Reddit mentions: The best cold packs

Fellow migraineur, here! I agree with you. It’s not a competition and I make sure people around me are informed of what migraines actually are—NOT “just a headache.” We learn to live in spite of the pain, period.

I always had migraines and they got worse after I had a (hemorrhagic) stroke. Long story, but the short version is I had a brain aneurysm we didn’t know I had, until it ruptured and nearly killed me. I was in my mid 20s when I had a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke, which is not the same as an ischemic stroke although either one is a seriously life threatening and life altering event! I am VERY blessed and grateful to be alive and function as well as I do. I know I seem “normal,” but oh is that so false!

I’ve had neuropsychological evaluations, so many diagnostic tests, medical bills and records to show just how real this invisible illness is. With that said, I don’t spend time or energy I don’t have to spend, trying to convince someone I’m in severe pain. It’s just not worth it! I totally understand the frustration, though.

I’ve had chronic migraines ever since my emergency brain surgery, and along with now having an acquired brain injury, I’ve had to make myself find a way to keep going! It’s very much do or die, and most days it feels like do even though I feel like I’m dying.

I’m seven and a half years out, next week, and I can say with 100% confidence, it’s very possible to look “normal” while you’re falling apart inside. You just find a way to keep moving.

One suggestion I learned from lurking this sub for over a year before I even joined Reddit, the headache hat!!! I’ve been on 13 medications (very much trial and error—felt like a science experiment sometimes) since February 2012, and thankfully Aimovig works well for me so far, but NOTHING has helped the way this has. I am down to three medications, two preventatives, one rescue.

Sometimes the headache hat by itself is just what I need to relax and relaxing allows me to reset my mind by not focusing so much on the pain.

It’s so difficult to relax when you’re in pain and are so tired of it, I know. The little things like this really do help! I even made sure my neurologist knew to please share this with other patients. It has been a huge help to me!

Link to the headache hat on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Headache-Hat-Original-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6

And if anyone needs a way to keep a record of migraines, the MigraineBuddy app (learned about it in this sub too) is awesome!
https://migrainebuddy.com


Hope this can help someone else, too. I’m glad this sub exists because it validates so much and it helps to share stories and know you’re not alone.

Y’all take care!

Yep. I've got a super puffy face and it's been getting worse since I got diagnosed, regardless of how I'm feeling and how my levels are. I'm 30 and perpetually get carded and I feel like I'm losing definition in my jawline / cheek area. I might have to get my wisdom teeth out and I am just shuddering at the thought since I perpetually already look like I got them out 2 days ago, haha.

Have you been consistently weighing yourself just to be sure you're still at your base weight? I'm gonna assume you have but if you're like me and thought your weight was fine but creeped up like mine did it might be a good thing to double check.

Have you been formally diagnosed with Hashimoto's or just hypo? Doesn't really make a difference in treatment but I have Hashi's and I think a lot of the face swelling comes from the autoimmune aspect of the disease. Cutting out gluten and inflammation-triggering foods has worked for me. When I was eating super clean and losing weight for my wedding my facial swelling did go down somewhat (trying to get back to that). Working on cleaning up the diet and doing low impact exercise on a regular basis to help.

Aside from that I find cooling masks help a little bit? My face is also prone to redness so I like korean sheet masks with things like aloe, green tea, etc. to help soothe that. They're cool at room temperature but you can also pop them in the fridge to make them chilly and add some extra de-puffing.

I've also been interested in getting a cool roller like this or a cooling face mask like this to try in the morning to see if the cooling / massage aspects help.

Aside from that I treated myself to a new contouring shade to try and counteract when I wear makeup, haha.

I may get down voted for this but oh well. I'm just throwing out some ideas if they can be at all helpful.

It maybe something helpful or it may not but I thought I would share. There are some Japanese who believe in facial massage . It's called Tanaka and it's highly regarded. It maybe helpful?

There's a good thread on Tanaka method here and here that really go into it. You can find her videos on youtube, here is the first one.

It may help reduce swelling? I'm not making any claims but I know other parts of our bodies , a massage can be beneficial to help with swelling.

Compression is also used for swelling in other parts of our body and there are such things as facial compression masks like this.

Then another option maybe to look at getting cooling masks to help with the puffiness or maybe the jade rollers? I use these on my eyes in the morning because I wake up to under eye bags. But some people say rollers help a lot too.

