Chronic Migraine, Symptoms

A(nother) New Normal

Hi there. Sorry for the silence. It’s been a rough month migraine-wise. My attacks have gone from happening immediately after being exposed to a trigger to building slowly over hours. I’ve had trouble keeping up with the change, which has meant the migraine attacks are more frequent and last longer. Also, my symptoms appear to be changing. The pain location has changed and fatigue has been my primary symptom. I think I’m getting things sorted out now, but it’ll take a while to settle into this new sense of normal. And please don’t worry—the attacks don’t appear to be getting any worse, they’re just different. Different is strange and uncertain, but not necessarily bad.

I’m sorry for falling behind on writing and responding to comments and emails. I know you understand, but hate leaving anyone hanging. I’ll be back as soon as possible.

28 thoughts on “A(nother) New Normal”

  1. I found your site today. It is helpful to know others and how many others have this illness. I am 59 and had my first migraine at 51. I am now doing Botox injections plus triptans; the triptans delay onset but usually don’t stop the occurrence and Botox is marginal at best for me. After 5 cycles of Botox (15 months) I’m thinking of discontinuing it. I look forward to reading your blog! All the best..

    1. Faith Ann, Google medical marijuana in your state. There are clinics dedicated to doing the exam and paperwork required to get a medical marijuana card. They’re separate from dispensaries, which is where you buy the marijuana once you have your card.

      Take care,
      Kerrie

  2. Hi Kerrie. I started to have migraine more and more often. I don’t think it is chronic yet. But what can I do to prevent it?

    1. Mery, there are some supplements that some people find helpful for migraine: magnesium, riboflavin, butterbur, feverfew, CoQ10. There are also many different prescription medications that can be used to prevent migraine attacks. It’s best to see a doctor and figure out the right combination for you.

      Take care,
      Kerrie

  3. I hope you feel better and regain all that wonderful energy. See to proper nutrition so that you rule out the possibility of vitamin and mineral deficiencies like thiamine and magnesium. Try to be outside in daylight as much as tolerable. And try for 30 minutes of physical exercise a day – just a walk is ok. If you have lost weight try to gain some back too. Fatigue responds positively to light, bodily movement and decent amounts of good food. And avoid sugar (added to food or drink) as it exacerbates fatigue and insults your body. If this is a cycle of pain and illness I hope you are over the worst part and begin to notice you are getting stronger again.

  4. Sorry to hear about your recent history. I am checking your feed because this has been a particularly bad month for me so far – April on the East Coast – lots of pollen allergies – so it goes…

  5. My husband has been suffering with migraine and cluster headaches. Last week he took 40 10/325MG percosets in 5 days. Is that normal? Plus he takes methadone 3 times daily. I’m worried he is taking too much.

    1. Anne, that does sound like a lot, but everyone is different. It’s also concerning that he’s taking so many opioids because there are other treatments that are generally more effective for migraine and cluster headache. If you’re able and he’s willing, see if you can accompany him to see his doctor. Also, you can send a letter to his doctor’s office with your concerns. HIPPA keeps doctors from disclosing information to you, but people can share information about a patient with doctors.

      Take care,
      Kerrie

  6. Hi Kerrie. I’ve been a long-time reader. I hope you get back to “your normal” (or better) soon. I have an intractable 24/7 headache and am amazed at all you do through the pain, fatigue, nausea, dizziness….Anyway, thinking of you.

    1. Thanks, Darcy. I’m sorry you’re struggling with your symptoms. They can be overwhelming. When my symptoms were at their worst, I didn’t keep up with any of it. Even now, I only keep up with my work when the symptoms have abated enough that I can function. I spend a whole lot of time reading on the couch!

      Take care,
      Kerrie

  7. Hi Kerrie. I haven’t been keeping up with the blog lately but I hate to hear that you are having more pain and more often again. I found out that I have lyme and I was wondering if you’ve been tested. And I don’t mean through the doc’s office, but through Igenex labs (much more accurate). I’m your FB friend, so feel free to message me there if you’d like to talk about it more. I might forget to check back here. Thanks.

  8. Recently my migraine symptoms have been changing as well. It’s really frustrating trying to figure out what may be a new trigger! I’m also experiencing some symptoms that make me wonder if they’re from my migraines or medicines. Any thoughts?

    Take care Kerrie. I enjoy your posts very much!

    1. Hi Sidney, I’m sorry you’re experiencing this, too. Other than temporarily stopping the medications, I’m not sure how to tell if the symptoms are from the meds or from migraine. Although, if they’re drug side effects, they probably started within days of starting the meds. If you have a diary of those details, you might be able to track it down.

      Take care,
      Kerrie

  9. I hope this passes soon; really sorry for all the variations and the relentless nature of this. A shapeshifter, for sure.

    Ann

  10. How do you know that your fatigue symptoms are connected and are migraine attacks? I’m having severe fatigue and have been tested for everything like you have I’m sure. I did have hypo thyroid and Addison’s disease but those have disappeared now. The fatigue will come on kind of slowly and then last for days and then disappear. It’s very strange and it seems no doctor can figure it out. I’ve been to local docs and even to Mayo Clinic in az.

    1. Debbie, I don’t think I can help much. It’s pretty clear for me that the fatigue is only present during migraine attacks and it resolves with triptans. If you take blood pressure meds for migraine prevention, they could be contributing to the fatigue.

      Take care,
      Kerrie

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