Last night I had the worst migraine of my life. It came on so fast and was so intensely painful I couldn't hardly stand up. I think I actually was starting to go into shock from the pain 
. My boyfriend freaked out and was begging me to take some pain pills. It was horrible because I didn't have any I had taken my migraine meds and my pain meds on vacation with us last week and my purse was stolen...it contained all my medications. Somebody had a great time with them I'm sure. Finally I found some old Midrin that I had and took 2 and after I called my doctor this morning he said to just continue taking one every two hours until the headache breaks. The worst part...it's my boyfriend's birthday and I'm in such agony I can hardly celebrate with him. This disease sucks!!!
I have never experienced a headache like this before. I have had some severe migraines before but usually there is a buildup and warning signs. This again makes me wonder about having the botox injections. Has anyone out there ever had them or have any advice about the botox treatment? I read a study by Kaiser that stated of the clinical trial enrollees, 60% of them had relief from their headaches with botox injections. If this is the case why isn't botox being marketed to headache sufferers more aggressively?
Tami
Hi Tami!
I'm sorry you're in so much pain right now! I'm sending lots of
and hugs your way! I'm glad you called your doctor for advice...the ER always does extra tests (CT scan, MRI) if people report that they're having the worst headache of their lives!!! Please stay in close contact with your doctor...
I haven't had Botox (my insurance has refused to cover it). From reading info at the forum, I know that many insurance companies refuse it because it's not an FDA-approved intervention for migraine. I know there are many clinical trials out there trying to prove its efficacy, however...I think it costs about $400 or so without the help of insurance. And some doctors say you may need a few treatments before you see positive effects. I'm sure other members here know more than I do about Botox. There are many people here and at the discussion forum who've tried it!
As part of my migraine treatment, I have monthly nerve blocks. During this procedure, numbing medicine and steriod are injected at the back of my head, over my ear, and in my eyebrow. It's a series of injections (about 15-20) and they do hurt a bit! But they numb my migraine pain immediately. My last nerve block gave me 9 pain free days in a row (and I'm a chronic migraine sufferer, with daily pain!).
Only you and your doctor can decide if Botox (or any other treatment) is right for you! Do you see a Headache Specialist for your care? You really should have a migraine expert if you are considering something like nerve blocks or Botox. They know how to do it properly! I know this from experience...I had nerve blocks for quite a while from a person who was supposed to be a migraine specialist. I recently went to a new doctor who is a REAL expert. His nerve block was completely different than the ones my former doc had given me!! You have to have a good doctor to get positive results!!!
Keep us posted...and think about asking the discussion forum members about Botox. I'm sure they'd have a lot of input!!