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Discussion: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk
Subject: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-19 10:33:42 Message: Hi Gang! I have suffered from migraines since I was about 21 years old (I am now 34 years old). For those of you who are not familiar with this, well...it is no fun...if I don't take medication I can get to the point I am vomiting... (sorry if I am too graphic) and huge sensitivity to light and sound. There is no cure for it, just treatment...and some times it works, some times it does not. I actually had the onset of a migraine at my first 1/2 IM at mile 7 of the run...I took my medication and kept going... Anyway, the migraines have been getting worse to the point my medication was no longer working...I have been having headaches every day for the past 12 days. Went to the neuroligist...he said: "Jael, you cannot workout outside for right now! You need to do your training indoors. Your core temperature obviously goes up when you run or bike outside". Ok, so things got a little better this week and I decided to go for a 2 hour bike ride with a friend yesterday at 8:00am (it was about 84 degrees out). I got so sick afterwards with migraines, I ended up pucking and spending the whole day in bed afterwards. Needless to say, I was not able to spend Father's Day with my Dad (his gift sits unwrapped on my dining room table). I am so bummed....I have just realized that I am at the mercy of the heat when I go outside. This use not to happen to me...I cannot train for a 1/2 IM distance on my bike in a gym...I know this could be much worse...I could be terminally ill, which I am not. This is treatable....but the doctor wants me to stay indoors until he can stabilize my problem.... I have to start training in July 17th for a Marathon and a 1/2 IM....and I know...that it is going to depend on how things evolve between now and then...I was so looking forward to my training.... Swimming is the only thing that does not cause me migraines at this point.... I know I can make it through this...it is not a broken bone, not a fracture....but it is just no fun.... I just wanted to share it with you guys being that you all have been so wonderful to me!!!! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.... Jael
Subject: Also a migraine sufferer... By: Michelle R. Written on: 2006-06-19 10:43:48 Message: What med do you use? I have had some success with Relpax. I usually start with Excedrine for Migraine and if that doesn't knock it back I go to the Relpax...
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Paul B. Written on: 2006-06-19 10:49:33 Message: Jael...that sounds awful. My girlfriend actually suffers from migraines too. Heat doesn't seem to bring hers on (nor does working out outside), but various factors affect it. She also seems to go through "migraine season" (like hurricane season) where she is more prone to get them for stretches of time. her experience has been the same as yours for treatment (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't) and there have been days or nights that she's completely incapacitated, and nothing helps bring her back to feeling good. I'm sure your doctors have told you this, but be sure to keep a journal of everything you're doing. Write down what you eat, drink, how much you sleep, what kind of training you're doing, the heat, the humidity...because then maybe you can figure out which variables cause the headaches, and you can figure out the best conditions in which to train for each discipline. I wish I had more to offer. Good luck Jael. Paul.
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-19 11:00:41 Message: Michelle, they actually put me on something new that is supposed to be a preventative (daily dosage has to be taken, then imitrex when the onset occurs). I actually have tried Relpax and it has not worked at all. I am now on: Enduril (I think it is how it is spelled) and imitrex for the attacks. Paul, Thank you for the Good Luck. I am sorry to hear that your girlfriend suffers from that as well. I feel her pain. What you described she goes through sounds just like me.... Jael
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Marty D. Written on: 2006-06-19 11:54:54 Message: Jael, I know first hand of what you are going through. My 15 yr old gets terrible migraines and it affects him in the same way it does you with the illness and all. He takes imitrex when he feels one coming on and it has been helping him. I feel for you. I consider myself very lucky in that I don't suffer with these bad headaches, but I can see just how painful they must be. I hope your doctor helps gets you all fixed up so you can get back outside and continue with your training. marty
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Sarah B. Written on: 2006-06-19 12:26:09 Message: Jael, Kudos for continuing your 1/2 despite the migraine. That would've made most people step off the course. Interesting that swimming is the one thing that doesn't cause you migraines. It's the one thing that does cause me to have migraines. Training inside stinks, but one thing's for sure...you will be mentally tougher than nails. Do you have an indoor trainer for your bike? They help you to get "saddle time" on your own bike, instead of some random gym stationary bike. That way your still developing the correct muscles in the way you will need them for racing, and your positioning/geometry and form will be the same. Check out CycleOps and Computrainers for some better indoor training options. Sarah
