Stephen new member

I have just reached 60 and have not managed to grow out of my debilitating migraines!! I have just retired from the NHS working on a busy Intensive Care Unit but am going back part time next month, only partly for financial reasons! This last week has been relatively head-ache free but i have been experiencing roughly 20 per month usually coming on in the early hours of the day 0500 to 0600. I have had nearly a month away from work now so perhaps I am beginning to feel the benefit of this break.The Triptan drugs have really been my salvation without them i would have been unable to function in my work. Quite often my headaches are worse on my days off. I have taken a very limited number of Co-codamol 30/500 but am very aware of their addictive action as they are metabolised to morphine, i understand, and they are not very effective anyway.

I believe in keeping as active as possible and as positive as possible. The effect on my wife cannot be underestimated as i have often been out of action and the brunt of family life has fallen on her. She does not give me a lot of sympathy which is good as I can feel a bit sorry for myself at times!!!! This complaint has blighted my life but i do believe in damage limitation as far as possible. I hope to try Botox next year when it may be funded all being well. Best wishes Steve

Hi and welcome. You're amongst understanding people here.

It's interesting that your migraines tend to follow a pattern of starting at a particular time. I wonder what is going on in your body at that time.

Hi Steve and welcome

I was going to say the same as Sarah - great minds think alike

But hand up to you - keeping down a job with 20+ a month is amazing let alone an A&E... It will be interesting to see what happens when you go back part time.

But the early hours trigger is interesting - do you eat anything before going to bed? Just wonder if its low blood sugar? Or do you grind your teeth in your sleep?

for your wife - having a good partner is worth its weight in gold.

I do hope the Botox gets the funding - NICE are due to review it end of January and some trusts are running their own trails - I am part of the London one....

Have you found anything others than triptans and rest to help?

Hello, just wanted to welcome you to the group..I have upmost admiration for you managing a job with your condition.

Hi Stephen

Just wondering how you were getting on?

Tee