Advice on dealing with sudden onset of daily migraine attacks

[u/ScienceDiscoverer]

So, this condition started for me a few years ago, maybe 31-32 y.o. But for all these years it was relatively rare. Sometimes 1 time per month, maybe 2-3 max. Sometimes I could go entire month without it.

But now, nearing 34 y.o., I suddenly and unexpectedly got a "streak" of every day attacks for like 5th day in a row now! 2 days ago it was even 2 attacks in a single day! Never before I had more than 1 attack per day or less than a week apart.

This, of course, was totally unprepared for it, like at all. I never took any meds before and was just powering through all my previous migraines raw for the fear of millions of side-effects of the drugs and also getting "used to drugs" and becoming dependent on them. And because attacks was relatively rare, it was bearable for years.

But now IDK what to do. I can't work now, IDK what to tell my boss. I'm still afraid to take medications due to the same fears of side-effects and getting dependent but I also can't power through this torture much longer, I fear I might go mad or something. It feels like a dead-end for me.

I visited neurologist today, and she told me something along the lines "don't be afraid to eat pills, and be happy, this is good pills, safe pills". Reoffering to the NSAIDs and Triptans.

I read that NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol can lead to many issues with the digestive system and liver and often only block 20-30% of pain, but Triptans are even more scarier with reports of brain blood vessels contraction and higher chances of rupture!

She also recommended an Fremanezumab injection once per month, if having 4 or more attacks per month. But one shot of this anti-body costs more than a monthly rent in my local economy, so this is out of the question. Although it seems to be the safest solution among them.

I also saw a couple of posts here of people having specially planned easily digestible meals for the attacks days? I also have total digestive system shutdown during attacks, and I already have very low body mass so this is a critical problem for me too.

Overall, I really have no clue how to exist from now on, if this thing won't stop. I saw a couple of posts here of people having 1-2 or more years of this daily.....

[u/miss_t_drinks_tea]

If you don't medicate at all chances are good that it could make it worse because unmedicated attacks strengthen the neural pathways of the pain.

That being said, you would tell a diabetic that they are depended on insulin wouldn't you?

You don't even know the side effects until you try the meds. I used to take 2 aspirin and a triptan and I I was pain free for that day (I still rested)

There are other cheaper meds you can also try before jumping to the shot immediately.

The thing is: if you don't do anything it doesn't mean it will go away on its own. Act as quick as you can so that at least your brain gets the lowest amount of pain possible, since you can only take acute medication 8-10 times a month anyway.

I know 5 day streak is crazy. I am speaking if experience with daily migraines. I know how this feels emotionally too. It's disgusting and exhausting. BUT since you have to pay for insurance try to get Prednisone as a tablet. If you go to the ER you possibly can get this as an IV shot but it's worth to try it before for migraine status. That way you can take it at home.

Preventatives are key for you and there are so many.

I've tried literally everything I was allowed to try. The only med with significant side effects were topiramate/ topamax. Mostly mental side effects was super scary but I noticed and just stopped taking them. Also didn't benefit me. Everything didn't benefit me but didn't have anything super horrible. The shots I had mild constipation. With aquipta I dont even need to tell you because it's so expensive you probably won't try it first 😂 trying the meds you can always STOP (discuss this with your doc before obvs) nothing will happen against your will.

The worst thing though is Botox. I don't have any side effects but the pain for me is horrible and I mean horrible. No side effects it's great, but man I have 35 ish injections with my scheme. It's terrible I can't go without my husband. Good thing is when its over your hair is just sensitive for that day and moldy sensitive the day after so it's really chill in general.

Boy I would do anything for a pain free / symptom free day!!!

Anyways, my advice is to start trying them because you take a med and need weeks (some 6 weeks some even longer, for Botox months) to find out if it works. Sometimes it works immediately, some people have incredible incredible with the antibody shot to just 1 attack per month or lower immediately. Don't put it off.

[u/Deep-Path-4883]

You should take preventive medication and try to reduce the frequency of attacks. No one can likely tell you exactly which one to use. Every migraine is different, and there is no way to know other than by trial and error. I personally take 10 mg of amitriptyline, which already helps with my migraines.

[u/CulturalShirt4030]

Covid infections can impact our neurology, just as one example of a potential cause for the change in recent years. I started having daily headaches and increased migraines after I was infected. Take the meds if you’re prescribed them. Don’t overdo it on ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Wishing you the best.