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Chuck H. Written on: 2006-06-19 12:28:27 Message: Hello Jael, I feel your pain! My heart goes out to you. My wife had suffered through very bad migraines for years. It is often misdiagnosed, she thought she was suffering from sinus infection etc. All her dr's wanted to do was medicate! My wife is now 8 months pregnant and at the beginning she was bedridden with headaches to the point of not being able to funtion at all!!!! We came across a chiropractor who took a different approach to dealing with migraines and pain. This chiropractor has worked MIRACLES with my wife Tara. She put her on a 12 month program of adjustments 3-4 times a week and after a few shorts weeks she was greatly improved and it has been 2 1/2 months since she has had a single headache. My suggestion would be to consider going to a chiropractor who has a similar apprrroach. I would be more than willing to give you her contact info to see if she can't help direct you to a great chiropractor in your area. Often times migraines are linked to our bodies being out oa alignment etc. I hope this helps and don't hesitate to contact me for more info. Be Well, Chuck
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-19 12:30:16 Message: Sarah, Thank you so much for the kudos! I really appreciate all of your feedback. That is so amazing....swimming affects your migraines? How do you deal with it? The one thing I have been learning with these migraines issues, is that the triggers can be so different for different people but they all affect us all in the same way: PAIN! I just got lucky during my 1/2 IM. I had to "huntch" and put my little pills in my race belt. It saved my race! I did not want another DNF! LOL!(St.Anthony's I DNFed). I wasn't about to drop out of the Disney 1/2 Ironman! Anyway, I think you are absolutely right about getting my training indoors! Thanks for cheering me up! Jael
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-19 12:41:34 Message: Chuck, thank you for the insight. I am going to call my local chiropractor and see if he can see me today. I was trying a combination of chiropractic and acupuncture for a while and it helped a great deal. Maybe it is time I start doing that again... I am glad your wife was able to find a solution! It sounds horrible what she had to go trough! I know that most of these migraine medications cannot be taken if you are pregnant. Congrats on the soon to be "new addition" to your family by the way! Thank you, Jael
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: maggie S. Written on: 2006-06-19 13:28:51 Message: Hey Jael, You have my total sympathy and wishes for finding a strategy for dealing with the pain. You seem to be a very tough cookie though, and I am sure you will find a good way of dealing with it. I second the chiro recommendation.... I hate indoor training too, so when you do it, remember that we are all behind you, imagining wide open spaces and breezes and birds flying with you! Maybe if we all imagine hard enough, you won't notice the difference! ah well, no harm in dreaming, right?
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-19 14:19:34 Message: Nothing much to say other than I wish none of you had to get those awefull migraines.
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-19 14:53:24 Message: Maggie, you are right! I will work on the "visualization technique"! Ha! Ha! There is no harm in dreaming.... Ron, Thank you for wishing all of us "migraine sufferers" all the best... I will go to the gym tomorrow and think of all of you while I am there! Thanks everyone! Jael
Subject: Jael, By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-19 17:56:42 Message: Wow - I had no idea just how tough migraines can be. Moving your training indoors sounds like a great idea. You can get some great bike workouts indoors, since you can really control the "terrain" so well - i.e. creating specific hill workouts, etc. To make the hours indoors more tolerable, have you ever tried listening to audio programs? One example is books on tape (or cd) or speakers on tape, etc. These things seem pretty corny to most folks, and they are sometimes, but they can be very motivating and make the time go by faster. you can also learn a lot. Don't be afraid to not be interested, but if you are I can float you a few good recommendations, or send you a program or two in the mail. Either way, I really hope you get to feeling better. dan
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-06-19 20:11:12 Message: Jael; As you know, I spent from January - May of this year training for the Disney 1/2. Most of my mileage was indoors due to the combination of a cold Canadian winter and my 9% body fat. (They just don't seem to agree with each other...) I had no problems with it. I set up a fan in front of my trainer and put on either a Tour de France tape or a good movie and let it roll. Same thing with the treadmill. However, I also squeezed my long runs in on Saturday or Sunday mornings before my family (and the sun) came up. Do the migraines kick in during wicked heat or could you beat them by training early in the cooler conditions? By the way, I just got back from a nice bike ride. I'm on my way back to fitness myself... Brad
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Timarie K. Written on: 2006-06-19 20:49:00 Message: Jael- you have been so supportive to everyone on this site and appear to be such a strong, solid women, so I hope through whatever course of treatment you are able to work through this situation. Wishing you a speedy recovery (or more like remedy)... Timarie
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Selina . Written on: 2006-06-19 22:16:15 Message: Jael, I too suffer from Migranes. Mine a food, hormone related, which is a little easier to control. I wish you all the best, I hope you core temp doesn't hold yo back. You inspire me!
