In 1982 I experienced what I learned, after a trip to the ER, was my first of a lifetime of migraines. I tell you this, I would rather give birth natural a dozen times over rather than have a migraine. I joke not. Migraines are Not a really bad headache as some people keep telling me. Obviously they have never experienced the thrill of a "C* clamp crushing their head, icepick stabs in temples, the smell of water nauseating, sound, light and all food smells leaving one reaching for the bucket to scream at Ralph into.
When I was in the throes of that first migraine, fetal and in tears with a pain so intense even my hair hurt all I wanted was to be in a very dark, cool and quiet hole and for the pain to cease. I tried to not cry b/c it made the pain so much worse and it was more than I could stand already.
The Emergency Room doc who diagnosed me with a migraine gave me a scrip for CAFERGOT and sent me home. I had a babysitter for my son and was planning to stay in a motel room for the night at least. Upon arriving at the motel I made sure the room was dark as it could be and cool, took my medicine (Cafergot) then got into the bed. It was less than an hour later I was one huge spasm and still in nauseating pain. I called the ER explaining to them what was happening, the said, "Do not take anymore of the Cafergot. You are experiencing allergic symptoms." I was thinking, yeah like no kidding! I wasn't going to take anymore anyway...The ER Doc wanted me to return so I called a cab - cab arrived, literally crawled into the cab. Returned to the hospital and they gave me another medicine, Inderal, to try. Needless to say that was of little help but at least I wasn't allergic to it.
I Find the information on Cafergot most interesting and enlightening especially since I am HIGHLY Allergic also to Macrolides and Ketolides. Ketolides are an antibiotic that belong to the macrolide group and are derived from erythromycin, of which, I am highly allergic.
It would take years to find ways to relieve the excruciating pain I was and still am going through with these horrid migraines. I began using icepacks to the back of my neck and to my forehead when the migraines hit and retreating into my dark, peaceful cave. What I did next was to start a journal. I tried, best as I could to keep track of my days when I was getting the migraines I would look at the weather charts. Barometer pressure changes and rain really have a bad affect on me. AHA!
I also have life long sinus issues thanks to dad. I seem to get all the good stuff (insert sarcasm here)
I was shocked to learn that migraines are so common that 70% of the population experiences them. These migraines are called "common migraines" of course. From sleep disorders to TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint Disfunction) which I experienced until all my teeth were pulled and I ended with dentures approximately twelve to fifteen years ago. I recall waking countless times and experienced the bruxism, teeth grinding in my sleep apparently with severe pain in my jaws which would also pop so loud I could hear them. After I received my dentures the TMJ lessened. I still have pain and episodes but not nearly as many as I had in the past nor as painful.
What I do experience now is the incredibly painful, baby grape, swelling lymph nodes from under my left ear all under the jawline. My left jaw becomes so swollen it is noticeable to anyone looking at my face and it is very warm or hot to the touch. I also experience the swelling in other areas; groin, under armpits and this has been happening for 8-10 years now before my Fibro diagnosis. I am wondering if this is CFS...Time will tell when I return to my Rheum doc in for January's appointment. I have been reading about many others who have the very same symptoms and the diagnosis of CFS along with the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Chronic Fatigue Symptoms is a page that shares great info about CFS and what I share here, the swollen lymph, sore throat...etc...
Other sources for migraines are MSG and other lovely preservatives. MSG is also hidden under many other names on food ingredient labels so it would be wise to read up on what they are if you are experiencing migraines too. Migraines, nausea, IBS and other issues can be traced back to MSG and in my case they have been. I am wicked when it comes to reading labels in the grocery store.
Did you know that TUNA FISH contains Soy? I wondered WHY I was puffy one day not long ago, my hands were incredibly tight and my ankles all blown out. I recalled having eaten a tuna sandwich less than 2 hours prior. I went back and read the can....I was shocked! Canned tuna contains more than just soy however and it is now Off my list....
Canned Tuna Is Not Your Friend
Canned tuna has two problems: Bisphenol A (BPA), because it monkeys around with estrogen, testosterone and the like, and soy, which also does dastardly things to our estrogen, testosterone, etc., messes with our DNA, creates kidney stones, dries up our minerals and causes brain damage.
Food companies line their cans with BPA to avoid deterioration of the can. Problem is, BPA is synthetic estrogen, which goes into the food, then into our bodies.
(Read More on their site-you will be floored)
MSG is hidden under so many different names and manufacturers actually get away with not telling us, the consumer about it. This is really bad, especially for those of us who are very allergic to these ingredients and must abstain from them or end up in the emergency rooms.
I went and did more research and here is a link with some great information:
List of all MSG disguises on food labels
More than 40 different ingredients contain the chemical in MSG (processed free glutamic acid) that cause us to become ill and experience reactions ranging from migraines and heart irregularities to worse for some folks depending on the severity of their personal level of allergy to them.
Below are some links to very interesting and enlightening articles on MSG, where it has been found hiding undercover like a secret spy. We have to be better, one step ahead and really scrutinize labels on the foods we are putting into our bodies, our systems. More and more toxins are being discovered in out foods that are ending up in our bodies and I, for one, plan to do all I can to strive towards a healthier lifestyle and eating plan. Having been raised on meat and junk foods it is not easy however my body made the decision a decade ago refusing most meat. All I need to do is listen to what my body tells me, pay close attention and give it what it needs.
My personal goal is to become meat free in 2012, if not by the New Year then at least by the end of 2012 for certain. I have risen to the challenge and survived very well for 40 days meat free and my body never felt better! I know I can make this change permanent. I also believe I will free myself of more migraines when I become an herbivore.
Mike Adams Health Ranger on Yeast Extract foods
More on foods containing Yeast Extract
More About Yeast Extract
Expanded: Foods to avoid
Explaining food additive excitotoxins
Only 5 pm ~ boneweary...*sigh*
Peace, Love and Light
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