Podcast Summary
Living with Chronic Migraines: Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies: Despite the challenges of chronic migraines, resources and support are available to help manage the condition. From beautiful lab-grown diamonds for special moments to affordable wireless plans, there are options to make life a little easier. Personal experiences and coping strategies from those living with chronic migraines can provide valuable insights.
Despite the challenges of chronic migraines and the impact it can have on daily life, there are resources and support available. Blunile.com offers beautiful lab-grown diamonds for special moments, while Mint Mobile provides an affordable alternative to wireless plans. Lily Earle, a chronic migraine sufferer, shares her personal experiences and coping strategies. Last week, we heard from Doctor Katie Munro about the importance of addressing migraines, and this week, Lily provides a deeply personal perspective. Despite the pain and frequent episodes, Lily continues to put on a brave face and manage her condition. It's important to remember that there are ways to find relief and resources to help manage chronic conditions like migraines. Whether it's through medical professionals, affordable wireless plans, or the support of loved ones, there are options available to make life a little easier.
A personal journey to managing migraines: Despite genetic predisposition and various treatments, finding the most effective solution for managing migraines requires persistence and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
Personal experience and trial-and-error play a significant role in managing migraines, as different treatments work for different people. The speaker, Tamara, shared her journey of dealing with migraines since her diagnosis at 19. Initially, she was diagnosed with tension headaches and prescribed medication for pain relief and physiotherapy for her neck issue. However, she later learned that her underlying condition was migraines due to a genetic predisposition. Tamara tried various treatments, including acute medication during attacks and preventative measures when losing workdays due to migraines. She was prescribed triptans, specifically sumatriptan, which caused an allergic reaction and led to a collapse. This experience prompted her to explore preventative measures, starting with propranolol, a beta blocker, which gave her severe side effects. Despite the challenges, Tamara's story underscores the importance of persistence and collaboration with healthcare professionals to find the most effective treatment for managing migraines.
Doctors often borrow medications from other areas for migraine treatment: Doctors use antidepressants, antiepileptics, and cardiovascular drugs to manage migraines, but long-term use can lead to side effects. Sleep is also important for migraine management.
Doctors often treat migraines by borrowing medications from other areas of medicine due to the lack of preventative drugs specifically developed for migraines. These borrowed medications include antidepressants, antiepileptics, and cardiovascular drugs. The individual may have tried several drugs, such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, and may still be taking duloxetine every day in combination with other drugs. However, long-term use of these drugs is not ideal due to side effects, such as drowsiness or the need to urinate frequently during the night. The individual's current medication regimen includes gabapentin, which helps with overall pain, and they work with their doctor to manage side effects. It's important to note that while these drugs have been proven safe through trials, long-term use may not be desirable due to side effects. Sleep is also a crucial factor in managing migraines.
Living with chronic migraines brings emotional and psychological challenges: Chronic migraines cause physical limitations and emotional/psychological struggles. Seek professional help to manage both aspects.
Living with chronic migraines not only causes physical limitations, but also emotional and psychological challenges. The speaker shared her experience of being unable to exercise due to lack of energy, and the fear of upcoming migraine attacks heightening her anxiety. The predrome phase of migraines can lead to increased anxiety and fear, making it difficult for individuals to cope. Chronic pain, including migraines, has a significant emotional and psychological component, leading to catastrophizing thoughts and making the pain feel all-consuming. It's essential to engage with the pain in a healthy way, as denial or catastrophizing thoughts can worsen the situation. The speaker's psychologist has been helpful in providing mental routines to cope with anxiety and pain, and it's important for those suffering from chronic migraines to seek professional help to manage both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
Mindfulness practices help manage chronic pain: Mindfulness practices, like body scan exercises, can decrease personal pain experience by allowing individuals to accept sensations without judgment. Patients may also take medications and supplements as part of their treatment plan.
Mindfulness practices, specifically the body scan exercise, can help manage chronic pain by allowing individuals to experience the sensations without judgment, thereby decreasing their personal experience of the pain. The patient is currently undergoing a mindfulness course and practicing the body scan daily as part of their treatment plan. Additionally, they are taking daily medications for their condition, including duloxetine and gabapentin, and using supplements such as coenzyme Q10, magnesium citrate, and a probiotic specifically formulated for migraine. The patient has been taking the probiotic for about 5 months but hasn't noticed any effect yet, and they plan to continue taking it. They also carry an over-the-counter anti-nausea medication. The patient has tried multiple medications in the past and this is currently the only treatment regimen they are following.
Effective relief for severe migraines: Bukal Bukal tablets help alleviate nausea and vomiting during migraines, reducing hospital visits and invasive tests.
Bukal Bukal tablets, which can be prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a pharmacist, are effective in relieving nausea and vomiting during both the predrome and actual migraine phases. This medication can be particularly important for those experiencing severe migraines, as the symptoms can be similar to those of a stroke or brain bleed, leading to hospital visits and invasive tests like CT scans. These experiences can be debilitating for migraine sufferers, as A&E environments are often noisy, bright, and stressful, exacerbating the symptoms. The importance of having a trusted healthcare team and a well-equipped hospital, like Saint George's in Tooting, cannot be overstated in managing such situations.
Morning sickness drug effective for acute migraines: Metoclopramide, a morning sickness drug, provides quick relief for acute migraines. Safe for pregnant women, it's a valuable option for those experiencing severe attacks, despite potential side effects like crawling sensations and limb twisting.
