My name is Stacey and I am 41 years old. I live near Richmond, Virginia. I have been living with migraine since late childhood. My attacks have been getting more frequent and longer for the past couple of years. I was recently diagnosed with "Refractory Migraines", meaning they don't respond to treatment. My new neurology doctor admitted me to the hospital for IV Treatment with DHE45. I was in the hospital for 5 days. They have become worse since I was adminitted on 11/21/08. I finally heard back from the doctor's nurse today and the doctor thinks that he has tried almost everything that can be tried. He will try to see if I qualify for Botox and get back to me. Basically left me with no hope for improvement. I know that migraines and depression often go hand in hand. Which comes first? For me, the depression comes during these long days and nights of pain. Times when you can't think a clear thought; times when you are stripped of all dignity; stripped of even hope. Now between trying to function at work, deal with the pain, I will be doing research again. Looking for a ray of hope; looking for some new treatment; and yes for a new doctor. If not for my wonderful husband and supportive kids, I think I would be crazy by now. Thanks for taking the time to read my first ever public post/blog. I will appreciate any and all responses, suggestions and referrals.


I share your pain. I am a 27 year old female and I have been suffering with chronic migraines since I was only 12. I was diagnosed back in Mexico at the age of 13, they seem to go away for a while but when they come back the get stronger. I absolutly hate when people think you can fake such a painful thing or when they compare it to a simple headache. But what I hate the most is that I feel that I can't even be in control of my own life. But I try my best, my husdband is very supportive and takes care of our one year old when I lay useless in our bedroom for hours. When the pain is absolutly unbareable I noticed ice helps a little. try putting some ice cubes in a plastic bag and put a cloth over them and place them over your head where the pain feels the worse. in general something really cold seems to nomb a little
take care
monica
Hi Monica,
I am sorry you share my pain. This is not something I would wish on anyone! Not even my children's stepmother
Like you, people who don't think I am really sick (because they can't see or understand it) leave me with little patience. The biggest culprit of that in my life is my mother. She thinks I am sick because I want sympathy. These run in my family, but my mother doesn't get them. Her sister does and her brother did when he was alive. I have four first cousins who suffer and now both of my chidlren are starting to get them more frequently as well. In our family, a lot of us seem to get the really bad ones within a couple of days of each other. Atmospheric pressure? Genetics? I'm not sure, but it's definitely something to think about.
As far as my mother goes, sympathy is not what I want. I want hope and understanding. Not just from her, but from medical professionals and the rest of the world.
Take care,
Stacey