:(

[QueenAdrock]

My dad's having a migraine. And when you hear that, don't think headache. My dad doesn't get headaches. He gets this fucking attacks on his brain, similar to a stroke. Vomiting, slight blindness, paralysis, inability to speak or comprehend anything, and a whole lot of writhing and screaming in pain. The hospitals can't do much other than give him a ridiculous amount of pain killers and wait.

A big attack hasn't happened for about 3 years now, and everytime one happens I worry if this is going to be the one that kills him. Watching him go through that amount of pain and suffering kills me inside, it's just so terrible. My mom called my brother today to tell him that she had to call an ambulance and take him to the hospital because he's having another attack.

I'm just worried with them moving and all, that maybe this hospital hasn't seen anything like this before...our hospital here had no idea what it was, but they got into the groove of dealing with him when he did come in. I'm just worried and sad and upset and feel shitty. (n)

[DeeJayZap]

:(

im sorry. it must be horrible for you.

:(

[beastieangel01]

oh no, I'm sorry Diana :( at the very least... it's been a while since he's had attach like you said. Is the amount of time between them always that long? Better than the attacks occuring on a regular basis. Still, sorry to hear this. I hope he gets better ASAP <3

[zorra_chiflada]

My dad's having a migraine. And when you hear that, don't think headache. My dad doesn't get headaches. He gets this fucking attacks on his brain, similar to a stroke. Vomiting, slight blindness, paralysis, inability to speak or comprehend anything, and a whole lot of writhing and screaming in pain. The hospitals can't do much other than give him a ridiculous amount of pain killers and wait.

A big attack hasn't happened for about 3 years now, and everytime one happens I worry if this is going to be the one that kills him. Watching him go through that amount of pain and suffering kills me inside, it's just so terrible. My mom called my brother today to tell him that she had to call an ambulance and take him to the hospital because he's having another attack.

I'm just worried with them moving and all, that maybe this hospital hasn't seen anything like this before...our hospital here had no idea what it was, but they got into the groove of dealing with him when he did come in. I'm just worried and sad and upset and feel shitty. (n)

oh fuck. i know exactly what this is like. joe hasn't had a big attack in a while, but the last one was absolutely awful. we can't take him to the hospital, because they won't give him pain medication (in case he's a junkie or some shit like that)
i know nothing i say will make it better, but if you want to talk to someone about it, i'm here.

[DipDipDive]

:(

Hugs <3

[kaiser soze]

sounds horrible, I hope he feels better soon

Has your dad recieved an MRI or CT scan to see if anything causing this?

I know it might sound hokey, but has he tried reflexology?

http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Health-problems/Migraine-research-AltTherapies.htm

http://skepdic.com/reflex.html

he might want to check it out

[QueenAdrock]

Well, he's on an intensive preventative program. He's on a very high dose of medication that has for the most part worked for him. He's not allowed to eat cheese, alcohol, chocolate, spices, MSG, citrus, mushrooms, yeast, MSG, and a bunch of other crap. And yeah, meat with nitrates - he has to soak his bacon before he cooks it. It tastes pretty crappy that way, too. Trust me, he's had them since he was 5 and he's been a test bunny for some of the best doctors in the country that have no idea what's wrong with him. It's been working, but whenever he overdoes it and wears himself out with hobbies/activities/work, he's still prone to a migraine. He's on the highest amount of prevention as you can get, but it still doesn't prevent it all the way.

I just got a call from my mom...he's not doing too well, but they tried to take CAT scans, and EKG, and an MRI. However, my dad's confused when he's in there and is pretty uncooperative - he'll hold on to anything he can to keep them from doing what they need to. I don't blame him...spinal taps hurt. :( They do the same thing everytime he goes. Lots of tests, no answer, fill him full of meds (btw Zorra - that's fucked up they won't give him medication because it's pretty much necessary for ANY relief).

The good news now is that at least he's sleeping. That's a lot better than him being conscious of what's happening.

[DroppinScience]

Here's hoping he'll pull through! (y)

Very sorry to hear all of this. :( :(

[monkey]

:( :( :( it must be painful for you not to be able to be there holding his hand.

[QueenAdrock]

Well even if I was there, I wouldn't be holding his hand, just because he has noooo idea what's going on.

The only good thing about his migraines is the day after, he's pretty drained and has little control over his emotions (a side effect), so I bring a crappy joke book to his hospital bed and he just laughs no matter how shitty they are. :o

I wish I could be down in NC again. I think I may go down in a few weeks.

[Loppfessor]

I'm not trying to be a smart ass or anything but has he tried smoking a little weed? My buddy's dad had a bad back and migranes and whenever one of them would come along he would smoke a joint and it helped. Just saying at this point he might be willing to explore all options

[enree erzweglle]

I think the word migraine is so overused, used inappropriately that its meaning has become fuzzy. People with a stubborn headache will say they've got a migraine and I think, if you can say the words "I've got a migraine" then you probably don't have a true one.

I feel terribly for your dad for having that pain right now and for you guys for having to watch it happen without being able to help him.

I hope he has a high-quality and compassionate neurologist.

[QueenAdrock]

I think the word migraine is so overused, used inappropriately that its meaning has become fuzzy. People with a stubborn headache will say they've got a migraine and I think, if you can say the words "I've got a migraine" then you probably don't have a true one.

I feel terribly for your dad for having that pain right now and for you guys for having to watch it happen without being able to help him.

I hope he has a high-quality and compassionate neurologist.

Bingo. Everyone says they have migraines, so when my dad goes into the hospital and people ask why and I tell them because of a migraine, they go "Because of a HEADACHE? Suck it up." Assholes don't know the meaning of the word. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the kind words, everyone...I still gotta call my mom and see how he's doing today. Better, I hope. He had one of the best neurologists in all the country up here, and hopefully they have quality doctors down there. I mean, I know the south doesn't like science and all, but there's bound to be a few good ones down there. ;)

[abcdefz]

That would feel like such a helpless situation. I'm really sorry for your dad and the family.

[QueenAdrock]

I talked to my mom, he's still in the hospital but no longer in the ICU because they needed that bed. He's been sleeping, he's woken up and been able to talk, but it's been very slow and slurred and very hard to understand. He also can't really focus his eyes, my mom asked him to look at her and his eyes just kind of rolled up to the ceiling. I'm still kinda worried and upset, but it seems like he's making a little progress. After every migraine it does take longer to recooperate.

But thanks again for the kind words, they help cheer me up. :o

[buddylee]

as a kid I got the same thing untill my 20's then they lessened .... but in the back of my mind I know that they can come back.

[QueenAdrock]

^ Same thing as my dad. :-/

It was triggered when he was 5 and he was trying to balance on a basketball (you know, stupid kid stuff) and fell off and hit his head. They went away in his 30's for the most part, because all through my childhood I don't remember him getting any. Then all of the sudden when I turned 13, he ended up in the hospital. He went many times for the next 2 years before they realized to put him on a special diet and heavy meds.

If they do come back, remember the diet. Cutting out those trigger-foods was one of the biggest helpers to my dad.