Since getting my first Botox injections two weeks ago, my pain levels overall have decreased, even though my ongoing migraine still hasn't quit. My base pain level is now a 2 out of 10, rather than 4. I still spike as high as an 8 weekly or so, but overall I'm feeling a bit better.
This weekend was not so great, between intense sunlight, gross smells from neighbors' apartments and a broken elevator, meaning 4 flights of stairs. Sunday afternoon, DBF and I went to run some errands and by the time I got home - climbing up all those stairs - my pain was at an 8 and holding steady. Ice packs weren't doing anything.
So I decided to try some Relpax, which was the third time I took it. Both times previously, it had made me more tingly on my left side and sort of woozy, but I was willing to try it again.
Once again, it made me tingly. Very tingly. And then part of my face went numb. *sigh*
So I called Dr E's office first thing on Monday morning to let him know I was having trouble. He called me back toward the end of the day, and after a 10-minute discussion, he called in scripts for Amerge - as a "gentler" triptan option if I'm not tingly - and Fioricet - as a rescue if I am tingly.
All I could think when I got off the phone was that finally I have a doctor willing to prescribe me a rescue medication. My last doctor's attitude was "pain pills don't work", end of story.
I tried the Fioricet last night, only a few hours after picking it up from the pharmacy. It brought my pain levels down pretty well, so I'm happy to add it to my arsenal. It's not likely something I can take at work, which still leaves me without something to take if I'm tingly and in pain and at work. I haven't tried the Amerge yet.
I'll be calling my doctor again next Monday, to give him an update on the Botox progress. I should be able to let him know how both the new meds work out for me, too. I'm happy to finally be making some progress; I just wish it didn't take so darned long.
*sigh*
I have much more to say, but it will have to wait for another evening. So, for now, check out June's Pain Blog Carnival.
Be well,
MJ
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6 comments:
I am so happy to hear you finally have a doctor that is WORKING WITH YOU!!!! Kudo's Dr. E!!!! Glad to hear you listen to your patients!!!
That's what a good doctor does!!!
I hope you are feeling better my dear friend!!!!
Much love!
MJ,
I can't even imagine what it's like to have a migraine almost constantly. But there a few things I can really relate to reading your post.
For a while, I did have near constant headaches. It wasn't a migraine, but that can be pretty common in lupus. I can also relate to the stairs issue and the smells from other peoples apartments, obvioulsy in different ways, but still...
I hope that now you have found some new medications, you are doing better!
And I'm sure you know how lucky you are to have your boyfriend there to support you!!!
MJ I'm so glad things are improving. I know it's not as much progress as you want and not happening fast enough but it's still getting better and Dr. E sounds fantastic. What a difference having someone helpful, responsive and resourceful on your side! I'm betting we will hear about a pain-free day from you soon!
- Megan
MJ,
I'm thrilled you finally have a rescue medication. For those of us dealing with constant, severe pain - rescue medications are a necessity, as triptans often don't work in those scenarios.
- Kate
Hi I just want to share my experience as a headache and Migraine headache I suffer after I had a blood clot removed. I used Midrin for years and it stopped working. I have tried you name it for Migraines all the Triptans, Imitrex, Maxalt etc.
I have also tried the Fioricets, Fiorinals, Soma, Gabapentin, over the counter meds you name it.
My doctor gave me Xanax for the anxiety the Migraines Caused.
I discovered Xanax can and will abort your headache or Migraine some times almost immediately or a few minutes after you take it. I take .25 mg when I can not find anything else to do stop the headache.
Per the blogs I read the Xanax is one of the most addictive meds available and widely abused by our Drug infested and Want to to get high population.
As a result I would be careful how I use the medication and how often also speak to your doctor about the medication and get professional advice.
God bless you and grant you freedom from your pain.
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