Hunting with Migraines

[co_archer]

Great question! I have had migraines since I was ~6 and they have steadily become more frequent, now at 2x per month or so. Same symptoms as others described here but Sumatriptan works for me. In particular the nose spray version. I do notice that I get best effectiveness from the Sumatriptan if I mix it up between the pill version and the nose spray. After 3-5 months of using one type, they seem to lose their effectiveness so alternating between the two is best for me. My Dr has offered me an injection kit, but I just dont see doing that myself.

One thing you may look into is Botox injections. A friend tried it and he has not had a migraine since. Plus he looks younger Im a bit leery of it myself.

The nasal spray is something I've never tried. That's something I may ask my doc about.

Haha, yeah I don't know how big a fan of the idea of botox injections I am, but I have heard they have good results too. But i think you have to have like 10 migraines a month to qualify? I could be wrong.

 

[co_archer]

I have tried to Id triggers for my migraines for years, and finally feel like I'm getting somewhere. Turns out I have a bad neck (old fracture, bone spurs, DJD, and pinched nerves) that causes my neck to tighten up so much that a tension headache develops into a full blown migraine with with nausea and vomiting. Since my Dr. has started treating my neck (first with muscle relaxers, then steroid injections, and now radiofrequency nerve ablation), my migraine frequency has significantly reduced. I know each persons situation is unique, but for years I thought my headaches cause my neck discomfort, not the other way around. Best of luck to you all. Migraines suck.

Thanks Aggie. I def. need to talk to my doctor or chiro about my neck and lower back. They are major pain points for me.

 

[FLAK]

I used to have those exact migraines when I was younger.
Was incapacitating, blinding.
Thank God I no longer get them in my mid 50's.
I think mine was from a very stressful home life.

 

[aggie_2010]

Thanks Aggie. I def. need to talk to my doctor or chiro about my neck and lower back. They are major pain points for me.

I tried chiropractic treatment several times initially, but pain relief from that treatment was very temporary... like 24 hours only. My neurologist did an EMG test and something else that indicated a pinched nerve in my neck. That led to imaging and then the steroid injections from another specialist. The first steroid injection I had was done in the epidural space of the vertebrae... it wasn't very effective, so the next two times (I had to wait one month between injections) they treated the joint facets and my neck felt wonderful, but only for 10 days or so following the injection. I just had the nerve ablation about a week ago, so time will tell if it works. If successful, my doctor said I should be pain free for 6+ months until the nerves grow back. I really hope the ablation works, because the steroid injections aren't a good long term solution. I probably gained 15 LBS during the time I had the three steroid injections.... it'll make you want to eat everything in the house.

Long story short, don't stop at the chiropractor if you don't get long relief. Migraine relief unfortunately can be a long journey of trial and error. I still keep on hand the muscle relaxer (Flexeril) my PCP gave me as back up. If I feel my neck tightening up I take one as soon as possible to get ahead of it. The only problem is it makes me very sleepy and puts me down for 2-3 hours (sleeping). That said being down for 2-3 hours during a hunt is better than losing a whole day or more nursing a migraine.

 

[co_archer]

I tried chiropractic treatment several times initially, but pain relief from that treatment was very temporary... like 24 hours only. My neurologist did an EMG test and something else that indicated a pinched nerve in my neck. That led to imaging and then the steroid injections from another specialist. The first steroid injection I had was done in the epidural space of the vertebrae... it wasn't very effective, so the next two times (I had to wait one month between injections) they treated the joint facets and my neck felt wonderful, but only for 10 days or so following the injection. I just had the nerve ablation about a week ago, so time will tell if it works. If successful, my doctor said I should be pain free for 6+ months until the nerves grow back. I really hope the ablation works, because the steroid injections aren't a good long term solution. I probably gained 15 LBS during the time I had the three steroid injections.... it'll make you want to eat everything in the house.

Long story short, don't stop at the chiropractor if you don't get long relief. Migraine relief unfortunately can be a long journey of trial and error. I still keep on hand the muscle relaxer (Flexeril) my PCP gave me as back up. If I feel my neck tightening up I take one as soon as possible to get ahead of it. The only problem is it makes me very sleepy and puts me down for 2-3 hours (sleeping). That said being down for 2-3 hours during a hunt is better than losing a whole day or more nursing a migraine.

Amen on 2-3 hours being better than a whole day (or two) Good luck with the ablation and I hope it works for you, it sounds like you've been through a lot already.

I actually just made a chiro appointment about 15 minutes ago so I'm going to start there. Sometimes it just takes a kick in the ass to get going.

 

[kloppy]

I used to have those exact migraines when I was younger.
Was incapacitating, blinding.
Thank God I no longer get them in my mid 50's.
I think mine was from a very stressful home life.

x2 on the stressful home life - I have read that migraines are far more common in those who suffered childhood trauma or otherwise have PTSD

 

[AK Troutbum]

I haven’t read through all the comments, so sorry if this has already been mentioned, but has anyone tried Botox for their migration issues? My wife is an RN that specializes in injecting Botox for migraines, and I believe she is still the only registered nurse in the US that is certified to do this procedure (there are many neurologist that are also certified). Anyway, from what I understand, it is very effective in significantly relieving the worst symptoms of migraines, and in many cases patients become migraine free after a few treatments. The treatment regime is every 10-12 weeks, and it usually takes about 3 treatments to reach maximum effectiveness.


