Monday, October 12, 2009

The head is the thing

I mentioned a while back that I've been battling migraines, yes?

Well. Those buggars are winning at present. Despite acupuncture, herbs, vitamins, increased exercise/sleep, and decreased sugar/alcohol. The acupuncture-and-herbs combo, on which I'd really hung my hopes, has succeeded in extending my cycles. But it has also given me several other PMS symptoms I don't normally have and increased the number of sick-headachey flare-ups I get. INCREASED. By a lot. And that's really ticking me off. These head games take time away from my life, number one annoyance. Number two annoyance, the accompanying hormonal dips or lows or whatever-the-hay really hit me and make me sad and tired and scattered. I do bounce back rather well, but I'm just not ready to accept defeat in the form of "Now I am a chronic migraine sufferer." Unwarranted, if you ask me, and unfair.

I'm not sure I've done the right thing in reaction — I've taken an abrupt break from the treatment (2 weeks so far, and I might extend that to 3–4) — but longer cycles don't hold much currency with me if they don't also come with NO FREAKIN' MIGRAINES.

Seeing my gynecologist later this week and hoping hard that some Western medicine mumbo-jumbo will be indicated.

Feeling good right now — and, if the pattern is still somewhat predictable, I should feel fine for another couple of weeks, knock-knock-knock on wood for luck, until my stupid head decides to mess with me some more.

8 comments:

Kate said...

I've suffered from migraines for years and tried everything you could ever imagine - hormone regulation, herbs, prescription pain killers, accupuncture, etc. I finally went to the chiropractor on the suggestion of a friend and that's been the key! I haven't had a migraine in over a year. it may be worth trying...

Mad Hatter said...

I'm sorry to hear about your migraines - that must be awful. What does your acupuncturist say? I'm not sure if this applies to your situation, but the first couple of months I started going to acu, I had pains in different places that hadn't been there before - my acupuncturist explained that sometimes, in the effort to release all the blocked energy in your body, the treatment can seem to make you feel worse before you feel better. Then, once it's cleared, your energy flows and you can feel good again. Sort of like how getting a facial can make you break out because it brought all the toxins to the surface. After about 3 months of going, all those strange pains (which were in my arms) were gone. Not sure if that is helpful to you, but I thought I'd share it, just in case. Take care!

Lisa said...

Kate, I've never been to a chiropractor, but I may look into that. Glad to hear it has given you relief.

Mad Hatter, that could be what's going on. I'll have to see what my acupuncturist says next week. She's been focusing on adjusting the herbs in response to the PMS issues cropping up (I'm sure she adjusts the needling treatments, too). I do trust her. One thing adding to my impatience has been that her treatments were SO effective for me before and after each IVF, but I'm not seeing her with anywhere near the same frequency now (every 2 weeks instead of the twice weekly sessions during fertility treatments). So I guess after a couple of months this way I've started to feel like I won't get the full benefits because I can't justify spending the money for more frequent visits.

More to think about!

Tara said...

UGH!!! I am so sorry! I hope the GYN will have some kind of solution.

Lost in Space said...

I really feel for you! Migraines are awful. My only real experience with them was hormone related when I attempted to take BCPs (of all things) for awhile many years ago (obviously). I really hope they are able to offer you up some relief soon.

Nature Traveler said...

Hi,
Hopefully soon you will find a way to stop your migraines or at least have those much less often and much less painful.
I also suffer from migraines but lately they are less strong and come less often. There is what I have done, maybe it can also help you.
Trying to eat without salt or at least as little as possible. I have seen that I had always strong migraones following eating salty food.
I also try not to drink cow milk even if I love it. And avoid yoghurt and cheese especially mature salty cheese. And it also helps a lot. Instead of cow milk, now I use goat milk. Soja milk would be better I think but I seem not to be able to like the taste.
I also try to drink as much water as possible or herbs tea, or even tea. It is important to drink a lot.

Sherrie Janz said...

I just recently came across some information on Migraines for those who have tried everything. I for one am a Naturalist but reading your Blog I noticed you have tried most of them so I won't go down that path again unless you ask. But, there is an eye drop out there that the doctors use for dilating eyes before an eye test. Well those drops are said to open the capillaries of the eye which has been know to improve migraines length as well as frequencies. something to look into. Hope it helps.

Klayne said...

While going to alternative specialists for therapies such as acupuncture, herb medicines, ear candling, etc. provides you a natural, chemical free alternative to conventional medication, you should still go to your medical doctor regularly especially if your condition is recurring.