RoomForAll

The Migraine Diet, Judith Warner blog and 195 comments, 1 sucralose, 1 artificial sweeteners, 3 aspartame, New York Times 2007.10.26: Murray 2007.10.26
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/1482

Of 195 comments, remarkably open, experienced, articulate, informed, good natured, my quick scan found only 1 mentions avoiding artificial sweeteners, 1 sucralose, and 3 aspartame, while more mention MSG, and many re tobacco, alcohol, and vehicle fumes -- which all contribute formaldehyde, which is made copiously by the body from the 11% methanol component of aspartame, as well as from the similar levels of methanol impurity in dark wines and liquors -- probably the major cause of "morning after" hangovers.

Overall, all clients and helpers concerned should note the extraordinarily complex patterns of diverse causes, symptoms, treatments, and results.

YMMV = Your mileage may vary...

In mutual service, Rich Murray

"Of course, everyone chooses, as a natural priority,
to actively find, quickly share, and positively act
upon the facts about healthy and safe food, drink,
and environment."

Rich Murray, MA Room For All rmforall@comcast.net
505-501-2298 1943 Otowi Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

http://RMForAll.blogspot.com new primary archive

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/messages
group with 111 members, 1,482 posts in a public,
searchable archive

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/846
aspartame in Merck Maxalt-MLT worsens migraine,
AstraZeneca Zomig, Eli Lilly Zyprexa,
J&J Merck Pepcid AC (Famotidine 10mg) Chewable Tab,
Pfizer Cool Mint Listerine Pocketpaks: Murray 2002.07.16

Migraine MLT-Down: an unusual presentation of migraine
in patients with aspartame-triggered headaches.
Newman LC, Lipton RB Headache 2001 Oct; 41(9): 899-901.
[ Merck 10-mg Maxalt-MLT, for migraine, has 3.75 mg aspartame,
while 12 oz diet soda has 200 mg. ]
Headache Institute, St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center,
New York, NY
Department of Neurology newmanache@aol.com
Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Innovative Medical Research RLipton@aecom.yu.edu

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/855
Blumenthall & Vance: aspartame chewing gum headaches Nov 1997:
Murray 2002.07.28

Harvey J. Blumenthal, MD, Dwight A Vance, RPh
Chewing Gum Headaches. Headache 1997 Nov-Dec; 37(10): 665-6.
Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine,
Tulsa, USA. neurotulsa@aol.com
Aspartame, a popular dietetic sweetener, may provoke headache in some
susceptible individuals. Herein, we describe three cases of young women
with migraine who reported their headaches could be provoked by
chewing gum sweetened with aspartame.
[ 6-8 mg aspartame per stick chewing gum ]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/1464
13 mainstream research studies in 24 months showing aspartame toxicity, also 3 relevant studies on methanol and formaldehyde: Murray 2007.10.26

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aspartameNM/message/1472
bias, omissions, incuriosity = opportunity, aspartame safety evaluation, Magnuson BA, Burdock GA, Williams GM, 7 more, 2007 Sept, Ajinomoto funded 98 pages html [$ 32 781888262_content.pdf]: Murray 2007.09.15
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////


#
14.
October 26th,
2007
1:05 am

In all seriousness and candor, “Heal your Headache” changed my life. My case may be relatively simple compared to yours, though. Even though I had regular migraines for 30 years, simply giving up caffeine, chocolate, and a few other things like Splenda, actually seems to have worked and I’ve been almost headache-free for four years now. I’d suggest that you go easy on the chocolate at Halloween just in case.

— Posted by Eugene Gaub


#
56.
October 26th,
2007
6:44 am

You mentioned avoiding caffein, but how about decaf (in both coffee and soft drinks)? The decaffeination process (at least in coffee) involves chemicals that may actually be the trigger for you. You also mentioned aspartame, but how about other artificial sweeteners?

Have any of your doctors recommended daily journaling of everything you put into your mouth and watching for patterns? Someone in my family who had suffered ever-increasing frequency and intensity of migraines was given this assignment and was able to identify a number of culprits. After omitting all the offending items, she has migraine free for years. Offending items, in addition to decaffeinated and artificially-sweetened products (there go the diet sodas!), included all foods containing culture of any kind. Yes, that includes cheese, sour cream and yogurt, but it also includes wine. And watch for any of these products hidden in prepared products. Your journal could reveal items completely different from these, but watch for patterns. Good luck!

— Posted by Jo Anne S


#
126.
October 26th,
2007
9:17 am

Wow! There are so many of us out there with the same migraine experiences! Relpax, Topamax, anti-depressants… I’ve been there, done that.

I am 34 years old, I have a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old, I work full time, and I am happy to say my migraines have decreased significantly in recent years. I was at a point two years ago where I was taking my Relpax almost daily (yes, the rebound headaches are a reality). Desperate, I allowed my neurologist to coax me into trying the Topamax. For me, a huge mistake. I hated every minute of it. It made me sick, and it made me feel completely dumb (I couldn’t put a complete thought together, let alone carry out a simple task without having to think twice about it). I could not function at home or at work. Well anyway, after ending up bedridden for two days because the Topamax made me so sick and dizzy I couldn’t get off the couch, I knew I had to try something different.

Long story short, here’s what finally worked for me:

Stopped taking birth control pills.
Stopped drinking diet pop, or consuming anything with asparatame or other artificial sweetners.
Started going to a chiropractor.

Honestly, the chiropractor changed my life. I was ready to try acupuncture, but I didn’t need to once I started going to the chiropractor. I now get maybe one headache a month, and it’s nothing like the ones I used to get. Sometimes, I can even treat it with just Advil!

I still enjoy chocolate and other “trigger” foods. I do think sometimes that they have an effect on me. I try to watch what I eat and drink (moderation is key), and I try to drink plenty of water each day. But, I can honestly say that the key to my migraine management is my monthly visits to the chiropractor.

I hope this helps someone! In my own opinion, prescription drugs are definitely NOT the answer, although I know they are sometimes necessary along the way. We do what we have to in order to keep going. I would encourage anyone to explore the benefits of diet and lifestyle management, along with alternative forms of medicine like chiropractic and acupuncture, prior to beginning a daily preventative medication. Anything we put into our bodies is bound to have several unwanted, and sometimes very dangerous, side effects.

— Posted by Jenny


#
128.
October 26th,
2007
9:18 am

Topamax never helped my life-long migraines and has left me with permanent vision distortion. The sides affects (as mentioned by Janie Stocher, above) were horrific.

Get off all the triptans and OTC - the rebounds are real, and can be managed once you get past them. I use magnesium/feverfew/B2 supplement for preventative, and homeopathy when a migraine pops up - and yes, they are largely hormone related, even though most conventional MDs will not admit it. Birth control pills made mine worse.

I also avoid more than a very small amount of caffeine (tea is good), sulfites in red wine, aspartame (NutraSweet is a nasty trigger). Regular exercise helps, too. Chiropractic/massage therapy is also good.

Sleep and eat on a regular schedule, exercise moderately, meditate to deal with stress…yes, I still suffer occassionally - hoping menopause will take care of that…but it’s better than being drugged up all the time!

Good luck to you - you’re not alone!

— Posted by Cyndi Pauwels


#
135.
October 26th,
2007
9:23 am

Come lurk on the usenet group alt.support.headaches.migraine You’ll see why most of us call it “Dopamax” for a reason. Everybody’s different but it seems a preponderance of folks on ASHM who have tried it get The Stupids, and they don’t go away. I don’t think Dopamax is going to do wonders for your writing, and your hands might become so numb it’s hard to type. But it might make you lose a few pounds. Topamax has such a high side effect profile that many of us who tried it have stopped taking it. It sent me to the ER with acute muscle spasm. And those who put up with the side effects found that it stopped working after some months. I agree with many of the previous posters. Try acupuncture, yoga, feverfew, butterbur, CoQ10, riboflavin, magnesium, whatever. I distrust the extreme diets. If you haven’t identified food triggers by now you probably don’t have them. And it seems that the once maligned member of the four major food groups, chocolate, is not the culprit it was once thought. Just stay away from aspartame. Happy Halloween!

— Posted by Martha


http://warner.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/25/the-migraine-diet/?ex=1194062400&en=9d698731e3f52136&ei=5070&emc=eta1

New York Times
Friday, October 26, 2007
Opinion
Domestic Disturbances

Search This Blog

All NYTimes.com Blogs »

About Judith Warner

Judith Warner [ photo ]
Judith Warner's book, "Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety" (excerpt, NPR interview), a New York Times best-seller, was published in February 2005. She is currently the host of "The Judith Warner Show" on XM Satellite Radio. "Domestic Disturbances" appears every Friday.
Photo by: Jean-Louis Atlan

October 25, 2007, 6:42 pm
The Migraine Diet by Judith Warner

195 total comments included

Tags: halloween, migraines

Fortunately, no one seems to have noticed that I wrote last week’s column with one eye closed. I also had the lights in my office off, the shades drawn and the thermostat turned up to about 85 degrees.

All this because I had a migraine. In fact, I was on day six of a migraine that would, by day seven, have me dissolving into tears in between the taped segments of my radio show. (Think Holly Hunter. Think “Broadcast News.” The show went on, seamlessly.)

I was suffering like this because I was Taking Control of my life. I’d recently read “Heal Your Headache,” by the Johns Hopkins University neurologist David Buchholz. And now I was following his “1-2-3 Program for Taking Charge of Your Pain.”

In Dr. Buchholz’s view, chronic migraine sufferers like me -- I average around seven to twelve headaches a month -- are, very often, victims of their own past treatment successes. Triptans, the new-ish class of drugs that bind to serotonin receptors and can work wonders when taken early in migraine attacks, cause rebound headaches, he says, if you take them more than two days a month. So do over-the-counter painkillers and stronger stuff like codeine and oxycodone.

Step 1 in his plan, then, involves removing such “quick fix” drugs from your life. Step 2 is about recognizing your migraine “triggers” and removing the ones -- like certain foods, alcohol and caffeine -- that you can do something about. (As opposed to the ones – like changes in barometric pressure, work deadlines and mothers-in-law -- that you can’t do anything about.) Step 3 is daily preventive medicine -- but the idea, in Buchholz’s book, is that if you do well enough at Steps 1 and 2, you might not have to go to Step 3.

I am already there. And I have been trying to get out.

I’ve had migraine headaches since the age of 8. When I was younger, they were severe, but infrequent. When I turned 35, they turned chronic. They were -- at best, when the triptans were working -- fatiguing. At worst, they sent me to the emergency room. A few years ago, they got much better for a while when I started taking amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant (formerly known as Elavil) that is now given, in low doses, as a migraine preventative.

I didn’t like the amitriptyline. It made me gain weight. It made me sleepy. It made me think of mental patients shuffling down the corridors of state hospitals in the 1950s.

I wasn’t willing to take the higher doses of amitriptyline that came to be needed, over time, to allow the drug to really work. I liked the idea that, through supreme force of will, I could free myself from the iron grip of Big Pharma.

So I followed Buchholz’s prescriptions. I stopped taking my Relpax, a triptan, and put away my Prontalgine, the codeine- and caffeine-containing, French over-the-counter headache remedy that I use when the Relpax doesn’t work.

I stopped drinking caffeine and alcohol and stopped eating chocolate, cheese, M.S.G., nuts, vinegar, citrus fruits, bananas, raspberries, avocados, onions, fresh bagels and donuts, pizza, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, aspartame and all aged, cured, fermented, marinated, smoked, tenderized or nitrate-preserved meats.

For a couple of weeks, I was ravenously hungry, cranky, spaced out and vaguely, deprivedly resentful. But I felt, headache-wise, somewhat improved. I had six or nine migraines, but they were less severe. And, once I got used to it, I came to almost enjoy being on my diet, exploring my capacity for hunger and self-abnegation, obsessing over what foods I could eat, and how, and when. At the very least, the diet made my friends happy. Renouncing food, renouncing pills, is so often, in our time, seen as the right and righteous, pure and wholesome thing to do.

And then the headaches returned, with a vengeance.

Earlier this week, I went to see my neurologist, who for months has been trying to get me to increase my dosage of amitriptyline or go on topamax, an anti-seizure drug that also prevents migraines.

“Are you enjoying your suffering?” he asked me.

Eagerly pocketing my topamax script, I asked him if he thought that food elimination could hold out any last hope.

Maybe, he said, smirking down into his notes; you never know. “You could always go up to Baltimore and ask Dr. Buchholz.”

Many people who take daily medications come at some point to hate them. Teenagers with ADHD routinely rebel against their meds. Long-term users of anti-depressants risk relapse because they can no longer stand the way the drugs make them feel.

Some people do manage, through diet and exercise, or by protecting themselves from their worst “triggers,” to free themselves from their drugs. But many can’t do it. Many find they can’t accept living in the compromised condition that drug-free existence requires.

A smart high school girl I know switched a few years ago from a mainstream school, where she was struggling with dyslexia and ADHD, to a school that specializes in teaching kids with severe learning disabilities. Being there has permitted her to function without her ADHD meds. But now she’s bored. She’s dispirited by the lack of academic challenge and she wants out, because she’s afraid that, without academic challenges, she won’t be able to get into a mainstream college.

That’s the tradeoff: taking daily drugs, or living a life that feels not quite worth living.

Halloween is coming, and Emilie and I have a ritual: While trick or treating, we eat exactly one piece of candy after every house. She gives me the Snickers bars. She keeps the Hershey’s Kisses and the M&Ms. We split the caramel creams and the Starbursts and pawn the dark chocolate off on her sister, Julia.

It’s from routines such as this, I am convinced, that the childhood roots of adult happiness are formed.

This year she’s anxious. I’m not eating chocolate. Or peanuts. This week, with her babysitter, she baked me a cake, white with white frosting, sprinkles, multi-colored flowers and candy corn. But, she asked me, what will happen on Halloween?

I told her not to worry; I’d eat my Snickers bars.

In fact, I think that I’ll sanctify Halloween by eating every single forbidden food on the migraine diet, all in the space of a couple of hours.

Somehow, I doubt that I’ll end up in the emergency room.

195 comments so far...

*
1.
October 25th,
2007
11:40 pm

Take the Topamax. It is a good drug. I was on it for a number of years for epilepsy, which I now [thankfully] seem to have outgrown.

I quit taking it beginning of the year and now I have lots of …. drumroll…. headaches.

I used to have headaches all the time, and then I started Topamax. Am seriously considering going back on it for my poor head and neck.

Hey, on the plus side, it’s supposed to make you lose weight. [Sadly, I never got that benefit.]

— Posted by lcreekmo
*
2.
October 25th,
2007
11:47 pm

I use acupuncture, from yes, a gifted acupuncturist, and it sounds like I have way better success that you have. (From my 24 to 36 hours of severe “navy” vomiting, to not vomiting, and if I had acupuncture available on the weekends, I might miss them all the time.) Yoga is also supposed to be highly important according to my acupuncturist. As my life changes into menopause, sounds like I must be more serious about Yoga. Just more suggestions. I hope, I hope it helps. (It’s the liver channel, I’m told, which finishes in the eyes. I am not supposed to hit the computer when it happens.) Just more tricks of the trade, wish you the more relief.

— Posted by Nelle
*
3.
October 25th,
2007
11:51 pm

For goodness sake, read the work of John Sarno, MD, the miracle-working NYC physician. He believes that chronic ailments like migraines are often caused by repressed emotional pain and that treatments like drugs and food diets can make matters worse. Especially helpful in his theories is the notion of the symptom imperative…the body wants a symptom, any may do the trick, to distract from the emotional pain. This explains why folks with chronic pains find that they disappear when they have the flu/cold or why pains may shift from one side of the body to the other. The body demands a physical symptom rather than have you confront the emotional wound. His latest book is called “The Divided Mind” and is highly recommended; it outlines a treatment modality. Here’s hoping you can get rid of the migraines, the migraine pills and enjoy those wonderful foods again!

— Posted by Frank
*
4.
October 26th,
2007
12:10 am

One word: Acupuncture.

— Posted by Carolyn Mann
*
5.
October 26th,
2007
12:16 am

First, Judith, I feel for you as a fellow sufferer, though no where near your level. These headaches are just debilitating. I believe that there incidence is affected by hormonal swings also (which would jive with your changed frequency at 35, probably). I am trying the “withdrawal” method and that seems to be working, for now, but who knows how long.
Daily pharma is an annoying fact for many of us–I take them as a result of chemo-induced affects on my thyroid and blood pressure. (but go figure, I had no migraines during chemo). I think most of think that some combo of better (organic, fresher, whatever??) food or rest or exercise will solve these chronic conditions. And, maybe that is right but the research $$ aren’t too generous for studying these solutions.

Hang in there, hope you feel better and get to eat some Snickers!

— Posted by been there
*
6.
October 26th,
2007
12:17 am

I’m a huge fan of your column and also a cronic migraine sufferer. I encourage you to try Topamax. Years ago my worst migraines were put under total control by “calcium channel blockers” (Cardizem). I was migraine free and drug free for about 13 years. But migraines tend to come back and mine did. This time, calcium channel blockers didn’t do the trick but Topamax did. You start on a higher dosis and then you slowly reduce. I was scared when I heard the word “antiseizure” medication. I thought to myself, “I don’t have epilepsy…” But it’s been just a miraculous drug. Good luck. Only someone who’s felt the loss of control that suffering from migraines represents can truly understand you. Be healthy!

— Posted by Nancy Lisker
*
7.
October 26th,
2007
12:19 am

Not a migraine sufferer, but my heart goes out to you. It sounds truly awful. I know people who swear by marijuana when they feel one coming on. These are not people who generally have it on hand - - I am not trying to be an advocate - - but they assure me it offers real relief. The only problem is they are not willing to go out and buy it. We have medical “Cannabis Clubs” in California, but they’re not really family-friendly. It’s not a realistic option for many parents, who I’m sure would only use it to treat the headache. Too bad.

