I started getting migraines when I was 13. Back then, my doctor prescribed Fiorinal. I would get about 6 or 8 a year. When i was 20 my doctor upped me to Fiorinal with Codeine which worked better. It never got rid of the pain, but took the edge off and helped with the nausea (which I have a harder time dealing with than the headache itself). Suddenly, the headaches stopped coming and the prescription faded away.

Suddenly, after about 8 years of no headaches, they are coming back. I'm getting my second day in a row of aura and headache. I just called my doctor, a doctor who was not part of my headache history. I will be seeing him in about an hour so I can get a prescription (i'm in the middle of getting my headache now). I would prefer to take fiorinal, since I know it, but I'm sure he will insist on one of the newer drugs which I'm afraid of.

Does anyone have experience with these newer drugs, like Imitrex or whatever else is out there? Does anyone still take the old fashioned medications like Fiorinal? Can anyone ease my mind of the newer stuff? I'm afraid of it because I tend to get palpitations all the time and am afraid of them messing with my heart.

Ricky

I was so discombobulated when I wrote the first post that I forgot my whole point.

I was wandering if anyone experienced a cessation of migraine activity for a prolonged period of time (years) and then suddenly had them come back with regularity.


I did go to the doctor who prescribed me fiorcet and urged me to try Relpax against my concerns, the next time a migraine starts. He gave me samples of the Relpax, so I can try it when I feel brave enough, but have my prescription for fioricet in case I want to use the old standby.

Ricky.

Is the doctor you are seeing a Neurologist?

The trick to migraine management is to find the right combination of *drugs* that will work for the patient.

With my 1st Neurologist I was on Firocet along w/other migraine meds & anti-depressents.
When I switched Neurologists, she *weaned* me off all those drugs & now I just take Topamax & Zomig.
So far, so good going on 1 1/2 years under this current Migraine Management Programe.

PS: I forgot to add: You must find a doctor that will LISTEN TO YOU! That was the reason why I switched Neurologist.

Also, the Neurologist must *specialize* in headache treatments.

Ricky,
There was a lady on this thread that was rid of her migraines for 20 years when they came back. She use to get the aura and the headache pain afterwards which would also make her sick to her stomach. Now she usually just gets the eye migraines but not much of a headache afterwards. Her doctor told her that he thought they may be coming back due to hormones?? Unfortunately she has been banned from the health boards so you can't directly type with her but I thought I would share the information that I know.
Good luck with the meds.

Thanks Calgary Girl,

I used to get the aura and nausea for the first years, as well. When they went away, I would occasionally get the aura and no headache afterward which I found to be called 'Phantom Migraines'. On Tuesday, I had the aura and somehow instinctively knew the pain would come, but wasn't sure so didn't call the doctor for my long unfilled prescription. When it came back the next day, I was straight on the phone since the aura lasted longer. I can usually tell the grade of the migraine by the duration and intensity of the aura.

To the other poster who responded. I am not seeing a neurologist nor do I intend to. My migraines have always been a long time between and not as frequent as some peoples', so I feel no need to go overboard with medical help. For the most part, I am comfortable with Fioricet and can deal with the pain just fine while slightly inebriated with the medication. I was on antidepressants years ago and stopped because I do not want to rely on a 'daily' medication for my happiness. Yoga (I'm an instructor) has taught me to deal with a lot and even moderate pain, though occasional allopathic help is needed. Besides, my migraines have never been frequent enough to go to that extent. I am apprehensive about taking something 'new' that causes potential damage to the heart so I refuse to take the Imitrex.

For the most part, I find my doctor listens to me just fine and was responsive to my apprehensions. But, I do understand his insistance that I at least try the 'new' medication. I'm a tough cookie (business owner) and my doctor knows I will not do something I don't want to do.

I thank you both for your input and hope all headaches evaporate into the void for your both.

Ricky

:eek: I owe you an apology. I jumped into the shower and realized how my post sounded.

In no way did I mean to imply that your going to a neurologist for migraines was 'going overboard'. On the contrary. You're migraines are probably worse and more frequent than mine. I only meant that mine, in comparison to some stories I've heard, are much more moderate and only last between 4-6 hours. So, before any offense is taken for my lack of being thorough, please know, I do appreciate your response, but it is not the path for me. I am satisfied with my path and that is enough for me. It sounds as though your found a path to migraine relief that is satisfactory for you and that is wonderful.

