Showing posts with label migraines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label migraines. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Migraines and Dehydration

MIGRAINES ~
I would give almost anything to experience a headache. For the past two days I felt as though I had been repeatedly pounded with a monster sledge hammer. At least that is what my head felt like. Ice packs, dark cool room, pain med and silence are the best I can do when these hit...
If you have never had a Migraine I envy you I really do...

The very first time I experienced a Migraine was back in 1982. I was 21 years old, fetal and in tears  with  incapacitating pain. I wanted to remove my head and stick it in the deep freeze...Many of you can relate to this...
When I was driven to the E.R. and treated I was informed I was having a Migraine. The medication they treated me with first I turned out to be highly allergic to and literally crawled into a cab from the motel room and back to the hospital. It has been a trial and error over the years with different meds and if insurance would pay for it...I still have no idea what triggered that first Migraine...

FOODS AND PRESERVATIVES
Various foods may cause reactions and trigger Migraines. See the list below~
There are many preservatives in foods today and I urge you to become a label reader if you aren't already. Scrutinize labels. MSG is one of many and is an ingredient listed under many names.
My Migraines are triggered by multiple sources and every time they completely incapacitate me, some for a couple days and even a week. I have discovered over time that preservatives are one huge factor and I make a lot of home made foods now. I eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible and rarely, rarely anything canned.
I have High Blood Pressure and that was a trigger for my one sided Migraines. It felt as though I was being stabbed repeatedly with an ice pick in my temple. I was prescribed a low dose of Atenolol which has remedied that situation. I am working to get myself healthier and pray one day to be able to not need this medication.

Medications
There are medications out there whose side effects also may trigger a Migraine. Always be sure to read the label insert for your medication(s) and if you have Any questions do not hesitate to ask your Pharmacist or Doctor. You are worth every second of their time. I Love my Walgreens Pharmacy and the Team.

Water
Drink Lots of it!!  Make it your best friend. Keep hydrated. Summer is here, hot hot weather. If you realize you are thirsty then you have already begun to dehydrate. Migraines can come on when your body is depleted of nutrients and dehydrated. I do have to have my coffee in the morning but then it is water all through the day for me. I drink tea in the evening many nights but caffeine free and herbal teas with a little honey for sweetness if needed.

Journal 
I recommend keeping a journal...I purchased a good sized journal from Wal-Mart just for my Fibro In the journal I include what I eat for the day, any reactions/pain, what the weather is for that day including the Barometric Pressure. Did I walk or do any type of exercise? This includes dancing to a few songs in the house, stretching, to walking around the block. How did I sleep? Did I get enough sleep or restorative sleep? Am I under more stress than usual? For women, Hormonal changes can often cause Migraines. Knowing that we are all created differently we will no doubt have varying food allergies. For me keeping a journal is extremely helpful.

DEHYDRATION 

Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:
Dry, sticky mouth
Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
Thirst
Decreased urine output — no wet diapers for three hours for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
Few or no tears when crying
Dry skin
Headache
Constipation
Dizziness or light-headedness

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause:
Extreme thirst
Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
Lack of sweating
Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
Sunken eyes
Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby's head
Low blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
No tears when crying
Fever
In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness
Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

When to see a doctor
If you're a healthy adult, you can usually treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, such as water or a sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade, others).

Get immediate medical care if you develop severe signs and symptoms such as extreme thirst, a lack of urination, shriveled skin, dizziness and confusion.

Treat children and older adults with greater caution. Call your family doctor right away if your loved one:
Develops severe diarrhea, with or without vomiting or fever
Has bloody stool
Has had moderate diarrhea for three days or more
Can't keep down fluids
Is irritable or disoriented and much sleepier or less active than usual
Has any of the signs or symptoms of mild or moderate dehydration

Go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911 or your emergency medical number if you think a child or older adult is severely dehydrated. 
You can help prevent dehydration from becoming severe by carefully monitoring someone who is sick and giving fluids, such as an oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte, others) at the first sign of diarrhea, vomiting or fever and by encouraging children to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.


For more information on Dehydration Causes, Risk Factors and Complications.
MAYO CLINIC-DEHYDRATION SYMPTIOMS

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Migraine Junction...

Migraine Junction...
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

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Changes, choices and renewed energy

Howdy friends.This has been one interesting, reviving, rejuvenating and awesome week! My energy level has increased in the couple days and I love it. :) I mentioned a few posts or so back that I would keep y'all updated on how things are going and so I shall:) 


A regular sleeping pattern is something I have been striving for and clearly it has eluded me for, well all my life. Due to certain chemical imbalances it will not be consistent throughout the month once I hopefully manage to padlock one down lol. With a lot pf prayer and consistency I am hoping I will at least discover the best schedule possible for Me and My body...