​

I'm so sorry you're in pain! The only OTC advice I can offer is these cool gel sheets, which I buy in bulk for migraines. You can find them at most Walgreens, too. They don't make the pain go away, but they can help make it more bearable while you wait for the Excedrin PM to take the edge off and help you sleep.

When you are able to see a doctor, I would ask for abortive medicines to try, like triptans, and ask about starting the two-month free trial for the new preventative drug Aimovig. It's the best and fastest working preventative I've tried in the past decade (you give yourself a shot in the thigh every month).

I wish there were more I could offer, but ultimately the best help you can get is in the form of prescriptions.

Thank you so much for responding!!! I really appreciate it! And I'm glad to hear that you did very well immediately after your surgery.

So, just to sum up:

• In the hospital: nice pillows, soft sweaters, earbuds and music, medication tracker sheet, lattes and other comfort food? Were there foods that you would strongly recommend against?
  
• At home: wedge shaped pillow, bendy straws, elastogel ice helmet (or some kind of helmet for migraines), scarves and hats? Thank you for the ice helmet tip, I think I will buy the Headache Hat (the Elastogel ice helmet is not sold in my country). Are there any other products that you think would be helpful? Any specific type of painkillers? Any house/furniture setup that might be helpful (i.e. would an angled armchair be useful?)
  
• Other important things: being silly, enthusiastic and cheering her up if needed
  
  And can I ask, if you don't mind, what are the headaches and cognitive stuff you dealt with that prevented you from going back to work? Do you feel the quality of your life has drastically suffered? If you were in this situation (a bit older, with children in their early 20s, very little family/social support), what long-term advice would you give to your kid?

Sure I'm happy to answer! I'm sorry you got it so young. Also that you fought so hard to keep on performing- that must have been really baffling and upsetting. I was lucky in that I knew what I had almost immediately due to my dad having something similar. I think it's healthy that we're retaining muscle tone, but may be causing symptoms because of its metabolic needs. Though I always take CFS theories with a grain of salt, Dr. Myhill's work has corresponded the best with my own experience- you can see her writing on what she believes are the metabolic causes of CFS: http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/CFS_-_The_Central_Cause:_Mitochondrial_Failure


As for the diagnosis, it depends what you mean by official. My main MD agrees and has written down that I have it, but I don't have any special paperwork. I basically talked it out with my doctor. I was concerned I had it because I was very tired and had intense PEM, and my father has similar issues so I knew about it. My doctor ran many many tests for alternatives, all that I personally researched and requested, and they came back negative. Basic blood tests, sleep apnea, thyroid, lyme disease, STDs, hormones and later an MRI which ruled out Lupus and MS. I sort of diagnosed myself? My doctor was a General Practitioner, not a specialist. He is a very intelligent man, but he let me decide for myself and agreed with me that it was most likely I had CFS. I've done most of my own research and decided what action to take on my own, because very few MDs know much if anything about CFS. However, I have been believed for the most part. I think a Neurologist would be more trusted than an GP for an 'official' diagnosis, but there are so many symptoms and potential causes that I feel more comfortable with a GP.

Where do you live? I live the USA and getting disability is very challenging, usually relying on a very specific test.

I've had CFS for three years. I also had a brief spell six years ago that lasted 3 months. It started with what I believe was Mono (it showed up on a test that I had had it). However that ended. My current bout came after a very serious four month depressive episode (the 3rd in my life) but no physical illness.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions feel free to ask. I haven't had any tests in a while, but will try a few just in case. I suddenly stopped being able to drink without feeling odd, so I'm going to get my liver checked, and also check for H.Pylori, a very common bacteria, because I've become more interested in the "2nd nervous system" located in the gut.

I really recommend ginger for nausea (ginger ale or ginger beer with real ginger is great, I also use pills and chews). It's the only thing that has actually helped me. I don't get headaches much, but I have this silly thing called a 'headache hat' and I love it.
https://www.amazon.com/Original-Headache-Hat-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6

Do you have shooting pains in the limbs or joint pain? I also have fibromyalgia and have some tips for you if you have it too. I've found colostrum (I take it in lactoferrin) helpful for muscle pain in general.