Thanks again and my sincerest pre-apologies :) if I was offensive or made your path sound menial to mine.

Sincerely,

Ricky

Ricky

No offense taken. As my doctor once told me, migraines are like fingerprints. No 2 are exactly alike. Everyone suffers from them differently. Reason why they are difficult to treat.

You are very fortunate that you are a moderate sufferer. Under my current programe I am down to 10 attacks a month on average from having them every other day.

A little history:
From 1996-2000-I only had 2-3 migraines a year & was treated by my family physician.
Out of the clear blue sky, my attacks started occuring daily.
Reason: Unknown

My family doctor referred my to a Neurologist.

Both Neurologist confirmed *certain people* can become immune to their meds over time. I am one of those *certain people*. :(
My Zomig rx milligrams have been increased twice so far.

I have the same situation as you Mz Migraine. I was having very little episodes... 3-4 a year for 3 years, then it turned into menstrual where I would get them 6 or 7 days in a row on my period. Then all of a sudden, I was having daily attacks. They would start out as headaches, but by the end of the day, I would be flat out on the bed unable to do anything. I am still trying to figure out what works. I dealt with the migraines for a couple months before getting help. HOLY CRAP! I would lay there in complete agony wishing for relief, almost ready to just have someone take me to the hospital.
My neurologist described it interestingly. He said that the migraines I was having menstrual were damaging my brain. (Sending the wrong message to that part of my brain and it has triggered all of these daily migraines). I don't know what that all means.

I have the same situation as you Mz Migraine. I was having very little episodes... 3-4 a year for 3 years, then it turned into menstrual where I would get them 6 or 7 days in a row on my period. Then all of a sudden, I was having daily attacks. They would start out as headaches, but by the end of the day, I would be flat out on the bed unable to do anything. I am still trying to figure out what works. I dealt with the migraines for a couple months before getting help. HOLY CRAP! I would lay there in complete agony wishing for relief, almost ready to just have someone take me to the hospital.
My neurologist described it interestingly. He said that the migraines I was having menstrual were damaging my brain. (Sending the wrong message to that part of my brain and it has triggered all of these daily migraines). I don't know what that all means.
Yup, same with me. Last year, my Neurologist *sort of* confirmed I was suffering from 2 kinds of migrains-harmonal & occipital. Anything can trigger mine - weather (I can predict the weather better than the TV weather forcaster), food, smells, air pressure, barimetric pressure etc.
Why the nerves in my brain decide to become all screwed up in the year 2000.......who knows! :confused:

10 migraine attacks a month is such a relief for me I thought I died & went to heaven. :D Topamax is a God send for me. Hate the side effects but it's worth it.

I wish you luck in finding a migraine management programe that works for you. I hope you are also keeping a headache calander. That helps.

Good Luck! :bouncing:

Mz., I'm sorry you have such a horrible history of migraines.

I get classical migraines. Mine have been pretty painful, but only last 4-6 hours.

I did, however, have one of those migraines that started out so bad I was afraid I was going to die. Then it got worse and I was afraid I WASN'T going to die. It was the longest lasting migraine I've ever had-10 hours. I must have had a stroke with it, as well, because for a week afterwards I could barely articulate my thoughts and when asked a question would stand in a daze for a few moments while searching my mind. It was scary for someone with a quick wit.

Luckily, I've never had one like that since, and I recovered after that week. I have a friend who is a doctor and I spoke with him about it (years later) and he didn't seem too concerned that I was in any danger. Although, if I ever have one like that again, I'm going straight to the emergency room.

My latest migraines have been mild at best. If you are a sufferer, you know that a mild migraine means you only pray for death once or twice. Moderate, are horrible, but I can still manage. I couldn't imagine having consistant, severe migraines. It is just such an awful plate to consume. I feel for you and those who suffer so much worse than me.

Thanks for the replies,

Ricky

Ricky,
I'm sorry that you had to experience the return of your migraines too. As Calgary Girl already explained, I had a similar experience too. The neurologist decided that I wouldn't be a good candidate for the medications currently available, so I have not tried any of them personally.

When my migraines returned, they came back as aura with eye disturbances without the intense pain that I had previously. All I take is just 800mg of Ibuprofen with a diet coke, and that helps some with the severity and duration of the attack. I haven't found anything that completely stops it though.

I know how devistating it is to get these back after not having to deal with them for years. I hope that you can find relief with the medication, and eventually get rid of them altogether again.

