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-   -   migraines (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/migraines-755111/)

mollymich Dec 27th, 2007 01:03 PM

migraines
 
It's been so, so helpful over this past 6 months reading many posts with advice. Thank-you all ( esp travelyn, sandi)...
I get horrid migraines and as we know, low pressure can bring them on. As much of our upcoming safari is in kenya ( ie, high at times )...has anyone else who gets migraines been on safari there. Advice ( other than stuff my baggage with pills?)

Thanks, Michelle

sandi Dec 27th, 2007 01:29 PM

While I might get a "regular" headache, which to me is comparable to a migraine, especially if there's a dramatic change in barometric pressure... I actually take to my bed with the vapors! Scarlett, I'm such a drama queen! Well, I pop the pills, lie down and hope to be back to myself within a reasonable amount of time.

I feel for you, but my episodes don't help you. However, from friends who have had migraines for years, all with different things setting them off, each and every one of them has different ways of treating or being prepared for them.

I would think it's going to have to be the same for you. Pack them pills, if that's what works for you!

GeoffG Dec 27th, 2007 04:31 PM

Michelle,

I suffer from migraine on a regular basis.

In eleven trips to Africa I have suffered only one migraine. (I was on a private expedition to the remote Luiwa Plains N.P in Zambia and we had been driving for 9 hours in very hot uncomfortable conditions.)

I think you will find that the relaxing, enjoyable environment will be an instant cure for your complaint.

Take your meds with you but I bet you won't need them.

Geoff.

ann_nyc Dec 28th, 2007 05:37 AM

I'd also recommend being careful of any other triggers -- does sun affect you? Do you have any food triggers? It might be that avoiding combinations of triggers might be helpful.

atravelynn Dec 31st, 2007 04:19 PM

Are your pills prescription? If not, you may want to work with your doctor on getting something that works well before you leave home.


I take Imitrex (very effective for me), a standard doctor prescribed migraine medication, and stock up and do the vacation override to get extra pills before leaving home. I take double the amount of pills I think I'll need.

So that's the stuff your CARRYON baggage with pills advice. In fact, I carry all the Imitrex on my person, not even in the carryon.

I did not notice any problem with high or low pressure in the general atmosphere or in planes.

Changing time zones and the necessary internal adjustment often sets off a migraine headache.

As you probably have learned, don't delay in taking your meds when you are first aware of a headache, especially on vacation.

Grcxx3 Dec 31st, 2007 11:19 PM

I also suffer from migraines, and I don't necessarily recall having problems on our safari, but my general rules for vacations is to (1) take much more medication than I think I'll need, (2) take the meds at the FIRST sign of trouble, and (3) occasionally taking the meds even before I think there might be trouble. For me, sun exposure and stress bring mine on.

I'd definitely talk to your doctor.

fluffnfold Jan 2nd, 2008 05:42 PM

I had no problems with migraines while on safari in Kenya and Tanzania. I traveled with a supply of Relpax just in case. My first symptoms are blurred vision and strobing/flashing, but nothing presented itself on this trip.

Toshi Jan 2nd, 2008 06:04 PM

I too am a sufferer. I am lucky to have an awesome headache specialist in Chicago who has tried different medications and they are more or less under control.

If environmental conditions like pollution are a trigger, you might want a scarf to cover your nose/mouth on dusty drives.

Lack of food/low blood sugar is also a common trigger so carry a few snack bars to avoid this easy one.

Another interesting thing I learned (from keeping a headache journal) is that I almost always get headaches at high altitudes and when flying long distances. My DR prescribed Diamox to take before long haul flights and anywhere above 8000 feet and I have had no problems since.

ldtc2 May 23rd, 2008 08:15 AM

I suffer from migraines and take immetrex as well - I am going to Kenya in July and will be stocked up with the shots and the pills - it is horrible to be away and have migraines - It is a staple when I travel ... just bring it .

scootr29 May 23rd, 2008 08:28 AM

Migraine guy here...which puts me in the minority. I take Imitrex as well. I find that I get them on the other side of an event that may cause stress, good or bad stress.

I get 2-3 a year, but Imitrex puts me back in service in about 2 hours.

Flying has never triggered one....

lenlu May 24th, 2008 10:14 AM

Wow, look at all the migraine sufferers here who travel! Well, I brought Imitrex to E. Africa and had one coming on the last day of our journey. I hydrated and took the meds and got back on track asap. I was a walking pharmacy in Africa and took anti-nausea and anti-anxiety each day to get me through the drives, which I think helped a lot. I also took a sleeping pill on my flights so when I arrived I was completely ready to get to it! My mistake that last day was not being conscientious about fluids which I think by the late afternoon, got to me. But I agree about triggers, be aware of what to avoid and go any way.


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