Headache Cycle/Need New Abortive
Long time lurker. First time poster. I've had migraines since high school and I'm 36 now. This post is mostly for venting, but advice isn't unwanted.
About a week ago, my Nurtec stopped working. I shouldn't be surprised. It seems like I was heading that way since I've been on it for a couple of years. I take propranolol as my preventative and it's been so good for me.
I've been stuck in a headache cycle for over a week. I messaged my Neuro's office and asked to try an oral steroid to break it. I feel stupid that I didn't also ask for a different abortive since my Nurtec stopped working, but they didn't offer nor give me any instructions. I had a terrible migraine Sunday morning at 3am. I refused to take Nurtec since I didn't want a rebound and it was too late. I took probably 4-5 showers and used all my ice packs. The pain would go away if I was standing. I couldn't lie down. The back and right side of my head was so sensitive. The shower was the only place I could sit down and get relief. My partner found me asleep in the chair where I had curled up and found a specific spot on my head that I could rest it against the back of the chair. I haven't had one like that in years.
I called the after hours nurse line later. My stomach was so upset, I skipped the steroid dose (I was on day 3 of a day 6 pack) since you have to eat to take them. I was barely eating crackers and water. The nurse told me to take ibuprofen to take the edge off. So I did while I waited for a virtual appointment with a doctor (not my neuro). The doctor wants me to take my Nurtec with a triptan. I told her that zolmitriptan nasal spray is the only one that's worked for me in the past. Guess what? It's been 3 days and my pharmacy can't get it. It's out of stock. Luckily, my migraine died down shortly after the call with the doctor, but it's been up and down headaches the past 3 days while I wait. I've been using Tylenol, ice packs, and I unfortunately used Nurtec for two days, but last night I pushed myself through with Tylenol, shower, and ice packs. Telling myself the rebound will be bad.
I messaged my neuro last night asking for the oral tablets of zolmitriptan instead. I know I need to make an appointment and change my meds, but I'm just tired. I went back on the steroids the next day with some anti nausea meds. I just feel like a rollercoaster. The steroids make me wired during the day and then tired in the morning. Tomorrow is my last dose. I don't know if I did the steroid pack correctly. I didn't get any instructions not to take Nurtec. They just sent over the prescription. I'm just very tired and really need to break this migraine. Thanks for reading if you got this far.
Edited to add: I need to push asking for physical therapy for my neck and shoulders. They're always tight. Even if they show me what I can do from home. Has this helped anyone?