Best Wishes,
Sandi

Hey Sandi,
Hope you are doing well?! My migraines and eye migraines are much better, it must have something to do with the new BC pills-the only thing now is depression, I'm not sure if it's the pill or something else.
Where did you go girl? Hope you are doing well!
Hugs, Chris

Chris!!!!!! Hi there!!! :)

Well, as you guessed...or probably knew....I was banned from this board. In your last post you were talking about feeling depressed, so I gave you my email address, and I knew it was against the rules. It was supposed to be a permanent ban, but the moderators were kind enough to give me another chance. I'm grateful for that, and so here I am!

I'm so glad that your migraines have gotten better. I'm willing to guess that the BC pills are contributing to the depression. Anything that alters your hormones can do that. It's probably similar to what people deal with during PMS, or menopause. Have you talked to your doctor about that yet?

I have still been migraine free! Of course, it still drives me crazy to not know why they come and go like that. It has to be hormones!

Anyway....I'm glad you are still here. I felt awful not being able to explain why I just disappeared. I was hoping that you would just "know" that I wouldn't do that.

Ack! It's Monday!!!! Gotta go to work!

Have a great day. Missed you bunches!!

Sandi

Hi Sandi,
So glad you are well, had checked the boards almost every night. Knew something was wrong, I did just "know" that you didn't disappear. Found out that you were banned, I just didn't know why. I tried searching for your user name on other boards to try to find you, I tried looking up your employment where you are to see if I could find a contact but no luck. I sure am glad that we can "talk" again-missed you too!
Have you had any migraine episodes? I've had very few-not nearly as much as I used to! I was wondering if the depression was because of the bc pill or if it has to do with perimenopause? How do you know what it would be caused from? I really don't want to get off these bc pills because they are really helping with my migraines but being depressed isn't much better. I rather be migraine free and I think my husband rather have me depression free. I haven't seen a dr about it yet. There is some depression that runs in the family so I'm not sure the cause. I don't want the dr to take me off this new pill, 4 migraines/mth or so is HEAVEN for me.
So happy to hear from you!! I wonder why the moderators wiped out the whole thread on migraines w/o headaches? I figured they would have just taken out the thread with just your e-mail address. Oh well, glad they were kind enough to let you back on :)
Hope you had a fantastic day and you have a great night! :)
Hugs, Chris

Hi Chris,
I'm glad that you found out why I was gone. That part bothered me the most about the ban. I felt awful because I just thought you were thinking I just flaked out and didn't care. I was worried about your dealing with the depression, and I just wanted you to have someone for support if you needed it. Still, I was wrong to break the rules, and Mod2 deserves a hug. :)

I haven't had any more migraines. I've been enjoying a pretty long run here without one. I haven't done anything differently, so it's a mystery why they come and go like that. They just seem to come in clusters of a couple weeks or so, and then I get a break.

The depression could be part of perimenopause too. Did it start before the BC pills? Maybe it could be a little of both the pills, and a little of perimenopause?? I'd hate to think you would have to trade relief from migraines, for depression though. That's just not fair!!!! I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to get off the pills though. You were having several episodes a day, and no relief at all. I'm glad that you aren't having them as often.

I got to go see what I can make for dinner. I hope I can get away with something fast and easy. It's been a long day!

Oh...before I go....how was Wiggles? :)

Have a good night,

Sandi

Hello again,
Oh so glad to hear from you. Mod2 gave you another chance because they realize that you are so kind. I think the last time I had a migraine was 3 weeks ago!! That for sure has been the longest time I have gone without a migraine for at least 3 1/2 years now. I'm only assuming it will get better with time-the dr told me to give the new bc pills 3 months which would be by the end of June.
You know since I had my little guy, I felt a bit depressed but nothing serious at all. Two months after giving birth I went on bc pills and really didn't feel better or worse. Towards the end of my Alesse bc pills I felt a bit more down. And now with the change to the Yasmine bc pills I have felt more depressed then ever. I should do some more research on the pill, I think this one has a different hormone?? Like I said though, I am so happy to be migraine free-especially the eye migraines!! I've been thinking about driving again, that sure would give me some freedom back. I don't know if anti-depressents would help?? Of course I'd have to find one that I could swallow! And I'm not sure what would happen with my migraines and I also wouldn't want to gain anymore weight-I want to lose some. And I really wonder if it could be a symptom of perimenopause. Like you said maybe a combo of both. Have you gone through any signs of perimenopause? Who knows, maybe that is why my migraines aren't as bad and I just think it's the new bc pill.
Supper for us was fast and easy tonight, hubby is out of town. The Wiggles were really good, even hubby thought so. Christian was sick, first time that he needed an antibiotic and he's 4! He had an ear infection and a slight fever, he still enjoyed himself-he was just a little tired but sat quietly on his chair with eyes as big as saucers!
I am really glad you are back. You have a great night and thanks for caring!
Hugs :) :) :) Chris