Metoclopramide, a morning sickness drug, can be effective in treating acute migraines. During a severe migraine attack, a senior emergency doctor administered metoclopramide intravenously to the speaker, leading to significant pain relief within 20 minutes. The drug is safe for pregnant women and has been studied extensively in America due to its potential as a first-line defense against migraines in emergency situations. However, the speaker experienced side effects, including crawling and gnawing sensations, which forced her to discontinue use. Metoclopramide can also cause limb twisting, an extraordinary side effect. While it may not be a magic bullet for everyone, it's an important option to consider for those experiencing acute migraines.
Botox for Migraines: Personal Experience and Newer Treatment Options: Botox injections can help prevent and reduce the intensity of migraines for some individuals, but its effectiveness and frequency can vary. Newer options like AJOVY, a monoclonal antibody, are available for managing migraines.
While Botox is commonly known for its cosmetic uses, it also has medical applications, particularly in managing migraines. The speaker shares her personal experience of using Botox injections every three months for preventing and reducing the pain of her migraines. Although it doesn't completely stop the attacks for her, it significantly lessens their intensity. Botox's effectiveness and the frequency of injections can vary from person to person. While it's a non-drug treatment and considered safe, it's important for individuals to communicate with their doctors about their Botox use if they require anesthetics or other medical procedures. The speaker is currently trying a new injectable treatment called AJOVY, a monoclonal antibody, which is a newer option for managing migraines.
Identified protein in migraineurs' brains triggers pain: Researchers discovered a protein in migraineurs that binds to pain channels, causing attacks. Monthly antibody injections interfere with this interaction, potentially reducing pain.
Researchers have identified a protein in the brain that migraineurs have more of than non-migraineurs. This protein binds to the pain channel used during a migraine attack, triggering the pain. To prevent this binding, patients can receive regular injections of an antibody that interferes with the protein and pain channel interaction. This treatment, along with other methods like ice caps, physiotherapy, and jaw exercises, can help manage migraine pain. The antibody injections are given once a month, and some patients report a slight reduction in pain threshold. While the effectiveness of the treatment varies, it's an important step forward in understanding and treating migraines.
Exploring Complementary Therapies for Migraines: People with migraines can try various complementary therapies like steroid injections, acupuncture, cranial sacral therapy, and reflexology for tension relief, sleep improvement, and nausea relief. Cranial sacral therapy is gentle and safe, making it a popular choice. However, access may be limited during restrictions.
People with migraines often explore various complementary therapies to alleviate their symptoms and improve overall well-being. Steroid and local anesthetic injections, acupuncture, cranial sacral therapy, and reflexology are some of the treatments mentioned. While results may vary, individuals have reported benefits such as tension relief, sleep improvement, and nausea relief. Cranial sacral therapy, in particular, is noted for its gentleness and safety, making it a popular choice for those who have undergone extensive medical interventions. However, access to these therapies may be limited during lockdowns or other restrictions. Overall, an open mind and willingness to try different approaches are essential in managing migraines.
Relying on alternative methods for food allergies may not be reliable: Alternative methods like kinesiology for food allergies or intolerances may not be accurate and it's essential to approach them with a critical mind, while some food exclusions can be helpful in managing sensitivities.
Relying solely on alternative methods like kinesiology for identifying food allergies or intolerances may not be reliable and can lead to disappointment. The speaker's experience of being told they were not allergic to avocado despite knowing they were, casts doubt on the accuracy of such methods. However, the speaker has found some food exclusions helpful, particularly in managing their sensitivity to sugar. The speaker's attempts at following a ketogenic diet have been challenging, and they have struggled to adapt to the change. The speaker's weakness for sugary snacks, particularly Digestive biscuits, has been a challenge, but they are trying to eat foods that keep their blood sugar more regulated. The speaker has also discovered that they need to be cautious with histamine-forming foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. In conclusion, while alternative methods can provide some insights, it's essential to approach them with a critical mind and not discount traditional medical advice.
Cold water immersion offers temporary pain relief for chronic pain conditions like migraines: Cold water immersion can distract from chronic pain, providing temporary relief for conditions like migraines. Hormonal factors may also contribute to the prevalence of migraines in women.
Cold water immersion, such as cold water swimming or taking a cold bath, can provide temporary pain relief for some chronic pain conditions, including migraines. This is possibly due to the shock to the body causing a distraction from the pain. Cold water immersion can be particularly effective for those dealing with chronic pain conditions, as it offers a sense of control and community through social media support groups. Additionally, hormonal factors may play a role in the prevalence of migraines in women, with estrogen potentially contributing to the development of migraines in later life for those who have always been genetically predisposed.
Woman's Story of Adjusting to Hormonal Changes: Woman shares her struggle with hormonal changes, inspiring bravery and positivity. Research on women's health disparities is underfunded, emphasizing the importance of awareness and resources like The Liz Earle Well-being Show, short-term health insurance, and Pretty Litter.
Hormonal changes, specifically the shifts in estrogen levels, are believed to trigger certain health disparities between men and women. A woman who was experiencing debilitating symptoms despite having stopped all hormonal treatments and contraception shared her story. She had to make significant adjustments to her environment, such as painting her bedroom dark, to accommodate her need to spend long periods in a dark room. Despite her struggles, she continued to inspire others with her bravery and positivity. This conversation highlighted the under-researched and under-funded nature of this area of medicine, making it crucial to keep talking about it and raising awareness. The Liz Earle Well-being Show, with its focus on well-being wisdom, is a valuable resource for those seeking information on complementary therapies and nutritional guidance. Additionally, short-term health insurance plans can provide flexible, budget-friendly coverage for those in transition periods. UnitedHealthcare's short-term insurance plans offer access to a nationwide network of doctors and hospitals, making them an attractive option for many. Finally, Pretty Litter, with its innovative crystal formula and health monitoring capabilities, offers cat owners a smarter, more effective alternative to traditional clay litter.
