what to do when meds dont help?
 

been taking many diffrent head hurt meds an none seem to work dose any one know of a certain brand that works good?

That's a complex question that cannot be answered easily, as there are many different kinds of headaches and migraines, and medications that work for one kind usually don't work for other kinds. If your current meds aren't working, you need to have a discussion with your doctor to try to find one that will work for you.

Do you have a specific diagnosis of what kind of headaches you get/have?

Doc

Hi

I know it is hard when you are in pain all the time, but... do you keep a headache diary?

If not, you might try -- you should note in it what you eat, as well. After a while, see if there are patterns. Some people find that certain foods trigger headaches. There are "risky" foods (and drinks!) that migraineurs are warned against, but each individual has to see which things affect them. Some of the "typical' things may not affect you, while some other foods that aren't on the warning lists might.

Just an idea... to see if you can maybe prevent at least some of your headaches.

I agree with Doc though, that you do need to speak to your physician or preferably a headache specialist. If you can keep a diary with dietary notes as well as headache incidence, duration, and specific symptoms, this may also help your doctors to help you.

waves

Here is an article from WebMD that tells you the more frequent triggers... foods high in certain substances like tyramine, or nitrates. Some migraineurs are sensitive to these substances.

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-heada...specific-foods

Another possibility is a food allergy, such as to wheat, or to yeast. If you suspect a food allergy or sensitivities you'd need to eliminate all possible sources for a while, and see if the headache situation improves. If it does, you can try re-introducing things gradually to try to narrow down the culprits.

waves

One of the biggest triggers for me is the MSG in so many foods. Many Chinese Restaurants use this in their cooking. Look on the ingredients of even cans of soup, etc. Some products are now putting on their lables (NO MSG added).

I have been quite fortunate because Imitrex 25mg's really has helped me tremendously. For years I had used Midrin which eventually taking too many caused "rebound" headaches. When Imitrex came on the market some years ago....it was/is a "godsend". I am careful not to overdo.


Gerry

My short story
 

Several years ago I went to a neurologist who had been recommended for treating migraines. He had put me on a regimen of Inderal and Elavil to take daily as a preventative. i had done this for a few years. It had helped; but when Imitrex came on the market as was to be used at onset of migraine, I discontinued the Inderal and Elavil.

This sounds similiar to what you using (blood pressure med) except for the Elavil. Glad this is working for you.


Gerry

Hey Gerry :)
 

That may not necessarily be true. I was told the same thing. I was on it (atenolol) for several years; it never worked, but I had to be on it (a case of insurance companies playing doctor) just in order to get the override amount of abortive triptan that I needed (and that did work). I finally just stopped taking the atenolol after learning & experiencing some of the adverse effects it can have long term—in fact, it's on the short list of possible causes of my PN and other medical conditions.

Have you ever tried discontinuing it for a time to see if you still need it?

Doc

Dang Dr Smith...thanks for ruining my day :)
 

Debi,

I declined chemo; but am seeing the oncologist recommended by my surgeon. The doctor informed me that since I already had PN, the chemo would most likely cause it to worsen. She said in many cases, PN is one of the side effects of chemo.

But, Doc is right; many blood pressure meds are being attributed as one of the possible causes of PN.



Gerry

Hi ger :)
 

Do they have other options for your treatment ? I'm not going back to my onco....He never mentioned anything about neuropathy and then brushed me off when I went in to see him in severe pain and barely able to walk. Not that I would not have had the chemo. I really didn't have a choice.

Thanks.....Debi

Debi,

For my type of cancer, rectal, resulting in the removal of rectum. Lympnodes were clear. The success difference over a 5 year period was only slightly better with chemo treatment than without. I declined any treatment.

The oncologist doctor I saw for the chemo said she would continue seeing me every 4 or 5 months for checkup and to do blood work; specifically a CEA which does show a different count when rectal and colon cancer is present. This is not always 100 % accurate; but can be an indicator. When I did mention my PN to the doctor, she felt the chemo would most likely worsen since PN often was a side effect of chemo.

Your oncologist was not very professional and should have known PN was/is often a side effect of the chemo. It was quite unfortunate you were given the "brush off". It would be wise to continue with check ups with an oncologist; hopefully one more compasoniate than your original.


Gerry

jraytn. with a pachy head ache get pain pills from Dr. my headache lasted 12 months I have have been dealing with since Nov 2011 things are getting better now. 2012 was not a good year for me.

thnx
 

Thank you guys for all the help when i see the doctor will ask for a med an see if it will help