BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Headaches/Migraines Things to ponder if you get headaches

From the age of 16 I suffered with Migraines. Most migraines are similar in nature, but here's how mine would go. I'd start seeing "distortion" in a part of my vision, followed by flashes of colored light. Then, BAM, one half of my head would be engulfed in a full-blown migraine. Throbbing, sensitivity to light and sound. All I could do was take Fiorinal with codeine and get to a quiet, dark room to lay down with an ice pack. The fiorinal was eventually replaced by shots of imitrex. I'd find myself actually pulling my hair to relieve some of the pressure. When the headache on one side was gone, I would end up with the pain on the opposite side. This would typically go on for 3-4 days. This was happening to me at least once per month, sometimes more. I thought I was "doomed" to deal with it for the rest of my life. When I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 28, I started looking into more "natural" and "holistic" avenues. I found something very surprising. It was recommended that I assess the amount of toxins I was subjected to on a daily basis. I started a list and didn't think it would be very long. Boy was I surprised! After researching, I was amazed at how many chemicals/toxins I listed! Once I systematically reduced the toxins/chemicals in my home environment I found the frequency and severity of my migraines decreased. Now, I might get one per year, if that many! Here are some things you may not think of: * laundry items (bleach, detergent, dryer sheets, softener, pre-spot, etc) * cleaning supplies (multi-purpose cleaners, oven cleaners, window cleaners, dish soap/dishwasher detergent, bathroom cleaners, disinfectants, furniture polish, carpet shampooers, etc.) * Room deodorizers, plug-ins, candles, etc. Here's where it gets interesting: * Personal Care Products like shampoo, conditioner, styling aids, lotions, deodorant/anti-perspirant, body wash, etc. * Cosmetics and Skin Care (just about all of them) * Even Dental Care, Baby Products & Pet Products! I recommend starting your own list and removing as many as you can from your home. There are alternatives to the chemical ridden "market" brands. Do your research. What do you have to lose - except maybe the headaches!

Thanks for the helpful info, DebV! I'm really glad to hear that your migraines have reduced so much in frequency! A lot of people don't realize how sensitive they are to chemicals, and this is a great reminder.

you have certainly had some suffering deb, i am glad you are free of the migraines now? it is a terrible pain that migraine gives out ive had something similar before maybe it was the same thing, i still get headaches now but they come from trapped nerves in my neck, i take paracetamol and tramadol for the pain.

I have suffered from migranes for a long time. I finally went to a neurologist and he put me on a diet for migranes. It helped in about a week. I had a migrane for 2 1/2 months. He also took me off all my over the counter and prescription meds. If I take asprin it gives me a horrible headache now.

I am very sensitive to smells so I have already descented my house. If my son comes to visit he has to come with no cologne...that is a killer...also those stores that have candles in them kill me. I haven't been in one of those in years.