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[FatCampzWife]

Yeah, you said it. They can hit when you're doing anything, and they are NEVER at an opportune time.

I do a pretty good job of taking care of my diet and staying hydrated, but I have some neck (C7 area) and lower back pain from playing football and powerlifting without belt support that I KNOW I need to see a chiropractor about.

What do you do prophylactically to get ahead? Take the same meds you would take if one hit, or just pay close attention to the pre signs?

I found a good chiro. I make sure I get enough sleep. I take Aleve and drink water & caffeine if I feel even a TWINGE of a headache. If I start getting that weird, pre-migraine feel, I slow down, cool off, stretch, eat & hydrate. It's taken A LONG time to know myself well enough & have enough courage to say "wait, I need to slow down." I'm uber competitive, & that can undo you if you don't learn to tamp it down in order to save yourself.

 

[co_archer]

I haven’t read through all the comments, so sorry if this has already been mentioned, but has anyone tried Botox for their migration issues? My wife is an RN that specializes in injecting Botox for migraines, and I believe she is still the only registered nurse in the US that is certified to do this procedure (there are many neurologist that are also certified). Anyway, from what I understand, it is very effective in significantly relieving the worst symptoms of migraines, and in many cases patients become migraine free after a few treatments. The treatment regime is every 10-12 weeks, and it usually takes about 3 treatments to reach maximum effectiveness.


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Hey AK - Someone did mention it, but it never hurts to mention again!

I have heard that it works with pretty good results... But my wife used to work at a neuro clinic and I thought that to qualify for botox treatment, you had to have like 10-15 migraine episodes a month.

That could have changed though, and I could also be wrong.

 

[co_archer]

I found a good chiro. I make sure I get enough sleep. I take Aleve and drink water & caffeine if I feel even a TWINGE of a headache. If I start getting that weird, pre-migraine feel, I slow down, cool off, stretch, eat & hydrate. It's taken A LONG time to know myself well enough & have enough courage to say "wait, I need to slow down." I'm uber competitive, & that can undo you if you don't learn to tamp it down in order to save yourself.

I literally made a chiro appointment about 30 minutes ago. So check for that.

Caffeine is a double-edged sword for me. Sometimes I feel like it helps, and sometimes I feel like it puts me too on edge and ramps the anxiety and everything else up.

I've been dealing with them for I'd guess about 20 years, and sadly I still have hard time identifying any pre-signs. I feel like the first sign I get is often the vision loss and then it's too late.

I hear you on the competitive-ness. I'm sure that's how a lot of the guys are in here. It takes a certain personality to want to go backcountry hunt.

 

[kda082]

Good thread with good info. Have them occasionally but not as severe as a lot of you. I do the migraine otc stuff with benadryl and find a dark room. Occasionally I get that feeling like it’s coming on. I notice they’re more frequent at altitude, but I don’t back country hunt, just Breck in the summer. Sometimes it’s light induced, sometimes exercise.

 

[Customweld]

Hey AK - Someone did mention it, but it never hurts to mention again!

I have heard that it works with pretty good results... But my wife used to work at a neuro clinic and I thought that to qualify for botox treatment, you had to have like 10-15 migraine episodes a month.

That could have changed though, and I could also be wrong.

My wife has 10-15 migraines a month. Same symptoms as all of you guys. She has done the Botox treatment for the last 2 years. It started out working very well and has started to wane the last 6 months. She does the nasal spray (I don't remember what it's called). She has started physical therapy a couple of months ago, primarily focused on her neck and shoulders. This has helped a little. She started on a shock therapy prescription. That one is fairly new, so I'm not sure of the results yet.

 

[FLAK]

I cannot imagine 15 migraines a month.
God Bless.

 

[505Wapiti]

That is random! Mine are random too, but I get them at a higher frequency. I use to say I'd get one every 3-4 months. I've gone as long as 8 months without one, and as little as two weeks. But generally they space themselves a few months apart.

I've tried to pinpoint foods that may be the culprit, but I've got them when I'm eating "dirty" and when I'm eating really clean. I've got them when I've been drinking, and when I've been completely dry.

Although I'm not diabetic to my knowledge, I do get hangry and bouts of low blood sugar when exercising sometimes, which can cause a similar spotty vision. I've wondered if they are tied to blood sugar in anyway.

The only thing that seems constant is they happen around some type of stressor or when I've been too worked up for too long.

I appreciate this thread as I’ve dealt with this for the last decade but with less frequency than what some are indicating. The aura, although it’s my least favorite part, is only good in the sense that it’s the warning of what is coming which lets me take something for the pain in advance of the pain actually setting in and helps keep the worst pain at bay. The aura sucks in that my vision is worthless until it subsides to the point I couldn’t read my phone screen or see to operate a GPS and I certainly wouldn’t drive. I can say that the aura has never lasted for more than maybe a half hour at the longest.

