tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-232953642024-03-07T18:06:16.256-05:00Migraine DetectiveI joined the migraine club at the age of 34. <BR><i>This blog follows my attempts to determine what triggers these headaches for me.</i>Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-16967940471297267592013-05-16T09:29:00.000-04:002013-05-16T09:29:02.442-04:00Spring MigrainesEven without aspartame, I've been getting migraines again. I'm blaming allergies and stress (see my other blog). Another fun effect I've been getting with them is vertigo. I feel like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjyC1Qclxys">Lucille 2</a> sometimes- driving is a real problem when I have that. Thankfully it hasn't been too frequent, but still a new symptom. The pain hasn't been too bad and I can usually get by with ibuprofen. I'd still rather NOT get them at all.Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-70842554242281647452012-11-01T14:09:00.001-04:002012-11-01T14:09:24.442-04:00Migraine Update!Shortly after my last post, I realized that the mints I'd been buying contained Aspartame- once I stopped eating those- the migraines also went away. Evil toxic stuff!! I've been avoiding diet soda for years, but didn't check the label on those mints. Mystery solved!Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-39797805950363088112012-02-28T14:36:00.000-05:002012-02-28T14:36:01.009-05:00I'm blaming the weird weather...Since my last post, <a href="http://untenured-no-no.blogspot.com/2012/02/goodbye-green-eyes-1993-2012.html">I lost my 18-year-old cat</a>, so things have been extra stressful. I had a migraine last Monday (2/20) with no aura. It wasn't particularly bad, but did make work difficult and exhausting that day. Then today, I was working at home when I realized I was having trouble seeing things on the computer screen- kind of like when you see spots after flash bulbs or looking at something bright- in the middle of the my field of vision. Of course, it continued expanding and I realized it was a migraine aura with the pulsating flashing zigzags expanding from a small point near the center of my vision to form a 'C' shape to the left and finally out of the my field of vision. Today's was really more square than rounded, but tell-tale nonetheless. I checked the time when I first noticed it and again after it was gone to determine it was about 30 minutes- the headache and dizziness started as the zigzags got toward the edge of my vision. I can't think of anything unusual I've done today- I walked at work yesterday (at lunch), walked on the treadmill at home this morning. The weather is unusually warm- it has been all winter- and the pressure was high this morning. I don't know if there's a connection, but there you go. Another blog friend (in the area) mentioned having a migraine, too, so there must be something strange going on. Hopefully, I will be fine for work tomorrow...Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-18524290519064002942012-02-04T11:47:00.001-05:002012-02-04T11:47:27.263-05:00Hoping NOT to be back here!Shortly after waking up this morning, I started with an aura. It's been so long it took me a few minutes to realize what was going on. I took some ibuprofen after breakfast to hopefully head off the headache, but the times I had auras in the past the headaches weren't that bad. I'm glad I came to check this blog, because I hadn't remembered having an aura in 2006- I thought it was only the first time I was diagnosed with migraine. I haven't had them in a long time- the last bad migraine was in 2007 (<a href="http://migrainedetective.blogspot.com/2007/06/summertime-is-migrainetime.html">my last post!</a>) I recently started eating only vegan and exercising a lot more (I'm doing Couch to 5K), so I feel good over all. Our weather is strange (unseasonable warm), so my sinuses are probably not happy and I slept a long time last night. Hopefully, this isn't the start of a busy migraine time. I don't have a prescription for Imitrex any more (and I don't want to take it because it makes me feel weird), so hopefully this won't be an issue...Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-24320124418927339052007-06-09T06:01:00.000-04:002007-06-09T06:12:31.161-04:00Summertime is Migrainetime...After a long hiatus from migraines, I had a killer one yesterday. I can only guess it was a combination of lack of sleep (D woke me up at 3:45 AM and I never slept well after that), allergies (mine have been terrible), heat (it was in the 80s and REALLY muggy yesterday), and overly ambitious exercise (I walked 3 miles at 6:00 am- outside). I was really tired when I took MM (my visiting mother-in-law) shopping yesterday afternoon. We went to Costco for her eye exam, got some glasses, then did a little shopping before heading home. It was on the drive home that my head starting really hurting. I had Imitrex with me, but couldn't easily access it in my purse, so I waited until we got home to take it. I went straight to bed, but was in so much agony that I couldn't sleep. It was almost two hours of suffering like that. I finally took a second Imitrex, despite feeling nauseous. I drank a diet coke on the drive home and I think that was a mistake. It didn't stay with me long, but after getting sick, I was finally able to sleep. I spent some time lying on the bathroom floor because it was only dark place in our room (no windows). I have never had a migraine like that. The pain was just excruciating and I so nauseous. I can only hope it doesn't happen again. Next time, I will pull over and take a pill!Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1154656072168495812006-08-03T21:41:00.000-04:002006-08-03T21:47:52.183-04:00Migraine:1, Me: 0For the first time in MONTHS, I had a migraine today. And not just any ol' migraine, but one complete with auras. I was seeing the C-shaped pulsating rainbow zigzags, so I immediately took an Imitrex and came home. I slept for a couple hours- the headache never got too painful, but I was wiped out. I'll probably be up half the night, since I took that nap, too. By biggest dilemma is figuring out what triggered it. I've been eating pretty healthy lately and sticking to a mostly vegan diet. I ate a good amount of cheese yesterday- which I haven't been doing lately. And today had another sandwich with Provolone. It's hard to say if that was what did it, but you can be sure I'll be avoiding cheese more carefully than I have been (it's not vegan, anyway!)Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1152961846832225032006-07-15T07:10:00.000-04:002006-07-15T07:26:07.820-04:00No Migraines!I haven't had a migraine since those two flight back in April. I started taking <a href="http://www.evitamins.com/product.asp?pid=1737" target="_blank">this supplement</a> a couple of months ago and I'm wondering if that is helping. I know that Candida overgrowth in the body can be linked to LOTS of health problems- including migraines (see <a href="http://www.healthyawareness.com/candida/migraines.htm" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://www.nutritioninstitute.com/10.html" target="_blank">this</a>). Come to think of it, I haven't had many non-migraine headaches lately either. I went off my sugar-moratorium, but am still trying to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I strayed from this on our family vacation, but still no migraines. I'll be curious to see if this pattern continues. Here's what I've been eating lately.<br /><br />On a good day, I eat:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">breakfast:</span> smoothie (frozen blueberries, banana, flax meal, stevia, cinnamon, fiber supplement, soymilk), decaf coffee<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">lunch:</span> a BIG salad first (various veggies, sometimes beans, sunflower seeds, homemade dressing), then smaller serving of other foods (tofu, whole-grain wrap, or leftovers)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">dinner:</span> various things, but mostly homemade with lots of vegetables.<br /><br />I left out any snacks, but I recently discovered <a href="http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/purely_decadent_turtle_trails.html" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/purely_decadent_peanutbutter_zigzag.html" target="_blank">this</a>. They're so good, I keep checking the label to see that they really don't have dairy in them!Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1146826777014701442006-05-05T06:54:00.000-04:002006-05-05T07:06:08.016-04:00I'm still here!I've been neglecting this blog lately, so I thought I would post today. I actually had two migraines last month. Both after cross-country flights. Both after drinking vodka and orange juice on the plane (not a lot). I think I will be avoiding that particular beverage in the future! I have recently reduced (virtually eliminated) sugar from my diet (along with processed white bread, etc.) and I'm hoping that this change might improve my headache situation. I have read a few places that fluctuations in blood sugar can lead to migraines, so by eating <a href="http://www.glycemicindex.com/"target="_blank">low GI foods</a> I hope to reduce mine.<br /><br />I have decided not to go back to Dr. Alt Medicine for now- mostly due to the cost. I have been convinced all along that my minor health issues could be greatly improved by modifying my diet, so I'll give it a go. Meanwhile, allergy season is in full "bloom" here, but I'm taking my allergy medication religiously.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments, please:</span> has anyone else found that eating low glycemic index foods reduces their migraines?Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1144459106747275572006-04-07T21:13:00.000-04:002012-02-28T14:46:56.927-05:00Small Town gives me a headacheOK- so I've been traveling a lot lately and getting into headache-inspiring situations, but I haven't had ANY headaches (of any kind) at all until I come home to Small Town.<br />
<ul>
<li>Chicago - headache on the drive there (from Small Town, of course)</li>
<li>Mexico City - bad air quality, hot weather - no headache</li>
<li>San Diego - sunny, windy, bad allergies, a cold - no headache</li>
<li>back home to Small Town - headaches return!</li>
</ul>
