Migraines and PJ Concerts

Fahka

If it were me... id probably just get some ear plugs (you will still be able to hear the music fine, just not loud enough to onset a headache hopefully) and take a few strong pain killers before i went. Preventive measures!

nikita_02445

I could just reiterate alot of the good advice already written, but on the reassuring side I've had migraines that started one day 10 years ago, but have never had one at a PJ show and have been to dozens since then. <y head may be pounding afterwards, but I am way too elated to notice or care!

I spent the first 3 years just nauseous and throwing up, was out of work for 3 mos, then part-time for a long time. Went to every kind of doctor but none could help until the headaches started. Then they gave me a diagnosis of 'abdominal migraine' for the previous 3 years, it exists but is not that common, but geez, I went to a top GI guy!
I had an unpleasant reaction to imitrex (tightness in the chest), can't funtion well on fiorinal (Butalbital), and do best with a drug called Epridrin (formerly Midrin) for both tension and migraines. I use the Fiorinal for the level 10 (i.e. bed-ridden) HA's.
My neurologist put me on topomax when I was having the 72 hours migraines with puking and feeling like the top of my head would blow off - I'll tale the headache over that anyday - because I was having 2-3 of those a month. What a life saver, now I only have 2-3 a year, but I still have almost daily headaches and throw up or have the dry heaves so I take a lot of analgesics.

I am doing the reverse of what you did, I am weaning off the analgesics now and am about to enter a 12 week chronic pain/stress reduction program (relaxation response, meditation, breathing techniques, guided visualization, nutrition and exercise), I always thought it was too hokey, but I have finally hit my bottom.
Stress is my main trigger, then strong emotions like anger and grief, I haven't found any food triggers - MSG gives me an MSG HA, not a migraine. Not getting enough sleep or oversleeping too. I get both pre and post event (good or bad i.e. vacation or big work thing) migraines too. And barometric pressure changes - which happens every few days in New England!

I have always brought a MIDRIN or two into the concerts with me to abort one (take it as soon as I get that feeling), but have never had to use them.

Well I think I get the prize for the biggest core dump...it's just been so bad lately, I'm jumping on someone else's post for my own good.
Maybe it'll help someone out there, too. :-(

Anyway I hope you get to that show this summer!
nikita

Evolution1

I suffer from migraine headaches and they sure are the most aweful thing and I can't imagine being at a concert with a migraine. It's hard to say for me what the triggers are, but I know in other people the triggers might be the sulfites in wine, certain chemicals in food such as MSG, and yes, things like heat, or stress. Are you able to recognize when it's a migraine and not just a bad headache? With the migraine the pain is usually on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and noise (not good at a concert), and even nausea.
The prescription I take is Maxalt and it works really well, but with all migraine meds you have to take as soon as you know it's a migraine headache. Drinking plenty of water is good, but too much may cause you some puking feelings. Another great prescription medicine is Imitrex.

aus_suz

Wookiee_Blaylock wrote:

Yeah, I've gotten to the point of throwing up before because of one a couple of times, years ago anyway. Or at least, I had that symptom (not saying that throwing up means getting it to the worst degree, because based on what some have said of their pain from migraines, I musn't get them nearly as bad).

I've read that MSG can help to bring them on.

I have found that MSG is one of the biggest triggers for Migraine, both my daughter and I avoid all foods that have MSG in it.. When u start reading packets for ingredients is amazing what MSG is in.
There are other Trigger foods as well that we avoid.
For me honey comb, sultanas, wine, dark chocolate, donuts, oranges and orange juice. Lamb apparently here in Australia it can be pumped full of hormones..
Which as u would know hormones are also another trigger for migraines.

If I was attending a show I would definitely avoid all trigger foods and try not to think about it, cos the worry will bring one on. Make sure u are well rested with plenty of sleep b4 hand.

I know lighting at some shows can be a pain but I have never had any problem at any of the PJ shows Ive attended.


I hope u get to go to a show and its Migraine free...:)

Best of Luck Kieran..:)

Stella

gobrowns19 wrote:

Do any of you get extremely sick to your stomach and throw up when you have a migraine? Damn just reading these posts gives me that bad feeling in my stomach, bleck. Throwing up makes it feel better though, but if you're like me i'm assuming you're not going to want to induce vomiting, haha.

For me, being in a cool place with lots of water usually helps. And try not to drink too much caffeine. Also when you feel one coming on eat something with a good amount of salt in it, i know it sounds weird, but that salt really helps with a lot you lose in sweating if you sweat like i do when you get them.

I haven't had one at a concert, and every year of my life I get them less and less, thank goodness. Thank goodness. Having a full, not too full, but full stomach helps too. I've rarely gotten any on a full stomach. Good luck.

I always crave salt when i get migraines. But I don't sweat with mine. odd.

I felt one come on in the car on the way to a Chili peppers concert once. Extra Aspro's are the only thing that work for me, so I took two of them, stayed outside through the support act and then went in just before they came on. Managed to stage off the migraine until we got in the car to go home. Then it hit hard. :( but was bearable through the concert and was still loads of fun!!! (the concert, not the mirgraine).

bruins1

*dawn* wrote:

I have to take imitrex as soon as I feel it coming on (light sensitivity, etc). Mary Jane can help too

amen. and amen.