Chris,
That would be fantastic if you were able to drive again! I think you should talk to your doctor about the depression side effect though. Since you are having such a success with them in regards to your migraines, I don't think it would be worth changing them at all. You may need to counter balance the effects of the bc pills with an anti depressant if the depression doesn't subside though.

I think there are like 30 main symptoms to peri menopause, and I have several of them. I don't have the hot flashes, or trouble with my periods though. I still am as regular as clockwork. I do have major PMS though, and it's gotten worse. And of course the insomnia, and fatigue I attribute to peri menopause too. Fun, huh???

Man, I'm late.....I better get my butt off this computer!!!!!

Have a great day!!!!

Sandi

Hi Sandi,
Hope you had a good day at work. It's yucky here today-rain mixed w/snow!! Good thing we live in the south, the people in the north have snow accumulation!! I think I may try some vitamins too, why not-it can't hurt I'm sure. Again I will have to find something chewable or small to swallow, any suggestions?
I think you are right about the depression, if it does not get better I will probably have to think about an anti depressent, any thoughts on a particular type? I need something small that I could swallow and something that won't make you gain weight. How do you know when you need help for depression? I'm sorry for all the questions, you just seem to be so knowledgeable. Maybe I just have to wait another month or two until the new pill adjusts to my body and maybe then the depression will subside. Although there are some scary posts about this bc pill!
Hope you have a great night!
Hugs, Chris :)

Chris,
I don't think there is a hard fast rule on when it's time to seek help for depression. Everyone is so individual on how much, and how long they can handle situations. Some can carry a huge load, and others fall apart sooner. I think the key things that are crucial are how long it lasts, how much of your regular life it's having an impact on, and of course if a person gets to the point where they begin to have dangerous thoughts or ideas. Some people can get through with just a good support system.

My mother in law is taking Paxil along with her Estrogen, and I think it has helped her some. She tried Prozac prior to that, and couldn't tolerate the side effects. I think it's a trial and error thing, just like with the BC pills. Almost like dating. :)

This could very well just be apart of the adjustment stage on your BC pills. Hopefully the depression will level off, so you can keep these pills for your migraines. Maybe the doctor can just try you on the smallest dose possible of an anti depressant. Just enough to balance you out. Promise me that you will go in if it seems to be getting worse?

That was sure an interesting post about the vitamins! I would love to think that might be the reason I've had such a long run this time without a migraine. I'm cautious about thinking that because my migraines have done this before even without vitamins too. Still, it sure can't hurt to have some extra vitamins. I initially started them just because I had been feeling so tired all the time, and it will be great if it has the added benefit of helping the migraines too! I hope you can find some that you can chew, or at least crush. Maybe taking extra children's chewables would work?? I never did find that Migralief stuff either.

Okay, I've rambled enough here. I'm sure you have fallen asleep reading this by now. :)

Just remember....you are my friend....and I care about you!

Hugs,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
This migraine free stuff almost seems too good to be true. I tell you I sure wasn't very optimistic about the change of my bc pills but so far so good. I do hope the depression does level off and I'm trying to be optimistic that it is just a temporary problem. I have been feeling better the last 4 days but when I feel blue-I really feel down, yuck! I'm really trying to pick myself up especially for my husband. Is all moderate depression suppose to be treated? In other words if someone was suffering from depression because of perimenopause-should it be treated or not because there is a cause? Or is it only treated if a cause can not be pin-pointed?
I am going to go looking for some vitamins this weekend though and the next time I'm at the dr I am going to get my B12 tested to make sure I don't have a deficiency.
I am so happy you continue to be migraine free. And I'm so glad that you are back.
Thanks for your kind words :)
hugs, Chris

Chris,
I'm glad you have been feeling better the past few days. :) :)

I think seeking treatment for depression is mainly based on the severity of the symptoms, and how long it continues. I don't necessarily think it matters if there is a known cause. I would think it would all boil down to how life disrupting the depression becomes. Depression can range from just being down in the dumps, to being totally unable to function.