— Posted by Steve
*
8.
October 26th,
2007
12:24 am

I have as life went on been reading more history, and thinking of what people would do on medical advice. How little good much of it did them.

so many more choices now. So much more information. Actual solutions remain as elusive as unicorns.

— Posted by zar f
*
9.
October 26th,
2007
12:24 am

Wow, you just wrote the story of my own migraine-afflicted life. We migraineurs are the only ones who believe it’s really like that, which skepticism can be added to the list of burdens. But what I’m actually writing to tell you is this: Don’t go near the topomax! You could easily end up twitchy-faced, crawly-skinned, blurry-visioned, and dull-witted — and not necessarily migraine free. For that kind of outcome, I’d opt for the Peanut M&Ms every time. Happy Halloween!

— Posted by Janie Stoehr
*
10.
October 26th,
2007
12:35 am

This is dejavue all over again. Thirty years ago I suffered from migraine headaches, increasing to 10 or 12 a month. Some days I would have 2 or 3. I was prescribed efergot…the migraine drug of the day. My headaches became more intense and more frequent. Then I read the label and found the tablets were 90% caffine! I stopped the efergot and started reading and learned about triggers and how to avoid them. Have I given up chocolate, red wine, cheddar cheese…no, but I moderate my intake. And I make sure that I am well hydrated if I drink alcohol. I have added vitamin B complex to my routine.

These days I may get a migraine every couple of months. I take 2 generic 200mg ibuprofen immediately…sometimes before the visual aura begins. Then after the aura finishes, I take 1 more 200mg. The pain is completely erased, but enough that I can continue my day.

But the best cure is to moving to a Pacific Island. I spent several years at or near sea level…and guess what? No migraines!

— Posted by Bill
*
11.
October 26th,
2007
12:36 am

Judith. Do yourself a favor. Try the topamax. I had been in pretty much the same boat you are in for many years. Got to the point where I was requiring an imitrex injection at least three or four times per week just to function. No doubt there is a rebound effect going on there but trying to wait it out never did work for me. No preventative ever did squat. The Topamax just flat worked. I won’t pretend that there weren’t some initial side effects but they did go away. And in comparison to what I was going through, well honestly it just wasn’t in the same universe. You’ve got nothing to lose and it could change your life.

— Posted by SW
*
12.
October 26th,
2007
12:44 am

I nearly wept with empathy as I read Judith’s travails. I recognized the stage she’s at and know that she has at least one more to go through. That stage is to really recognize that every healthcare provider she goes to has only one or two arrows in their quiver, when what she needs is someone with about a dozen.

She will ultimately become the person who has learned enough to coordinate all the arrows. She’s past the age when there is only one or two sources for her headaches.

I’ve had to do just that … I’ve had to be the “systems integrator” for all those specialties.

Here’s the reason: I suffered from “mixed headaches,” which is a fancy way of saying that the doctors couldn’t untangle or successfully treat the multiple sources for my pain. Picture a large water tub sitting on top of a six-burner stove, with all six burners on full blast, boiling the water. Curing one source of headaches, say, eliminating MSG from the diet, will not stop the water from boiling; there are still five burners flaming away.

As I aged, my systems started weakening, and everything got more intertwined, so much so, that it got impossible to tease out cause and effect. And, yes, I began to get rebound headaches as well. Talk about frustration!

Enough background. Here’s what I did that essentially eliminated migraines (they dropped to maybe one a year after I turned down the heat on carbohydrates, neck, stress, sleep apnea, etc, etc): I unrelentingly pursued every avenue I could find … biofeedback, yoga, meditation, diet, exercise, chiropractic, psychiatry, psychology, pain specialists, accupuncture, and probably every medication that pharma has dreamed up over the past 40 years.

I kept looking for the magic bullet that would end my agony. The bad news is that there was no one magic bullet, because — remember — there was more than one burner boiling the water! The good news is that I discovered a lot of small caliber silver bullets that, taken together, have given me the freedom from pain that I knew all along was my rightful condition.

Persistence was the key for me.

— Posted by Tom
*
13.
October 26th,
2007
12:58 am

been using topamax for 4 months- good & bad. down to 1 3day migraine a month(that’s good)lost weight (a common effect,considered good by most)but have major brain fog & considerable inability to grab down words-definitely bad. fatigue is bad too. Gonna give it 2 more months. I have learned this weight loss aspect is well known, and some even angle for this drug just for this effect. For me, it’s been quite dramatic,but not worth having no brain, like the scarecrow in oz.
well worth trying chocolate to see-probably isn’t even a trigger- won’t know until you have some again!
thanks for the tip about the french stuff-hadn’t heard of that, but i will try to get some for the migraines that make me wish i could cut off my head.

— Posted by susan
*
14.
October 26th,
2007
1:05 am

In all seriousness and candor, “Heal your Headache” changed my life. My case may be relatively simple compared to yours, though. Even though I had regular migraines for 30 years, simply giving up caffeine, chocolate, and a few other things like Splenda, actually seems to have worked and I’ve been almost headache-free for four years now. I’d suggest that you go easy on the chocolate at Halloween just in case.

— Posted by Eugene Gaub
*
15.
October 26th,
2007
1:12 am

I had migraines from the time I was about 5 years old until I joined the Marines and went to boot camp. 87 days in boot camp under the most horrific stress I did not have a single migraine. I guess all that running, physical conditioning, very limited access to cigarettes and rigidly controlled diet was the cure. After boot camp when I could eat, smoke and exercise as little as I wanted, I started having migraines again. After I got out of the Corps I continued to have migraines.

In 2001 I had a heart attack and went on blood pressure medication as a well as a suite of drugs for heart damage and coronary artery disease. I’ve had 1 headache in the last six years, not a migraine.

Go figure!

— Posted by Stephen Burnside
*
16.
October 26th,
2007
1:13 am

At 61, I’ve been down this ‘treatment’ withdrawal, back to natural agenda several times as suggested by various authorities during over various decades. Before the blessings of tryptans, often weaning off of ergotamines to do so.

The interesting discovery I made was that the symptoms many of these authors described as results of ‘rebound’ headaches and pharamaceutically induced rather then attributes of migraine itself, I learned once I had purged myself of the drugs, were actually well and truely active migraine symptoms, because they not only remained with me, but like your experience, were even more intense in the drugs’ absense.

Thanks to a number of these ‘experts’ I discovered more about the true nature of my migraine. Maybe they need to discuss their methodologies with the patients who do not respond to their therapies? Like us, the true migraneurs?

— Posted by pat klein
*
17.
October 26th,
2007
1:17 am

I am so sorry to hear of your suffering with migraines. I use Imitrex, although the best cure has been menopause. The only homeopathic cure that has ever worked for me was eliminating a few food items and mostly, a great big icebag on the pain, and that sometimes with the Imitrex.

It’s a tough, debilitating pain. I wish you the very best in seeking treatment.

— Posted by MKR
*
18.
October 26th,
2007
1:20 am

Why haven’t you tried acupuncture in the middle of a migraine? You need to go down to Mott St and get a REAL Chinese treatment. That’s what you say: ‘I want Chinese treament’. And dont throw a hissy fit at the casual decor, or sleazy curtain, or that it’s done behind the store. It works. And I’m talking about those ones with the vises and throbs so horrible you dont know if you can stay inside your head.

Find someone who can get you the most highly respected Chinese acupuncturist in NYC. Your NYT cred ought to help you. You need to do your homework on this. Try it out ahead of time, and maybe with a bunch of different people. Keep getting tune-ups. The relief in your head is even better than sex.

Lay off the refined sugar. One ounce of refined sugar equals a pound of raw. IT’S YIN !!!! Goes right to your head. Acid. You need to balance with more salt. Ten grains under your tongue so it doesn’t make you drink water for 30 minutes afterwards. I’ll bet you have fakakta sodium levels.

— Posted by MW
*
19.
October 26th,
2007
1:20 am

Judith:

I feel so bad for you having to deal with that. I hope you can find a solution that works for you with or without drugs.

— Posted by hank
*
20.
October 26th,
2007
1:34 am

“That’s the tradeoff: taking daily drugs, or living a life that feels not quite worth living.”

i really hate to be a complainer, but once again Ms. Warner has expertly hit it on the head (so to speak).

As a chronic depressive on a handful of medications, i hate the way i feel and can’t function in the “real” world for the last 2 years. But i was so depressed i couldn’t work. (Ever share an office with a crying, unproductive collegue?) So what’s the lesser of the “evils”?

(Like Judith, I suffer from migraines –spike driven into right eye– but ironically that’s less of a problem now that i don’t have to pretend to work when I’m having one.

So i now have a “career” of trying to regulate diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and heaven knows what else, even WITH the drugs. But that’s not a life either. If my Disease Management “career” someday leads to fewer drugs that will be nice, but either way I’m off the carousel. And frankly, society has no place to mainstream us when we are up to it.

Please everyone. Try to include us mortals. We’re not happy about it either.

— Posted by MadAsHell DC
*
21.
October 26th,
2007
1:37 am

Working with a neurologist, I’ve achieved good results with a medically-supervised empirical method of treatment and follow-up like you’re using. I was on a regimen of Topamax(tm) and Depakkote ER(tm) using Relpax(tm) for the occasional breakthrough migraine. After a few years I was slowly weaned off Topamax(tm) because of side effects, muscle pain, although I miss its mild antidepressant effects. Dealing with the side effects of the drugs is a challenge (weight gain, somnolence, muscle aches, ED for men). I was never able to identify reliable migraine triggers except caffeine withdrawal, so I have up caffeine too but now I wrestle with somnolence. After a while, you begin to believe that the disease may not be as bad as the cure. I wish you the best of luck for your plan to deal with your pain, and I feel for you.

— Posted by Jeff Atwood
*
22.
October 26th,
2007
1:42 am

Thank you, Ms. Warner, for letting me know I am not alone.

I suffer in bed in painful and nauseating agony for days some months. The triggers I’ve possibly found are over-eating and over-exertion, including just being in colder weather. Like you, I’ve not yet tried the topamax scrip I filled, I guess due to concern for obvious and longer term subtler side effects. (To quote Bill Maher, a headache is not a sign of an aspirin deficiency.)

Here’s what I’d really like: Major scientific research on what is causing the epidemic of migraines among women in America. Pool the public and private resources of this country for better preventative health rather than ill-advised wars.

— Posted by mary jo
*
23.
October 26th,
2007
2:49 am

My condolences. Good luck. My sister had migraines starting in college. Infrequent, then frequent, then crippling. After a million doctors who helped almost not at all, one finally gave her a list of things to try not eating. Turns out wheat was one of her major triggers. Ordinary, ubiquitous wheat. No wheat, no migraines. Instant cure for her. A few years later I started having my own odd sensitivities, and again wheat was a culprit, along with soybeans for me.

So on the one hand, after Halloween, you might try un-exploring a wider range of foods, perhaps including (excluding?) wheat. On the other hand, you might look around your family tree to see if there are any interesting food or other sensitivities, and try experimenting with avoiding those things.

Condolences also for having such a snarky neurologist. Some try to help their patients in every way possible; some prefer to paint themselves into narrow little mindsets.

— Posted by Ken_K
*
24.
October 26th,
2007
3:05 am

ultimately, those of us who suffer have to make a decision as to what makes life worth living.

Personally, i love cheese, wine (though i avoid it if Im feeling remotely sensitive) and many of the other “bad” foods for migraines. Furthermore, I haven’t noticed much of a correlation between food and my migraines, and as it is mostly to do with a variable I can’t control (barometric pressure) I decided to go on elavil. While I’m not super happy about the weight gain, I find I function much better this way than I was before. And I think its worth it for me…especially as the other preventatives (largely blood pressure meds, which, with really low BP I cannot take) are not an option for me.

FYI from what I’ve heard about cutting things out of diets, and suddenly adding them back in, the stuff you will be eating on halloween very well COULD send you to the ER

— Posted by I love cheese
*
25.
October 26th,
2007
3:17 am

After years of debilitating migraines (with aura)that sent me several times a year to the emergency room, a neurologist here in Encinitas (CA) suggested Botox injections. My insurance covers the treatments and, after the first of four or five of them, I have found relief that I would not have imagined possible. The pain of the injections is minimal. The frequency of my headaches has decreased, and the pain is less severe. Sufferers with certain kinds of migraines are more likely than others to benefit — a consultation with a neurologist is well worth it. Mine, Dr. Andrew Blumenfeld, is director of the Headache Center of Southern California and a pioneer in the use of Botox to treat migraines. There are no side effects, not even, unfortunately, in my case at least, the cosmetic benefits with which Botox is associated.

— Posted by andrea bell
*
26.
October 26th,
2007
3:31 am

I am an example of migraine cured without all these drugs and with very few food habit changes (the only thing I don’t take any more is coffee). At one point 20 years ago, I used to get migraine every fortnight. The doctors were honest enough to tell me that the best they can give me is painkillers. Want to know the secret cure? Homeopathy. 6-12 months of their tiny little doses of medicine, and I have had a long-term cure. I know that homeopathy may still not be recognized by the health insurance plans (I lived in the US for several years at one point), but if you try it you may just get a long-term cure.

— Posted by Benami Indian
*
27.
October 26th,
2007
3:40 am

“Better living through chemistry” seems to have been carried too far in this NewAge of modern medecine. For all concerned, doctor, patient, and HMO, it is easier to roll you some pills (and roll you out the door), than to engage in the expenses and complexities of underlying conditions and medical basics. Your example is sensible and courageous. Hope it works. RwB

— Posted by Roger Barton
*
28.
October 26th,
2007
3:45 am

I’m sorry for your migraine problems. I suffer a mild version of cluster headaches, which fortunately doesn’t trigger very often…have you tried taking melatonin?

— Posted by Enrique
*
29.
October 26th,
2007
4:19 am

Like ripples in a pond in slow motion, the journey from caustic disbelief in food allergies to surprise - and later, chagrin - at how far mine seem to be spreading has been almost twenty years in progress. The light bulb went on when I realized that a year and a half of what seemed like a hangover combined with being hit by a truck was really being caused by sesame crackers. Lesser but similar bodily discomfort from peanuts and macademia nuts. In time, aspartame, some red wines, hazelnuts (and my first case of hives at age 54), MSG, et al.

The prospect of prescription-induced disorientation hasn’t arrived, yet. The best and worst of anticipating it is already knowing what it will take to recognize and deal with it. And the weariness it causes.

On the slightly more than obligatory bright side is that I’ve survived it before. Barely.

— Posted by Michael J.
*
30.
October 26th,
2007
4:25 am

I have been a migraine sufferer until I tried a diet change. These are the foods I eliminate: all breads etc containing yeast, chocolate, all alcoholic drinks and especially beer, milk (but not yogurt and fetta cheese), all processed food including fruit juices.

I prepare everything I eat from scratch. My daily diet contains at least 5-6 fruits, a very large green salad/boiled spinach, a lot of yogurt and fetta cheese, and once a week a piece of broiled chicken. If I need to eat out, which is often, I ask for a salad with olive oil and lemon. I never eat Chinese/Thai/Japanese food.

As soon as a headache starts, drink loads of cola/coffee, eat sweets, drink loads of water, and take an aspirin. I also exercise viciously, until I sweet for at least half an hour. Then I shower with very hot water and keep my head and shoulders wrapped up warm.

I haven’t had a migraine attack for over 10 years.

My suggestion is: eat raw simple food, exercise especially when under stress, avoid yeast/fermented/processed food, and keep your head and shoulders warm at all times.

Good luck and always remember there will be a time when you will not have migraine attacks.

— Posted by gunes ozdural
*
31.
October 26th,
2007
4:35 am

I’m told that Frovatriptan (brand name Frova) is helping quite a few Migraine sufferers.

— Posted by N
*
32.
October 26th,
2007
4:36 am

A recognizable story. My migraines started at the age of 9. Got more frequent when I was in my twenties and peaked during my thirties and forties. As a journalist and writer it interfered frequently from dealing with deadlines. Sitting vomiting behind my desk was no exception. I tried to eliminate all the wellknown triggers. And medication. At 43 I got severe food poisening from red meat. Almost paralized in bed. About one week later I got food poisening again, and again from red meat. This might also have been a physical reaction to the meat, but the sickness and everything else felt the same. The very thought of eating meat was so repulsive that I stopped eating that at all during the next weeks. After a month of feeling feeble and jittery, I realized I had not experienced any migraine episode. My GP advized me to give it a try: abstain from meat. After 2 months I got a migraine attack for just 2 days, which felt -for the first time- perfectly manageable. And then they stopped, never to return again. In the course of the years I put back some meat, white mostly, in my diet, and till this day I have had no more migraines. When I tried red a few times, the migraines returned, not as severe as they were, but I am convinced they would be, if I continued. So I stopped totally. Often I have the feeling I got my life back, thinking of all those lost days. I am almost 57 now and quite grateful for that first severe food poisening that put me on the right track. For readers with migraines, it is worth a try. You never know. Anna van Wittenberghe, Rotterdam, Netherlands

— Posted by anna van wittenberghe
*
33.
October 26th,
2007
4:50 am

I have migraines and over 50% of them are hormone related. One of the best steps I ever took was to go on nuvaring continuously (well, off it for a week every 3-4 months). The roller-coaster of the hormones was greatly diminished except during the one week I was off it.

I may get a less intense migraine from time to time now, but it generally responds to 2 Aleve, taken as soon as I realize the migraine is coming (although last Friday, even 2 Aleve every 6 hours didn’t touch it for 18+ hours - should have gone to my prescription med but I don’t think so well when I have the migraine either! (for some reason, I respond faster to Aleve than to prescription Naproxen Sodium - it should be the other way around).

This isn’t every woman’s cause of migraines but if you think it may be yours, give it a shot. The benefit of skipping menstrual cycles is worth it alone!

