Saturday, May 26, 2012

Second Attempt at a Migraine IV Infusion

By Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide Sunday, February 10, 2008
I'd like to share a recent experience I've had with my doctor's office and my head. I'd been suffering a bad Migraine cycle since my last menstrual cycle (too much information?), and it was time to take care of the pain. My first attempt at an IV infusion in the doctor's off...
What to do about my Migraine.....
2/14/08 1:11pm

Nancy,

I'm so happy for you that something gave you relief from your pain. I'm just curious how long that will last and how often do you need to go back to the Dr. for more treatment. I'd try anything myself at this point.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Jess

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/14/08 8:14pm

Typically, an IV infusion like this, totally breaks my Migraine cycle and I can continue with my preventive plan without any changes to my medications.

 

I tend to go in "streaks," with spring being a difficult time for my head. This winter has be very diffucult for me......weather changes.....etc....

 

How often are you getting a Migraine attack? If you get more than three to four a month it may be time to talk to your doctor about a preventive medication. 

 

Do you take something everyday for head pain? There is another type of headache called Medication Overuse Headache (formerly called rebound) that can occur if we take certain OTC and prescription medications more then two to three days a week. The only way to stop MOH is to stop the offending medication, cold turkey. I've done this- it wasn't great fun, but doable. This needs to be done because if in MOH, there is not a preventive medication on earth will work, period. We have some information on MOH you can read HERE if you'd like.

 

Have you been over to our forum? It is a great place for support and all kinds of information on Migraine disease and headache disorders.

To get to the forum, just look for the orange box marked "Manage" and click on the Migraine Forums link. Because our forums are maintained by a third party, you'll need to register for the forum. You can use the same information you used to create your community log-in if you like. If you want to go directly to the forum, you can click HERE.

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/14/08 8:17pm

Jess, I know you've been to the forum!  I sent you the wrong information on that...... sorry Embarassed

2/14/08 9:21pm

Nancy,

I get a migraine every 2 weeks for almost 48 hrs. For a little while I had them under control with only headaches for about 5 months. I try to control them with herbs given to me by my acupuncturist and I get acupuncture every week. The acupuncture has helped about 50% so I try not to complain  about the pain but lately I can't  cure the migraine with my migranal so they are now out of control again. I tried to take a prescription to control them given to me by my neurologist but they never helped. I want to go to a migraine specialist but there aren't any covered with my insurance.

Jess

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/14/08 9:35pm

Ok, time to get them under control, a Migraine attack every two weeks lasting that long is not good for you.  Can you work with your GP to help you with your head pain? There are over 100 medications that can be used for Migraine prevention,so don't lose hope. Click HERE to take the list to your doctor and talk about it with him.

 

Why won't your insurance cover a Migraine specialist? Sometimes a gentle push from you and the doctor can be helpful.

 

 

2/15/08 8:10am
I didn't realize there were so many meds. for prevention. However, my GP isn't that savvy with dealing with my migraines but I'll give it a try for sure. Do you have any suggestions on meds. to cure the migraine when I get one?  I've tried with no  success migranal,imitrex, maxalt and an old one that I can't remember( but I would be surprised if it was still used anyway). Thank you so much for your help:)
Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/15/08 5:21pm

No problem, Jessica.

 

We have to be careful becasue as it stands now there is no "cure" for Migraine disease. I think you mean to abort the attack, right? The medications you mentioned are triptans, abortives, and they do just that, abort the Migraine attack. Even though you have tried Imitrex, and Maxalt, without success you could still give Relpax, Axert, Frova, and Amerge a try. I didn't have luck with Frova, Relpax or Amerge, but when I tried Axert I was very surprised to find it worked, and worked really well. Midrin is also an abortive that can be tried.

2/15/08 7:19pm
I did mean abort the attack. Thanks for the other meds. info. I'll take those to the Dr. soon. I'll let you know if any of them worked. But, is it true that you have to give a new med. 3 months to see if it really works?
2/17/08 6:37pm

You sometimes have to give preventives a try for three months to find out if they will work.  You may have to try a triptan more than once, since even a triptan that "works" for you may occasionally fail, but you should know after a few tries with a particular triptan. 