Your doctor could test your hormones to see where you are at in regards to perimenopause, that might narrow down some of the guess work. I am thinking of having mine checked too. I'm actually a little surprised that my doctor has never suggested checking it. The neurologist's report said that he felt the return of my migraines could be hormone related, but neither doctor has checked. I know that the symptoms of perimenopause can start early for some people, and can last 15 years!!!
My mom had periods till she was 58, and I know that she had a bad time getting through that ordeal. Fun stuff to look forward to, huh?

Funny thing....I keep waiting for a migraine. Isn't that weird???

Have a great night,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
I definitely know what you mean about waiting for a migraine!! Still none for me either-this pill in terms of migraines has been a God send for me. Although last night and today around lunch time I had the numbness in my teeth, gums and tongue but only for a minute or so??? Strange.
By the time my mom was 49 she had been free of her periods for 1 year. She said her symptoms started about 10 years prior to that and she's now 62 and is still on the estrogen patch for her hot flashes. She told me that my grandmother (who had the stroke) had hot flashes until the day she passed away and she was 83!! This can not be fun!! Boy women have to go through so much. My mom said she did not get the mood swings but my aunt (my dads sister) suffers from bad mood swings but no hot flashes at all. I hear the daughters usually follow in their mothers footsteps regarding the symptoms of menopause. I'm not sure what other symptoms she's had, I haven't wanted to get right into it with her. I'm quite sure I don't even want to know.
I guess I will have to monitor the depression for a while and if it gets worse then I will have to get it checked out.
Anyhow enough of my rambling for now, have a good night and a great day at work tomorrow-hugs :)
Chris

Chris,
I was wondering if your eyes ever water before a migraine? I've had that happen several hours before one comes on, but wasn't sure if it's related or not. My left eye has been watering off and on since this morning, so of course that was the first thing that came to mind that I might have a migraine today. I really wish I could just forget about them, and not be so obsessed about waiting for one to happen.

My Mom was really weird about discussing female issues. I know that she had trouble with the mood swings during menopause, only because I was there. And I knew she went pretty late in life with her periods, but she never really talked about it much. She took estrogen for awhile early on, but I don't think she took them very long. She was just one of those weird women that didn't talk about stuff like that. Heck, she never even told me about periods! We had that class in grade school, but I never paid any attention to it. I was convinced they must be talking about someone else...certainly not me. Of course, when the time came....I thought I was dying! I won't miss them when they finally quit, but I'm not looking forward to the nasty side effects that I hear about.

I'm so happy this pill is working out for you. I just don't think people in general have a clue what it's like to have to live a life around migraines. Especially the visual ones. It's been a blessing to find someone to talk to....who really knows. Thanks for being there.

Hugs,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
I've never had my eyes water before a migraine, not even before an eye migraine. It kinda makes sense that might happen but it has not happen to me thus far. Hopefully you will not get one!! Mind you up until a while ago, I had never had my hand go numb either. It has only happen the one time that I told you about. Still migraine free for me-I wonder why I got the teeth, gum and tongue numbness-it usually preceeds my eye migraines. I am so ooo happy that this pill is controlling my migraines but like you, I sit and wonder when my luck will end and now I wonder if I will get them even worse because I've been so lucky for the last few weeks.
My mom's like your mom, she never talked to me about anything-she handed me a book to read when I was 13 I think, by then I already had my period. She does talk more openly now, I'm sure it's because I am older. I can really say my periods don't bother me too much. Because I'm on the pill they are very light and do not last more then 3 days and I usually don't get any cramping either. The worse thing for me is feeling sad while I have my period and the first week of the pills seems to be the hardest for me. But in general they don't bother me. Now when I wasn't on the pill-that was a different story.
I will always be here for you whenever you need me and you are right-it is so nice to be able to talk to someone that experiences the same thing. I honestly use to think I was the only one who suffered from this. I'm glad we can share and talk about our experiences.
Hugs always
Chris :)

Hi Chris,
How are you doing today??? I'm so glad it's Friday!!!! :) :) :) Gee, I'm starting to sound like a broken record every Friday, huh?

I was wondering if you have ever seen anymore posts from that guy who was typing to us on the former thread. The guy that was a truck driver and who was passing out from his headaches??? I was just curious on what happened to him, and if his doctor ever figured out what was happening.

