Update- migraines and other stuff

Hi All,

I know it has been a little while since I posted- things have been a little crazy this summer.

I was recently diagnosed with moderate anemia. I started on Iron supplements about a week ago and that has helped a lot as I don't feel as tired and worn out as I have been. I'm just glad its treatable! Does anyone else have this? I think it may be somehow related to the dysautonomia as well- just another piece of the puzzle. I'd love any ideas.

The headaches have been pretty bad recently. I had an IV of Depakan two weeks ago and that helped some, but it has kind of worn off. Also, my neuro prescribed toradol injections that I could use at home. Now, he wants to see if the pills will work instead of shots. He did suggest trying an injection and then taking oral toradol for a few days. I have done that and it is helping a bit. The injections work much better for me and I hope we can clear this up at the next appointment.

I've also had a few things happen lately that I would normally be able to deal with alone, but, of course, everything had to happen at once. First our fridge died and the bathroom sink started leaking within two days of each other. So, there was that to deal with. It got fixed. In the two years that I have had Dora, I haven't been called a liability- until 2 weeks ago. The dog wasn't doing anything wrong, and neither was I. It is just frustrating because it brings back all of those old emotions. We also lost our beloved standard poodle suddenly last week. It is hitting everyone hard, but my father is devastated. This is the first dog he ever truly loved. I haven't seen him this upset in a long time. Max was a really special dog and he will be missed. However, Mom and I are putting out some feelers for a new standard poodle puppy. There are some good prospects. So Mom and I are trying to help Dad.

On a good note, I am going to see a friend for a week or two on Tuesday. We had planned for next week, but due to some issues and everything that has been going on, he suggested that I come up sooner and I'm taking him up on the offer. I think I just need a little break from everything. In the past, when I have felt like this, I have usually gone home or to the beach to relax, let the head calm down etc. I don't want to end up in the hospital again and I'm kind of worried that if I don't take some time out, that may happen. But I am very glad to have very good friends who understand and who can say, "You need a break." So I think that is positive.

Migraine is kind of bad now, but the combo of benedryl, klonopin, and nucynta is helping.

I'd love any feedback or ideas.

Pain free days,
sconesail

A lot of migraines have anemia, it is quite common for us,
I had it chronic until I went thru menopause, women who go thru menopause often have higher Iron levels,
to the point that Vitamin supplement for women 50+ do not include Iron it it.
Interestingly enough, I still have red blood cells slightly below normal level, so is hemoglobin, while my Iron level is above normal. go figure.

Another thing to look for, I was just reminded of this while watching the latest dr Oz, is we migraineurs have lower Magnesium levels, too - supposedly about 50% migraineurs has Magnesium deficiency, and that, too contribute to more headaches.

I am so very sorry about your beloved Max. I lost two cats and one dog, Bella, all of whom I loved so much. losing them was such a heartache,
it took me years to get used to not haveing them around.
Indeed time is a miracle doctor that heals the wounds we get from losing our beloved pets. May it flow gently for you and heal you, too.

Risa

Scone:
I think the plan to take a week or two away is a good one. I did that last April, went to my daughters home in Florida for 10 days. Went to the beach and just tried to "exhale"

It is amazing how stress just drops off once you are miles away from where you live in it. I hope you have a good trip and that the pain starts to ease off for you very soon.

Thinking of you and praying for you!
Trinity

Iron is one of those things that takes a long time to get back up and there are many wrong ways to do it. I highly recommend finding floradix (or something similar) to get your iron up safely and as quick as possible.

Iron needs to have other nutrients "hold its hand" in order for the body to absorb it, so do your online research and make sure you are taking it the right way.

When you start to get it back up it feels so good!

Hi All,

Thanks so much for the responses!

I have started taking Iron for anemia- and so far it is helping some. I'm definitely not as fatigued as I have been. So, that is good.

I was also able to have a great and very relaxing visit with a friend for a week. I have been dealing with some roommate issues and finally opened up about that, which helped a great deal. Also have talked to her, which helped. If nothing, at least the stress level is going down.

I see my neuro- or rather his PA, who is great tomorrow. The toradol shots work very well for me and I am going to see if he would be willing to prescribe them again. The pills work, but not nearly as well. I'm not sure why the change, but I am definitely going to see if we can deal with this tomorrow. I just hope that he will be able to help. Just having one extra tool in the box helps tremendously.

Pain free days,
sconesail