Hi. New to Migraine Talk, but 30+ years of the condition.

Hi all,
I became aware of this site and the Daily Mail article via a recent Migraine.org newsletter. I've read some of the postings and totally relate to many of the experiences.

My history of migraine began at the age of 13 - although at that time my headaches were being investigated in all kinds of ways by endocrinology, neurology and general medicine, due to their correlation with a sudden growth spurt. My poor parents were even told I may have a brain tumour! However, the cyclical migraine has stayed with me all of my life and for the past 10 years I have been under the care of a neurologist, 6 years ago referred to Professor Goadsby who commenced me on Topiramate, which I've taken ever since in slowly increasing doses.

I've taken various preventative drugs, such as Epilim, Amytriptalline, Oestrogen patches - to name a few. I currently take Propanolol 80mg with the Topiramate 125mg twice a day. As for analgesia, I have tried several of the Triptans over the years and have come back to Sumatriptan nasal spray as it (often) has an immediate effect on the pain, but the downside is, it sometimes doesn't work and once I've taken 2 doses for an attack I have no pain relief for 24 hours as nothing else is effective for my pain.

I'm 49 now, and seem to be peri-menopausal. I've had gynae problems which have resulted in the need for major surgery on Monday 12th. I should be scared, and I am in part (I'm a nurse and am irrationally thinking of all the things that may go wrong!!) but moreso I'm excited, as because this part of my anatomy is being taken away, when all settles down, it makes sense that my migraines should not occur, as I won't have ovaries to produce the hormones that trigger them. My cycle was the one and only trigger. I have kept a headache diary religiously since I started attending the National Hospital (came back to my local hospital to be managed last year - NHS funding issue) and they occur around my period/ovulation time.
I cannot imagine my life without migraine and all it entails, or how it will feel to be free of the effects the medication have on me.

It feels good to get that off my chest to people who have total understanding of this condition.
Kind regards
Alfee.

Hi Alfee, and welcome.

I can really relate to your experiences, as I have had gynaecological issues too, as well as lots of hormonal issues with my migraines, and could have opted for hysterectomy this time last year if I'd wanted to. Instead I had more endometriosis burned off and have left my fibroids to grow for now.

I wish you lots of luck, and I will be incredibly interested to hear how you get on with your surgery and afterwards.

Do let us know how you get on and I hope you do become migraine free!!

Hi Sarah and Pav.

Thanks for your responses. I'll certainly keep you updated on the migraine situation following the op. My neurologist has advised I keep taking the preventative medication and see him 3 months post-op for a review. I don't know what will happen with HRT,but I'm not keen to add any more hormones into my body seeing as they have been the constant trigger to my migraine. I'll discuss alternatives to this with my gynaecologist.

This op is the last of three options to address my gynae issues Sarah. I had the lining of my uterus 'removed' which didn't resolve the problem for very long, and so this is my last resort. I've been told I don't have fibroids or endometriosis.

Many thanks
Alfee

Hello there and welcome

Sorry you have had these for so long and I can see why you are excited - I so hope this works for you - please do let us know how you get on.

Best of luck

tee

Many thanks Tee :-) will do.

Thinking of you today xxx

Hope the op has gone well and you have a fast recovery x

Hope it all gone well

Hi there and a big thank you to all who sent messages to me. It was unexpected and a really nice thought.

The op went well and I'm on the mend now, playing conductor to my fab family as I give them their instructions on any last minute xmas preparations!

I'm afraid to say I'm experiencing a migraine-type headache at the moment (day 4), but with a difference, as it's controlled immediately by my Triptan (Sumatriptan nasal spray) and on day 1-2 I was able to take simple medication and avoid the Triptans.

I'm hoping this migraine is just a one-off as there are a few hormones still swimming around following my surgery. I suppose I won't know until about this time next month.

Anyway, here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Alfee.

All sounds promising - You conduct away hunny

Hope the New Year is a brand new start for you xxx