I still haven't had any migraine symptoms, but I did wake up in the night with a pretty bad headache. Definately not a migraine, but bad enough to wake me up. I've been having my eyes water for the past couple days. Today it's the right eye. It was weird too because I was reading a magazine this afternoon and it had an article about different types of headaches, and the symptoms to each type. Some of the symptoms for a cluster headache was watering eyes, nasal stuffiness, and eye redness. I've had my eyes water before an eye migraine, but I didn't know if it was related at the time. It was weird that I just happened to run across that article today. It's really amazing just how many people suffer from headaches.

We are supposed to go out for dinner tonight, but I'm almost too tired to go. I probably will though because the alternative is to COOK, and I don't want to do any of THAT!

I hope you had a good day.

Sand

Hi Sandi,
Having an eye migraine right now, I shouldn't be on the computer. For one I can barely see and for two I'm sure it will last longer. Wow it's been so long since I've had an episode. I guess they are not completely gone, oh well hopefully they will be less often. Good to hear you are doing so well!!!
My husband use to suffer from cluster headaches and man were they bad!! He suffered from all the symptoms you mentioned. I think they were worse then my migraine headaches. One time he had to go to the hospital he was in such agony! He would take so many extra strength tylenol and would have no recollection of how many he would take. He only suffered from them for 4 years I think it was and it would happen at two different times during the year for 4-6 weeks straight, usually at night while he was asleep. The year he quit smoking, they stopped and he hasn't had one since-that was early in 2002. I use to feel so bad for him. Back then I only suffered from migraine w/aura and headache but not too often. My eye migraines started in June of 2001 and really didn't start getting more serious (8-10/mth) until August 2002 when I had my CT scan done and other tests. And from that they went downhill to 2-3/wk and some months 2-3/day a couple times/wk, up to 20/mth.
Well hubby should be home soon, we are going out for dinner too. My older son is at my parents so it is just the 3 of us. He usually spends 1-2 nights on the weekend at their place which gives us a little break.
Anyhow have a nice dinner and a nice evening.
Hugs, Chris

Hi Chris,
I hope your migraine didn't last too long, and that you were able to enjoy your dinner out last night. It's so frustrating when they go away for awhile, and then come back again. I know that feeling all too well, and that's probably why I sit around just waiting for them now. :(

In that article I read yesterday it had a part about bc pills, and hormonal migraines. It said that a lot of people did find relief by taking bc pills, but many of them had the migraines return when they reached the week of fake pills in their pack because their estrogen levels drop so significantly. They said that some of the women had to bypass the week of the placebo pills, and just go on to the next month's bc pills in order to stay leveled out with estrogen. I believe the article was in this month's Ladies Home Journal.

I'm sure my migraines are hormonal now, but I still wonder why they started when I was 9 years old like that. I didn't start my periods until I was 13 1/2, so it probably wasn't hormones back then. ??

My inlaws are gone again for a month, and I'm back to having the whole weekend to relax. I have a lot of housework that needs to be done....but so what! :)

Hope you are feel better this morning. No more migraines girl!!! I mean it!

Hugs,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
My eye migraine was relatively short, 10 minutes and not too bad. There is no pattern to my migraines what so ever, I'm in the middle of my bc pills right now. I think bc pills can help some women with migraines but I also think that some bc pills make migraines worse for some women too. I have been thinking of going off the pill completely at the end of June and see what happens to my migraines then??
I am pooped out, did alot of shopping today. Went to the garden center and bought some shade shrubs to plant at the side of our house. It doesn't get much sun and our fairly newly planted (1 1/2 yrs ago) grass is all dying. We only got some of the gardening done-we will have more to do tomorrow too! Boy shrubs are expensive, we spent a fortune last year on landscaping. It looks as though our weeping caraganna tree didn't make it from last year and a couple more bushes out back didn't either. All the front shrubs and tree look great though. I'm glad we bought a fertilizer which gave us a 5yr warranty. Now all I have to do is dig up the receipt, ha.
Got to make dinner, yuck! I do not feel like moving!
Happy to hear you are still doing well in the migraine department.
Have a great night.
Hugs, Chris

Hi Chris,
Sounds like it's been a busy weekend for you. I need to get some stuff done outdoors too, but haven't gotten around to doing much out there yet. My yard is big, and it overwhelms me sometimes with all the work that needs to get done out there.