— Posted by Marie
*
34.
October 26th,
2007
4:52 am

i am sure you have heard it all yet i must share with you that i suffered greatly from migraines from the time i was 15 until i was 30.

i went to Drs. in SF, LA and NYC. nothing they ever prescribed or suggested really ever helped or stopped the headaches.

i started practicing hatha yoga (such as ‘power’ yoga and Bikram yoga, 3-5 times a week) and Vipassana meditation (http://www.dhamma.org)

For the past 9 years, my headaches are gone. I no longer have anything to complain about and my entire life has transformed.

If you are interested in hearing more please feel free to email me.

best wishes for a headache-free rest of your life as well,
bc

— Posted by bennett cale
*
35.
October 26th,
2007
4:56 am

I found by accident some years ago that a calcium deficiency can contribute to migraines. It isn’t necessary to be out of the normal range, just in the low part of it.

So as long as I snarf down about three CItrical Plus D a day, I have a lot fewer migraines. (This is not a commercial, Citrical is what my endocrinologist said was the best absorbed.) I can’t recall how long it took to start working, I suspect a month or so as deficiencies aren’t corrected overnight. The D helps absorption.

— Posted by trudy
*
36.
October 26th,
2007
5:09 am

I had chronic migraines for many years. Finally, after all kinds of drugs did nothing, a very open-minded doctor recommended acupuncture. It’s the only thing that has worked for me - and worked it has. A 3-month course of going once a week, then 2 more months of every other week (the sessions are about an hour), and then one or two sessions every few years after if I get a migraine, and I live without the constant migraine pain.

— Posted by Stefanie
*
37.
October 26th,
2007
5:13 am

Thank you for sharing! You captured my emotional/mental struggles with taking antidepressant daily for the past 10 years most accurately. I thought I was the only one not wanting what was ‘good’ for me, struggling with chemical dependence, etc….I too suffer frequently from migraines so it is interesting to learn of the new book and your practical experience with it.

— Posted by Hazel
*
38.
October 26th,
2007
5:26 am

I also suffer from those kind of migraines, although not as frequent. I rely on double doses of the triptans but have had to get shots of Demerol as a last resort. Now that I have children I can’t risk a day of being a zombie, so the triptans are all I have. I’ve gotten to the point where I’d love to remove the right side of my head to see if that would help. What a curse these things are.

— Posted by Michelle
*
39.
October 26th,
2007
5:27 am

Kudos for fighting the good fight. Hang in there.

— Posted by Michael
*
40.
October 26th,
2007
5:28 am

My first migraine attack was when I was 13. I was put on medication that helped a little. When I was 26 I had six attacks in six days and was suicidal. A medical practitioner of Chinese extraction treated me with accupuncture every day for a week and also explained how it works. For the last 26 years I probably get a migraine twice a year. The only way it works is if the GP is Chinese and he uses the old method. That is the needles. It hurts like hell when they hit the spot but no pain, no gain. You must give it a go. I believe it can help most people. My migraines are usually brought on post very stressful situations. Best wishes, Dina

— Posted by Dina
*
41.
October 26th,
2007
5:35 am

Judith, I can really sympathize. I’ve been suffering from migraines for the past 10 years and they’ve completely changed my life. I’ve been off all caffeine and sugar for some time (of course, that includes chocolate - arrgghh!) and that has helped, but not eliminated the problem. It turns out that in my case the headaches are affected by hormonal fluctuations (although sugar and caffeine can set them off at any time). Have you looked into that? I’ve been on a daily regimen of the Agnus Castus herb and it has really helped.
I admire your perseverance in the face of pain and fatigue. It inspires me to keep at it! I pray you’ll find some kind of relief soon.

— Posted by Laura
*
42.
October 26th,
2007
5:38 am

I feel your pain! My experieces have mirrored yours (add biofeedback and losts of trial programs at universities. Ithe problem does lessen after menopause(I’m 79) but for the last ten years, I’ve gotten tremedous relief from a health store product:MIGRAIDE to be taken at the first sign of migraine-What’s to loose? Knowing it works seem to enable me to stop fearing the next onset and they’re less frequent. Please check it out. I wish you well Alice

— Posted by Alice & Herbert Fischgrund
*
43.
October 26th,
2007
5:39 am

I have found that most of my migraines are triggered by weather changes. I now use an over-the-counter decongestant at the first sign of trouble. For me, the results have been excellent.

— Posted by Diane Giacalone
*
44.
October 26th,
2007
5:54 am

Like Ms. Warner, I have had migraines for years and years. Long ago, after clinics and emergency rooms and neurologists and running through a range of what seemed primitive therapies, I settled in to the vexing problems of pain management. Not a cure and not the way I saw myself as an adult but it worked. I have periodically tried, for reasons which I suspect have little to do with good health, to go the Buchholz way. Even used his overly optimistic book once. Not worth one minute of that sickening, throbbing sensations of migraine as it grabs my head and stuffs it back into what must be the chemical equivalent of a medieval Inquisition torture helmet. Thanks for this article. Nice to know that there are others making their way in the dark, sometimes following false white lights. PLEASE WRITE MORE ABOUT HOW YOU DEAL WITH THIS.

— Posted by michael bagge
*
45.
October 26th,
2007
5:58 am

I feel your pain! I, too, have had migraines for over 20 years and have tried the food elimination thing with little success. There are alternatives to Big Pharma, though. Have you tried amino acids? They haven’t solved all my problems but it’s way better than anti depressants and anti seizure meds. You have to look hard to find docs who work with them, but they’re out there.

There’s also a study going on in Houston that you probably qualify for where closing a hole in the heart commonly left at birth is helping a lot of people with migraines. The article is in the Houston Chronicle called ‘Migraines May Not Start in Your Head.’

Good luck!

— Posted by claire
*
46.
October 26th,
2007
6:03 am

I have been batling with chronic daily headaches for many year. I also had a bad experience with nortryptilene (similar to amitryptilene), effective for the headaches, but made me feel like a zombie. One supplement that I have found to be extremely helpful is l-tryptophan, an amino acid that appears to reduce the volatility of my veins. I take 2,000 mg per day. I get it from a compounding pharmacist on a prescription from my doctor. For pain I use cafergot, which is effective with few side effects.

— Posted by Marilyn
*
47.
October 26th,
2007
6:12 am

I’ve been through it all with migraines - and I even took Topomax for a time (about 2 years). My migraines started when I was 28 and I’m now 37.

I, too, got sick of drugs and I, too, changed my eating habits (the two biggest triggers I have found are alcohol, sugar - eat more savory foods). My migraines, however, did not go away until I went off birth control pills.

And now - almost two years later - I am down from having severe migraines at least 1 time per week (and lasting for two to three days) to having them about 4 times a year (and they tend to only last one day). The better news is that now a couple of “Excedrin - Migraine” cures my headaches and it is rare that I need to take Zomig or another prescription drug. And I don’t get rebounding headaches because I am not taking the medication that often.

In addition, I have found that now that my hormones are in their “natural” balance, I can even have some of the “trigger” foods on occasion (like bananas, carrots - even alcohol).

And by the way, neither my neurologist nor my gyn (both men) ever believed that they could be related to my birth control pills, but after years of watching the patterns of when I would get my most severe migraines, I couldn’t help but to try out test my hypothesis. And well, so far so good.

Just thought I’d pass on my experience - on the chance that it helps another person who suffers with migraines.

— Posted by Brown
*
48.
October 26th,
2007
6:20 am

With respect to worries about being a slave to big pharma, most drugs on the market beneficial for prophylaxis, like amitryptiline, propranolol, verapamil, valproic acid, etc, are generic. Which brings me to my second point. Step 3 of the “Bucholz plan” requires a proactive physician and patient. For every preventative medication, only 40-60% of migraneurs will experience benefit. This means you must start a preventative medicine, then push it to maximum tolerated dose as quickly as possible. If you are bothered by side effects or the medicine is not effective within a month or so, switching to another medicine is in order. Frankly, there are so many different preventative medicines available that there is no reason a patient should be stuck taking a daily medication they hate. In my experience, when a patient with chronic daily headaches or frequent migraines finally encounters a truly beneficial preventative plan, there is rarely an existential crisis regarding the decision between altering a lifestyle and suffering pain.

— Posted by Migraine Doc
*
49.
October 26th,
2007
6:21 am

Migraine nation no doubt was immediately sliding over to see what you had to say. Migraines are a huge hassle (major understatement). Figuring out which foods trigger your headache is a worthy effort and helps. When I was 12, “Empirin” was the OTC drug, at 16 they tried dilantin. I am Excedrin :>) Fiorinal. But, the best cure for a woman is menopause (decreasing levels of estrogen)and for us all - less daily stress, right… The blazing hot shower and ice on your forehead/eyes (some like head massage) is a good trick as you descend into a dark soft space hoping to wake exhausted but not so fogged-out by the pain. Watching salt and water helps (less salt, more water). May I wish for you clear-eyed days full of light that soothes, noise you don’t mind and pills you don’t need!

— Posted by Ginny
*
50.
October 26th,
2007
6:26 am

The author, perhaps due to legality concerns, has failed to mention an alternative to the brain-dulling migraine preventatives and rebound-prone abortives.

To wit: marijuana.

Legal in a few enlightened nations across the pond, marijuana is taken very seriously as a chronic pain med, and is hybridized with this in mind. Thanks to high-tech vaporization methods, it can now be consumed as heated, atomized particles, rather than combusted smoke. The last health negative surrounding marijuana — tar — has been defeated.

Migraineurs who’ve dipped into marijuana can testify to the speediness and surety of the drug. Yes, you’ll feel spacey. But the rebound effect, and noxious addictive properties, are no concerns at all.

— Posted by Gordion Knott
*
51.
October 26th,
2007
6:31 am

Try verapamil, knocked out my chronic migraine headaches, with little side effects.

— Posted by Kathy Seweryn
*
52.
October 26th,
2007
6:31 am

Please try acupuncture. You have to do it on a regular basis. I had migraines all my life (both parents suffered from them). I now go for acupuncture twice a month and I rarely (maybe 6 times a year) have a migraine. It’s worth a try and much preferable to meds or dietary restrictions as it fosters good health in other ways too. Good luck!

— Posted by Barbara
*
53.
October 26th,
2007
6:33 am

I am 41 and a working mother of two and have walked the same path with my migraines. I did the diets, the triptans, the Elavil, the yoga, and the accupuncture - and after I turned 38 none of none of them worked anymore. I started on Topamax last June and it changed my life! I no longer have to take ANY pain medication (or triptans) and have suffered no ill side effects while getting complete relief for my headaches (at half the normal dose!). So Judith, lets let Dr. Buchholz have his tofu and sprouts and righteous attitude. There’s no reason we can’t have our cake and snickers bars (at least once in awhile) - and live pain free, too.

— Posted by Migraine Suffer2
*
54.
October 26th,
2007
6:42 am

While you didn’t mention fiorinal, a trusty migraine stopper used frequently by doctors themselves but a medicine doctors will scream at a patient for using (thanks to the Neanderthals in Albany), I’m happy you have shared the news about taking topamax daily. In my experience far less is needed in climates like that of Los Angeles than in places on the barometric trampoline like New York City. And as for caffeine causing migraines, every time I hear a neurologist spout that nonsense I laugh at them. Every migraine sufferer knows caffeine helps stop migraines. The single most important thing a migraine sufferer in New York can do is to move to a desert climate.

— Posted by Mine Graine
*
55.
October 26th,
2007
6:43 am

I have been on a migraine diet for years, and it works for me. From two or three severe headaches per month, I now have two or three per year, and for those the drugs are effective.

Years ago a sympathetic internist put me on an elimination diet where I started with rice and applesauce and added foods. Often when I start headaches again it is because a new food offends. The list has expanded over the years. At present I avoid chocolate, peanuts, bananas, avocado, MSG (hidden in many foods), aged cheese, any meats with nitrites. On the other hand, I can handle some alcohol (no red wine, no beer) and vinegar.

— Posted by Nancy
*
56.
October 26th,
2007
6:44 am

You mentioned avoiding caffein, but how about decaf (in both coffee and soft drinks)? The decaffeination process (at least in coffee) involves chemicals that may actually be the trigger for you. You also mentioned aspartame, but how about other artificial sweeteners?

Have any of your doctors recommended daily journaling of everything you put into your mouth and watching for patterns? Someone in my family who had suffered ever-increasing frequency and intensity of migraines was given this assignment and was able to identify a number of culprits. After omitting all the offending items, she has migraine free for years. Offending items, in addition to decaffeinated and artificially-sweetened products (there go the diet sodas!), included all foods containing culture of any kind. Yes, that includes cheese, sour cream and yogurt, but it also includes wine. And watch for any of these products hidden in prepared products. Your journal could reveal items completely different from these, but watch for patterns. Good luck!

— Posted by Jo Anne S
*
57.
October 26th,
2007
6:49 am

Successful migraine surgery awaits in Cleveland OH. Have a daughter who suffered severely since age 12, was virtually paralyzed by migraine pain. Went to the best hospitals and migraine clinics, nothing worked. Then we found American Migraine Center, Beachwood OH. Neurologists treated her for years then experimental surgery was recommended. Expensive, very expensive, no medical plan covered but migraines ended 5 months post-surgery. No side effects except a pleasurable and successful new life.

A thankful father

— Posted by Mark Fleisher
*
58.
October 26th,
2007
6:51 am

Good for you Judith, keep up the good work. I quit all my migraine medicine cold turkey 1 1/2 year ago. I have also suffered migraine since childhood and been on codeine for ever. I never liked the “new” drug treatments, I didn’t feel they worked and I never wanted to be on daily preventative medication. I realized that I was only treating the symptom and not the root of the problem. The medicine allowed me to keep living a hectic life and never to slow down to ponder why I got migraine. So I have suffered, medicine free, through my migraines. I am glad to announce they are getting fewer and fewer and I am slowly slowly starting to change my life style. Sleep is a huge trigger.. so when things don’t get done in time, I take a deep breath and say oh well, go to bed and deal with it the next day. Food is another trigger, I need to eat something little every 2-3 hours, if my stomach goes empty, I risk a migraine. I have also cut out Alcohol and caffeine. My last trigger is stress. I am still working on that one, Yoga and meditation works great, when I get to do them. My goal is to incorporate more of that into my life. It feels so good knowing that I am in charge of my life and my migraines!!

— Posted by Anna Leijon-Guth
*
59.
October 26th,
2007
6:54 am

I have been there with the migraines… While going through a divorce, it was a daily occurrence and not even Axert could stop them. All my life I suffered from migraines until 2 years ago when I started taking blood pressure medication (Atelonol). I call it a miracle cure and I finally can enjoy a glass of wine (or chocolate galore), or two, without having to worry about getting a headache that could potentially turn into a migraine. While I don’t recommend high blood pressure, perhaps the medication has something that can help migraine sufferers?

— Posted by Natalie from Sudbury
*
60.
October 26th,
2007
6:58 am

I didn’t see any mention of feverfew: natural supplement, no side effects, works as a preventative, routinely used in the UK and Europe.

— Posted by Judith B
*
61.
October 26th,
2007
6:59 am

have you tried calcium /magnesium and vitamin B2? I take 1200mg Calcium snd 600 mg Magnesium plus Vitamin B2 400 mg q.d. I split the dosage into AM and PM. PM dosage before you go to sleep. I also use high quality fish oil about 4 grams a day, plus avoiding chocolate and coffee. I can eat avocados and citrus again. Good luck

— Posted by beatrice nordberg
*
62.
October 26th,
2007
7:01 am

Choosing between a cramped life-style and a devil-may-care attitude comes to everyone in their life at some point or the other. Prudence and maturity warrants striking a balance between the two extremes of living the life fully and dying bit by bit by denying the pleasures of living. I just wish I knew how to do that! I am a medical practitioner, and a diabetic. I have learned that it is good to advise someone *else* to monitor their blood sugars, to shun sweets, to exercise for 30 minutes daily and to switch to a high fiber, low glycemic-index diet; as to my own self - why, it all boils down to my own mood at a given point in time: either I may do any or all of these things, or I may not.

As you point out, nothing in the world is really simple. If we dig our own grave, well, we should be ready to lie in it.

Thank you for a nice write-up.

— Posted by Taher Y. Kagalwala
*
63.
October 26th,
2007
7:15 am

As a migranuer, I have 2 words for you:

1. acupuncture

2. chiropractor

— Posted by Lin
*
64.
October 26th,
2007
7:16 am

I too suffered from migraines all my life. At first, they were triggered by eggs, of all things. Later, after I tried the diet you describe, I found out it was chocolate, scotch, and hormones. So now I don’t each chocolate, don’t drink scotch, and hormones are fading with menopause, so the headaches are much less of an annoyance than they once were. Good luck with your struggles.

— Posted by Jane
*
65.
October 26th,
2007
7:20 am

I had migraines which followed a path exactly like yours; trying everything but nothing working. Then at the age of 70 when my doctor put me on Foxomax and 1500mg of calcium for osteoporosis I realized after a a few weeks that migraines had ceased! I have not had another one since! I am now 76. I did a search on Google for migraines + calcium and found there is a familial type of migraine that is associated with calcium. Do some research on it. it may be helpful.

— Posted by Liz Beceden
*
66.
October 26th,
2007
7:25 am

Wow, good post! Judith, it’s amazing how much your situation reflects mine. I get “only” two or three migraines monthly, with various types of headaches (tension, stress) in between. Every so often I’ll go three weeks without a migraine, which is pretty damn miraculous, and I never know why.

