Migraines

[larRN2011]

Hey guys,

So I have been having migraines for a couple of years now. I have never had one in my life, but since this last flare in 2010 I have had so many problems. I have had problems with my eyes and vision, I now wear glasses :/ and now I have headaches at some random freaking times. I have addressed this with my PCP and he gave me Sprix, but I haven't been able to bring myself to take it. I have this unfortunate fear of taking medication other than Tylenol and my Pentasa.


Long story short, Does anyone have problems with their migraines and is it related to the Pentasa or Crohn's...or could it be something else? I hate them and really can't deal with this much longer........

 

[Trysha]

Hello larRN2011
Sorry to hear you are a fellow migraine sufferer with crohn's
I get migraines out of the blue and having tried many different migraine drugs, most of which made matters worse, I settled for regular strength tylenol, two tabs at the onset of the visual symptoms of migraine attack.
Then I use a heating pad across the back of my neck and a cold compress on my forehead., and sit in a shaded room, or lie on a bed.
Usually takes care of things within an hour or two.
Triggers I recognise are strong cheeses, red wine and sunlight. Sometimes I just don't know what sets it off.
I had migraines way before the crohn's diagnosis but it parallelled the IBS I had for so many years.
Also had many eye problems including uveitis, and infections etc
Have worn glasses for many years now.
I don't know if any of it is related to crohn's and I have not had Pentasa, but it's possible.
Can they give you a different drug for the crohn's?
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I feel for you, I started getting migraines right around the time that my IBD manifested. I never had migraines in my life until my gut issues started, so I am fairly sure that the two are related somehow. I tried taking generic Imitrex, but it caused a worse rebound migraine, so I can understand your not wanting to take medicine. You may want to try something milder, though. I take 25 mg amitriptyline every night at bedtime. Amitriptyline is technically an anti-depressant, but in lower doses (10 to 25 mg) it doesn't work as an anti-depressant; instead it helps you sleep, can prevent some pain and can prevent headaches & migraines. It can supposedly help calm the guts too but I think that aspect of it works better for IBS than for IBD as I haven't noticed any difference there. I like Amitriptyline a lot, it works great for me and I haven't experienced any side effects aside from drowsiness (that's why I take it at bedtime, but it helps me sleep so it's more of a benefit than a side effect). You might want to ask your doc about something like that as it's a very mild med with low risk of side effects. Most people start out at 10 mg and then go up to 25 mg if need be - I started at 25 mg and that's been the perfect dose for me. Anyway, just my two cents. It's been a lifesaver for me and I rarely get migraines nowadays.

 

[ForeverCrohns]

Hey

I have been getting migraines since I had crohn's , and it can be very painful and disabling if I don't take anything as soon as it starts..and can last for up to 3 days I think
I spoke with a neurologist recently and he told me that many of his patients who suffer from migraines have IBD for some reason. So it might be related .
Also Tylenol wouldn't help with migraines because it is a different type of headache .. There are special meds for reducing its pain. I personally take Sumatriptan and it works great for me.

 

[Twiggy930]

High doses of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) has been shown to help prevent migraines. It seems to be working for my son.

 

[rygon]

i find m always dehydrated, taking sips of water every so often is always a good idea

 

[Jennifer]

I've been getting them as well the past couple of years although I was diagnosed 21 years ago. I don't really know the cause either but I try to drink more water and eat more regularly as being dehydrated or having a low blood sugar can set them off.