In reading this thread I go back to my long term struggle with identifying triggers to which there is no consistencies other than stress. I’m an even keel person that rarely gets worked up but I know I can link some of the worst ones to some pretty stressful work/life stressors.

As for migraines while hunting or in the backcountry, knock on wood this hasn’t happened yet but I’ve never gone out without having something to take in case it does happen.

 

[Customweld]

I cannot imagine 15 migraines a month.
God Bless.

It’s awful. There isn’t much I can do to help, except run hot baths and empty 5 gallon buckets.

 

[co_archer]

My wife has 10-15 migraines a month. Same symptoms as all of you guys. She has done the Botox treatment for the last 2 years. It started out working very well and has started to wane the last 6 months. She does the nasal spray (I don't remember what it's called). She has started physical therapy a couple of months ago, primarily focused on her neck and shoulders. This has helped a little. She started on a shock therapy prescription. That one is fairly new, so I'm not sure of the results yet.

Wow. She has to be a tough woman. That’s brutal. All the best to her and hopefully the shock therapy helps.

I saw another thread where someone mentioned Dr Hillary Lampers and Neurocranial Reconstruction. It sounds pretty crazy but apparently it can work.

 

[co_archer]

I appreciate this thread as I’ve dealt with this for the last decade but with less frequency than what some are indicating. The aura, although it’s my least favorite part, is only good in the sense that it’s the warning of what is coming which lets me take something for the pain in advance of the pain actually setting in and helps keep the worst pain at bay. The aura sucks in that my vision is worthless until it subsides to the point I couldn’t read my phone screen or see to operate a GPS and I certainly wouldn’t drive. I can say that the aura has never lasted for more than maybe a half hour at the longest.

In reading this thread I go back to my long term struggle with identifying triggers to which there is no consistencies other than stress. I’m an even keel person that rarely gets worked up but I know I can link some of the worst ones to some pretty stressful work/life stressors.

As for migraines while hunting or in the backcountry, knock on wood this hasn’t happened yet but I’ve never gone out without having something to take in case it does happen.

Agreed. As much as it sucks that people deal with these things, it’s good to know there are others out there if that makes sense.
Besides the obvious debilitating symptoms, the worst thing is pinpointing what causes them. It’s such an unknown deal for most. For me I believe they are genetic to a degree as I have family members on both my mother and fathers side that suffer.

 

[wileskelby]

That is random! Mine are random too, but I get them at a higher frequency. I use to say I'd get one every 3-4 months. I've gone as long as 8 months without one, and as little as two weeks. But generally they space themselves a few months apart.

I've tried to pinpoint foods that may be the culprit, but I've got them when I'm eating "dirty" and when I'm eating really clean. I've got them when I've been drinking, and when I've been completely dry.

Although I'm not diabetic to my knowledge, I do get hangry and bouts of low blood sugar when exercising sometimes, which can cause a similar spotty vision. I've wondered if they are tied to blood sugar in anyway.

The only thing that seems constant is they happen around some type of stressor or when I've been too worked up for too long.

I have the same issue. I’ve not been able to pinpoint any triggers except for one. They’re completely random from what I can tell except if I go to a certain restaurant and eat their pork shanks. It’s guaranteed I’ll get a migraine that night or the next day lol.


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[treillw]

I get them as well. I've vomited and laid in bed praying it would go away more times than I can count. I get so bad that if I move at all laying in bed, I vomit. Don't think people who don't get them really appreciate how bad they suck.

Nothing much you can do in the backcountry to avoid them, or anywhere for that matter. Stay well hydrated, keep eating, and try not to get incredibly exhausted. Avoid your triggers - smoke, msg, alcohol, caffeine for me, exhaustion. Make sure you always have some pills with you. A neurologist told me that taking three Aspirin is almost as effective as taking a Sumatriptan. You can take both at once. I've also upped my Sumatriptan to 100 mg from 50, which seems to work a bit better. I'll cut them in half and only take ~50 mg if it is just a small one sometimes.

I had one while packing out my first archery elk. It was the second day - second load of meat carried out. I went in with my wife and was fine right up until we got to the kill. By the time we left the kill, I was so out of it that I took a single Excedrin thinking it was my migraine pill. Didn't realize it until I got home and looked at all the pills in my bottle. That was a miserable walk back to the truck and drive back home. Practically unbearable pain for the ride home. Think it was triggered by dehydration and exhaustion.

 

[Customweld]

I have the same issue. I’ve not been able to pinpoint any triggers except for one. They’re completely random from what I can tell except if I go to a certain restaurant and eat their pork shanks. It’s guaranteed I’ll get a migraine that night or the next day lol.


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Are the shanks cured? There are certain smoked/ cured meats that will trigger my wife’s migraines. I’ve always suspected it was one of the curing agents that caused it.