But I’ve been migrainous since my teens, and, aside from PMS (though I don’t ALWAYS get migraines with my period), I’ve never been able to consistently determine my food triggers. Environmental triggers, like too much light, too much noise, or too much plane or car travel (particularly on sunny days), are more reliable. But it’s not always practical or easy to avoid those……

More interesting is your remark on triptan rebounds. I’ve been taking triptans for about five years now, and they kill 70% to 80% of my migraines, if I time it right (not too early and not too late). I know they’re working when I feel the Zomig Zing, as I call it: a cold tingle down the side of my nose and then a distinct fatigue as the pain dissipates. I always feel odd afterwards, but it beats the sense of a pile driver boring into my skull.

I’ve long suspected that Zomig might have a rebound effect, because after the passing of a three- or four-day bout (about as long as mine get), I can be fine for a day or so, and then WHAM! it’s back.

Good luck with your food-elimination scheme, but I suspect it’ll be for nought. In my opinion, we migraine-sufferers have faulty wires, and the only thing consistent about our unconquerable attacks is their inconsistency.

PS: There may be hope. A good friend recently revealed that she’d also been migrainous since her teens, but all attacks disappeared after she finished menopause at 54; she says she’s never felt better in her life. I’m 48, so I’ll try to be optimistic that my days of suffering are also numbered…..!

— Posted by Donna
*
67.
October 26th,
2007
7:25 am

For years I have used a liquid tincture of the Feverfew plant (also known as Parthenium) to fight my barometric-pressure-change induced migraines. This plant has been used for headaches since the middle ages. I put half a dropper-full under my tongue and hold it there for as long as I can (it’s bitter, and takes some getting used to). So just like nitro-glycerine, it gets straight to the brain quickly. I carry a small bottle around with me and if I can use it at first symptoms, it stops the headache. If I awake with a headache, it tampers down the symptoms. There is no chance of over-medicating. Best of all - a 120ml bottle at my local homeopathic pharmacy is about $20 and lasts me a couple of years. But use the liquid - the pills aren’t strong enough and they use only the dregs of the plant, so they don’t have the potency. Hope it helps you or someone else!

— Posted by Leslie
*
68.
October 26th,
2007
7:25 am

I had migraine since I was age 12. I endured it until I was in my mid-40’s. I never did resort to any specific treatment for migraine because I was afraid of the side effects of most of the medication. When I cd not just bear it, I took an aspirin and never more than 2 a day.

Migraine runs in the family, a sister and a brother have it. Mine seems triggered by lack of sleep for more than 2 or 3 nights in a row, disagreeable food (I suspect ajinomoto in Chinese food) and other miscellaneous causes.

Finally, I cured it with some simple breathing exercises and also yoga postures. On the rare occasion that I do get a head ache, auto-suggestion seems to work. At times, I keep think of taking an aspirin, and keep postponing it, until I realize that the headache is gone!!

— Posted by Ranga Nambakam
*
69.
October 26th,
2007
7:26 am

I love your columns and share your pain and used to get severe monthly three day migraines with auras and all the bells and whistles. I have eliminated processed sugars, increased salt and fluid intake and maintain steady blood sugar. I still occasionally get a monthly headache but not migraines. The point is to find tailored, not draconian, dietary restrictions and this requires some patience.

— Posted by Kim Salerno
*
70.
October 26th,
2007
7:27 am

FOLLOW UP:
In fact here is a link to the calcium + migrainE connection on Google:


http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=t&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2005-08,GGLD:en&q=migraine+%2b+calcium

— Posted by Liz Beceden
*
71.
October 26th,
2007
7:31 am

Migraine is a chronic neurologic disorder that features occasional attacks (or episodes) alternating with symptom-free periods of varying duration. So people don’t have “migraines”; they have migraine. (The parallel is asthma. Know anyone who has asthmas?) Migraine is also different in every person it affects (aka, its “heterogeneity”). Managing it successfully means dealing not only with its chronicity, but also with what are often highly invidividualized presentations. Thus, what works for one patient (try Topomax!) is not necessarily right for another (don’t go near Topomax!). The good news is that, with diligence and a customized therapeutic regimen, nearly every patient can obtain relief from the more debilitating aspects of this disease.

— Posted by Chris
*
72.
October 26th,
2007
7:33 am

Migraine runs in every branch of my family. I started seeing only half of people’s faces at the age of 15. A few years later, I started getting severe occurrences almost every week. Only someone who has gone through severe migraine attacks can understand the desperate need to get rid of the disorienting pain and nausea. Getting through work deadlines was difficult but deadlines actually helped because they forced me to function and concentrate on something other than my head. I remember one time, while working on a marketing plan, being so exhausted and crawling under the huge table of the board room and taking a nap at the feet of my associate, who went right on working. By the 3rd day of each attack, jumping out the window or hurling oneself, head first, at an oncoming train would become attractive alternatives.

The doctors, one after the other, had me on different pain pills that didn’t help much. Sometimes they did, most times they didn’t. As a matter of fact, they made me sick. Until a few years ago, doctors didn’t really know how to deal with migraines so they kept on quizzing me about work or being a workoholic. Yes, to the intensity of both, as far as I was concerned, but some very laid back characters in my family and some who haven’t even started working, also suffered from the same thing.

After some 20 years the attacks lessened, occurring only with a sudden rise or drop in air pressure. Maybe the migraine had morphed into a sinus problem. I don’t know because I have developed a phobia of doctors, especially those who are prescription-happy. One of them shot me with a painkiller and I passed out when I got back to my apartment.

Last year, I finally decided to altogether stop taking painkillers. To my surprise, the headaches practically disappeared and when they do surface now, they don’t take hold, especially if I take to the treadmill, garden, or clean the house. I have since been lecturing migraine sufferers in the family about the rebound effect of painkillers, urging them to exercise instead.

— Posted by fpb
*
73.
October 26th,
2007
7:33 am

Judith, as a dentist who is trained in neuromuscular dentistry, I have treated many migraine sufferers like yourself without the need of drugs. If you have not already done so, consider being examined by a dentist trained in neuromuscular dentistry. It could be that your symptoms are due to a misaligned bite causing muscle strain which in turn could cause recurrent migraines. For more information go to www.leading dentists.com

— Posted by Daniel R. Melnick, DDS
*
74.
October 26th,
2007
7:37 am

As an Acupuncturist I can vouch for the effectiveness of this form of treatment for many migraine sufferers. Patients often come to Chinese medicine as a last resort, but if you’re looking for natural pain relief, without medications, please give it a try.

— Posted by Joanie S
*
75.
October 26th,
2007
7:40 am

I read your article with much anticipation for some new information, however as I suspected it drew all the same conclusions that I have come to learn on my own.

After contracting viral Meningitis 3.5 years ago, it’s left me with unrelenting chronic head pain that caused me to stop working and go on disability. At 35 years old, I am lost in the maze of treatments, medication and a world with no answers to my problems.

I feel like I have tried everything…including Topamax, which I couldn’t stay on for more than 2 weeks due to this out of skin feeling and drowsy to the point of numbness mentally and emotionally - surely no way to live. So, yes it is a tradeoff…attempt to “live” as a zombie on drugs or live in pain.

I refuse to give up and will not leave any stone unturned. Even if that includes Botox…but at $1,000 a treatment that lasts only 3-4 months (if it works at all), it’s another gamble.

Good luck with the Topamax. I understand it does work for some people. For me personally, I could not function on it.

Next stop is another accupuncturist and a group meeting with my Dr., nurse and phychologist at my headache clinic to try to get some kind of help so that I can again be a contributing member of society.

It’s good to know I’m not alone. Thanks for your article.

— Posted by Research Required
*
76.
October 26th,
2007
7:41 am

Judith,I was laughing out loud while reading your article and felt such a sense of relief at the same time that someone in the world is going through the same pain and struggles with migraines as I am. I am a working mother of two young children who gets 8-12 migraines a month and is in the ER about once every two or three months. I have tried every daily migraine drug out there (including amitriptyline, which also made me gain weight and made me sleepy) and have had every side effect from gaining weight to losing weight to having my thoughts altered. I also tried Dr. Buchholz’s book and had the same results. So, I am back on the daily drugs and triptans and will enjoy trick or treating with my kids and eating chocolate, maybe followed by a cup of coffee. Thank you so much for your article.

— Posted by Kelly
*
77.
October 26th,
2007
7:42 am

At almost 50, I can identify with everything you’ve written. Having suffered with migraines since teen years, in my mid thirties, also, was when the chronic migraines began.

I’ve tried almost every prophylactic med known to neurologists, as well as a bit of botox (not for me.), acupuncture, diet, physical therapy. Topomax can work miracles for some; I was one of the ones it caused road rage and brain fuzz. (”dopamax” to us.)

Now, I never take a triptan, believing that rebound was caused by daily Maxalts. My headaches last longer (I have about 8- 10 a month), I take NSAIDs in a way not to encourage rebound, and I just say to myself, this is a disease, I will not let it interfere with my life.

This is a hereditary disease; my mother suffered badly, and my son gets occasional migraines.

Can anyone out there let us know if all of this gets better at menopause?

— Posted by Ellen
*
78.
October 26th,
2007
7:44 am

I’m there with you, Judith. My migraines began in force at the age of 50, with menopause. I am a patient of Dr. Buchholtz and have suffered the full effect of his tough love. Difficult though it is to tolerate, I think he is on to something. I am following his diet strictly and taking 100 mg of Topamax a day, happily without side effects, except for some eight loss! When I get a headache, I treat it only with PLAIN aspirin–in his opinion, any other acute pharmaceutical treatment causes worsening. Of course, other alternatives such as acupuncture, chirpractic, massage, etc are fine to try. They never provided much help to me, beyond temporary anoydyne. I think this approach can work and can release you from the death grip of the pharmaceutical industry. It takes inner strength though. You will not be frequenting restaurants as much as you once were, and when you do go, you will become one of those people who has to interrogate the waiter about the ingredients in each dish. But would you rather have 10 disabling headaches a month? I wouldn’t.

— Posted by Lynne
*
79.
October 26th,
2007
7:45 am

My story is similar to all the above. My headaches began when I was a teenager, and my family doctor told my mother that my “sinuses weren’t completely formed yet” and not to worry. I was 35 before I was diagnosed correctly, and began taking Fiorinal w/codeine. It made me feel better and I could sleep, but eventually only masked the pain. For other reasons, I gave up chocolate and all forms of alcohol, and my headaches became menstrual. Much easier to deal with. Other triggers were cigarette smoke and travel. When traveling I’d be off my usual eating and sleeping schedule, and I learned never ever to leave home without the Fiorinal. Now I’m post menopausal, and I haven’t had one to speak of since I started menopause. But my internist says that with migraines, all bets are off. But now I can have a glass of wine with dinner, and chocolate for dessert.

— Posted by martha
*
80.
October 26th,
2007
7:45 am

I was a frequent migraine suffer as well until 2 1/2 years ago when I had surgery on my jaw. I had a slight overbite and my dentist recommended surgery to move my jaw forward to prevent my migraines. The theory is that my migraines were caused by the strain of trying to move my jaw forward (I had no sense that I was doing this). I had the surgery in March of 2005. I have only had one migraine since. Prior to the surgery, I had a migraine about once a month. There has been very little research done on this subject, but for me, it has been a miracle cure.

— Posted by Dara
*
81.
October 26th,
2007
7:51 am

I was a lifelong migraine sufferer. I got rid of them at age 60 (20 years ago). Did I finally outgrow them or was it due to the 2400 mg of Neurontin and the 300 mg of CoQ10 (spaced over 3 meals a day) that did it. I still take them as I don’t want to find out.

— Posted by Arnie
*
82.
October 26th,
2007
8:00 am

I tried Topamax and it was an absolute horror. I would rather have migraines.
Do what helps you. Don’t believe any fad, they are not going to work. I’ve been on inderal for 25 years, and occasionally use imitrex. Thank goodness for the triptans!

Best of luck!

— Posted by Dianne Friedman
*
83.
October 26th,
2007
8:01 am

When I was in my late 30’s I began having migraines. That was back in the days of Fiorinal which worked somewhat but Still I went to bed for a day at least. Then I received biofeedback training at Duke Medical Center which helped a great deal. I was able to fend off my migraines. As I got a little older they faded away completely! Good luck!

— Posted by Nancy Handler
*
84.
October 26th,
2007
8:03 am

I have had migraines for over 50 years. I think that I give them to myself because anything out of the ordinary in my life triggers one. I never got addicted to anything because NOTHING worked.You don’t know what a migraine is until you have to teach a 1st grade class with a migraine time after time. Finally I asked the doctor to try Imitrex. When I get an ache in a certain tooth, I know a migraine is coming. I take 1 Imitrix and it is like a miracle. It has completely changed my life but I now must have Imitrex with me at all times or I am a basket case. I would give the discoverer of Imitrex the biggest hug and kiss if I ever met them. Thanks to them I can live a normal life.

— Posted by Phyllis
*
85.
October 26th,
2007
8:06 am

I have noted a number of comments left which suggested acupuncture. My daughter is a licensed practitioner of Chinese Medicine (Acupunture & Chinese Herbology). She has treated a number of women with long histories of migraines, who could not get relief from other treatments available. After a couple of months of acupuncture treatments, the results range from cutting the frequency/severity of the migraines experienced significantly to complete elimination of them. To her patients, the relief is no less than a miracle; to my daughter and her peers in this profession, the relief is expected and normal.

— Posted by Joe R.
*
86.
October 26th,
2007
8:07 am

A reasonable goal is reducing frequency and intensity of headaches. There is a herbal extract called Petadolex (butterbur extract) that, in many individuals, may reduce frequency and intensity of migraine. My own experience has been such a reduction in intensity and frequency. I do occasionally still get severe migraine and do use a triptan on such occasions. I have noticed some association between caffeine, dark chocolate, and headache, however, it is not consistent and I enjoy my dark chocolate enough to incur the risk of rarely triggering a headache. Perhaps this will help.

— Posted by Richard
*
87.
October 26th,
2007
8:07 am

I’m another decades-long headache sufferer, though without the frequency you describe. By total coincidence, when I found your piece, I was waiting for the codeine to kick in (with five weeks since I last reached for the painkillers).

Before I share my observations about treatment and prevention, I wanted to highlight a distinction in types of headaches. I don’t talk about mine as migraines because I don’t have light-sensitivity, throbbing, or nausea (except in the worst episodes). That’s because mine are muscle tension headaches, rather than blood vessel headaches. I can feel them work their way up from my shoulder / neck muscles (trapezius). The commenter who talked about exercise and hot showers is probably like me.

I’m not familiar with rebound from antidepressants; I thought it was mostly from pain killers and pain relievers. I have never had to increase my Elavil dosage (nightly at bedtime with Flexeril, a muscle relaxer) above 20mgs. I’m skeptical about the importance of diet, with the obvious exception of caffeine. As someone with ADD, I’m back on stimulants after decades following ancient conventional wisdom that you grow out of it at adolescence. I was tired of forgetting things almost immediately hearing / thinking them.

Last of all, I wanted to highlight a physical therapy dimension. When I went to the PT, we learned that I have the upper back muscles of a 98 lb. weakling. Makes sense that so much extra stress was going to my trapezius. I’m tall and tend to hunch forward; doing exercises focused on my rhomboids (between the shoulder blades) is really good for anyone who recognizes what I’m describing.

— Posted by David S
*
88.
October 26th,
2007
8:09 am

After being treated for 20 years for Crohn’s Disease, I was suddenly symptom-free when I stopped eating wheat, which seems to be the one thing missing on your exclusion diet. Please check it out; there’s lots of literature linking migraines and wheat gluten. Good luck to you; I can’t imagine living with that issue.

— Posted by Kathy O'Malley
*
89.
October 26th,
2007
8:09 am

Thanks for sharing. I have shared in your quest for a better medication. I started getting migraines in my 20’s (now in 40’s) and was put on Ergotamine. First an inhaler, then pills. It worked reasonably well, but was pulled from the market due to safety, leaving me with narcotic treatments which I hated. I’ve been using Imitrex for years now and it has been very effective. MSG (nasty chemical that should be banned anyway) is probably my single biggest trigger, and I try to keep my caffeine consumption down. However, the biggest change was when I went on a low-carb diet a few years ago. Don’t know if was the reduction in junk food, or the extra protein, but my migraines dropped from about 4-6 a month to 0-2 a month. I’ve kept myself on a fairly low-carb ever since. I might also note, that I’m one of the semi-rare men that gets migraines, and there is a long family history on both sides. Wonder if anyone has researched that?

— Posted by David
*
90.
October 26th,
2007
8:16 am

You end your story with the upbeat statement, “Somehow, I doubt that I’ll end up in the emergency room.” With only the knowledge about your migrains from the article that statement is totally foolish and un-believeable. OK, perhaps you can “tough it out” crying as you did for the radio show, but why??

Anyway, what I really wanted to ask is AFTER you totally eliminated all the foods and such from your diet (and got success/relief) whether you considered adding them back in ONE AT A TIME to see which one(s) are actually the bad ones specifically for you? This approach is the basic idea of Mandell’s Five Day Allergy diet. Could you let us know if you do find long term relief, or go to the ER?

Best of luck with your efforts!

— Posted by Peter A
*
91.
October 26th,
2007
8:19 am

As a neurologist who treats many patients with migraine, I sympathize with your plight. As you see by the many varied comments, there is no treatment that works best for everyone, so if the migraine diet plan (which has no data to back it up, by the way) doesn’t work for you, try something else!

I would second the positive remarks about the work of John Sarno, MD, who has made a big difference in my life and the life of many patients with various pain problems including migraines. Topamax is a good drug, but there are several others, including nortriptyline, Effexor XR, zonisamide, and Inderal, among others, and Botox does help some people with no systemic side effects at all. There are natural remedies (feverfew, butterbur, riboflavin), acupuncture, and other behavioral treatments (eg, biofeedback). There are so many treatment choices you owe it to yourself to find a neurologist who can work with your lifestyle and personal preferences to find the best option for you. It often does involve a good bit of trial and error, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, I don’t think this miserable diet is going to get you there…Good luck!