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Pam D. Written on: 2006-06-19 22:29:51 Message: I too suffer from migraines and have almost all of the women on my side of the family to thank (we all suffer and it is genetically linked). I started on Maxalt and as you noted, if you can catch it, it works great, but if not...watch out. We just had some 90+ weather here with humidity and I am sitting inside yearing to go out but know I will be knocked into the dirt if I try to train. I have found that I must wear very dark glasses and a visor ALWAYS when out in the sun as the sun in my eyes starts to trigger the headache, and hydrate like mad long before I am even hot. One other thing is it is usually hormally influenced so this may also be an added factor. I do feel for you, but hopefully you can find some cool times to train or hit the gym just in the mean time. I also found that Yoga helps at least to get me to relax and rest if needed. Hang in there, and know there are others out there that think bathrooms tiles are sooooo cool when you are suffering from a good one...Pam
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-19 22:45:31 Message: Gosh this sucks that all of you are going thru this!! I had no idea it was so common - I feel so lucky that I haven't had to experience that kind of pain (at least, not on an ongoing basis!) Jael -- I'm going to vote for the chiropractic route as well, but I would suggest you find a spinal network analysis (SNA) specialist, at least just give it a try. It's very gentle, and within just a few months I had gone from barely making it through the day standing upright (with lower back pain caused by problems w/ my son's delivery - that the traditional dr. told me to take pain killers for) to today, where I'm back to running and doing much of what I did before the pregnancy. The dr. I went to is in Winter Park - he has treated Cirque de Soleil performers, olympic gymnasts, competitive swimmers, and then of course the average Joe's like me. There's also a therapy that involves breathing / focusing, a little like yoga. I would be glad to share his contact info with you if you are interested. I sure hope you find something that helps you -- in the mean time keep your chin up girl!! You WILL kick this thing in the rear!
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-06-20 08:28:33 Message: Jael, I too get migraines however my doctor diagnosed them as cluster headaches and took a different tact with addressing the problem. His research had indicated it was diet related. When I get the blury vision I know that I have about 1/2 hour before the pain begins to try and combat it. However, like you it ends up pretty bad. However, the key thing that I started doing was writing down everything I had eaten in the last 24 hours and compare that with the last time I had a cluster headache/migrane. Slowly but surely I have had to remove a lot of food from my diet however as long as I watch what I eat I don't get the headaches. Once in a while I make a mistake on vacation and get one however before a Triathlon I watch my diet religiously. I have also trained through (bike, swim) while having a cluster. It seemed to lessen the pain for some reason, maybe focusing on somehting else. Hang in there. As I have gotten older they are few and far between and not as painful. It does get better.
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-20 10:09:45 Message: Wow, guys, you are so very awesome! Thank you all for all the input! I just logged back in from spending the afternoon in bed yesterday (5:00pm) until this morning....I am being patient with this new medication...the neurologist told me to give it two weeks before I still feel a real difference. I woke up feeling much better this morning, feeling refreshed and with a "clear head" (no pain so far...). Dan, Yes, I definitely take any info you have or audio programs I can use! It sounds like a great way of getting my mind of standing still yet learning and being inspired at the same time. Brad, I am so happy to hear you are back on the saddle! You inspire me! In my "semi-delirious and painful" stage this past couple of days, I was playing in my head how I could get around this and train inside...it is all not that bad I guess. And yes, you are right, I will be training in the early hours of the morning if I can help it during the weekends. Selina and Timarie- Thank you ladies! Your words of encouragement made me feel so much better! I feel like I have to kick this in the rear not only for me but for everyone else.... Pam- Lady, you rock! You are one tough woman! Way to go! I know what you mean by migraines linked to hormonal changes....I have them too...yeap...I have a rainbow of choices for things that cause my migraines. I have spent my entire 5 months of training before the 1/2 Ironman popping pills...my neurologist was not a happy camper when he heard that.... your comment about the bathroom tiles made me chuckle as sad as it may seem. I know what you mean... unfortunetely...but at least I can laugh about it right now....better to laugh than to cry if you ask me... :-) Carie, I will take that doctor's info. You never know.... Tim, I am sorry to hear you are also a sufferer....what foods cause it for you? I have been trying to keep track of my intake but nothing seems to be attached to my migraines except for red wine (automatic migraine within 20 minutes guaranteed!). Thank you all again for being so great! All of your messages have cheered me up! Thanks again, Jael
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-20 10:36:25 Message: Jael, Red wine trigers headaches ( not migraines ) in a lot of people, my wife tells me it is the sulfites in the wine. I don't know what other foods contain sulfites but if you know red wine is a trigger for you it might be worth a little research. Good luck, Ron
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-06-20 10:55:25 Message: Jael, my triggers are cheap cheeses usual used on pizza, salad dressings, etc... I still haven't found out what about these cheeses due it but it is guaranteed. Same with certain processed meats like hotdogs or sausages. However, I think Ron has hit on a good item to start looking at since this is your first clue, sulfites or their deriviatives. One day I'll pay for a nutritionist to help me figure it out, someone with the smarts about food and what it is composed of. Best wishes. Oh and for me, my doctor said if I don't like taking the medicine (fiorcet, or something like that) then try highly caffeinated coke like products. For us cluster headache kind the blood vessels constrict for some reason and then they over dialate. The over dialation causes pressure on my retina which causes the blurry vision, hence I know it has happened. The doc said caffeine helps to reduce the blood vessels from over-dialating. The only consolace I have is that I have been told that only real smart people get these. However, I am an an anomaly in that department.
