Migraines & Running
goodlife4ever
Posts: 14 Member
Is anyone actually able to run during a migraine episode? If so, I’d love to hear how you do it.
5
Replies
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My question is why would you want to? I can’t do anything with a migraine honestly except for lag in a quiet room and relax and sleep if possible.11
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I don’t even run with a regular headache.5
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Even imagining running when I have a migraine would make me throw up.10
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I have chronic migraines and daily headaches full stop. I can't imagine running with them. I can manage the headaches thanks to better living through chemistry for a brisk walk, but if it's a full on migraine? Nope. Exertion makes my migraines worse.8
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Yeah, I’m with all of you. I was just reaching for any hope. I’m usually out of commission for four days with pain and nausea.5
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I have various aura symptoms that would make running difficult and slightly dangerous when they hit. I typically have mild to no headache—it’s the aura that is the bigger problem for me—but I would still not want to run then.3
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I occasionally get ocular migraines and I agree running would certainly not be safe during one of those. I do sympathize with you. I’m thinking it’ll be a few more years until preventative medicine catches up.2
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goodlife4ever wrote: »I occasionally get ocular migraines and I agree running would certainly not be safe during one of those. I do sympathize with you. I’m thinking it’ll be a few more years until preventative medicine catches up.
Yes, there are certain kinds of migraines that just do not currently have good medical treatments. I have hemiplegic migraines, which mimic a stroke, and many common preventive or abortive migraine medications aren't safe for that condition. Fortunately my primary trigger was easy to identify and address--switching from the birth control pill to an IUD almost entirely stopped my migraines, and now I get them maybe once a year or less. I hope you and your doctor can figure out what is triggering yours.3 -
It depends on the migraine for me. Sometimes they're so awful I can't even lie down, the pounding is so bad. I have to sit up in the dark with a cold compress on my neck. It feels like I'm going to pop an aneurysm. Sometimes when they're mild or in the beginning stages, I can take meds, drink a ton of water, and run about an hour after. Rarely running during the beginning stages will actually prevent full onset of the migraine even without meds. Caffeine and weight lifting are my biggest triggers.
I'm on a daily preventative, and my migraines tend to stop completely when I'm calorie restricting (excellent motivation!) so I haven't had one in a month. It has been glorious.5 -
Yep, I have two different types of severe migraine (aura no pain and classic) and have run with both of them. Different problems with both - the aura one I struggle to see where I’m going, the classic one I wanna throw up.
Not running wasn’t really an option because they’re chronic - I had the classic one every single day for about 6 years. The aura one I get a few times a month.
Is it physically possible to run with a migraine (or at least my migraines)? Absolutely. Do you want to? That’s a question for you.3 -
goodlife4ever wrote: »Yeah, I’m with all of you. I was just reaching for any hope. I’m usually out of commission for four days with pain and nausea.
I'm sorry for that. Mine don't last as long and I can't even imagine dealing with the pain for days.2 -
For me running or a walk outside *might* help a regular minor headache - take some excedrin and eat some crackers, drink some coffee and go. It seems to make the meds cycle faster and clear my head.
But a true migraine also makes me weak and nauseated. Best to take meds and hibernate until it is gone. I also have to be careful to take the meds quickly, because if I wait too long then I am too nauseated to take them and may end up at the doc in the box for a shot. Luckily I usually know what triggers them, and can avoid (smoke, diesel fumes, whiteboard marker fumes, crying).
Sorry to hear you are suffering.
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SummerSkier wrote: »For me running or a walk outside *might* help a regular minor headache - take some excedrin and eat some crackers, drink some coffee and go. It seems to make the meds cycle faster and clear my head.
But a true migraine also makes me weak and nauseated. Best to take meds and hibernate until it is gone. I also have to be careful to take the meds quickly, because if I wait too long then I am too nauseated to take them and may end up at the doc in the box for a shot. Luckily I usually know what triggers them, and can avoid (smoke, diesel fumes, whiteboard marker fumes, crying).
Sorry to hear you are suffering.
Uuugh. I had forgotten about the crying. That's a major trigger for me too.
I'm so sorry for everyone here who deals with this crap!1 -
I’m in awe (and slightly envious) of those for whom over the counter medications help. Mine were never affected by paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, migraleve, excedrin - any of that stuff.
Most “normal” medications didn’t work either. Ended up under a neuro consult for several years with nothing working. He wanted my to quit my job, stop using all electronic equipment (phone, tv, monitors, laptop etc.).
Next (and last) options on the list were a drug that would require a liver transplant every few years and/or cutting through nerves in my brain.4 -
GrumpyHeadmistress wrote: »I’m in awe (and slightly envious) of those for whom over the counter medications help. Mine were never affected by paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, migraleve, excedrin - any of that stuff.
Most “normal” medications didn’t work either. Ended up under a neuro consult for several years with nothing working. He wanted my to quit my job, stop using all electronic equipment (phone, tv, monitors, laptop etc.).
Next (and last) options on the list were a drug that would require a liver transplant every few years and/or cutting through nerves in my brain.