The days leading up to mTESE are so stressful. I get very worried about anesthesia too and I was glad when it was over. Having some sort of answer to be able to move forward is helpful though. Since you are starting stims, do you have donor backup?Or are they very confident that they will find sperm? I know that for us they were not very confident so we did not have a plan to start stims, but I know that many people do.


The hardest part of recovery for my husband was post-op constipation so I suggest a high fiber diet in the days leading up to surgery and starting colace maybe even preop. He was in intractable abdominal pain for a day because of the constipation, it was awful. The overall surgery recovery was not bad. They gave us a support in the hospital, and I purchased some jockstraps through amazon so that he could continue to wear them for several weeks. These (https://www.amazon.com/TheraPearl-Reusable-Athletes-Flexible-Arthritis/dp/B002OSWW34/ref=asc_df_B002OSWW34/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198079638645&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=516655975915483981&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001905&hvtargid=pla-382789179506&psc=1) ice packs were awesome because they mold really nicely. I think we were having sex and he was running within the month. Though it honestly took a couple of months for him to feel fully back to normal. Feel free to PM me (or respond here) if you have other questions.

I love a good ice pack.. It's what use, very cold but doesn't stay cold that long.

Maybe a wedge pillow?.

I waste most of my in-bed time either reading, watching tv/movies or playing Xbox. I don't have a good network to make Facebook worthwhile so I find it hinders more than helps. Best of luck to you both

I also suffer from migraines and really struggled during treatment.


I found my migraines were at their worse at the beginning of new medication (estrogen, progesterone, gonadotropins... didn't matter, they all sucked), but lessened after the first week. Hopefully this will be the case for you, too. My RE said Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is safe to take during treatment and pregnancy if this is a medication that helps you. My PCP recommended daily magnesium supplements (400mg), which I do believe reduced the frequency of my migraines. I also bought a headache hat so I could at least be mobile during migraines. I loved it so much I bought a second.


Sorry you're going through this, but hope some of these suggestions help!

I hired a running coach for training because I am more likely to succeed if held to it. So, I don't have documentation to share. However, here is a list of the exercises we did during "off days". You can type these into youtube and find numerous videos. (She even had me watch the videos when doing them on my own to ensure good form)

• Bavarian Split Squats
  
• Single Leg Raises
  
• Single Leg Deadlifts
  
• Lateral Lunges
  
• One Leg Bridges
  
• Forearm Planks
  
• Side Planks
  
• Flutter Kicks
  
• Straight Leg Raises
  
• Push Ups
  
• Opposite Arm/Leg Raises
  
• Tricep Dips
  
  And here is a link to the ice packs I swear by
  
  Also, if you have the budget for a luxury item, I'd strongly suggest these leg massage compression boots. The ones pro-athletes use cost like $1000 so to me these were a bargain. Or you can steal them from your grandma for some real cost-savings. After every run, I would ice and then slip on these boots. It really, really helps recovery until you start to build strength and feel less sore.
  
  ​

Hell yeah, brother! Here's to three days of lounging on the couch!

Side note... you'll want a good ice pack that can be replenished with ease. I used one of these. With two, you can keep one on standby.

Also, go ahead and buy some spandex-ish boxer briefs (Hanes Max Cool or whatever they're called are awesome) and some jockstraps. Wear the jockstrap under the boxer briefs and wear some gym shorts over those. Put the ice pack right on the goods over the boxers. It won't be harshly cold, but it will feel GOOD.

One other thing: You'll want a cane or walking stick. It really makes life easier when you absolutely have to get up and walk around.

I hope you have someone to wait on you hand and foot, because getting up SUCKS.

I have The Headache Hat that my boyfriend refers to as, "The Turban of Pain." It's amazing and I don't know how I've lived with migraines for so long without it.

This is also in the realm of drugs, but more of a natural, or a controversial, remedy depending on how you look at it. I sniff tobacco, called "snuff" or what South American cultures call rapé (pronounced, ra-pAY). This is helpful when I get a headache near my eyes or in my sinus areas. It's completely stopped migraines from developing. I can answer some questions if you're curious about it.

I also use a mouth guard at night that I had made at my dentist. It helps protect the nerves in my teeth/face from getting irritated when I grind my teeth. I don't sleep without it.