— Posted by Dario
*
92.
October 26th,
2007
8:21 am

I know what you mean about that Snickers bar. I had a lot of migraines as a teen and having to eliminate that list of food from my life was painful in a teen-aged drama way, “Oh my god, what do you mean I can’t eat pepperoni pizza?”. I never figured out if I had a food trigger, but about five years ago, I finally figured out that my trigger was flickering or flashing light - I avoid strobe, candles, sunlight through trees, and the incidence is lower.

Enjoy Halloween and being “bad”.

And to all the other commenters suffering from migraines: I hope you find a way to make your migraines stop. I’m amazed at all the different methods that helped different people, and sad that some people are still having so much pain and disruption in their lives.

— Posted by sciencegeek
*
93.
October 26th,
2007
8:22 am

All of these comments make one thing clear: each sufferer needs to find what works for them. I am among the Topamax crowd- it really, really helped me. Unfortunately I was also among the small percentage who got kidney stones from it. So I had to stop- but during the time I was on it, I was truly free from the chronic pain. I also found that my headaches decreased in number the minute I ceased taking low-dose birth control pills. And I had been taking them solely for headache relief on the advice of my doctor! Whatever you end up doing, I wish you all the best!

— Posted by Mary
*
94.
October 26th,
2007
8:26 am

Being a former migraine sufferer, I am convinced by own experience that information I got about fifteen years ago is accurate: That two-thirds of all headaches, including migraines, are caused by insufficient consumption of water. If you suffer from headaches, try drinking more water. And here is a valuable suggestion: Drink at least one — and preferably two — tall glasses of water upon getting up in the morning. By doing that, you’ll be ahead of the game for the rest of the day. I really do encourage people to try this. For many, it works, and it’s also beneficial for the skin, the prevention of arthritis, and the long-term health of the kidneys.

— Posted by Hillel Natanson
*
95.
October 26th,
2007
8:27 am

Get off wheat and processed sugar!
My migraines that I have had for YEARS just went away with a good cleanse and reduced wheat & sugar. It could also be soy which is in everything processed.
Don’t give up- just try different things.
Something is bound to work.
Because you have had them for so long it is probably an undiagnosed food intolerance.

— Posted by RL
*
96.
October 26th,
2007
8:28 am

My daughter also suffers from headaches (she is 8) , but they have essentially gone away since we have tried to be aware of any food colorings and food additives in her diet and eliminated them.(most especially Yellow #5) I have also taught her some relaxation techniques, including some easy yoga stretches. My husband being a scientist, and myself being an RN, we are always reading about what chemicals we are ingesting. Some are very potent and I am a firm believer that they are causing many problems. (especially Splenda)

Here is my advice (not that you asked): stay away from artificial sweetners, they cause horrible symptoms in many; deep breath, a lot, and like everyone else has said, acupuncture. Sounds like you can still go on with your life, so since they are not debilitating headaches, try to steer clear of prescription medications for as long as you can.

Have fun eating your snickers and since you mentioned my favorite book, “The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness” here’s a plug for it’s author, Dr. Edward Hallowell.

— Posted by Janice
*
97.
October 26th,
2007
8:29 am

I spent quite time when younger trying to figure out which part of a diet was triggering migraines. My trigger for migraines was nutrasweet (aspartame). Once I started checking the labels on everything from gum to everything else, I am down to less than one migraine a month. It turns out that this is more common than most sufferers realize (about a million of us), but ferreting out the information on packages can be difficult. As my wife and I are both scientists, she did a double blind study on me to validate the result.

— Posted by tom
*
98.
October 26th,
2007
8:31 am

Strange coincidence, your column and my migraine. I had to leave a rehearsal of “Uncle Vanya” last night because of an instant and crippling migraine. Suddenly even speaking caused me great pain, not to mention the stage lights. There are no easy solutions to the problem. No easy treatments. One thing we can easily lose is any guilt or shame for taking medicine to stop the headaches. I am only now some 15 hours later feeling OK. But I was glad I had something to take to help me. Thanks for this column.

— Posted by Kenny
*
99.
October 26th,
2007
8:33 am

I’m 24 and have been getting migraines since I was 12 years old. At 18 they got so bad that I started seeing a neurologist, and he had me taking Topamax. I took it at night for a couple of years before going off of it, and can honestly say that for two years after taking it I had reduced migranes down to only once a month and then only around hormonal spikes. It also caused me to lose a little weight which I didn’t mind in the least. It won’t hurt to try it. Unfortunately for me, mine are triggered by things that cant be controlled or avoided all that easily such as smells and sunlight through a windshield.

— Posted by Ashley
*
100.
October 26th,
2007
8:35 am

Bodies are very complicated and very unique mechanisms, and the more esoteric the problems that happen with them the more unique the cause and cure may be. My father had chronic migraines and went through everything under the sun, and never found true relief. I got the infrequent but exteneded and severe ones for years, until at 25 (the same age as my father) a chocolate trigger kicked in the would result in migraines within minutes of it’s ingestion. Avoiding that, and other triggers kept them away for awhile, and then they started coming back and not abating no matter what I did, until I found that all the ER and regular docs were ignoring my complaints of back and shoulder pain and muscle spasms, which turned out to be the cause. I had a spasm in my shoulder/neck area, that pulled a tiny bone out of place and pushed on a nerve, causing and maintaing the migraine. I had tried many of the drugs, and found that most of them didn’t agree with me, when all I really needed was a heat pack to relax the muscle. I guess what I’m driving at is something works for others and not for you you’re not incurable, you just have a different body that needs different things, so keep looking, and keep it simple.

— Posted by Morgan
*
101.
October 26th,
2007
8:40 am

Another voice to add to the mix: I began having migraines when I was six, and they became daily when I was twenty-three and remained daily for six years despite Dr. Buchholz’s diet, acupuncture, massage, talk therapy, yoga, vitamins, liver cleanses, triptans, codeine, a slew of antidepressants and anticonvulsants (including Topamax, which made me deeply depressed and caused frightening weight loss), and multiple trips to the emergency room. I finally went to the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, where I was put on a heavy daily regimen of preventive medication, including Nardil and Seroquel, and have been nearly headache free for the past year. Of course I resent taking pills four times a day, not to mention the array of accompanying side effects, but that inconvenience is nothing compared to the non-life I was living with daily migraines. While submitting myself to the machinations of Western medicine and pharmaceuticals is rarely a joyful experience, I have to say that in this case I am so grateful that I didn’t give up on doctors and pills. I hope you can find something that works equally well for you (and lets you enjoy Halloween :)

— Posted by Sarah
*
102.
October 26th,
2007
8:42 am

Judith,

I have been experiencing migraines for as long as I can remember (now 59-years old). As everyone else, I have tried every medication you can name; I have been to every kind of doctor there is. (I’m male, so that eliminates one.) I have undergone cranial nerve block injections and radio frequency neurolysis. Nothing has worked.

Here’s a curious thing: about 3-4 years ago, I began a weight-loss and execise program. I eliminataed all sources of sugar and all breads and pasta. Remember, I was going for weight loss. Along the way, after about eight months, the frequency of my headaches went from one every day to maybe one or two per month.

I, gradually, drifted away from all the diet and exercise, mostly due to other life obligations and the headaches returned.

Why did the diet and exercise work? None of my doctors can give me an answer.

I have tried several times to repeat the diet and exercise program but, usually, have to give up because, as one might expect, there is a lot of pain involved in getting into shape. Additionally, with each year, exercise gets more difficult (old age).

Obviously something in the abovementioned routine worked, but what? I still don’t know and I can’t get any doctor to help me with an exercise program by providing pain meds to get me over the “hump.”

I think there’s a huge clue there that should be investigated.

Millions of people suffer migraines and we have all read about the costs of lost productivity, etc. However, I am not aware of any large-scale medical study to help find the cause and cure.

HELP!!!!

— Posted by Barry
*
103.
October 26th,
2007
8:44 am

Every migraine sufferer is different, so don’t think any one of us has the solution for you. Here’s my experience as a migraine patient who is also a physician. First, re amitriptylene, it’s an old-line drug that is extensively studied, so many doctors prescribe it for that reason, but it really isn’t any better than it’s cousin nortriptylene, which is less sedating and less prone to weight gain. If a tricyclic antidepressant works, switch to nortriptylene. Second, topamax, many patients swear by it, but watch your brain closely, i.e. if you start to feel that you can’t think as well as you thought you could, get off the topamax and watch your intelligence come back. I was taking half of the smallest pill and couldn’t prepare for a lecture that I’d given many times before and had all the notes ready for! Third, natural remedies, my neurologist put me onto a combination of magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and extract of butterbur that has been effective at preventing or decreasing the severity of attacks. Back to pharma remedies, ask about verapamil, it’s a blood pressure medication that doesn’t have the side effects of the others and works well for some of us. Finally, many migraines are triggered by perfumes, and perfume may be easier to give up than chocolate if that’s true for you! I don’t think you have to feel this bad.

— Posted by Jean
*
104.
October 26th,
2007
8:44 am

I suffer from terrible migraines occasionally. I’ve learned a main trigger for me is when I get dehydrated and don’t eat much and then have a glass of wine before or with dinner; I have to be careful after spending a day on the golf course, it’s so tempting to celebrate and relax with a drink at the 19th hole.

Anyway, it seems wrong that you’d eliminate food; EAT already, every few hours. Drink water, exercise and try not to have so much stress in your life. How can you write columns with migraines? Girl, you need to take better care of yourself.

— Posted by Susan B
*
105.
October 26th,
2007
8:44 am

If you do the whole program it can work. My wife had 3-4 a week for 25 years and for the last 5 years has been down to less than 5 a year. She has added back many foods after careful testing, but needed the whole program at first–there is no rhyme or reason to the individual foods that get her. It restored a life.

— Posted by Gary Boyd
*
106.
October 26th,
2007
8:50 am

The most frustrating thing about migraines is not being able to pinpoint the exact cause so we can effectively manage them. If it were that easy, we would all be migraine-free or at least manage better than we do now. Your experience mirrors mine with a sudden and unexplained change in pattern (increased frequency and duration) last year which led to increased use of Imitrex to the point where my insurance would not cover additional prescription refills. New neurologist, more tests, a scare that taking so much Imitrex with my particular symptoms could increase stroke risk led to no more Imitrex and a try with Topomax. I was a bit freaked out at the thought of anti-siezure drugs, and I really didn’t think it would work, but I was willing to try ANYTHING. I also began a daily meditation practice. Not sure what it was, but from 6-10 headaches a month to a couple every 3 months a year later, I am a very, very happy woman. I am coming off the Topomax now and so far, so good. Everyone has different reactions to drugs, so side effects are unpredictable, but the only ones I suffered were some slight fatigue (just “took the edge off” my energy level), minor dehydration–easily combatted by drinking more water, and weight loss-which many people don’t seem to mind, though if you are thin, it can be a problem. Some minor word-find problems–but I seemed to be the only person who noticed that & it was one of the same effects of my migraines, so either way, it was something I suffered…rather have it without the pain. It feels like drugs shouldn’t be the answer, but if it is, why suffer? Without being able to know for sure what the cause is, all the other changes to diet, etc. are just best guesses at managing your suffering as well. Try everything…what do you have to lose? You can always stop if it isn’t working. I wish you well.

— Posted by Erin
*
107.
October 26th,
2007
8:50 am

What a great column! I too suffer with migraines on a regular basis. I too am on Amitriptyline and it’s caused me to gain weight. I’ve tried the withdrawal method and it didn’t work for me. After reading all these comments though, maybe I’ll give acupuncture a try!

— Posted by Caprice
*
108.
October 26th,
2007
8:51 am

I am surprised that no one has mentioned B-2. My son suffers from migraines and he started taking 400 mg. of B-2 every morning. He went from several migraines a month to one a year. I learned about it from someone else standing in line at the pharmacy while I was refilling his Imitrex prescription. The research on it was all done in Belgium. It is worth trying.

— Posted by Sarah F.
*
109.
October 26th,
2007
8:52 am

Judith, I suffer from migraines and so do my two sons. Each of them started having migraines at about age 10. Avoiding certain foods and tension are great preventative measures, but the BEST advice my doctor gave me was to keep a strict routine of going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time (and aiming for the elusive eight hours a night). He also said that you don’t have to avoid caffeine, as long as you have the same amount at the same time every day. This advice has worked wonders for us. On weekends my friends groan when I leave parties early, my sons sometimes get angry that they can’t stay up late, and I have been accused of being rigid about my sleep routine, but it works and I have saved myself and my sons countless hours of suffering or being drugged up.

— Posted by Suzanna Engman
*
110.
October 26th,
2007
8:53 am

Although my migaines have decreased in severity and frequency as I got older, I still get them. One thing that has really helped is to take magnesium every night. I started with a low dose and increased it until I got loose stools. For me, caffeine helps to control migraines, in addition to daily exercise, no sugar and regular sleep habits.

— Posted by Elly
*
111.
October 26th,
2007
8:54 am

I get alot of headaches,but rarely migraines.It’s an all-day everyday,low grade headache.I was given topamax and they disappeared! I loved it-until i kept getting urinary tract infections.3 in 2 months!Maybe that’s just me though.
When I used to get migraines,my doctor gave me Cafergot.They’re basically super strong caffiene pills.They worked pretty well,but getting a divorce cured my migraines!

— Posted by elizabeth
*
112.
October 26th,
2007
8:56 am

Judith, I feel your pain! I have tried all of the triptans with no success. I tried Topomax and couldn’t take the side effects; wouldn’t recommend against trying it as it works for some people, but for me it was awful. The worst was the loss of cognitive ability; I couldn’t even think properly! (The weight loss was a bonus though!) Eventually, my neurologist sent me home with Demerol and Phenergan to inject myself. You know you have to be in really unbearable pain to give yourself a shot! Eventually, I stopped narcotics and just took Ibuprofen (800 mgs, 4 pills) and that helped some, especially because you don’t get rebound headaches from it as with Tylenol or narcotics. I was very sick this past summer with Pulmonary Emboli, and aside from one migraine in the hospital, the headaches went away for a while. I thought that maybe it was from being on a blood thinner, but they are starting to come back now. My neurologist currently has me on an anti-depressant, beta blocker, blood pressure med, (although I don’t have high blood pressure) for the migraines. I don’t think they really help. Next, I think it may be time to try Botox if they continue to come back and be really frequent again. I am too busy with my kids (6 total, including 2 step-kids), to be in the bed all the time, and this is not the way I want them to think about their mother during their childhoods! Very frustrating-good luck to you, and to me! Judy

— Posted by Judy
*
113.
October 26th,
2007
8:57 am

Believe it or not, I know people who USED to suffer as Judith does… until they discovered the healing properties of natural, organic medical marijuana.

— Posted by Tom
*
114.
October 26th,
2007
8:58 am

My migraine history started when I was five or six and lasted until I was 55, when I found a doctor who practices “functional medicine.” She said that migraines are a symptom, not a disease, and started giving me tests to determine the underlying cause. We did a simple food allergy test and I discovered six foods that I react to: wheat, eggs, brewer’s yeast, kidney beans, buckwheat and cranberries. I would never have been able to determine these foods by trial and error. But eliminating them from my diet has eliminated the migraines. I have adapted by learning to cook Mexican and Indian cuisine. The only alchohol I drink is silver tequila (it is distilled, not fermented) and is not a bad option.

— Posted by Karen
*
115.
October 26th,
2007
8:59 am

Judith, I suffered from migraine headaches most of my life though not as frequently as you do. Mine started when I was 17. I averaged one a week, sometimes two and sometimes I would go several weeks without one. I awoke with them, they lasted 12 hours. I dozed off and on in a darkened room with no heat and could not stand any smells. When they ran their course, my head felt like someone had hit it with a hammer. Some drugs were just starting to come out at that time. I never took them but did try painkillers which did not help. I read about all the triggers as soon as this information began to come out and stayed away from as many triggers as I could. However, I was and continued to be a smoker until my mid to late 40’s. Migraines ran in my family although my mother did not have them, her mother and one sister did. My aunt told me when I went through Menapause, they would stop. My menapause started at age 50 and my migraines stopped. I was on Premarin HRT for 7 years after that and then had to stop. Before stopping and since I was in a Women’s Health Initiative Study, however, I was asked by my doctor to combine progesterone with my Premarin to see if that would be helpful. I immediately got a migraine. She then suggested a synthetic Progesterin which I took once and which gave me a severe migraine which lasted three straight days. I gave up all HRT at that time when I was age 57 and have not had a migraine since in the last 13 years. I don’t know if this is helpful but it is my story. Devi

— Posted by Devi Benjamin
*
116.
October 26th,
2007
9:00 am

Thanks for a column that gives those of us who struggle with chronic illness not to feel like wimps for taking our meds. I grew up with a mother who gave me whiskey for my asthma instead of the meds prescribed by our GP (remember when there were GPs?) because of the then-current theories of the psychogenic nature of asthma. I still struggle today with taking all the meds I’m supposed to take but, in the end, I work it out with my physician and pay attention to my body and how it feels and do what I need to do. I also do alternative therapies, like psychotherapy, physical therapy, acupuncture; I eat organic and carefully; etc etc. It’s not an either/or - it’s what do *I* need to do to feel as good as I can in my body?

PS you’re probably perimenopausal, right? The migraines will abate post-menopause.

— Posted by Martha
*
117.
October 26th,
2007
9:01 am

Try Coenzyme Q10 150 mg/day. It is safe and has been shown in studies compared to placebo to be effective in reducing migraine frequency.