I am more convinced that they are allergy-related, but seemingly only for certain allergies (?) No migraines yet, but I feel them coming on daily...Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1143143902852913052006-03-23T14:47:00.000-05:002006-03-23T14:58:22.866-05:00test resultsI saw Dr. Alt-Medicine today and got my results from a blood test, hair analysis, & biological terrain assessment. I'm not sure what role any of this has in my headaches, but the hair analysis showed high levels of Aluminum, Cadmium, Uranium, & Titatium. I'm a bit alarmed about the U result! The Dr. said that he doesn't see that too often, so I'm wondering where I was exposed to it. The narrative that came with the results said that U can be in drinking water, root vegetables, and phosphate fertilizers. Hmmm... there's no way to get it out of my body, so I guess I am not going to worry about it. For the other heavy metals, he recommended <a href="http://drcranton.com/chelation.htm" target="_blank">chelation therapy</a>. I can't do it because it is too expensive, too time-consuming, and I'm not entirely convinced that it is will help anything. He also suggested allergy treatment by <a href="http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Allergy/zielinksa84_p.htm" target="_blank">total body modification</a>. This I am considering at least a try... It is also pricey, but not as time consuming (or as expensive). Since I think my headaches are allergy-related, I am willing to go out on a bit of a limb for that one. I'll let you know. Other results- I have high cholesterol! Isn't that great that a vegetarian of over 14 years can have high LDL. My mom said it runs in our family, but I still think I will watch my saturated fat intake. BTW, my mercury levels are miniscule...Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1143055146284799002006-03-22T14:13:00.000-05:002012-02-28T14:47:22.536-05:00I think it's allergies...Well, I've been back in Small Town for a whole three days and now I feel like I am getting a headache. My allergies have been bothering me since I got back (yes- I took my Allegra) and now my head is not feeling so spectacular. We'll see what Dr. Alt_Medicine says tomorrow. He already told me that I should have all of my silver fillings replaced because they leak mercury, but I am not convinced that this is the cause of my headaches (it seems seasonal to me). Not that I feel good knowing that mercury is leaking into my body, but I don't think it is giving me migraines. I'll let you know what he says...Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1142873484175084462006-03-20T11:40:00.000-05:002006-03-20T11:52:42.706-05:00first day of spring!I haven't had a migraine in the last week, but I did have an all-day headache on March 8th. We drove about 5 hours to a conference and the headache continued most of the day. Maybe it was stress? I took a trip to Mexico City after that and had not even one tinge of a headache there. I found that kind of interesting, because the air quality was pretty bad and my sinuses were not very happy. However, no headaches. I also ate plenty of cheese on that trip, so I don't think mine are linked are cheese- unless there are additives in the U.S. that bother me that they don't use in Mexico. Back at home, my allergies have returned (and I forgot to take an Allegra last night), so we'll see how I do today. I had a sleeping-too-long headache yesterday, but no migraine.<br /><br />We're celebrating spring with a winter storm warning!<br /><br />From Weather Underground:<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" spt="75" preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:formulas> <v:path extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" connecttype="rect"> <o:lock ext="edit" aspectratio="t"> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style="'width:12.75pt;"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Blueeye\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.gif" href="http://icons.wunderground.com/graphics/WIN.gif"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >*</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Weather Statement</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >*</span> <!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="" style="'width:12.75pt;height:12.75pt'"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Blueeye\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.gif" href="http://icons.wunderground.com/graphics/WIN.gif"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;" id="b">Expires 8:15 PM EST on <st1:date year="2006" day="20" month="3">March 20, 2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;" id="b">Statement as of <st1:time minute="56" hour="10">10:56 AM EST</st1:time> on <st1:date year="2006" day="20" month="3">March 20, 2006</st1:date><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from <st1:time minute="0" hour="23">11 PM</st1:time> this evening<br />to <st1:time minute="0" hour="19">7 PM EST</st1:time> Tuesday...<br /><o:p></o:p><br />A mix of snow... sleet and freezing rain is expected to develop<br />after <st1:time minute="0" hour="0">midnight</st1:time> tonight. This wintry mix will change to snow early<br />on Tuesday. Total snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches is expected<br />by Tuesday evening.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Remember... a Winter Storm Warning means severe winter weather<br />conditions are imminent or highly likely.