Rocky Mountain Oil company has a Migraine Support blend that I've found works better than other essential oil companies/MLM's. You can either get the one linked there and dilute 20-30 drops of it with fractionated coconut oil in a glass roller bottle (make sure it has a metal roller - plastic will dilute in the oils), or purchase the roller they sell for $15.

Yeah... I've had to do this 😩 I started doing it occasionally around 36 weeks after he had been kicking the same place for at least a month. I picked up some mini gel ice/microwave packs from Amazon that are the perfect size. They don't stay cold super long because of the size, but I find that perfect for this because it makes sure I don't keep the cold on for too long. They were recommended for relief when nursing due to the size/shape.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0186F3O2G

If you are still having a headache try:

• Excedrin migraine. Or something with caffeine. Caffeine is the difference between normal Excedrin and Excedrin Migraine.
  
  
• An icepack - my fav icepack I have been through many, many icepacks LOL
  
  
• If it is coming from your neck biofreeze can really help
  
  
• Take a nap in a dark room and/or use an eyemask
  
  I hope you feel better!

Glad you're feeling better. And no, helping yourself feel better is not a crime in my books although I am a big wuss and wouldn't try anything without a doctor's script.

Oh, I thought these might help you. [Cool gel eye mask] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OSWW3O/ref=s9_al_bw_g121_i1) and cool sticky sheets. The sticky sheets is on sale at woolies. I wish I could go buy some. And crank up the aircon in the middle of winter.

I get pretty bad migraines from time to time and the only thing that helps me is a dark room and ice cold cloth on my eyes. This would be extremely relaxing to me.

If I won, cute cupcake themed fabric or anything that's brightly colored with sprinkles/polka dots on it. ^_^

FLAX

These cool sheets are great! Cheap and super easy. Just peel the paper off and stick to your face. I’m wearing 3 right now - on my forehead and on the sides of my face.

https://www.amazon.com/Koool-Cooling-Relief-Migraine-Sheets/dp/B0011E607Q

what worked for me was:

• stopping the exercises that were irritating my shoulder.
  
  I haven't bench pressed in about 1.5 years. I do sets of pushups, around 35, and I do some pec machine flys.
  
  
• I did PT for as long as my insurance allowed.
  
  The stretching my therapist did would make my shoulder feel great.
  
  
• I've included rotator cuff stretches to the stretch routine I do after every workout. I also warm them up before my upper body workouts with exercises my therapist gave me.
  
  
• I religiously did the exercises that my therapist gave me. I also modified my exercises for my shoulders, back & chest as recommended by my PT.
  
  
• Ice is your friend. After my upperbody workouts I would put a big bag of ice on my shoulder. It's gotten to the point that I can work out and I don't need the ice bag but I usually do it anyway.
  
  
• Be disciplined about everything. If you do the stretches once in a while or the exercises once in a while you'll never get better.
  
  
• Ibruprofen is also your friend. After workouts I take ibruprofen in addition to the ice.
  
  1.5 years ago I couldn't do one body weight pullup without a lot of pain. Now I do 3 sets (between 9-15 reps) each upper body workout. However I can over do it and I'll get a little sore. Ice helps clear it up.
  
  I might try benching again. Maybe once I'm up to 50 reps on my sets of pushups.
  
  Everyone is different. Age, how well you recover, your tolerance for aches & pains and the severity of the injury will impact your recovery.
  
  If you're very active and the injury is impacting your ability to play sports or do other stuff then surgery might a quicker solution. I had a friend who was a drummer who had a similar injury. He got the surgery done because the pain was impacting his drum playing.

I suffer from migraines and lately they have been horrible. Due to some health issues I have been having to take medications that side effects are migraines. I just spent the whole day in bed due to one bad one. I have two items that I badly need but any item would be greatly appreciated.

My currently eye mask is falling apart and can't even wear it this eyemask would be wonderful. It keeps out the dark, which is very important since when I has a migraine I get light sensitive.

The other item is an icepack. Cold really seems to help with the pain. I have only one icepack that slightly works. It only stays cold for a few minutes than takes like 6 hours to freeze. This icepack has lots of good reviews.

I used these in between feedings and it gave me some relief
Round Hot & Cold Packs (6 Pack) - Heat or Ice Therapy - Small Flexible Reusable Gel Beads with Cloth Fabric Backing - Great for: Wisdom Teeth, Breastfeeding, Tired Eyes, Face, Headaches, Sinus Relief https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186F3O2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dkzYCbJS782YN

I really feel for you guys. Here are some tricks of the roofing trade:

• Make lemonade. The electrolytes will do you wonders, and anything to help your disposition is a boon. We'd make Country Time and fill up a 5gallon cooler, but if you're home, the homemade method is better.
  
