No more Fiorinol, what now?? Dr. appt tomorrow - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

joojoobee1967 · 01-23-2006, 04:35 PM

I am 38 and have had chronic headaches since I was 18. Dr's can't find anything wrong and just say they are from stress. I've tried tons of meds (anti-d's, seizure meds, midrin, vicodin, maxalt, etc). Nothing really works except the Vicodin and they are stingy with that at best. The fiorinol takes the edge off but I have a bleeding disorder which I've had for 20+ years and just found out from my daughter's hematologist that I should not be taking it.

I'm going to my dr tomorrow to discuss this and see what else they can do for me. I'm considering asking about Ultram but don't know anything about it. I hate the attitude they get, like I'm in there looking for pills. I always tell them I'd much rather NOT have a headache and NOT have to take pills. I'm a stay at home mom that homeschools and I can't just lay around in a dark room everyday. I need to be functioning and doing things everyday.

Does anyone have any suggestions???

Mz Migraine · 01-23-2006, 09:10 PM

You always have the option of seeking a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc opinions. If you don't care for your doctor, then take your money and/or insurance elsewhere!

Are you currently seeing a Nurologist who specializes in headache/migraine treatment?

joojoobee1967 · 01-24-2006, 08:38 AM

No, I'm not seeing a Neurologist. When I went for a consultation years ago they wanted to put me in pain management where there were NO meds at all. I can do that myself but I'm miserable, they never go away. I understand about rebound headaches but even after I've been off meds for awhile the headaches are still the same.

My insurance is horrible. They want to charge me up the you know what for practically nothing. It's very stressful.

Mz Migraine · 01-24-2006, 12:56 PM

Quote:

I've been off meds for awhile the headaches are still the same.

If you are suffering from rebound headaches, the headaches are going to be the same after being weaned off your medications. The weaning process can take weeks. It depends on how long you were on the meds giving you the rebound headaches.

My weaning process took 6 - 6 1/2 weeks & it was not pretty let me tell you. But it was worth it.
I have been headache free now for 3 years, going on 4 years.
My rebound headaches were caused by Mr. Excedrins - my ex-lover. Lawdy, I use to love that man.

You should also do a forum seach on headache/migraine food triggers & headache/migraine diary.

Also the weather can trigger migraines.

Consider seeing a Neurologist that specializes in headaches/migraines treatment. They are usually found at Headache Clinics.

Good Luck!

FoiledAgain · 01-24-2006, 05:54 PM

I sympathize with you!!! Mz. Migraine always has valuable info: I have suffered from DAILY headaches since 1998...the year I started taking our(Mz&me's))best friend, EXEDRIN. Your situaton may be different, but I do believe I suffer from rebounds...taking anywhere from 2-8 Exedrin EVERYDAY!!! I am scared to death of the withdrawl process as I know I will be one miserable puppy!!! My Dr. is also tight with the Vicodin. I used ULTRAM but it is not very effective for headaches..plus you get dry mouth & constipation & STILL have the headache!!! A vicious circle indeed!!!! I only have myself to blame 4 my situation, but I knew NOTHING about rebounds & when I would mention my Exedrin intake to my Dr. he didn't seem overly concerned. Most likely I have bleeding Ulcers. Wonder if they have DETOX CLINICS for those of us caught up in OTC HELL!! haha. I would tale FIORICET but since my body is evidently addicted to the caffeine, my situation wouldn't change! WORD OF ADVICE: if you DO go to a NEURO, think twice about TOPOMAX which they will push at you like gangbusters!!! (Lot's of Posts good & bad on the boards re this!!!) Good Luck to you!!!