Wednesday, June 10, I start three days of infusions to try to break this migraine spell that started when I tried a new treatment in the spring. Three hours each day, I’ll receive DHE-45, Benadryl, a steroid, magnesium, and a nausea med in an IV cocktail. I’m told to expect nausea and sleepiness and, because I cannot take triptans or Midrin within 24 hours of receiving DHE, more migraine attacks. The hope is that the IV will return me to where my non-trigger foods stop triggering migraine attacks, but I have to eat twice more before my appointment tomorrow and can only take naproxen, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen in the meantime. Those migraine help reduce the pain, but won’t touch any of the other symptoms, so I’m dreading eating.
Surprisingly, I’ve never had this combination before. I’m looking forward to seeing if it helps, but am skeptical. I hope to be proven wrong. Now I’m trying to get the most recent 30 Things submissions posted and schedule some social media posts before I descend into migraine-land. My first infusion starts at 3 p.m. tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it goes as soon as I’m able. Wish me luck!
I agree with Dissatisfied PA! I have not had a problem with DHE, but I just had to have 2 rounds of it after I went to the ER and tried to get any treatment to help break a severe migraine that had lasted 3 days and resisted every medication I had at home. The ER doctor would only give me zofran and fluids even after I asked about him giving me DHE or at least calling my doctor so that she could prescribe it. He discharged me against my will. Needless to say, 6 hours later, urgent care sent me back to the ER where a different doctor was working and he immediately gave me a cocktail of zofran, reglan, benadryl, and morphine, and an hour later, my headache was gone.
I was livid. I sent a letter to the hospital executives letting them know what happened and asking them to either do something about their doctors or remove migraine treatment as a service that they provide.
Something has to be done to protect patients. I personally don’t like opioids, but if the ER doctors don’t have anything else in their medical bag of treatment kit, I don’t think it is right to just leave patients in pain either.
As one who can’t take DHE and triptins I’ll congratulate anybody who can deal with them.
I can’t tolerate DHE or any of the other Ergots. I haven’t a clue as to why so many ER physicians swear by it. Now they come up with the notion that narcotics shouldn’t be used for severe migraine, once again not ever med given works on everybody. Spare me the mumbo jumbo that ti’s in my best interest to take something that doesn’t work.
A Dissatisfyed Physician’s Assistant
I hope you get some long term relief. My migraine history is very similar to yours. I feel your pain.
I’ve tried the DHE by IV and didn’t have good results. It brought on a massive migraine complete with all the fun aura symptoms. I ended up leaving on the 2nd day. By then, I had a rash and my airway was closing. They gave me Benadryl, Nubaine, Toradol, and Vistarol to control the reaction, vomiting, and migraine…patted me on the head and sent me home.
As for the other ones, I’m a big fan of Benadryl in an IV. It’s quick and lets you get some sleep (depending on the dosage). The magnesium is similar to potassium but not quite as bad. You’ll know when it has gotten to your arm. I felt flushed and pain as it travelled up my arm but nothing serious. If you can deal with migraines, this will be a walk in the park. I don’t know what kind of steroid they are using or if you are prone to allergic reactions. I’ve been given a 1000ml IV bag fast drip bag of Solu- Medrol. The nurse didn’t even make it back to her station before she had to run back. I was covered in welts and going into anaphylaxis. I have read this on other sites as well, so just be careful.
Darcy, thanks for your support and for sharing your experience. It sounds awful. I appreciate the warnings. Fortunately, I didn’t have any of those issues (only a total freakout two days after I stopped the steroids!).
Take care,
Kerrie
Kerrie,
I wish you the best of luck tomorrow. My daughters and I have had various IV DHE cocktails over the past several years. The only problem we have experienced is IV DHE can be very caustic on the veins, so many infusion centers are now inserting a port or picc line to administer the DHE cocktail. If you are not using a port or picc line and have severe pain while infusing, ask for one. I hope your headache busts quickly!
Thanks for the tip, Trish. Fortunately, that’s one thing I didn’t have trouble with.
Take care,
Kerrie
Good luck! I hope you get some relief.
Thanks, Amanda!
I hope this works Kerrie!
Thank you, Kim!
Good luck Kerrie
Thanks, Nicky!
I’ve taken this a bunch of times. Granted, my migraines aren’t as severe as yours, but I’ve never had nausea or anything like that. The DHE should help with the migraines. You’ll definitely be sleepy. I quite like the IV Benadryl — it puts me right to sleep. Dress comfortably and bring some headphones if you like to listen to music. Good luck!
Thanks, Joanna. That’s very helpful. I’d planned on reading your book, actually! I’m loving it, but it gets me so angry that I can’t read it before bed. I don’t think reading with my eyes closed tomorrow is going to work. So, yoga pants and This American Life it is.
Take care,
Kerrie