Anymore migraines this weekend? I am still doing good in that department, but I'm not feeling very well over all. I'm still having trouble sleeping at night, and it's really starting to wear me down. I wake up about every single hour and can't always get back to sleep sometimes. I had thought it would get better by now, but I may have to get it checked out. It's another symptom of perimenopause. I guess insomnia isn't one of my migraine triggers, or I'd have had a bunch by now.

I hope you were able to get your yard work done. You're way ahead of me! :)

Hugs,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
No more migraines this weekend, it was a gorgeous weekend. Got lots done and am so sore. Hubby made me some cedar planters this weekend too, will have to get some annuals to plant in them next weekend-they are really nice. Do you just have a big backyard or are you on an acreage? None of the new developments (where we are) have large yards, some of the older communities have larger backyards.
I have problems sleeping too, some nights it takes me forever to fall asleep, some nights I wake up a few times during the night and some times I wake up early and cannot fall back to sleep. Come to think of it I've actually woke up sweating in the middle of the night! Not too many times but probably 3 or so in the last maybe 6 mths. I thought it was because I needed to lose weight that I was sweating more at night. I've also had some dryness down there. And the depression-it must be perimenopause!
I'm so happy that you continue to be migraine free, that's so great! Maybe you can take something to help you sleep-maybe a shot of liquor, ha ha. I totally forgot to look for vitamins this weekend, I was so busy. It's a long weekend for us next weekend so I'm sure I'll have time then.
Hope you have a nice relaxing evening and have a great day ar work tomorrow.
Hugs, Chris

Hi Chris,
I'm so glad that you didn't have any more migraines this weekend, and that the one you that you had on Friday was short. Are you still considering getting off the bc pills?

It sounds like you could very well be having some of the classic perimenopause symptoms, but it could be bc pill side effects also. I still have never had a hot flash or night sweating, but I have heard that it can be one of the worst symptoms to deal with. Right now my perimenopause symptoms are the migraines, bad pms, occasional heart beat flutter, and of course the insomnia is the biggie. I know there is more to look forward to, but hopefully I won't get all of them. hahaha. I don't have the depression, but I can get really cranky over just about nothing. That's the part my husband isn't too happy about.

Sounds like you were able to get a lot done outside this weekend. It rained yesterday here, so I was spared from having to do anymore out there. Oh darn! :)
Our property is just shy of 1/3 acre. I wish it was all just lawn, but it has a lot of landscaping to work around. It definately needs more attention than I can devote to it. It's nice, but I'd much rather have a smaller place, with a simple yard. That was sweet of your hubby to make you those planters. :)

I hope I can sleep tonight. I'm so tired!

Have a good evening,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
Still no migraines, yeah!! We had a high of 24 today and tomorrow it's suppose to rain and be plus 7, there goes the temperature change! Normally I would get a migraine with this change in weather-we will see??!!
I'm not sure what to do about the pill. There is an increased risk of stroke with women that suffer from migraines w/aura while using the bc pill. The depression seems to have stabilized a bit. I think I would just be curious to see what happens with my migraines and the depression I'm having now if I were to get off the pill. Then again the migraines are so much better now that maybe I shouldn't mess with it.
Would all those symptoms I mentioned be associated with the bc pills? Boy these pills sure get a bad rap on these forums, wow! Maybe I will have to get my hormones checked, is this a blood test? You are lucky not to suffer from the hot flashes because I've heard that these are very difficult for women to deal with. I have also had some heart palpitations about a year and a half ago, had it checked out but everthing checked out fine-that's when they found out my cholesterol was off the charts. I still don't know the relation if there even is one.
Wow that is a nice size backyard, but it must be alot of work. We would like to get an acreage one day, the nice treed acres are fairly expensive here but the dogs would love it. How's Harley doing?
Keep migraine free and have a nice evening and a great day tomorrow!
Hugs, Chris

Hi Chris,
We have had some wicked weather today, and with this thunderstorm I probably shouldn't even be online right now. I hate working in this weather!

I'm glad you are still experiencing some relief from your migraines. I think it would really be a hard decision as to whether to rock the boat with the bc pills or not. But at the same time, I can certainly understand your concerns about the side effects, and the increased risk of stroke with the bc pills too.