— Posted by Dan
*
118.
October 26th,
2007
9:02 am

I was fortunate enough to be treated by Dr. Buchholz almost 15 years ago for my migraines. I went on his diet and remain on it today. It’s not easy and takes many months but with some diligence you can have some control over your migraines. I can even indulge in my trigger foods (alcohol, preservatives) every now and then if I am vigilent on the intake, frequency, and have extra water. My migraines have not been completely eliminated - stress, weather, dehydration, can cause one, but they are dramatically reduced and I feel like I have much more power over my own body.

— Posted by Kara
*
119.
October 26th,
2007
9:02 am

I’m surprised no one has mentioned beta blockers as a preventative migraine medicine. I started having migraines in my late 30s and was quickly incapacitated by their frequency and strength (several times a week and I was usually forced to bed with codeine to manage the pain). I wasn’t helped by any of the immediate acting drugs. My migraines were finally controlled by depakote (taken daily) but like others I hated the side effects, such as gaining weight. Finally I switched to beta blockers (specifically Inderal LA), which at high doses controlled the migraines and didn’t give me any appreciable side effects.

After three years on Inderal with no headaches, my neurologist gave me the go ahead to wean myself off over the course of 4 months. (My reason for stopping is that I’m planning on getting pregnant - otherwise I probably would have continued on Inderal.) I’ve had one migraine in the last few months since completely stopping the Inderal, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they don’t return.

Beta blockers probably aren’t for everyone, but I wanted to at least voice my story as someone who was immensely helped by having that in my medication arsenal.

— Posted by Kate
*
120.
October 26th,
2007
9:03 am

Hopefully a preventive medication will help you. First, there is an inaccuracy in the story. Some migraineurs are susceptible to rebound headaches, migraines which become more frequent, when they take symptomatic medications such as triptans (Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Axert, Relpax, Amerge, Frova), Tylenol, Excedrin, codeine, butalbital, etc. more than 2 days per week not 2 days per month as Ms. Warner states.

Food avoidance diets are controversial-the scientific literature does not support avoiding every food and alcoholic beverage which causes migraine in some people as you tried. If a migraineur notices that a headache is triggered by a certain food such as chocolate or a hot dog or red wine within several hours then avoidance is reasonable.

For those with frequent migraines, preventive medications help to reduce the frequency of migraines by 50% or more in about 50% of those who try the medicine. The disadvantage is the cost of the medicine and possible side effects. The most effective preventive medicines are beta blockers such as Inderal, Elavil (or Effexor which has less side effects than Elavil), Topamax, and Depakote. As Ms. Warner states, Elavil can cause some people to gain weight as can Inderal and especially Depakote (Depakote should be used with extreme caution in women of child bearing age as it can commonly cause birth defects). Effexor is usually weight neutral and Topamax may cause weight loss.

30 million people in the United States have migraine per year. The drugs are far from perfect and we do need better treatments for migraine. Unfortunately, the NIH is only spending about $13 million per year on migraine research. If you care about migraine, you might ask your congressional representative why we’re not spending more money to understand the cause and to find better treatments for a disease that can so profoundly impair so many people’s lives as Ms. Warner’s column and the comments document.

— Posted by Randolph W Evans, MD
*
121.
October 26th,
2007
9:04 am

Migraine triggers vary, I’m sure, but for what it’s worth, avoiding these foods has ALL BUT ELIMINATED MY MIGRAINES (oh . . . also semi-retirement helps as does, simply, getting older): All runny cheeses like brie, chocolate, red wine (but white wine, beer, whiskey in moderation are OK; alcohol beyond moderation can set them off), anything with msg, nitrates. I cannot avoid storms coming on (abrupt barometric pressure changes seem to be the trigger) but for them Sudafed 30 mg and Aleve or similar NSAID (but not Tylenol) taken early usually work.

— Posted by David Feldman
*
122.
October 26th,
2007
9:05 am

Judith,
Wonderful article. In the early days of my migraines, I bought & read Dr. Buchhholz’s book. I eliminated most foods from my diet for several years to little avail, perhaps because I did not stop taking my meds.
I have to agree with Tom who posted above (especially after reading all the posts). There is no ONE solution that fits all migraneurs. I also feel for women (of all ages), our situation is complicated by our hormones. You demonstrate this clearly by describing a change in your migraines at age 35. Many other women say after the birth of their child they get migraines or they go away - they change. It seems a simple solution would be oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy. While this works for some women, others it intensifies their migraines. Again, there is no ONE answer for every migraine sufferer. To underline what Tom said, it is a journey to figure out what works for you and (I’ll add) at different times of your life.
I did resent the comment submitted saying my migraines are “repressed emotional pain”. While I do acknowledge stress, anxiety and depression affect my migraines, they are not “all in my head”. While it is true some headache sufferers find relief when they are released from their emotional pain, most migraneurs will not. Again, no ONE solution…
Lastly, their are something like 80+ preventative agents people have said have worked for them - approx. 40 pharmaceuticals and equal number of alternative. That’s a lot. Some are listed here. But all do not work on all people. It is a lot of trial and error - with your pain.
I too struggle with the quality of life vs. side effects. I believe all those with chronic conditions do. Even if you find relief now, it will raise its head in the future as your body and hormones change.
Learning to live with migraines and the changes they have brought to my life has been one of the greatest challenges, almost greater than the pain itself.
Thank you for writing such an inspirational article.

— Posted by Peg
*
123.
October 26th,
2007
9:11 am

Judith, I guess there must be some solace in having a lot of fellow migraine sufferers who make up this community of pain. Aargh! Fortunately for me, menopause seems to have ended my migraines, but that’s not much hope to hold out for a younger woman. From reading comments, it seems each person has an individual path to relief. Imitrex and butalbital gave me relief for the two or three days a month I suffered when the hormones dictated. The drugs put me in an uncomfortable haze—but I was able to function and work. I gave up red wine for a long time–it didn’t stop the headaches but it seemed to make them worse if I drank it. I hope you and every other sufferer finds their path to relief—soon.

— Posted by Judy
*
124.
October 26th,
2007
9:12 am

Judith, after 20 years of migraines I’ve discovered that 80% of the time mine come from barometric pressure changes. I can predict the weather better than a meteorologist! I’m on Elavil and Topamax but my formula for successful treatment when they hit me hard is: a strong cup of coffee, Relpax, hydrocodone and an ice pack. Usually in 20-30 minutes it begins to ease up. Good luck and thanks for the article.

— Posted by Holly
*
125.
October 26th,
2007
9:16 am

I was prescribed Topamax to deal with my migraines, but the side effects ended up making me feel nearly as bad as the migraines. It affected my sense of taste (everything tasted slightly bitter), but more importantly, it heightened any anxiety that I had (I never knew that I had any claustrophic tendencies, but while on Topamax, I could not have an MRI done without taking Valium). I completely agree with everyone who has mentioned acupuncture, however. Without it, I don’t know what I would do.

— Posted by Mike
*
126.
October 26th,
2007
9:17 am

Wow! There are so many of us out there with the same migraine experiences! Relpax, Topamax, anti-depressants… I’ve been there, done that.

I am 34 years old, I have a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old, I work full time, and I am happy to say my migraines have decreased significantly in recent years. I was at a point two years ago where I was taking my Relpax almost daily (yes, the rebound headaches are a reality). Desperate, I allowed my neurologist to coax me into trying the Topamax. For me, a huge mistake. I hated every minute of it. It made me sick, and it made me feel completely dumb (I couldn’t put a complete thought together, let alone carry out a simple task without having to think twice about it). I could not function at home or at work. Well anyway, after ending up bedridden for two days because the Topamax made me so sick and dizzy I couldn’t get off the couch, I knew I had to try something different.

Long story short, here’s what finally worked for me:

Stopped taking birth control pills.
Stopped drinking diet pop, or consuming anything with asparatame or other artificial sweetners.
Started going to a chiropractor.

Honestly, the chiropractor changed my life. I was ready to try acupuncture, but I didn’t need to once I started going to the chiropractor. I now get maybe one headache a month, and it’s nothing like the ones I used to get. Sometimes, I can even treat it with just Advil!

I still enjoy chocolate and other “trigger” foods. I do think sometimes that they have an effect on me. I try to watch what I eat and drink (moderation is key), and I try to drink plenty of water each day. But, I can honestly say that the key to my migraine management is my monthly visits to the chiropractor.

I hope this helps someone! In my own opinion, prescription drugs are definitely NOT the answer, although I know they are sometimes necessary along the way. We do what we have to in order to keep going. I would encourage anyone to explore the benefits of diet and lifestyle management, along with alternative forms of medicine like chiropractic and acupuncture, prior to beginning a daily preventative medication. Anything we put into our bodies is bound to have several unwanted, and sometimes very dangerous, side effects.

— Posted by Jenny
*
127.
October 26th,
2007
9:17 am

Thank you for sharing your migraine story; I, too, am a migraineur.

One thing that is so clear to me from reading the comments and from listening to friends with migraines: NO one treatment modality works for EVERY person. Topamax is a miracle drug for some, a disaster for others. Acupunture works like a charm for some, not at all for others (me included). Buchholz’s regimen has given some people their life back, and has made some people’s life worse (migraines and food deprivation!).

While I wouldn’t want you to write about your migraines too much, I would definitely love to hear again about how migraines impact your life and how you are dealing with them.

— Posted by Alison
*
128.
October 26th,
2007
9:18 am

Topamax never helped my life-long migraines and has left me with permanent vision distortion. The sides affects (as mentioned by Janie Stocher, above) were horrific.

Get off all the triptans and OTC - the rebounds are real, and can be managed once you get past them. I use magnesium/feverfew/B2 supplement for preventative, and homeopathy when a migraine pops up - and yes, they are largely hormone related, even though most conventional MDs will not admit it. Birth control pills made mine worse.

I also avoid more than a very small amount of caffeine (tea is good), sulfites in red wine, aspartame (NutraSweet is a nasty trigger). Regular exercise helps, too. Chiropractic/massage therapy is also good.

Sleep and eat on a regular schedule, exercise moderately, meditate to deal with stress…yes, I still suffer occassionally - hoping menopause will take care of that…but it’s better than being drugged up all the time!

Good luck to you - you’re not alone!

— Posted by Cyndi Pauwels
*
129.
October 26th,
2007
9:18 am

I wonder if you could add this to my comment (I really would like to share with others how I was helped)
Another IMPORTANT part of my doctor’s advice was to also implement a strict schedule for eating. That means eating three meals a day at the same time every day. Again, people criticize me for being rigid (no late dinners, even on weekends), but I am mostly migraine free and I still get to eat chocolate and drink red wine.

— Posted by Suzanna
*
130.
October 26th,
2007
9:18 am

please try acupuncture, and just as importantly, chinese herbs. they are wonderful for a variety of symptoms with next to no side effects. both have helped me out immensely with both migraines and insomnia. i now get only about 10 migraines per year, as opposed to one every other day, and get a full nights sleep every night, without sleeping pills, which are evil!

— Posted by michelle
*
131.
October 26th,
2007
9:19 am

Judith,

The reason why I love reading your column is because you write sentences like, “I came to almost enjoy being on my diet, exploring my capacity for hunger and self-abnegation, obsessing over what foods I could eat, and how, and when”. This was exactly my state of mind whenever I quit a bad habit but I could never explain it so precisely. You continue to put my experiences and other’s experiences into words so that we can read your column and say yeah, that’s it, exactly. Magnificent.

Good luck with the migranes. My mother dealt wth them for years. Eliminating fried foods, chocolate and some other things helped her but I think, as the one gentleman put it, that there are multiple sources and over time you’ll figure out most of them through trial and error.

— Posted by Dave
*
132.
October 26th,
2007
9:19 am

Judith, my cousin loves her neurologist, Dr. Susan Rubin (who specializes in treating women), and now my sister has seen her, too. Dr. Rubin advises against tracking your triggers, because it is impossible to know how they interact, and you’ll drive yourself nuts trying to eliminate them all. (And doesn’t it smack of “blame the victim”? I hate that.) Instead, she prescribes preventive medications: the beta-blocker Inderal (atenolol in comment #56 is another beta-blocker) for starters, along with drugs like Topamax or Depakote, which can have more side effects (my cousin loved Topamax, but she developed kidney stones and had to give it up). My cousin takes the antidepressant trazodone for her TMJ, and that, like your Elavil, also may help prevent migraines.

Dr. Rubin doesn’t stint on treating symptoms, either: (1) Triptans at the first sign of migraine. (2) Pain relievers (e.g., Fioricet, Vicodin, Percocet) if the triptan doesn’t do the trick. (3) Compazine or Zofran for migraine-associated nausea/vomiting. (4) When a single migraine has lasted more than 48 hours (as yours seem to, Judith), Dr. Rubin withdraws all painkillers and my cousin takes a 5-day tapered course of oral steroids. This works to (a) shut down the headache and (b) reduce the chance of rebound headaches.

Judith, it sounds to me like Dr. Rubin’s approach might be something to talk over with your neurologist.

— Posted by Amy R. in Chicago
*
133.
October 26th,
2007
9:20 am

In my experience, food elimination worked perfectly — headaches both severe and mild -are mostly gone. Presently I’m working with an NAET practitioner, which based on acupuncture principles helps desensitize you from food and environmental triggers. I’ve been doing it just a couple of months and have been able to eat small amounts of yogurt without symptoms. I’m hoping to reintroduce chocolate!

Michelle

— Posted by Michelle
*
134.
October 26th,
2007
9:22 am

Interesting reading. Barometric weather changes began my entry into the “migraine” world as I approached menopause. I have about 2 per month. My doctor explained that some migraines are really more sinus related, but the symptoms are the same. I believe hormone fluctuations also play a huge role in this illness. More studies need to be done with women , menopause, and migraine frequency. Maxalt has been my life saver. Thanks for your article .

— Posted by Val from Chicago
*
135.
October 26th,
2007
9:23 am

Come lurk on the usenet group alt.support.headaches.migraine You’ll see why most of us call it “Dopamax” for a reason. Everybody’s different but it seems a preponderance of folks on ASHM who have tried it get The Stupids, and they don’t go away. I don’t think Dopamax is going to do wonders for your writing, and your hands might become so numb it’s hard to type. But it might make you lose a few pounds. Topamax has such a high side effect profile that many of us who tried it have stopped taking it. It sent me to the ER with acute muscle spasm. And those who put up with the side effects found that it stopped working after some months. I agree with many of the previous posters. Try acupuncture, yoga, feverfew, butterbur, CoQ10, riboflavin, magnesium, whatever. I distrust the extreme diets. If you haven’t identified food triggers by now you probably don’t have them. And it seems that the once maligned member of the four major food groups, chocolate, is not the culprit it was once thought. Just stay away from aspartame. Happy Halloween!

— Posted by Martha
*
136.
October 26th,
2007
9:24 am

Judith, It is so hard for a parent to see their child develop migraines at 17 years old, and have them itensify through the years. Whereas I may have 2 or 3 a year, my daughter succombs many times a month. She has tried just about everything recommended by physicians, Headache Clinics, drug trials, and well-minded frieds and fellow-sufferers. I, myself, have had an enormous amount of relief frollowing back surgery by having Reiki Massage/Energy treatments. I, therefore, enrolled in a Reiki Workshop taking place this month, and my only hope is that I can somehow help Kelly deal with this debilitating condition.

— Posted by Kelly's Mom
*
137.
October 26th,
2007
9:26 am

Protalgine! I lived in France for 9 years and didn’t think I could ever leave a country that sold codeine over the counter. Protalgine, Codoliprane, I loved them all… I still have boxes stockpiled. I never had a headache in my life until I was 31, when I suddenly developed (one night while working in a newsroom) a skull-fracturing, blinding migraine. Since then I get full-body migraines that last days or weeks at a time. The only thing that works is narcotics, and aspirin, curiously enough. And caffeine, though don’t over do it. (And, in the ER, intravenous Reglan - it’s an antinausea drug but it can break a migraine on its own, without morphine.) Relpax or Maxalt you have to take at the very beginning — which I usually miss, no matter how well I know the prodrome — and I find them scary; they shrink the blood vessels too much, too fast. Narcotics are not scary in moderation. The thought that I couldn’t GET narcotics, now that’s scary. Luckily, my doctor understands that I’m not taking the stuff for fun. Without pain medicine I would spend half the month under the bed in the fetal position. As it is, I function fine and, now that I understand my triggers, have far fewer attacks. One thing I found: Hot water on the head causes a migraine. So I take lukewarm showers. Buchholz is helpful, but if you’ve got a bad headache that’s not responding to his measures, take the medicine! A headache out of control causes damage and primes your head to hurt worse the next time.

— Posted by migraineuse
*
138.
October 26th,
2007
9:28 am

Judith, I am so sorry for your suffering. I can relate to your story almost exactly. Last January I was getting about 10-12 migraines per month, had tried every preventive drug out there, and was at my wit’s end. I was gulping down imitrex like crazy. I would like to share with you the things that have helped me. By no means am I saying “you must do this” because as a migraineur, I get annoyed when people insist that the cure for them will be the cure for me. We’re all too different.

I tried the 1-2-3 plan and found that it helped. But at the same time I also read 2 books that ended up changing my life. They are “Break Through Pain” by Shin Zin Young and “Full Catastrophe Living” by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Both books include companion CDs with guided meditations. I meditate for 45 minutes a day and am virtually migraine-free. I never thought it would be possible.

I tried topamax and it did work for me, but I was one of the people that had very bad side effects (blurry vision and double vision). I’ve also had occipital nerve blocks and had good results. I hope you find a cure soon!

— Posted by Kelly Fadden
*
139.
October 26th,
2007
9:30 am

Thank you for writing about this topic. It is comforting to read about others suffering from migraines, as well and to open a dialogue about what to do. In this modern age of medicine, it is amazing how little doctors really seem to be able to do. Although drugs have their role, we must be wary of excessive pill popping as we may come to know their true consequences only years later.

