need ideas

This doesn't seem to be a very popular forum, but I have nothing to lose.
I'm trying to find something that will relieve chronic migraines that have debilitated me for years. These things have all been done or tried

CT scans
MRIs
Boodwork
Dye studies
Numerous nuero exams
chiropractic medicine
Acupuncture
implanted peripheral nerve stimulator
Migraine medications, both the old and the latest
cardiac, blood pressure and aniti-depressants for their know side effects of decreasing migraines
Narcotics
antianxiety medications
oxygen therapy
biofeedback
various diets
yoga exercises

To date, the only thing that has come close is a cocktail of narcotics and antianxiety medications. Over the years, my body has built a tolerance to these medications and they are doing next to nothing. My Dr., a pain specialist has made referrals, picked up things at conferences and consulted other specialists.

Over a fifteen year period, I've gone from working 12 hr days to barely making through three half days a week. In the past year, that has gone down to 2 most of the time. I have rescue injections, but the effects last about 24 hours, then back to the beginning again. (The injections are for breakthrough pain).

I am already a patient at a pain clinic, and consider my Dr. one in a million. He actually listens. Even he no longer knows what to do, and at my last appointment, said he didn't know what we would do a year from now. Anyone who suffers chronic pain knows that it robs you of any life you had. You become reclusive, depressed and start to lose hope. I read anything I can get my hands on, but all of it has been tried before. Where do I go from here? My insurance is already over $500 a month out of pocket premiums on next to nothing income.

Sam2

(((hugs Sam2)))

not much help, but i suppose you have tried cutting out coffee, chocolate cheese etc
meditation may help but i am just guessing
i do not get migranes, but do have constant pain and find that keeping my surroundings a constant warm temperature really helps, if i have to go out i make sure i am well wrapped up, ski gloves, sheepskin lined wool hat, thick scarf, loads of thin layers on my body and legs and hand warmers in my boots! (i don't walk so put them under my feet to keep my toes warm!)

Thanks. Chronic pain is definately not fun.

Those were good ideas, unfortunately, i've already done them without any relief. Maybe there is a point at which one just has to accept the situation and learn to live with it. (That frame of mind will last about two hours).

Anyway, I appreciate your answering my post. I'll keep looking for answers and hope that you too will find a way to live without pain.

Sam2

Hi!
I too am a pain patient. I have had migraines for almost 40 years. I currently am taking topamax. I'm at 50 mg and the only relief so far is the constant pain on the left side of my head is gone. I still have migraines. The thing with me is that I won't be going to the full dose of the medication because I get too sick from the medication. That's just the way I was made I guess. Then too, I'm taking the medication for neuropathy which is caused from a back injury. My back is my constant pain and the neuropathy is far worse than the back pain. I have gone from working close to 60 hours a week to working 20 and I really understand what you are saying about the medical costs. It is tremendous!

All of this said, not much has worked for me, but maybe if you go off everything you're currently taking and give your body a break and then start again with a clean slate so to speak. I don't know. Maybe you've already tried that too, but its an idea. I wish you the best of luck!
Pixie

Sam2,

The only things that ever worked for me were Neurontin, Topamax and Stadol? Have you tried any of these?

Hope you find some relief soon!