Migraine, what should I do?

[Charlotte91]

I'm a long time migraine sufferer. I've been getting them since I was 12, so about 8 years.

My migraine consists of nearly complete loss of vision, 'aura', losing alot of feeling in my arms and legs, vomitting, dizzyness, pain usually behind one eye.
I have to lay still in a completely dark quiet room as I also get very light-sensitive.

I'm getting one at the moment.

I did some quick googling and everything that comes up is scaring me with things like PE (I've never had BP problems and I'm not overweight) and other serious problems affecting bubs.

DD is off to her grandparents shortly, Dad is coming to pick her up as my vision will go soon and it's dangerous for me to take her.

Dr Google has scared me. I'm 15 weeks pregnant.
I can't go to the doctor, I can't drive and DH is working. He works out of town. Oh, and it's Friday. So we have no doctor today.

Is it worth worrying about?

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Hun I have suffered migraines from a young age and found I got them a but more during pregnancy, my GP didn't seem worried about them but as I couldn't take STRONG pain relief they were horrid.

If your worried can you call nurse on call and ask them?


Sent from my iPhone, more than likely while I should be doing something else!

[lilima]

If you become seriously I'll or worried, cal 000.

I hope you get better soon.

[~~Snoogans~~]

I too am a long time migraine sufferer. My doctor told me that the over the counter drug *dolased* was okay to take while pregnant. Which I did, with both my girls, and they are perfect! (although the 4 yr old atm is driving me batty with her attempts to blow up balloons!)

Dolased has a calmative in it, which is what I always needed to help get through my migraines. Stupid stupid migraines! I only pray my girls don't get them!

But as with any drug, you need to talk to yr Doc before taking em.

Hope it pi$$es off for you soon! xxx

[LuluHB]

I've suffered from migraines for 20+ years and like so many others, they get worse during pregnancy - especially the second trimester. Try not to worry about all the nasties Dr Google has just told you about - they are incredibly common with usually no ill effects other than feeling like crap until you can shake it.

My OB knows my migraine history and has prescribed panadeine forte for me to take, so it might be worth asking your Ob/midwife next time you see them for their suggestion as to what you can have ready for the next one. I've managed to hold off from taking any so far because I really hate the thought of taking even panadol when pregnant, but when you're feeling so bad you need something.

Once your DD is safely gone put yourself to bed, close everything up to keep the light out. Try hot or cold compresses, whichever works for you - I find when I'm not pregnant I need heat but during pregnancy it can go either way.

I hope you're feeling better soon. They're awful things and like Nikky said, I hope its the one "trait" of mine I don't pass on to my girls

[Cricket]

If you've always gotten them, I wouldn't worry about it being blood pressure or anything like that. My sister gets them, and gets a lot during her first trimester. (They go away after that! Hurray!) She has some prescription stuff that she can take, but before that, she always tries a hot shower, an ice pack on her head, and peppermint essential oil on the temples, behind the ears, and one other spot.... can't remember. Anyways, it's supposed to be a good natural remedy for migraines, and if the head ache isn't too bad yet, sometimes that does the trick.
Hope yours is relieved soon! All the best.

[Charlotte91]

Thanks ladies. DD got picked up just after 8.30 and I've been asleep ever since. I woke up about 10 minutes ago and I'm happy to report that it didn't end up being a 'full-blown' migraine.
There's still no way I could have looked after DD, it was just safer for her to be at my folks.

My OB is a big "nothing except Panadol" person, but seeing a different OB at my next appointment (mine is going on holiday) so I'll have a talk to him.
They're just so crippling. I hate it.

Mum gets migraines but nothing like this. She doesn't get the numbness and aura or vomitting.

My poor brother, just turned 14, has started getting ones like me in the last 12 months. It's horrible to watch him go through them.
The only other person who gets migraines like me and my brother was my grandfather, my father's father. My father doesn't get migraines.
It's so strange.

I'm going to try the peppermint oil next time, that sounds like a great idea.

[~~Snoogans~~]

Just check that peppermint oil is okay to use while pregnant. Def some oils out there that are a big no no while pregnant!

Glad it wasn't a bad one hun

Get some more rest xxx

[~~Snoogans~~]

just found this ...

Peppermint Oil
According to the National Institutes of Health, peppermint oil should not be used during pregnancy because of its potential for toxicity. Moreover, there is not enough data on the effects of peppermint oil on pregnant women to determine whether it is safe to use even in very low doses

[Charlotte91]

Dammit. That's OK.

Thanks for that, Nikky!!

[*LittleMissSummer*]

You poor thing. I suffer the same migraines as you do. Thankfully when i notice one coming on i take some panadeine and it goes away.

Though i noticed they were more severe when i was pregnant i would be bedridden for days and i would have a lingering headache for weeks.

You just reminded me to make sure i always have pain killers on me and drink plenty of water to avoid them.

hope yours stays away.

[Lulliloo]

i use an icepack on my forehead and neck when they get really bad or when the drugs do nothing


hope you are feeling better soon.

[leckert]

I head to the chiro when they start (and go regularly to prevent) as that seems to help me; mind you I don't get them as bad as you do.

[Novella]

I get very similar migraines to you, my end when I throw up and have a 4+ hour sleep. Mine are hormonally triggered so pregnancy, periods and breastfeeding can be triggers for me FX none this pg.

When Im not pregnant I take high dose aspirin when I get numbness in my hand and visual disturbances, as long as I have it before I get the headache Im fine. Unfortunately I cant do that when pg so with DD1 I just lay down in bed with a bucket close by, took some panadol (which did NOTHING as usual) and waited it out. When pg with DD2 I got soemone to look after DD1

I was going to suggest you call a locum DR but from memory your in a rural area arent you?

I hope it passes quickly, they suck at the best of times

but when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding try the high dose aspirin, a clinical nurse suggested it and it has worked every time since. I take up to three 300mg soluble tablets (I think the reccommended dose might be 2 so check on the packet). Soluble is best as it is absorbed quickly, but it can be harsher on your tummy than coated so dont take it if you have a hsitory of ulcers or reflux. I hate it in water so chew it and then wash the taste away with water. The reason aspirin can work is there is a school of thought that migraines are caused by micro clots in the brain +/- spasms of tiny capillaries in the brain so aspirin can help thin the blood as well as its analgesic properties. I have tried strong pain killers which didnt work and left me feeling out of it but for me aspirin nips it in the bud every time.

[sepata]

Hubby suffers from crippling migraines, when he can feel one coming we do dark room, hot water bottle on his feet and ice pack on his head. Almost always works to help avoid the bad bad migraine if he catches it early enough

[MummyNaomi]

I had tonsillitis a few weeks ago and ended up with a full on migraine and vomiting, went to the GP and she gave me an injection to stop me vomiting and it killed the migraine too, unsure what the jab was though

[Happy1]

Maxolon is great for migraines. Your symptoms do sound exactly like migraine. The earliest you notice the symptoms and the quickest you get any medication in the better.