— Posted by Amy
*
140.
October 26th,
2007
9:31 am

Boy–I know how you feel!! I have had migraines since I was eight too! As I got older, they went off of the chart. I have had as many as 50 migraines in a row. I too, have had every medication, every treatment, aromatherapy, herbal supplement, and food taken out of my diet. I have had MRIs done and drug studies. One doctor even told me that migraines were a symptom of a brain tumor–great!

Anyway, I finally found a wonderful neurologist that has me on two preventative meds (a Beta blocker and Topamax) and Zomig for the migraines that I do get.

There is relief, it is just very hard to find!

BTW–I still eat chocolate–it was a not a problem!!

— Posted by Pamela
*
141.
October 26th,
2007
9:32 am

As a person who has suffered migraines for years I can honestly say I have been migraine free for four years. How? simple, take magnezium, 250 g
each day. end of story, it worked for me and many others I have recommended this to. Magnesium reduces the constriction of the blood vessels in the forhead.

— Posted by marie hughes
*
142.
October 26th,
2007
9:33 am

Liver toxicity is often the cause of migranes. I take Dr Chi’s liver chi when I get a migrane. I would never take drugs, since they exacerbate the polluted liver aspect. I eat as organic as I can, but since peri-menopause, I do still get the occasional migraine. Cleansing is the best way to health in this polluted environment we live in.

— Posted by Laura
*
143.
October 26th,
2007
9:34 am

I have had migraines since early teen years (I am now 45). However, I have managed to nearly eliminate their impact. I’d say I have a truly painful one only about once or twice a year at this point. I still get the “auras” more frequently, but I believe that I have found a way to contain it and prevent it from transitioning into the pain/nausea level.

First off, I have disciplined myself over the years to not eat a variety of tasty stuff - chocolate, red wine, coffee (or anything with caffeine), few nuts, very little cheese. I also make sure to stay very hydrated all the time, particularly if I am doing exercise. Finally, when I feel myself getting particularly stressed out (say, at work), I stop and take a series of deep breaths to get more relaxed - and drink more water!!

After 30 years of migraine experience, I can say categorically that these steps have had a very positive impact. People think I’m weird because I don’t eat all this stuff, but the alternative is simply unacceptable for me. Other people may not be able to make these sacrifices.

Now, about dealing with the onset of a headache:
As soon as I sense that one is beginning, I immediately sit upright in a comfortable chair (I think lying down only makes it worse), close my eyes and start to breath very slowly and try to not think about anything - sort of like meditation, I guess, although I’ve never actually thought of it as such. I also drink ice cold water as I sit and apply a cold pack or ice to various points on my head and neck. I think it is very important to “stay cool” in all senses of the word during this time. The important thing is to continue this for a long time - well after the aura and other visual or mental impairments seem to pass.

Will this work for other people? Who knows. But I can say that I am no longer anxiety-ridden about migraines and feel that I have a good amount of control over the experience. If this only helps one other person, I’d be happy.

— Posted by Gordon
*
144.
October 26th,
2007
9:35 am

What a nightmare! I too have migraines, but not nearly on the scale you have them - although I have had to go to the ER for them a few times. My first one was terrifying - not so much for the pain and vomiting, but because I had three children under the age of 5 at that time and no one to help me take care of them, so I turned two bookcases on their sides to block off the stairways, sat upright in the living room propped in the corner of the couch with a soft blanket held over my eyes as much of the time as possible, with a trash can next to me to throw up in, and plugged cartoon movie after movie into the VCR until my two older children came home from school. Then I collapsed in a dark room for the next 18 hours.

Unfortunately, I am allergic to most pain meds and many other pharmaceuticals. I try to stay off of the medicines. I feel fortunate that my migraines are so seldom, and that I am in good health in general, so I can do this. It’s hard for me to try new medicines - the risk of ER or intensive care sort of puts me off a bit. A Demerol injection once gave me a runaway heart, pulse over 200, BP dangerously low, two days in intensive care, totally out of my head… it did get rid of the migraine though…

Take care. I hope that you can find a way to manage your migraines without giving up too much.

— Posted by MGM
*
145.
October 26th,
2007
9:38 am

I have to add my two cents about what has helped my wife. CoQ10 and magnesium, along with regular visits to a chiropractor. These simple things have greatly reduced her migraines. All recommended by her neurologist, who also suffers from migraines.

— Posted by Daley
*
146.
October 26th,
2007
9:41 am

I don’t mean to be flip, but have you tried swimming? I realize you have been dealing with this nearly your entire life and have heard many suggestions, but regular swimming made a huge difference for me. A good hour a day of exercise, from walking, riding the bike while reading the NYTimes at the health club, or swimming even 10 minutes, really stops my headaches.

Try the back stroke, and you won’t have to have your face go in and out of the water. Swimming is very meditative, and I think also stimulates creativity.

It does take a health club with a pool, carrying a lot of stuff, towels, change of clothes, etc. And you have to dry your hair, etc. But compared to trips to the emergency room, it may be well worth it.

— Posted by Kathleen
*
147.
October 26th,
2007
9:41 am

Try a couple of mgs of good quality balanced fish oil each day. I’ve been amazed by how much better I feel. I started taking it because it’s supposed to be good for my heart and circulation. It’s also helpful with my ADHD. I’ve read that it helps to get oxygen deeper into the brain. I’ve been wondering lately if that extra oxygen or something is also helping with my migraines. I’ve noticed that since I started taking fish oil about 6 months ago I haven’t had any migraines. I’ve had several annoying headaches but they have been easier to deal with and go away much more quickly than the migraines ever did. It’s been nice not having the auras, nausea and I don’t miss that railroad-spike in the head feeling.
A quick internet search shows some research that fish oil may be helpful for some migraines. This means taking something every day for the rest of my life but at least there don’t seem to be any side effects and it’s good for you.

— Posted by Kate
*
148.
October 26th,
2007
9:43 am

I am an infrequent migraine sufferer, but my episodes come with less pain and more of a strange congitive effect. After the aura sets in I seem to lose all control of cognition, speech is slurred and I can’t seem to interpret works or hold a train of thought. The only thing I can compare it to is being drunk to the point of passing out. My doctor does not seem worried about it and I’ve had a CT scan just to be safe.

I’m just curious if other migraine sufferers experience anything similar, as i said I don’t get the severe head pain…just the cognition symptoms along with some dull pain & nausea the next day.

— Posted by eric
*
149.
October 26th,
2007
9:45 am

No simple solutions- but several good ideas mentioned above

Take Magnesium with calcium- it can be taken regardless of what meds or other dietary changes you make. Should be a ratio of something like 1200 calcium to 600 magnesium

Drink water- especially in winter- we often don’t feel thirsty but need more water

Avoid a lot of salt- it causes membranes to swell and can bring on headaches

Finally- I am a fan of chiropractic- Weekly adjustments- then down to once a month- (similar to orthodontic theory) have got me feeling much more relaxed, no constant cramps in neck, no more lower back pain.

— Posted by Mary
*
150.
October 26th,
2007
9:46 am

I agree 100% with your experienc with Heal Your Headache. It made me miserable. Migraines took over my life. Before I went on the diet, I was having problems with migraines about 8-10 days a month. After going on the diet, I was having problems about migraines every 3 hours, in other words, every time I was hungry!! Migraines took over my life because I was thinking about migraines and the darn diet every second. And it affected my relationships with those most dear to me. Rather than enjoying my migraine-free days, I was spending all my time agonizing over how I was going to prevent my next one!

I take both zonegran (in the same family as topomax) and a calcium channel blocker and they are worth it to me.

I will say that the Heal Your Headache diet did make me realize that cheese is a trigger. But I eliminated about 500 foods to realize that one was a problem.

— Posted by Anne
*
151.
October 26th,
2007
9:51 am

ER is the worst place to have migraine treatment. For one thing, you never know who will be treating you. For another, drug seekers classically use migraine as a complaint to obtain narcotics in the ER. If at all possible, get treatment from your healthcare provider, not ER. I work in one, and groan whenever I see a chart with that complaint.

— Posted by Theresa Bubenzer
*
152.
October 26th,
2007
9:51 am

My father got them most of his life. We could tell when one was coming because his personality changed. He became a sweet and caring man. So sweet we couldn’t stand it. And we would say, “Oh no, he’s getting a migraine!” He suffered thru them. No drugs then like now. He would douse himself with 4711 cologne. For some reason it helped his state of mind. Wet washclothes on his head like a hat. Lights out, quiet please, no food. Maybe hot tea. It was terrible for him.

They stopped after his first stroke at 69. (My age now). He lived until he was 90, completely clear of them for the last 20 years. He got weaker from old age, but his mind was clear to the end and the strokes never affected his mobility or his mind. And he was headache free.

I don’t get them and my two brothers and sister don’t either.

— Posted by Ernie
*
153.
October 26th,
2007
9:52 am

Regarding post 77, the wheat gluten thing should probably be expanded to gluten from wheat, barley and rye. While it may seem to folk-medicine-esque, it is worth a try. As an autoimmune issue (the body attacks the gluten like it is a disease), the effects can vary from person to person (migraines, thyroid problems, gastrointestinal problems, etc). Again, it may be worth a try. Also, if you want to get a test before committing to the diet, try enterolabs.com.

— Posted by JRM
*
154.
October 26th,
2007
9:54 am

Please accept my humble admiration for all you have achieved in the face of so much pain.

— Posted by Elizabeth
*
155.
October 26th,
2007
9:54 am

One more thing–the study mentioned in comment #42 is being conducted at medical centers all over the country. The hole in the heart is called a patent foramen ovale, and I think it does something like allow non-oxygenated blood to be shunted up to the brain, causing migraine. My cousin signed up with one study and found that she does have the PFO, but they kicked her out of the study because she had *too many* migraines! Now she’s trying to enroll in another local PFO/migraine study in the hopes of having the hole patched (via cardiac catheterization, not open surgery).

— Posted by Amy R. in Chicago
*
156.
October 26th,
2007
9:56 am

Very timely information. I, too, used to suffer from migraines when I was a child. Then, suddenly, to my dismay, they have resurfaced with a vengeance at the ripe ole age of 36.

I, too, will exhaust the diet route before retreating to the well-known Big Pharma route.

Gee, let me write down these meds so that when I do approach my doctor, I already have some information to contend with.

Thank you for the information. I hope your head recovers, as with mine :)

— Posted by Mia
*
157.
October 26th,
2007
9:59 am

It is unfortunate that some medical conditions require that the patient become the medical expert. Who has time for this? So many treatments, so many varied results.

For me, it was getting rid of the meds that caused rebound, going from two drinks/week to none, and getting plenty of sleep–but I still suffer at times.

Obviously your column struck a nerve-thanks.

— Posted by Kate
*
158.
October 26th,
2007
10:00 am

Hi Judith,

Wishing you the best of luck for the migraines. I used to get them often, but have found relief over the years. Haven’t read any books on it; only tried a pill once. It made me feel too spacey so I never tried another.

I do the diet modification. I almost mainline caffeine, but I restrict the other food triggers. I don’t eliminate anything - I just don’t eat Parmesan cheese two days in a row, for example. I rarely ever get them anymore, but I often feel as though a migraine is coming on. Sometimes I’ll run up and down stairs if I feel one coming on and that will eliminate it. I almost always take an Aleve if it feels like it’s starting. No other aspirin works at all for me, including Ibprofen.

The most important thing for me is that I feel angry right before a headache. If I let it affect me, I get the headache, so now I force myself to postpone any reaction to a bad situation until the following day. It works really well for me, no matter how justified the anger might be.

I think of this as playing dodge-ball.

This is weird, but once I get a headache, there’s a point in it where a cup of strong tea with lots of sugar will help eliminate the headache. I can feel when it will work. Chips and salsa work too - usually I’ll have both. (I usually drink tea without sugar, but I need the sugar for the cure.)

I don’t think there’s one cause for all migraines, just as there isn’t one cure.

— Posted by Laura
*
159.
October 26th,
2007
10:00 am

I face a similar pattern, or used to anyway. ~3 migraines a week. Two different kinds, the first the traditional booming, lay in a dark room and cry migraine (mostly on weekends), the second a less intense, but more frequent migraine that I began getting in early 2005 (mostly during work hours). I’ve tried amitryptaline and didn’t like it either, did steroid injection blocks in the nerves behind my ears, and am now mostly happily on Topamax. 50 mg a day. It’s been life changing.

Good luck, I truly sympathize. And you’re courageous- I’ve not had the will to give up all my foods.

— Posted by Lynne in Los Angeles
*
160.
October 26th,
2007
10:03 am

I’m a 59-year-old male and have had migraines for 54 years.

Each migraineur has a completely different set of triggers. The “good doctor” is a bandwagon-jumper, selling nothing new for good cash. Save your money, folks…I don’t know how he can generalize like he does; rebound headaches can SOMETIMES happen, and their triggers are as varied as the migraines that set them off. Migraineurs can be a desperate lot, and this man is exploiting his medical credentials with just another self-help guide for those who have shelves of them–none of which work or they’d be in the trash.

I have run the gamut from acupuncture to caffeine elimination, and every drug as it came out found its way to my cabinet. I now find that stress, alcohol and weather changes are my major triggers, usually in combination (I never was much of a drinker, anyway).

I have a two-part regimen of treatment: Early migraines respond to caffeine for me. If I catch them slightly later, I take 1/2 of a Zomig tablet. For really nasty onset, gotta-stop-it now headaches, it’s a shot of Imitrex.

I have tried both Topomax and propanolol as preventatives. THey seemed to work for about 6 weeks, which is sort of the norm for me. Six weeks of any change, and then the headaches return. I took part in a long-term behavioral study that was a part of a doctoral thesis, and found out nothing, except that keeping a daily diary is time-consuming.

The main thing to me is body-awareness. When I’m feeling an early aura, I select my treatment method and carry it out, then try to either get busy or have a lie-down, depending upon what I feel will work best. Sure, I’ve had rebounds from time to time, but I find that they are more likely caused by stress or panic.

Your mileage may vary.

— Posted by paul wilczynski
*
161.
October 26th,
2007
10:03 am

Acupuncture is the only thing that has helped me. I read that Heal your Headache book - the diet seemed to complicated to follow! I suffered daily migraines for 20 years-using imitrex to the point that it was creating rebound headaches. I got involved in a headache clinic at Mass General hospital which involved bio feedback techniques and taking preventative drugs. The only thing I took from the biofeedback was the relief of icing the back of my neck when I felt a headache coming on-and I still use that to this day. The prevenative drug (topomax) did not agree with me-the head of the clinic moved his practice-and it was at that point that I decided to try the non-medicine approach. I have been going for acupuncture for over a a year, and my headaches are far and few between, and when I get them, they are much less severe. It took about 6 months of treatment for me to start feeling any relief-so if you try it-don’t throw in the towel too soon. Good luck!

— Posted by Leslie Clemens
*
162.
October 26th,
2007
10:06 am

Judith,

I had migraines starting in my teens. I think in grade 11 I missed 17 days in the first semester because of migraines-I was about 38 before I knew I could actually get medication to help since regular OTC meds did nothing. Interestingly, my migraines went from 4+ per month to 0 for 5 years while I went through 2 pregnancies and raised babies. Then, 3 years ago they suddenly came back. I have never been able to find triggers. Mine seem to go through cycles now where I will go for months with numerous bouts, and then months with none, with no obvious changes in my life. Go figure. I use Zomig at the earliest sign, and that stops the migraine in its tracks. I can’t believe I used to put up with the pain, visual problems, and slurring for so many years. Hang in there. Thank you for sharing your story.

— Posted by Andrea
*
163.
October 26th,
2007
10:06 am

Mine started when I was nine… I couldn’t raise my head from the couch. They went away, but came back when I was doing grad work in my early 30s. I would get the hole in my vision, the flashing lights… plus I went completely stupid. You could be talking to me, and I wouldn’t have a clue what you were saying. Fortunately, the headaches went away, and all I have left these days (now in my 50s) is the flashing lights, particularly when I don’t get enough sleep. What works for me is regular, extremely vigourous exercise and regular sleep.

— Posted by RMH
*
164.
October 26th,
2007
10:07 am

I had Migraine headaches for years and then poof they disappeared. We had to change our families diet due to my then 8 year old daughter’s health condition and I assumed that must have helped.( I still get them maybe twice a year but over the counter taken at onset get rid of them fast now.) Then I read a book by Ted Bauer titled Maximum Energy. It explained exactly what we had done and WHY it helped our entire family feel better and have more energy. I do not go by his guidelines religiously but I use them everyday and I feel great!

— Posted by Celeste F.
*
165.
October 26th,
2007
10:08 am

Have you tried Maxalt? Great results. Also Zomig.
I had severe migraines about 25 years ago. They began one day and I tried everything…nothing but an injection of valium would help. Then I got divorced and they went away, never to return.

— Posted by Rita C
*
166.
October 26th,
2007
10:08 am

Meditation works for me. I had read in a book (”What Really Matters” by Tony Schwartz) that the author got relief from an oncoming migraine by meditating, and having had lots of migraines, I was really skeptical. But for some reason, the next time I got that visual “aura”, I decided I had nothing to lose. Sat down, crossed my legs, closed my eyes and tried to focus on nothing but my breathing. And it actually worked - not completely, but it took about 80% of the migraine away. And has worked consistently since - I can confidently take about 80% of the edge off a migraine by starting to “meditate” when I get the first signs that it’s coming. I put the word meditate in quotes because I couldn’t stop all my thoughts if my life depended on it - I just sit and try to focus on my breathing. Worth trying if you haven’t already - it might help. Good luck.

— Posted by Frank
*
167.
October 26th,
2007
10:09 am

I’m surprised this hasn’t been mentioned before, but the migraine sufferers I know (including me) have light as their primary trigger. Here’s what helps me avoid them: ALWAYS wear polarized sunglasses unless it’s dark out. Have minimal light in your office to reduce computer screen glare. Flourescent lights that flicker are the worst. A big trigger for me is any activity where my eyes go back and forth from the printed page to the computer screen (change from reflected light on paper to glare on computer screen). My other triggers are processed food (anything baked that’s shelf-stable) and blood sugar variations(I need to eat something healthy every couple of hours).