Taking control of your lifestyle and change your eating habits to healthier ones. For those of us with FIbromyalgia, MS Lupus and other related disorders it has been documented that this makes a huge difference not only in over all well being but in pain levels. I know from personal experience you won't see or feel results overnite yet persevere, hang tight with the program and soon you will begin to feel the changes within you.


Here is an interesting and informative article I came across by J. Wes Tanner, MD. A long yet good read.



Author: J. Wes Tanner, MD
How can you take control of what is out of control? Begin with the basics. The basics mean making healthy lifestyle choices. Migraines, fibromyalgia, IBS, frequently neck pain, TMJ, and panic attacks are interrelated. The common denominator is migraine. I have chosen the phrase migraine syndrome to group the above symptoms together, because when you control migraines, then the migraine syndrome will improve. Successful migraine prevention depends greatly on understanding how lifestyle impacts the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.


People that are subject to the migraine syndrome have what I call the sensitive body. The body is more sensitive to light, sound, smell, food, and/or stress. It is important to remember that your body is sensitive. Avoid triggers. Triggers can be additive and total up to big trouble. The more trouble you have, the lower your threshold for developing symptoms. If your body is over-stimulated by triggers for a sufficient time period, then transformation of migraines occurs (migraine become more chronic) and more of the migraine syndrome is revealed. Transformation can ultimately lead to fibromyalgia. It is impossible to totally avoid triggers. Triggers are risk factors. Activities done to normalize the nervous system are protective factors. Lifestyle changes promoting protective factors and avoiding risk factors lead to good health.


Lifestyle changes markedly reduced the frequency of headache in studies that I have conducted. Let me prove my point. I have been the investigator in many medical research studies. In the late 1990′s, I did two studies that I found extremely revealing about the importance of lifestyle changes. They were simple preference studies. The patients would try the study drug and determine if the study drug was preferable over whatever over-the-counter medicine they were taking for migraine. In one study Imitrex was the medication studied, and in the other Amerge was the study medicine. Imitrex and Amerge are triptans. Triptans are drugs that help stop a migraine attack. In one study Imitrex was taken for three headaches and in the other study Amerge was taken for four headaches. The study patients were required to have five or six headaches a month in order to be enrolled into the study. In other words, these study patients’ lives were significantly impacted by having too many migraines. The patients had three months to complete the study. Assuming five to six headaches a month, then the study should only take a month. Nevertheless, they had three months. In both studies combined there were about seventy patients. My office treated these patients like regular migraine patients. We made the “mistake” of teaching the usual lifestyle changes-the changes I am about to teach you. Over half the study patients were unable to complete the study in three months! One patient did not have another headache in three months. Needless to say, we did not make that “mistake” again while conducting a study. We taught them lifestyle changes after the research projects were completed.


One of the basic needs is a consistent life. Everything needs to be done in a methodical way. Maintain adequate sleep-not too much and not too little. You need to go to bed at night and awaken in the morning at approximately the same time each and every day including weekends, holidays, and vacations. If you oversleep by more than one hour, you may feel hungover or tired, and you are definitely aggravating the migraine syndrome. Did you ever wonder why jet lag bothered you so much? Imagine awakening by 6:00 am weekdays and 8:30 or 9:00 am on weekends. That may explain weekend or Monday morning headaches or cricks in the neck. The fatigue is felt when you go on vacations and/or come home to reality. The variable sleep-patterns problems adversely affect high school and college students and night shift workers.


Eat regular meals. You need to eat breakfast! Commonly, I find migraineurs who just do not feel like eating early in the morning. Eat anyway. It does not have to be eggs and biscuits. A bowl of cereal or even a breakfast bar will work. Do not skip meals. If you do not eat, or if you eat junk food, you are setting yourself up for reactive hypoglycemia among a host of other problems. Consistent sleep and meals are very important. In other words, your life must be dull and boring-oops. What I meant to say is, the more regular your lifestyle is, the more protected you are from risk factors.
I will cover more lifestyle changes in subsequent articles. The subjects will include emotions, dietary triggers, medications, posture, physical activity, trauma, and environment. For more information, go to http://www.migrainesyndrome.net.

Source: 
This article is free for republishing

My thoughts.......
IMITREX is one ond work towards either avoiding them, when possible, or at least having something on hand to help sooth the migraine meds mentioned and one I have been on years ago. For me it worked very well, however it may only be taken Once the migraine has begun. I want to do all in my power to help prevent any migraines Before they start. I have been riddled with them for 28 years now. My migraines bombard me in regimental attack from various origins which is incredibly frustrating for me. I have learned what triggers most of them. There are other migraines that perplex me and leave my skull feeling like it is embedded with shattered glass. Have any of you out there have experienced these types migraines? If you do - What do you do for them and does it work to alleviate the pain? Right now all I can do is lay with a gel ice pack in a cool room as dark and as quiet as possible. It is the worst type by far I have experienced. All noise, smells, sounds...these all highly nauseate me further with my migraines. 

Wishing all of you a blessed evening, 
Elizabeth