Hi all, I'm a migraine sufferer and I've noticed that they've increased since my j-pouch surgery. Does anyone have any experience with this and, if so, what did you do for your headaches? The chronic pain is really starting to get me down. BTW, my pouch is behaving like a charm!

Could dehydration be a factor? I had migraines long before my UC/J-pouch days. When I don't drink enough, my head hurts.

Yes, it definitely could. I'm trying to drink all day long, but maybe not enough?

Are you drinking just water? If so, try electrolyte replacement beverages. They may help if dehydration is the problem.

kathy

I have also noticed an increase in my migraines since my surgeries. I've suffered with migraines since I was a young child. Since I'm ultra-sensitive to NSAIDS, my doctor has prescribed a migraine medicine without them. It takes the edge off most of the time. Maybe it would help you. I would have to look up the name. I always forget it.

Thanks for the tips. Kathy, what drinks in particular? Karbear, I'm already on Imitrex and a wonderful self-injector (well, it HURTS!) called Sumavel that works within ten minutes. I just feel like lately these are hit or miss. That concerns me. I feel like I'm going from migraine to pre-migraine to migraine. Not a lot of breaks.

Are you on any preventative meds for migraines?I've had migraines for years, long before I got my J Pouch, and I take amitriptyline to prevent them. It works pretty good, but if I get to far off schedule in regards to eating, drinking or sleeping I will get a migraine. Yesterday I was running around helping my daughter shop for wedding stuff and I didn't drink or eat like I should have and I woke up with one this morning. Since I got my pouch, the headaches are not as bad as previously and excedrin can usually take of it. If not, I have prescription Maxalt to use. I agree with the others, drink alot more and maybe talk to your dr about preventative meds.

I tried neurontin but didn't get much relief. I suspect my very low iron levels are causing my migraines. I have every symptom listed, including fast heartbeat, poor appetite, craving for ice, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and migraines. I think I'm looking at iron infusions.

I've had some sucess with extra magnessium and co-q-10. They have not totally eliminated the migraines but they are less freguent and less intense and last a lot shorter. I also use Maxalt. They got terrible after the pouch. Oh, a bath with epsom salts ( magnessium bath )helps the pain.

Hi, For my migraines I take fiorinals 1/2 grain codeine and anaprox together. It seems to help. You can also take oxycodone. I have bad ones as well. I think they are worse since menopause. Good luck