Migraine Headaches Support Group
Migraine is a neurological disease, of which the most common symptom is an intense and disabling episodic headache. Migraine headaches are usually characterized by severe pain on one or both sides of the head and are often accompanied by photophobia (hypersensitivity to light), phonophobia (hypersensitivity to sound) and nausea.
Yesterday I was treated with DHE I.V. I had one shot of 1mg, made my migraine worse and I started throwing up. (the throbbing was worse than anything I had before...and I have had some really severe throbbing with my migraines in the past) The worsening of my migraine and my vomiting lasted for about 20 minutes then my headache returned to the same level it was when I first arrived for treatment. However the doc thought she would try on more mg. I had the second shot of 1mg and it was the same thing all over again.
After DHE was tried yesterday I ended up getting treated with Dilaudid and dexamethasone and that helped my migraine and I was able to come home and sleep the rest of the migraine off.
DHE used to work for me but then it stopped working. I asked my neurologist about it and she said I shouldn't have it any more because she thought I had a type of headache and migraine that where the use of DHE was contraindicted. She said it was dangerous for me. New neurologist this year said that I could try DHE again as he didn't think it would be dangerous and did not agree with the diagnosis of the other neurologist.
Anyway, now I don't know which doctor to believe. I was also told to stop triptans as well for the same reason by the first neurologist but this new one says that I could try them again as well. I am just so confused. I have tried triptans recently and they didn't seem to give me the same reaction as DHE but they don't work that successfully either...and I just started using them again. Was the first neuro right.... Could these medications be dangerous for me? (I know nobody can really answer these questions, I am just confused and venting.) Why would one doctor say one thing and then another say something else? I know that there are conflicting medical opinions all the time....I have got to get this sorted out!
So the bottom line is this time DHE was so unsuccessful that it made my migraine worse. My question is has anybody else had DHE make their headache worse? I remember last year when DHE stopped working that I had some of the same symptoms but this time around it seemed way worse! Are there any theories as to why DHE made my migraine headache worse?
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
WhiteRose
After DHE was tried yesterday I ended up getting treated with Dilaudid and dexamethasone and that helped my migraine and I was able to come home and sleep the rest of the migraine off.
DHE used to work for me but then it stopped working. I asked my neurologist about it and she said I shouldn't have it any more because she thought I had a type of headache and migraine that where the use of DHE was contraindicted. She said it was dangerous for me. New neurologist this year said that I could try DHE again as he didn't think it would be dangerous and did not agree with the diagnosis of the other neurologist.
Anyway, now I don't know which doctor to believe. I was also told to stop triptans as well for the same reason by the first neurologist but this new one says that I could try them again as well. I am just so confused. I have tried triptans recently and they didn't seem to give me the same reaction as DHE but they don't work that successfully either...and I just started using them again. Was the first neuro right.... Could these medications be dangerous for me? (I know nobody can really answer these questions, I am just confused and venting.) Why would one doctor say one thing and then another say something else? I know that there are conflicting medical opinions all the time....I have got to get this sorted out!
So the bottom line is this time DHE was so unsuccessful that it made my migraine worse. My question is has anybody else had DHE make their headache worse? I remember last year when DHE stopped working that I had some of the same symptoms but this time around it seemed way worse! Are there any theories as to why DHE made my migraine headache worse?
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
WhiteRose
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
From what I'm reading in journal articles- the increase in pain is an actual side-effect that has happened to other people.
So, I wouldn't worry about the new doctor being wrong. But, I think you're one of the people that has those side-effects - so maybe steer clear of the DHE.
I wasn't aware, until your reply, that the one of the side effects from DHE is an increase in pain. Wow, the things I learn from my pals here at DS. I am going to do some research of my own about DHE again. It sounds like there is more information out there about that medication.
You are right, I may just have to avoid DHE. That's too bad because I was really hoping that it would work like it used to a year ago.
Oh well, maybe there will be some new meds on the market soon.
Also:
IV Magnesium or IV Lidocaine might be two options you can explore.
Also, intranasal lidocaine has been shown to be able to ABORT a migraine, not just kill the pain. It comes in a 4% nasal drop solution, and an 8% nasal spray. The spray the generally use for things like trigeminal neuralgia.
If DHE makes you worse, don't let them give it to you would be my advice. I've had some major go arounds with some of the doctors, but now for the most part they just give me demerol and gravol because I get right upset and will right to the College of Physicians and surgeons if they make my life worse by having gone to the hospital. They doctor on call does NOT know your medical needs as much as you do. I'd think you suuld put DHE on your list of allergies and don't let them give it to you. Know what does work and insist on being treated with it. If a problem arises stand up for yourself and they will eventually get the point. If the doctor on call doesn't know you the nurses probably will. Eventually the nurses will be able to advise the doctor on what works for your migraines. They sometimes know your history better than the oncall doctor.
Hope this helps you.
If your migraines have changed any since you last tried triptans it may be worth while to try them again. And if you werent on any of them longer then 8 to 12 weeks then your body wouldn't of had enough time to adjust. I had a doctor that took me off drugs after only three weeks, once I retried some of the drugs properly I had much better results. Just dont retry anything that gave you bad side affects you couldnt live with.