• Find one of these things: ice bags. Use it where you like. We'd keep them in coolers, and if when we stopped for a smoke, we'd place them on the back of our necks.
  
• Don't eat heavy meals; get you calories through milkshakes or smoothies.
  
• Use a handkerchief, wet it with water, and tie loosely around your neck. One also works well under a ballcap.
  
• You'll want to be outside, but guess what? Everything outside wants your blood. Make homemade, non-toxic bug spray. When I make mine, I double the oil dosage, and skip the water and glycerin and fill up only one bottle.
  
• Soak your feet in cold water. As soon as I got home, I would take a shower, but when I got out, I would still be sweating from cooling down sans-rooftop. Soaking my feet in a cool or cold water bath brought my core temp down quickly.

I got these pads for the first few days that are super heavy. I still have some left, I only needed such a heavy pad for the first week. After that I was able to use these regular sized ones. The wings are really helpful in getting everything to stay put, and also the longer ones are good for night-time when you may be moving more. You can also get these pad ice packs, they gave them to me at my hospital and I loved them, but you could also buy some more to have on hand.

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Deluxe-Perineal-Adhesive-postpartum/dp/B00BLE60T4?crid=1LIGZC60W2RKM&keywords=postpartum+ice+pack+pads&qid=1535818150&sprefix=postpartum+ice+&sr=8-3&ref=mp_s_a_1_3

These were amazing for me. I'm a first time mom, and I was so scared. I was afraid of the pain. However, I only pushed for 19 minutes. I was up walking around within 2 hours. I had her a Saturday afternoon, and by Monday, I was going to walmart and stuff. I was completely fine. Don't worry too much. You can have such a good success story. Also, keep a small pillow or cushion in your car. It'll make sitting on wooden or plastic chairs much easier if you go out.

Your situation sounds a lot like mine. My pain and fatigue has been diagnosed as fibro by a neurologists, 2 rheumatologists, and a pain management specialist, but I'm still not 100% convinced.

>Doc said since they can not find the issue, it must be Fibro.

This is the problem. My neurologist says that what we can fibromyalgia is probably multiple conditions that just aren't adequately understood yet. More mainstream doctors see fibro as a diagnosis by exclusion, where they rule out each of the more likely conditions and what's left must be fibro. This makes fibro something of a trashcan diagnosis. It also leads to the problem of when do you stop looking for alternative explanations?

In your case, consider seeing a neurologist. With a simple nerve conduction study/EMG, they can rule out a lot of insidious problems.

Maybe see a rheumatologist too. They can do a more complete workup based on blood tests, many of which can be rather obscure. There are, however, some rheumatologist who either don't believe fibromyalgia is real or simply won't treat it.

Also, be sure that the easy stuff isn't overlooked like Vitamins B-12, C, and D as well as iron/ferritin, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid function. Get evaluated for sleep apnea and tested for Lyme disease too. All of these things can be done by your primary GP doc.

>Any advice on Pain relief

I'm far from an expert on this. It seems that most of us with fibro find some combination that works for each of us. The academics tell us that true opioids don't work for fibro, but there seem to be a lot of fibro folks who disagree. For me, the combination of Lyrica, tramadol (synthetic opioid), and Tylenol works ok, cutting the pain in half. Also, there are 2 versions of tramadol: the immediate release version that lasts 4-6 hours and the extended release that lasts 12 hours. For me, it helps to have the ER version for the baseline pain plus the IR version to deal with spikes. There is some science to support the effectiveness of tramadol to treat fibro and that Tylenol can potentiate the tramadol.

I try to keep a "fibro toolkit" with a few things that help a bit with the pain, but also put me in control. Maybe some of these could help you too:

• Exercise - I know this one is tough, especially when you're hurting and out of energy, but it does seem to help a little.
  
  
• TENS - This can have some short term effects. It takes some time playing with it to find what helps. It also puts you in control, at least a little bit. Even the cheap $30 ones work.
  