It's really hard to know which symptoms are being produced by the pill, and which may be associated with a natural imbalance of your hormones. I'm sure they have a lot of common symptoms. I suppose experimenting with stopping the pill could rule out some of it, but I know that it can take several months to get rid of the pill completely out of your system so it could take awhile to really make any determinations.

I have never had the hormone test, but from what I read it is a blood test. I'd be curious to know if they can even get an accurate reading if a person is taking the pill though. Seems to me that the pill could cause a false boost in a person's hormone level that wouldn't naturally be there without those added hormones. ?? I don't know for sure, but it's just something that came to mind when I got to thinking about it.

I'm really lucky so far not to have any cholesterol problems. The heart flutters that I have had were pretty scary though. I've been to the ER twice with them, and even wore a monitor for 24 hours to rule out any heart problems. They didn't seem too concerned, but they couldn't tell me why it was happening either. It wasn't until I started doing research on menopause that I found out that it was a very common symptom of perimenopause. It irritates me that more doctors don't consider menopause as a possible cause for some of these common symptoms. It's almost like they want to attribute symptoms to everything but perimenopause first. You almost have to diagnose yourself, and then present THEM with the findings. I'm convinced that perimenopause is what is behind my migraines, and all my other problems. I wonder if I should start writing my posts to the menopause board instead of headaches now??? Especially since I haven't had a migraine now since the end of March. I don't want to get into trouble for posting on the wrong board.

Boy...this is a huge ramble post. I better shut up.

Have a great night!!! :)

Hugs,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
How long has it been since you last had a migraine? Maybe they will be gone now for good!! Still no migraines for me either, normally I would have had one with the change in the weather.
You are right about maybe posting in another area-I have been thinking of this myself. Maybe under General Health would be more suitable?? I don't want us to get in any trouble either as I look forward to hearing from you.
I'm still not sure whether to stay on the pill. This success has been over-whelming and I think I may just have to stay on it.
Have a great night,
Hugs, Chris

Hi Chris,

Wow...that is really fantastic how your migraines have decreased so much. I remember when we first met you were having them constantly, and I know this has to be great relief after dealing with that! It certainly would be hard to give up that pill just on that basis alone.

I had my last migraine on March 24th, and I had 7 days of episodes that month. Several of the days had 2 episodes in one day. I am happy that I have gotten a break from them lately, but I have had this happen before where I have gone several months without them. (Not including when I went those many years) I went 4 months last time without one, but they came back really bad in February and March. It's frustrating!!! :(

I think I'm going to start checking out the menopause forum. I think it will have a lot of information, and a lot of people that are probably in different stages of dealing with similar symptoms. I just want to make sure that I'm posting in the right places. It's kinda hard when there are a lot of different things happening at once though.

I hope you had a great day. Lots of bad storms here again today. I hope we don't lose power!

Hugs,
Sandi

Hi Sandi,
This relief from my migraines is incredible!! I would definitely recommend this bc pill to anyone who suffers from alot of migraines. I know everyone is individual and what works for one person may not work for another but it is worth trying!! I was very skeptical at first and it's the best thing for me so far!
It is hard to post in the right spot that's why I thought General Health because there seems to be all kinds of issues there but peri menopause may be a thought too. I'll meet you there.
Stay warm and dry and safe too!! And have a super day tomorrow,
Hugs, Chris :)

Hey Sandi,
Hope you are doing well?! My migraines and eye migraines are much better, it must have something to do with the new BC pills-the only thing now is depression, I'm not sure if it's the pill or something else.
Where did you go girl? Hope you are doing well!
Hugs, Chris

My Daughter Has Been Geting Migranes For Years And Has Tried Everything. What Is This Bc Pill Every0ne Is Talking About?

Hi rclipper,
The birth control pill that has worked wonders for my migraines is called Yasmin. It really has worked wonderful for me, my dr recommended that pill to me because of my migraines. I am almost done my second package and I have seen a huge improvement. I use to get 2-3/week, sometimes 2-3/day, probably an average of 16-20/mth-not all of them migraine headache w/aura but also and more of just the eye migraine w/o the headache. I should be keeping track of how many I have had since I've been on the new pill but it is close to 4-5 eye migraines in the last 7 weeks or so. I felt that maybe I was getting depression as a side effect but that has pretty much stabilized and am very happy with the results I have had with this bc pill. Have your daughter talk to the dr about this pill. My dr said to give it 3 mths before I would see all the changes.
Good luck to your daughter, I hope she can find some relief from her migraines from this bc pill like I have, Chris