I haven't posted in forever, mostly because I always had a migraine. LOL But I wanted to share with you what I've found has been a miracle for me.
My family dr. put me on Depakote about 10 months or a year ago. They worked really well, bringing my migraine numbers down to at least 5 a week or 1 3-week-long headache (requiring hospitalization with a DEA and Demerol drip), so I was thrilled. Then my mom gave me a news article that she'd saved about Botox treatments for migraines. I really wanted to try it, but was afraid that my insurance wouldn't cover it, and the treatments are REALLY expensive...$750 for the first one, $1500 for the second, $2100 for the third and fourth. I would get 4 treatments a month.
I called my insurance company to ask about it, fully intending to have to beg, argue, scream, whatever. But when the nurse I talked to saw how often I'd been hospitalized and how many different drugs I'd tried before finding the Depakote, she approved the treatments right there on the spot.
So far, I've had two treatments. The only side effect of the shots is actually quite pleasant; it feels sometimes like I have an ice pack on the top of my head where the shots were given. The combination of Depakote (3x daily of 500mg) and the Botox has changed my life. If I get the slightest sign that an aura is coming, I take a couple of Tylenol, and it is gone within 10 minutes. And I only get those a couple of times a month. A little added bonus is that the Depakote has (very unexpectedly) given my libido a much-needed boost!
The FDA has now approved Botox as a migraine treatment, as you all probably know, so if at all possible, call your insurance company and talk to them about trying it. My life is so much better now; living without migraine pain is like a miracle.
I hope this helps at least one person. :-)
Karen
.
I have recently given botox a go myself, and have found it to be really effective. Although I have not been completely pain free (I am still suffering status migrainus) my pain levels have reduced considerably and I am able to function most of the time. I never would have thought it would be my answer. I do miss the ability to move my eyebrows!
Would I do it again? YES. I am booked in for my next treatment in march.
I'm so glad it helped you!! Ask your dr about the Depakote; it's the combination of the two that did the trick for me. And my neuro must put the shots a bit higher than yours does, because I can still move my eyebrows; I just don't have wrinkles in my forehead. *G*
Wishing you a pain-free Christmas and New Year!!
I am currently on endep as well as the botox. I haven't had Depakote but I had a severe reaction to a similar drug. I am glad to hear it worked for you though!