HCl and "is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression. It inhibits the activity of such diverse agents as histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and acetylcholine. It increases the pressor effect of norepinephrine but blocks the pressor response of phenethylamine. Studies suggest that Pamelor (nortriptyline HCl) interferes with the transport, release, and storage of catecholamines." All I get from that is that it's an anti-depressant.

Medrol is a steroid, it was just to help me during my early transition. I still have Stadol for 8-10 days.

AuntieBubbs... I never mind sharing... I hope it helps you. I've gotten a lot from your posts, too.

Rachel