 

Good luck.

Anonymous
Kathi GannMitchell
2/14/08 3:19pm

icgrnis

I've had similar experiences, between vasoconstriction in the extremities, dehydration, and inept professionals, it has been a nightmare.  If it lasts over 3 days and I'm dehydrated it's off to the er for some Ringer's lactate, (if the dr. will listen)  Normal saline doesn't cut it.  Six or more sticks with little or no blood or extracellular fluid, has led to PIC line placement which is definitely much better.  No rotation of IV sites, and I can be hooked up and then disconnect and go about my business with line care and dressing changes worked in between.  My husband has become a whiz at the care and infusion pump management, since for the most part I can't see or am steady enough to do this myself.  He's one in a million!!!!!!!  As for the IM meds, if injected to fast it splits the muscle fascia and can cause a sterile abcess.  Vistaril for nausea balls up after injection, but shouldn't be rubbed, just gently massaged and warm packs to the area to prevent an abcess.  Of course this has been learned the hard way.  Good luck to everyone out there, hope this helps.

 

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/14/08 8:18pm

Hi Kathi,

 

Your husband sounds like a gem! Thank you for sharing your story. When we are in pain, we tend to feel isolated and alone. It is good to know we are not!  

 

Have you been over to our forum? It is a great place for support and all kinds of information on Migraine disease and headache disorders.

To get to the forum, just look for the orange box marked "Manage" and click on the Migraine Forums link. Because our forums are maintained by a third party, you'll need to register for the forum. You can use the same information you used to create your community log-in if you like. If you want to go directly to the forum, you can click HERE.

2/14/08 5:02pm

Hi Nancy,

I am so glad that you were able to break the pain cycleBig Grin .  I totally agree with you talking to your doctor is so important!!  I am still trying to manage my migraine due to my hormones, but you give me hopeBig Grin  Thanks for sharing.

HeartDar

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
2/14/08 8:19pm

Hi Dar,

 

Without hope, somedays I don't know where I would be!!  Hang in there. Is there anything we can do.....................besides make you hormone free??

2/17/08 6:39pm
Good for you, letting the doctor know what happened.  Often people do not let their doctors know when there is a problem with the office or nursing personnel, and then there is no way the doctor can address the problem.  Competent doctors, of course, want their offices to run well and their nursing staff to provide good care.
2/19/08 10:23pm

I went in for a migraine-2-3 a year now.  Since the doctor hasn't heard of a 57 year old with a migraine, he treated me as a brain tumor!  Avalanced me with something that snowed me heavly and 'go on your way!'  My migraine was reduced from 10+ down to a 7, I should be thankful but...

Hot Needle

Anonymous
Casandra
7/ 7/09 12:35am

I have suffered from these headaches all of my life. At present I am insured with the WORST company in the world also known as kaiser. Each time I go to the doctor or the ER they MISS the IV and I am in so much pain I could just DIE. Then they tend to just give up. I am already feeling bad about having to be there as they look at you crazy thinking "she MUST be on drugs" I hate it!! I had an IV two weeks ago and I am STILL in dying pain today. I am so tired of the pain that comes with headaches and people just not understanding. 

 

CS

4/15/10 6:18pm

My Doctor wants me to try this, this migraine has been going on for 34 days and I am about to go crazy. Yes I did say 34 DAYS!! How does the IV Infusion work?

Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide
4/16/10 6:34pm

Yuck! It is a simple process, an iv of medication slowly drips into your vein. Fairly painless....and the current Migraine cycle you are in really needs to be broken you poor thing.

Here is some information about infusions you may find helpful: IV Treatment of Refractory Migraines    Go have it done Smile, then let me know how you do  - ok?

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By Nancy Harris Bonk, Health Guide— Last Modified: 09/04/10, First Published: 02/10/08