<o:p></o:p></p>Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1141622547515905522006-03-06T00:10:00.000-05:002006-03-06T06:40:17.600-05:00falling off the chocolate wagonI've been trying to eat healthier, but had a nice helping of <a href="http://www.droste.nl/data/content/engels/index.php" target="_blank">Dutch milk chocolate</a> today. I've never noticed a connection between my chocolate consumption and migraines, so I should be fine. Other food:<br /><ul><li>breakfast- whole-grain cold cereal with Silk</li><li>lunch- Indian buffet!</li><li>dinner (still full from Indian)- sandwich (fake meat, cheese on whole wheat)</li><li>other- chocolate (above) and hot cocoa (Dutch cocoa, organic sugar, vanilla Silk) <span style="font-style: italic;">Do you notice a theme, here?</span></li></ul>I'm not expecting a headache, so the blog may go a bit off-track for a while! I'll post more later about an alternative medicine Dr. I saw recently.Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1141563927741877372006-03-05T07:59:00.000-05:002006-03-05T08:29:19.916-05:00migraines over(?)It has been my experience that I usually get into patterns of getting migraines day after day and once I am out of the pattern, I am fine for a while. I am hoping that I am now out of the pattern. Not even a hint of a headache yesterday.<br /><br />More food tracking for yesterday:<br /><ul><li>breakfast- sesame bagel with hummus, decaf coffee</li><li>lunch- leftovers (tofu casserole, penne with vodka sauce), yogurt with bananas</li><li>dinner- Thai food (spring rolls, spicy green bean tofu, vegetable curry)</li><li>snack during a movie- popcorn with nutritional yeast and one beer (Sam Adams)<br /></li></ul>I probably didn't drink enough water yesterday- I really have to make an effort when it's cold. I'll try to be better today! Oh yeah- also <span style="font-weight: bold;">walked 3.5 miles</span> yesterday!Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1141476698972027552006-03-04T07:40:00.000-05:002006-03-04T07:51:38.980-05:00welcome to the weekendI got through yesterday without a migraine, so I am quite happy. I ended up drinking a half-caf soy latte (I usually drink decaf ONLY), since I felt like I was fighting a headache early in the day. No headache, but I felt pretty crazy yesterday afternoon! I think I'll stay completely away from the caffeine for a while. I quit drinking it last Spring and think it has made me feel much better in general- no jittery, shaky, starvation feeling before lunch. I still drink tea and coffee, but stick to the decaf.<br /><br />What I ate yesterday after breakfast:<br /><ul><li>small snack of <a href="http://www.seapointfarms.com/"target="_blank">edamame</a></li><li>lunch- leftover tofu enchilada casserole & <a href="http://www.tofutti.com/cuties.0.asp"target="_blank">tofutti cutie</a> for dessert</li><li>half-caf soy latte from Starbucks<br /></li><li>dinner- <a href="http://www.qdoba.com/MenuItem.aspx?p=burritos"target="_blank">vegetarian burrito</a> from Qdoba</li></ul>I don't know if my headaches are food-triggered or not, but I'm trying to keep track, just in case!Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1141402527385817752006-03-03T11:11:00.000-05:002006-03-03T11:15:27.386-05:00so far so good todayI am feeling a bit light-headed, so I know I am not out of the woods, yet. I had a nutritious breakfast of oatmeal, topped with sliced almonds, cinnamon sugar, & flax seed meal and I am trying to drink lots of water. I also took an Allegra, since my sinuses have been acting up (damn this mild winter, we're having!). I have to go into school later to watch student presentations, but I hope to take a quick walk on the treadmill first.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted!Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1141326304140280472006-03-02T14:00:00.000-05:002006-03-02T14:05:04.140-05:00recovered in time for lunchWell, that was a doozy. I spent most of the morning in bed, including some time sleeping (I'm sure I'll never get to sleep tonight) . I didn't take a second Imitrex. I really don't like taking medication and only do it if I am feeling really awful.<br /><br />One other thing I remembered about yesterday's eating: I had lunch out (Mexican- cheese enchilada with rice & beans).<br /><br />OK- back to work (since I lost all morning!)Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23295364.post-1141314556145961722006-03-02T10:48:00.000-05:002006-03-02T17:03:11.550-05:00headache started around 8:45 AMI've known for some time that I should keep a diary of my headaches to see if I can figure out what triggers them. I'll try to use this blog that way. I am about to take to my 2nd Imitrex and I have an ice bag on my head.<br /><br />Possible Triggers:<br /><ul><li>weather change- pressure is rising, temperature is falling</li><li>allergies- I seem to be having allergy symptoms lately</li><li>hormones- it's about that time of the month</li><li>food- nothing out of the ordinary today or yesterday</li></ul>Nothing obvious here, but maybe the hormones... I had a nasty migraine in late December that was timed in a similar way. I have a lot of work to do, but looking at the computer is feeling pretty bad. Maybe after I take another pill.<br /><br />More later...Addy N.http://www.blogger.com/profile/18189517809852357469noreply@blogger.com2