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Teresa S. Written on: 2006-06-20 10:59:02 Message: Jael, Do you grind your teeth at night? Teeth grinding is a trigger as well. My girlfriend who suffers from migraines told me about a web site that addresses this. If you get a special mouth guard to stop the grinding then the trigger is gone. Worth a look into. Ask your dentist about it. In the meantime, I listen to a lot of Tony Robbins motivational tapes. My husband and I did an inspirational weekend with him and walked fifteen feet over hot coals without burning our feet! I though then that if I could do that, I could conquer anything. Every once in a while, I renew that feeling by listening to the 30 day tape program. It really inspires me and helps me through tough spots. But I am a self doubter, I am easily disappointed in myself. So that type of self pumping up and confidence building is perfect for me. You might enjoy his energy and positive thinking. Teresa
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Leo d. Written on: 2006-06-20 11:07:18 Message: Jael, So sorry about you your migraines, wished I could give you any advice and/or support about migraines, but I don't know much about it (I guess I am fortunate). The only thing I do know is that you are an amazin' triathlete and that no migraine in the world will keep you from racing. Listen to your doctors and take the time off that you need to take off. It won't affect your fitness level that much and with your mentality you'll catch up quickly. Good luck Jael and hang in there!!!! Leo D.
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-20 12:53:54 Message: Ron, thanks for the heads up on the Sulfite....I tried Red wine sulfite free and it still did not work. It must be somethign else in the red wine that causes it for me. Teresa, no I do not grind my teeth at night. But funny you said that because I have a friend who does and she had to get a mouth guard like you said. You are right about Tony Robbins, I have listened to one of his tapes. He is very inspiring... Leo, thank you so much for the great words! You made me feel like a "millon dollar woman" and put a smile on my face for a moment! Thank you! Jael
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Michelle R. Written on: 2006-06-20 14:08:38 Message: It is really interesting the array of things that trigger migraines. Mine are usually triggerd by scents (strong perfume, soaps, candles, deoderants, etc.) or getting motion sick (in a car or even playing a video game). Maybe that is why certain meds don't work for everyone. None of the other migraine meds have ever helped me.
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Don T. Written on: 2006-06-20 14:21:56 Message: Jael, I've never suffered from migraines. I did hear a thing on NPR about migraine treatment. A doctor named David Buchholz (Johns Hopkins) has done a lot of research and has a treatment regimen. His list of triggers is much longer than most others and he seems to have had some pretty goood successes. He has a book titled Heal Your Headache. Here is a link to the article: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5364970 Hope this helps- Don
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Steven R. Written on: 2006-06-20 16:55:52 Message: I wish I had a solution for you ! I do hope you feel better. I don't have migranes, but I do get bad headaches and get depressed when I'm over stressed or fatigued. Be sure to get lots of rest and try not to over train. Your body may be telling you that it needs some recovery time. Good Luck!
Subject: RE: Migraines-I am bummed...in need of pep talk By: Linda M. Written on: 2006-06-20 19:43:58 Message: I can so relate to this. I started doing small triathlons at the beginning of this year, only to have migraines within hours of completing the event. Also did a 35km bike ride. felt great for 1 1/2 days then hit with a migraine. Oh the pain! Did a bit of research and found that along with the triggers I already knew about, (cheese, cream, wine, chocolate) excessive exercise could also be a trigger. Not that I consider 1 hr of exercise excessive. My goal was to do an olympic size tri at in November, which I have now postponed. Go figure - try and do something to keep fit and healthy and find it leaves you in excruciating pain. Sux! I am hoping that as my fitness improves, maybe I won't suffer the migraines.
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