What migraine drug requires a liver transplant every few years?0 -
YvetteK2015 wrote: »GrumpyHeadmistress wrote: »I’m in awe (and slightly envious) of those for whom over the counter medications help. Mine were never affected by paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, migraleve, excedrin - any of that stuff.
Most “normal” medications didn’t work either. Ended up under a neuro consult for several years with nothing working. He wanted my to quit my job, stop using all electronic equipment (phone, tv, monitors, laptop etc.).
Next (and last) options on the list were a drug that would require a liver transplant every few years and/or cutting through nerves in my brain.
What migraine drug requires a liver transplant every few years?
Well, any of the tripan family can do it if you take them often enough for long enough. It’s one of the known side effects. The side effect leaflets mention it (at least mine do) and a (funny?!) potential side effect is your blood going green...
This medication was red listed and could only be taken for very short periods. It had to be administered in hospital by the neuro, I could only be on it 4-6 months and after several courses I’d need a liver transplant. Assuming I’d take it for the rest of my life, that’s half the time taking the medication and half the time off the medication with completely uncontrolled migraines. Unable to work, leave the house, use electronics etc. Plus severe liver damage from the period of time I was taking the medications until a projected transplant window of every 5 years or so.
Or cut the nerves in the brain.
Great choice.2 -
My migraines make me throw up... if it’s not super bad I’ll take an excedrin and if it’s better go once the meds kick in. Sometimes running gives me the migraines I think though, probably dehydrated and over heating.2
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If I have a migraine moving my head often makes me throw up. I can't imagine what running would do.3
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what I have found with headaches is of course #1 to know your triggers and try to avoid if possible. #2 is to catch them EARLY before they turn into a migraine. That's where the OTC Excedrin Migraine comes into play. #3 is to accept that OTC is not going to work BEFORE the nausea kicks in and take your meds. I have Tylonal Codeine
I actually have taking the meds because they upset my stomach more than they used to and because the Rx ones tend to constipate me. But nothing worse than the dry heaves and a migraine at the same time.
Grump, it sounds like you were able to overcome having migraines. Did they just go away or did you have some sort of nerve surgery? Your choices sound awful. As far as running with a migraine. I think the definition of migraine kinda of means you can't do anything but crawl into bed in a dark quiet room with meds and pray you can get to sleep and wake up without it. 0 -
@SummerSkier One word - Flunarazine. I went on it as a desperate last ditch effort before the surgery (and because Mertysergide was withdrawn).
Took a few months but worked amazingly. Migraines stopped completely. And zero side effects.
It cannot be manufactured in the Uk and is red listed so my neuro had to import it from Germany and I had to pick it up from my hospital. But it was a miracle drug so I didn’t mind.
Then the manufacturer stopped producing it. I suddenly had to go cold turkey. And the migraines didn’t come back (ok so maybe one a month or so). I can live with that.
Flunarazine for the win. I can watch tv, I go to the cinema every week, I can surf the web. It’s awesome.4 -
You all are warriors, and I’m not kidding or saying that lightly. Thanks for the replies. 💛
I’m on the fourth and hopefully final day of my own migraine. I can count on getting one every month since age 16, hormone related and genetic. My mom and grandmother had the same. Apparently they’ll go away with menopause! I guess I have that to look forward too!
Running is one of the things that brings me the most happiness and mental clarity in life. It’s annoying to fall behind because of these headaches. But a reality.
I’ve been restricting calories after starting this app and I do feel like that has helped a little with the duration and pain severity.
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If you’re in the US, there is a new class of prevention treatments that just hit the market this year. I am finishing up the free trial for Aimovig, and I’m pretty impressed. I was having quarterly Botox injections. My sumatriptan seems to be more effective on the newer drug and I’m having slightly less than what I did on Botox. Also my eyebrows aren’t paralyzed anymore. However, insurance typically only covers these if you have failed 2 prevention treatments and have 15 or more migraines a month.
Mine, without treatment, can last 3-4 days as well. I love my cardio, too. I have a spin bike I scored new, and under 200$ off amazon that I will use on some of the headache days that aren’t completely debilitating. It’s a little easier for me to control my heart rate on a bike than it is jogging. Easier to stop if I think I’m
pushing myself too far too (no turning around and walking home all wobbly and nauseated.) Realistically though, if you’re incapacitated...you’re incapacitated.