I should add that I get nausea migraines rather than aura migraines, although the end result is the same - I’m destroyed for the day, and nothing pharmaceutical helps if you can’t keep it down.

— Posted by Jenny
*
168.
October 26th,
2007
10:11 am

Judith: It is ironic that I just happened to see your column today as I head back home from Mayo Clinic Rochester after attending their three-week Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Program. It is an intense cognitive behavioral program with drug taper for those (like myself) who have required multiple medications for chronic pain of all types, including migraines. I am a retired physician and a had a healthy degree of skepticism, but I have witnessed near-miraculous transformations of people who have been in chronic pain for years. The Mayo PRC program has been around for 30 years, and I only wish I had discovered it decades ago for my chronic back pain, now controlled without medication for the first time in 20 years. You owe it to yourself to get the information from the Mayo Clinic website and give it serious consideration. It will be worth the investment of time and money!

— Posted by David Chinoy
*
169.
October 26th,
2007
10:12 am

Headaches,backpain,leg pain,ibs. It’s all the same. I traded one for the other for years until reading the research by Dr. John Sarno.Do yourself a favor and pickup Healing Backpain or the Mind Body Prescription. You can read either one in a few hours. Don’t be put off by the titles. Dr. Sarno’s main symptom was migranes. It will change your life. It did mine.

— Posted by susie
*
170.
October 26th,
2007
10:13 am

I started having migraines when I was 29, and they got progressively worse, particuarly after they figured out that I have a blood-clotting problem that made ergotamain cause blood clots. So I went along suffering for a couple years, dreading the onset of sparkly lights in my vision like I’d dread a home-invasion by a gang of thugs.
One day as I was cringing at the onset of an attack, and friend of mind handed me a marijuana cigarette (called “reefers” by the addicts who smoke them). The sparklies went away. I went on with my day, a little bit buzzed, but I was a dynamo of progress compared to the typical migraine sufferer in mid-attack.
For some reason, the incidence of migraine attacks fell away. Was it the drugs, or something else? Dunno. It’s been about five years since I’ve had a migraine onset, or smoked any marijuana.
SEO

— Posted by seo
*
171.
October 26th,
2007
10:13 am

I suffered from severe migraines for years. When they hit my vision would go, the pain would be unbearable and the vomiting would start. They would last for a day and I would be bed ridden.

Everything changed when I learned to get in a hot tub of water at the onset and close my eyes and place my body in a state of total relaxation. After time I only had to do this on the bed. The more I did the concentration of calm the better I became at the exercise. I have now been free of migraines for over 25 years. I wish you all the best.

— Posted by tk
*
172.
October 26th,
2007
10:13 am

Here’s what I’ve tried: All the ergots, biofeedback, diet (including coffee elimination which the doctor replaced with No Doz & Ovaltine!), acupuncture, channel-blockers, low-dose birth control pill, and barbituates. Here’s what worked: the triptans, particularly self-injected Imitrix, which I fear for its power and worship for its effectivenss. Another great palliative: menopause. For those who are willing to wait. . . .

A good article, with one exception—the flip (and cliche) reference to mothers-in-law as a trigger. Please. Here Ms. Warner feeds the stubborn myth that migraineurs duck out of life when they’re upset by whatever or whomever causes tension. Tension may be a contributing factor, but the roots of migraines, still not strictly known, are complex and–we DO know–physical in nature.

— Posted by Patty
*
173.
October 26th,
2007
10:14 am

As with most people posting, I’ve suffered from migraines since childhood, been to the best specialists available and have tried different variations in medication. The worst was Topamax, frequently referred to as “Dopamax.” On the up side I lost A LOT of weight. On the downside I felt like I was in a stupor, and the dosage was relatively small. As it gradually increased I became even more lightheaded until, while out walking my border collie, I blithely started across an intersection across the light. The horn of the oncoming Mercedes snapped me out of my daze in time to scramble out of the way. I tossed the Topamax that evening and began to experience life again without the dull haze I’d been experiencing. I still get the migraines, which I battle with Maxalt and rest. Topamax may work for you, just know their are side effects. Good luck.

— Posted by Wayne Lemon
*
174.
October 26th,
2007
10:17 am

I have a very similar story. I had food allergies when I was younger and I learned early on to be aware of the effects of every little thing I put in my mouth. As I got older, my allergies dissipated and migraines developed in their place. I moved to New York City a few years ago, and a few headaches a year turned into an almost daily event. I went off birth control, caffeine, and the same laundry list of foods listed in the article. I tried Zomig, Relpax, Maxalt, and finally settled on Axert to get me through the day. Until I begged my doctor to put me on Topamax.

I will say this plainly: I feel that Topamax gave me my life back, but in each day that I gained, I dug a hole I am desperately trying to get out of. My migraines almost immediately subsided, I felt great, lost weight, and felt energized. Then almost exactly at the year mark, I rapidly gained all the weight back and more and have started to suffer from more frequent headaches, though still more manageable than before. I am seeing a rapid decay of my treatment, but if I decrease my dosage even a little, I’ve found myself bedridden for days on end. A doctor tells me my metabolism is virtually shut down from the medicine, and the effects could be permanent. Still, my body is completely dependent on the drugs.

So consider your options carefully. I have a long road ahead, and wouldn’t wish it on else.

— Posted by JR
*
175.
October 26th,
2007
10:18 am

Try a chiropractor. I suffered infrequent migraines but have not since going.

Stay away from drugs (if possible).

Great article.

— Posted by Benjamin
*
176.
October 26th,
2007
10:19 am

Many of the above migraine sufferers refer to an improvement at menopause, and I also can attest to this.

Many of my triggers are environmental - diesel fumes, barometric pressure changes, strobe, cigars (the absolute worst!)…I can drink some wine if I have enough water. Hydration is very important.

If I catch it early enough, Excedrin Migraine will do the trick; otherwise Imitrex is what I use, and I would also like to hug and kiss the inventor!

Good luck!
Kitty

— Posted by Kitty
*
177.
October 26th,
2007
10:23 am

Hi,

Commiserations…

I stumbled upon a pain relief for a milder different kind of headache.. it may be helpful to someone else.. My migraine was a “release-of-tension” type mostly occuring on Saturdays after the working week, and lasting until I could get some sleep in a darkened room. The attacks spoilt my free time.

Eventually I found that taking an aspirin on Friday night relieved the pain of the Saturday attack. I could feel that the migraine attack was still going on (veins throbbing etc) on the Saturday, but it wasn’t debilitating.

After a few years the migraine attacks stopped happening and (fingers crossed) have not returned

— Posted by Richard
*
178.
October 26th,
2007
10:26 am

This is the first time I’ve read your column (I live in San Diego) and I feel so bad for you. I started getting migraines in my early 20s. Mine were definitely hormone-related because, regular as clockwork, I would get a two or three-day migraine beginning on the 17th day of my cycle (shortly after ovulation). I tried every med out there and nothing worked until Imitrex came along.

I believe another poster mentioned menopause as a cure. My mother, who also suffered from migraines, used to promise me that my headaches would subside once I was through the change…and she was right! Aging DOES have its benefits! Good luck to you.

— Posted by Maureen
*
179.
October 26th,
2007
10:27 am

All these many responses suggest that things that work/don’t work are as individual as the migraine sufferers themselves. I was diagnosed with migraine in my early 20’s (after suffering since puberty), but the seeming causes and symptoms were so various, one neurologist finally christened it “common” (as opposed to “classic”) migraine. He suggested dietary restrictions were probably not the answer. Many pills later, I finally started going to a decent chiropractor who worked with an MD certified in acupuncture. In addition to the migraines themselves, some irregularities in a couple of upper vertibrae were causing muscle spasms and putting pressure on some nerves that were causing OTHER headaches in addition. I also studied chigung and learned some pain-control exercises I could do for myself in a darkened room for a few minutes at a time. These measures did not make me migraine- or headache-free, but they controlled symptoms well enough that I could wean myself off other drugs. Plus they managed the other headaches caused by my “neck problem.”

Fortunately, like my mom before me, my migraine frequency declined on its own by my mid-forties, though the “neck problem” still gets me from time to time. Exercise, massage (I taught my husband - aha!) and occasional chiropractor visits keep everything under control. I now only take an ibuprofen (just one!) if I overdo it at the gym.

— Posted by Deborah
*
180.
October 26th,
2007
10:31 am

Judith!!! I am a 51-year old working woman, married, no children, and have tried all of the remedies you did, plus most of the others that have been suggested & tried by others. I can say that the triptan/rebound effect was proven true in my case, though it took some months and a really good neurologist to convince me. I now take about 2 100mg Imitrex/week (down from 5-6/week for over 20 years, or since the drug as been FDA-approved, I think). I recently tried eliminating gluten from my diet, although from what I’ve read, this is only helpful if you have celiac disease (see your doctor for a blood test). If you have it (turns out I don’t) then your body cannot tolerate gluten well (which is in everything - primarily wheat & other breads, rolls, also used as filler in many processed foods). It is also very difficult to get fiber in your diet if you eliminate gluten, causing (for myself) severe constipation, leading to stomach pains which seem to cause an overall pain increase in my lower body which then creeps up to my neck, head…and voila, a migraine. At this point, I am praying menopause will come soon, but I agree with others that more research needs to be done on the seeming-epidemic of migraines in women - I am so sad that I lost so much time to this excrutiating pain, which of course has affected my (so-called) career. I would also say to everyone - this can’t be emphasized enough - long-term physical pain CAUSES depression too - don’t blame yourself!) My employers have always dinged me on my lack of productivity (since I have so much potential!) while implying (at times) that since I work in Big Pharma, there surely must be a cure that I am not using, or am overusing (go figure). Topamax made me SICK SICK SICK - works great for some folks though - but I have also found that amitriptiline has been a huge help and does NOT make me sleepy during the day (should be taken at night - it HELPED me sleep, did NOT cause weight-gain) - AND it is well known that sleep deprivation is a major trigger of migraines. Best wishes and health to all - my thoughts are with you - Judith, please please please write about this again.
Megan H Evanston IL

— Posted by Megan H
*
181.
October 26th,
2007
10:32 am

You have no idea how happy it made me to read this article. When I get a migraine (which like you happens about 12 days of the month) I feel like I am completely alone and nobody understands the severity of the situation.Reading this artcle reminds me that there are other people in headache misery as well! I tried Topomax and it didn’t work but I still encourage it. I currently take an absurd amount of Maxalt (triptin) and my life has significantly improved. I can feel myself building up an immunity to Maxalt though, which scares me to death. With all the smart Doctors out there, how are migranes still so untreatable? Thanks for your words!

— Posted by Anna
*
182.
October 26th,
2007
10:33 am

By now you have a long list of remedies to experiment with. Here’s my contribution: Try glycolax. It’s a powder taken with water, a very gentle, non-habit forming laxative that can be used daily. It causes water to be absorbed into your colon and flushes you out. I used to cope with my migraines by avoiding all sorts of foods, and all that seemed to accomplish was increased anxiety and obsessiveness about what I ate, to no good effect. But taking glycolax works well for me, as well as drinking water throughout the day.

— Posted by Dan
*
183.
October 26th,
2007
10:33 am

I too have been a migraine sufferer & am a retired physician.
Since the diet is so exclusive of many foods & since individuals vary with their tolerance of some of the foods & beverages, I’ve found a “Headache Diary” effective. Keep track of all foods eaten in the 24 hours prior to each headache and eliminate any on the headache diet list in the future. Be mindful that the foods are often additive in their effect. For example, alcohol (especially red wine) increases the sensitivity to other offending agents.
Re your Halloween, try limiting your chocolate to the dark variety & avoid milk chocolate. Works for me.

— Posted by Del
*
184.
October 26th,
2007
10:38 am

I suffer from chronic migraines, atypical facial pain, allodynia, occipital neuralgia, tinnitus, phonosensitivity, and photosensitivity. I have jumped through every hoop the docs have asked me to and more. I’ve tried the meds. I went to an acupuncturist. I tried a chiropractor. I changed my diet. Now I’m seeing a pain management doc who will argue with my psychiatrist till he’s blue in the face because since he can’t fix me he’s convinced it’s all in my head. The ones of us who don’t respond to the recommended treatments are left out in the rain without a coat, so to speak. It’s cold and lonely out here, but maybe some day I’ll find a doc who will listen to me and help me find a way to control the pain I cannot get rid of by any conventional or untraditional methods. I will keep looking and fighting and I won’t give up even though several of them have given up on me.

— Posted by Trisha
*
185.
October 26th,
2007
10:39 am

seven years ago I began having cluster migraines that were totally debilitating, sometimes as often as three times a day. My best friend became Imitrex both pill and injectible.

I was tested in every way that one can test (or atleast it felt like it)

At the end of the day Beta Blockers have had me without a single headache for six years.

— Posted by marc bridenhagen
*
186.
October 26th,
2007
10:39 am

I have experienced migraine aura without headaches for almost 40 years. Anywhere from 6 - 12 times a year I go almost completely blind. This blindness consists of blind spots plus very bright flashing lights and it lasts about 45 minutes. It is terrifying. The major culprit for the aura is nitrites ie bacon, processed meats, etc. Stress and lack of sleep also contribute. About three years ago I learned I have had a silent stroke ( a stroke with no symptoms) and apparently people with my kind of migraine are more prone to having a stroke.

— Posted by jean
*
187.
October 26th,
2007
10:40 am

The only migraines I have ever had were caused by the lack of caffeine, not the consumption of it. My (emphatic) advice is this: if you are going to consume caffeine, especially if you consume a lot of it, then you have to make sure that you consume the same amount of caffeine every day, and at approximately the same times. If you happen to consume significantly less caffeine than usual, or consume it several hours later than usual, you risk triggering a migraine by putting your body into a state of caffeine withdrawal. (Yes, caffeine is an addictive drug.) Likewise, if you happen to increase your caffeine consumption one day, but then fall back to your usual lower consumption level the next day, you again risk triggering a migraine, because your body may have rapidly acclimated itself to that higher level of caffeine consumption, and it will rebel when it’s withdrawn.

— Posted by Doug
*
188.
October 26th,
2007
10:41 am

I too suffer from migraines. They usually last 3 to 4 days at a time. I went to the doctor and they put me on a medication called effexor xr. I have been taking this medication for about 2months and have only had one migraine since. I trully believe in this medication. You should ask your doctor about it.

— Posted by Crissie
*
189.
October 26th,
2007
10:42 am

I just want to add to the Topamax warnings - be careful with it. My husband recently came off of Topamax after starting it in June. It made him lose at least 25lbs (bringing him down to skin and bones), his personality disappeared, he became cranky… The whole experience was very hard for me as well. Now that he’s off it, he is so amazed at what he lost while taking it.. He can think clearly, enjoys playing the guitar again, and has become a much happier person. For him the side-effects were devastating.

— Posted by vlt
*
190.
October 26th,
2007
10:44 am

Ironically, as a daughter of a neurologist, I have suffered migraines since my teenage years (at worst, 5 episodes a year). I try to keep a strict sleeping pattern (between 7 to 8 hours a day), and have also cut down (not eliminated) chocolate, cheese and citrics from my diet. I have not, however, ruled out medication. Although the triptan drugs wipe me out, I’d rather be wiped out than 5 days in a dark room, thinking of ways to detach my head from my body.
I don’t know if it helps everybody, but I have noticed that yoga has helped me. Ever since I started practicing it I have less migraine episodes.

— Posted by Maria
*
191.
October 26th,
2007
10:45 am

Judith—

I have been a chronic migraine sufferer for nearly 40 years, and trust me, there isn’t a med out there that I haven’t tried, on-label or off. I have kept food diaries (I do not have a single food trigger), tried acupuncture (a complete waste of time and money), hypnosis, massage therapy, and every diet possible, and no luck. (Nor are my migraines hormonally induced.) At this stage of the game, I carry my current meds everywhere I go and have stashes in every nook and cranny possible. The cocktail du jour is Topamax (without a doubt the BEST, BEST, BEST prophylactic I have ever used (and I have used every single one), and the triptan is Frova, combined with fiorinal and two Aleve.

I, too, have ended up in the ER as a result of my migraines, and lost many work days as well, not to mention untold family time.

Best of luck!

Beth

— Posted by Beth
*
192.
October 26th,
2007
12:16 pm

I’ve tried almost every treatment on this page. I’ve been hospitalized for a migraine that lasted over two weeks. My local ER has started using Compazine for migraines. It works for me right away. The only negative thing is it makes me feel extremely agitated. This is a common effect and the ER recommends taking Benadryl for it. At least the headache goes away.

— Posted by Kathy
*
193.
October 26th,
2007
12:18 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Reading it nearly brought me to tears because migraines have such an impact on me. I have suffered since I was a young child, and now in my late 20s they are growing increasingly frequent and severe. When I don’t have a headache, I worry about getting one. Medications such as Relpax and Amerge have brought limited relief. I find that pairing Amerge with Anaprox is more effective, but no guarantee. It’s an uphill battle for all of us, and the options can be pretty bleak. But reading this made me feel like part of a community, which is a comfort.

— Posted by L.
*
194.
October 26th,
2007
12:40 pm

I had migranes till I was 40 then tied yoga for other reasons and have not a had a bad bout in 10 years. Not an expert but I think it had to do with getting my head below my heart.

— Posted by bill
*
195.
October 26th,
2007
1:16 pm

Did you look at whether you have allergies? I was misdiagnosed as an 8 year old of having migraines, when later a new doctor discovered it was allergies.

— Posted by Tiffany

Comments are no longer being accepted.
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////