When someone you know has a migraine, believe them. What you hear about the pain and intensity is all true. I know—because I’ve suffered from migraines for decades.
When my first migraine began, I experienced a searing pain that appeared on the left side of my head along with blurry vision. I had no idea what was happening only that the pain was excruciating. It wasn’t until I started vomiting from the intensity of the pain, that I realized this ‘thing’ was trying to kill me.
And I’m not alone. Millions—to be exact—suffer from migraines. It’s estimated that more than 29 million Americans suffer from debilitating migraines which can sometimes last days.
Migraines are listed as the second most common cause of disability in this country, and women suffer three times as often as men. No surprise there.
Thankfully, there’s more awareness of the plight of migraine sufferers now, and large pharmaceutical companies are pushing clinical trials. It’s also helped that A-list celebrities advertise different remedies, such as Lady Gaga and Serena Williams lauding Nurtec, which isn’t just an emergency remedy but can prevent migraines in some lucky people—just not me.
Lady Gaga:
“People need to be more compassionate. Chronic pain is no joke. And it’s every day waking up not knowing how you’re going to feel.’
For me, Immetrex (prescribed by my neurologist) is the gold standard, though as it attacks the pain, it creates a brain fog, which makes it impossible to work. All I can do is lie down in a dark room, with our two rescue doxies keeping me company. Forget trying to work.
Sumatriptan also helps in worst-case scenarios but, again, has some tough side effects. VYEPTI, the IV infusion treatment, didn’t even make a dent.
I also tried acupuncture, which helped, but only temporarily. 24 hours later, the dreaded pain in my head was back.
Quite by accident, I discovered that the Botox I was getting injected in my forehead (for vanity reasons) helped take the edge off the migraines. So I started using it ‘off label’ as it’s called.
It wasn’t until 2010 that the FEDA approved Botox for chronic migraines, defined as migraines lasting 15 days or more a month. This means insurance now covers it. Ta-da!
Doctors think Botox works for migraine headaches because it blocks chemicals called neurotransmitters that carry pain signals from your brain.
Most insurance companies approve shots every three months. I’m in like clockwork. Finding a good, compassionate doctor with experience giving Botox shots for migraines is essential, not just for cosmetic reasons.
Lucky for us, we discovered Dr. Joanne Low, who has several practices in Southern California. She really listens, and since she has many migraine patients, she knows where Botox would be most effective.
Starting with shots in my scalp (!), she progressed to my head and shoulders, which hold most of my tension, like most people, and then my forehead.
All photos by Angie Maddalone.
Though I was hoping to soften some of my wrinkles (looking at you, forehead), the main benefit is the lessening of the severity of the migraines.
#nofilter
For me, it’s almost instantaneous. I feel the weight off my head lifting; like in a cartoon, I imagine a giant anvil vaporizing. Oh, I still get migraines, but not nearly as often or as painful.
Until they develop a drug that does away with migraines permanently, Botox is my best bet.
If you are a fellow sufferer, talk to your doctor/neurologist about getting insurance to cover Botox.
You can thank me later.