I used to think that I had to stick to a strict exercise schedule of this on x day and that on y day for the whole week like clockwork, and it tormented me on my off days. I have since accepted that I will not be able to exercise on a regular schedule like some. I take it day by day, and try to do something every day be it lifting weights in my garage, jogging in nice weather or biking in my living room. At least if I play it by ear I end up doing more than I would trying to fit an arbitrary schedule. This is not a race and you’ll progress at a rate that might not be as fast, and may be much faster than other people. Hope this helps.6 -
I used to think that I had to stick to a strict exercise schedule of this on x day and that on y day for the whole week like clockwork, and it tormented me on my off days. I have since accepted that I will not be able to exercise on a regular schedule like some. I take it day by day, and try to do something every day be it lifting weights in my garage, jogging in nice weather or biking in my living room. At least if I play it by ear I end up doing more than I would trying to fit an arbitrary schedule. This is not a race and you’ll progress at a rate that might not be as fast, and may be much faster than other people. Hope this helps. [/quote]
Wise words and so true. Thanks for the perspective. I kick myself when I can’t stay consistent, but you’re 100% right on.1 -
Honestly I have to convince myself not to go run infront of a bus just to stop the pain never mind run for exercise. Fortunately since I started this journey I went from many per year to one in 3 years. I really do think there is a correlation to healthy weight, bf % and various blood markers to migraine triggers. Or maybe that ridiculous amount of alcohol I use to drink1
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Consistency, at least for me, looks nothing like other people’s. I cannot have a “gym buddy” because they would definitely get frustrated with me and I’m terrified of someone thinking that I use my migraines as an excuse to get out of social engagements.
Some weeks I have an exercise logged every day (Apple Watch) and my streak is 10-15 days. Then sometimes I have to go 3-4 days of doing nothing because I can’t move/see/speak/anything. I like to remind myself that I still did however many days of good exercise, and just because I’m down a couple days doesn’t mean I didn’t do something before.
I am new to this app, but not new to attempting a healthier life. Since October I have lost 4 inches off my hips just adding in the bicycle when I could. It took me forever to come to terms with my lack of a “schedule.” I’m very type A and get frustrated easily when things aren’t organized. But I have lost 10lbs and 4 inches off my hips since October adopting the “chaotic, do what I feel today” schedule.3 -
EmmieEatsEverything, what you wrote, all of it, could be me. From being worried about using my migraine as excuse to type A. You’re so right about the “consistency not looking like other people’s.”
Congrats on the weight loss and healthy living, and that’s quite an accomplishment for being on since October. I’ve lost 22 lbs so far using this app but I’ve been on and off since February. I’m shooting for three more lbs before January to get back on track, and commiting to my goal weight.1 -
EmmieEatsEverything wrote: »If you’re in the US, there is a new class of prevention treatments that just hit the market this year. I am finishing up the free trial for Aimovig, and I’m pretty impressed. I was having quarterly Botox injections. My sumatriptan seems to be more effective on the newer drug and I’m having slightly less than what I did on Botox. Also my eyebrows aren’t paralyzed anymore. However, insurance typically only covers these if you have failed 2 prevention treatments and have 15 or more migraines a month.
Mine, without treatment, can last 3-4 days as well. I love my cardio, too. I have a spin bike I scored new, and under 200$ off amazon that I will use on some of the headache days that aren’t completely debilitating. It’s a little easier for me to control my heart rate on a bike than it is jogging. Easier to stop if I think I’m
pushing myself too far too (no turning around and walking home all wobbly and nauseated.) Realistically though, if you’re incapacitated...you’re incapacitated.
I used to think that I had to stick to a strict exercise schedule of this on x day and that on y day for the whole week like clockwork, and it tormented me on my off days. I have since accepted that I will not be able to exercise on a regular schedule like some. I take it day by day, and try to do something every day be it lifting weights in my garage, jogging in nice weather or biking in my living room. At least if I play it by ear I end up doing more than I would trying to fit an arbitrary schedule. This is not a race and you’ll progress at a rate that might not be as fast, and may be much faster than other people. Hope this helps.
I've been getting botox for a while and more and more lately it hasn't been as effective as it was when I first started getting it.
I just started Aimovig a couple weeks ago, I'm due again in 8 days. I can't take triptans, so I'm on old school DHE for a rescue med and I've been going through a lot of it lately. Considering that's an IM injection, I'm hoping for some relief from the Aimovig, because those suckers aren't pleasant!1 -
I’ve been using Aimovig for 2 months and I’m finding that it works as well as Botox. There are some who relief is instant, and some who don’t have any relief at all on it. At least based off some of the “reviews” I have read. I’m glad the company that makes it is giving 2 months free, and have discount programs for new patients. If I had to pay for it outright I wouldn’t have bothered trying it. I had to fight between the pharmacy and the people giving copay assistance to get my copay down from 340.53$ to 5$.
Ouch on the injections! I hope the new class of drug works for you. I struggle with just injecting the Aimovig. If it doesn’t work I know that other drugs that are similar have just hit the market too, and they’re my backup if Aimovig looses its efficacy for me. I also found I began to resist Botox after a couple years.
(Edited because a coworker asked me a question and I didn’t realize I hit submit before tossing my phone on my desk and walking away.)0 -
I'm already on Humira, so sub-cu injections don't phase me. The Aimovig didn't bother me at all, just left a bit of a bruise.
I have insurance and my co-pay is $60, which isn't too bad. I need to try with that copay assistance site again because it kept crashing on me.
My neuro told me that the full benefits of the Aimovig really kick in with the second shot, so I'm hopeful.1 -
I honestly didn’t start getting relief until the second shot, and the articles I’ve read suggest it takes 2-3 months for the full effect.1
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