  
• Cold packs - In general, I don't like the cold either, but with the heater on, I like to use the Chattanooga ColPacs, especially after excercise.
  
  
• Compression - I regularly use compression sleeves for my forearms and calves. It seems to give me a bit more endurance. Also, the Nylatex wraps for the cold packs help.
  
  
• Bengay, especially in the summer. Sure, you'll smell like you're 90 years old, but the cooling effect does seem to reduce the pain a little. It helps with exercise too.
  
  
• Lidocaine patches - For me, these seem to help only in specific areas (like my calves). They can be cut to fit. There are some OTC ones. Larger ones are available via prescription.
  
  

These really are the best:

http://www.amazon.com/Fytto-ICE-Large-Dark-Blue/dp/B007IKA67M/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1406076178&sr=8-5&keywords=mueller+ice+pack

Had them for years and they are still perfect. Go to any medical supply story and get the wide mouth ones so it's easier to put ice in it. Avoid fake ice packs like the plague. Real ice maintains a constant temperature much better.

Cheers

No problem! These are the ones I use: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZVI485Y

They're not quite big enough to cover the whole phone, but you really only need them to cover the CPU/GPU area. Also, they remain flexible when frozen, which makes it easy to ensure good contact with the phone.

I just bought a "headache hat" on Amazon that works really well for me. Basically a headband full of tiny ice packs. I just recently realized that cold/ice therapy works really well to curb my headaches. If you don't want to spend the 40$ just a ziplock bag with some ice cubes works pretty well too.

The Original Headache Hat Wearable Ice Pack for Migraine Headaches - Regular Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGWLDR6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apap_us2H4rlxP1m5f

http://www.amazon.com/Medi-Temp-Head-Neck-Hot-Cold-Therapy/dp/B000A3IP0E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394346047&sr=8-1&keywords=ice+pack+for+head

That is the one I bought, but it's way too cold if you use it that way so I have to turn it inside out...hence the part that is out is white and filled with instructions. It is pretty funny really. I had to take a "step outside and look at yourself" moment when I realized earlier I was sitting on the toilet with this "hat" on singing to my fiance about how happy I was to have the poops. He's a lucky man, no?

Oh and the movie is called Through the Never..it's a weird type of movie mixed in with concert footage...interesting so far.

Edited to say, I'm sorry about your reflux! :( my OB okayed me to keep taking my prilosec, thankfully. Reflux sucks.

Things I found helpful:
Ice Machine - You may be sent home with one, but find out. If you need to buy your own, I recommend it. ~$200 Brega Cube is what I got.

A way to elevate your leg. Pillows will work, this is what I got.

Shower Stool, non-slip shower mat if you don't have one. On the shower stool, I used an Ikea step stool we have and that worked well.

Ice Packs I got two of these. They get cold quick and last 20 to 30 minutes.

A charging station for phones, tablets, and other entertainment devices.

Other things, if you know who you plan to see for PT, talk to them to find out what you can do and should buy for home PT. I bought a balance pad, exercise ball, stretch bands, yoga mat, and put my bike on a trainer (already had). With this, I could do and still do some PT at home.

Other advice: Schedule your meds. You don't want to fall behind, the pain is intense. Drink a lot of sports drinks
or coconut water. Keeping hydrated will help.

After having frequent migraine headaches for a while, I bought a couple of freezer-pack headbands.

One epiphany later, I found they also work great for staying cool in VR (not appearance-wise), but it's a bit more complicated to put the headset on-top of the headband.

Also, I find the added forehead support helps to take weight off of my dainty face.

-
Here's a link to one I bought.
-

The stitching is coming apart after almost two years (not bad), but there are a few others for sale.

Not a reusable ice pack, but I've had some luck with these cooling patches : BeKoool Cooling Relief for Migraine Soft Gel Sheets, Pack of 3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AI8ZE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Kre4Cb4PFW6HH

I get flare-ups on my face and neck pretty regularly. It usually happens when I'm stressed or dehydrated or come in contact with something I'm really allergic to. There are definitely days when I feel so self-conscious about it that I don't want to leave the house.

For immediate relief, I use Colpacs. They make a really big one that stays cold for a long time. When I'm so itchy that I can't fall asleep, I pull it out of the freezer, wrap it in a thin towel, and lay on it.

To treat a flare-up, I use a strategy similar to morallyirresponsible. I dip a washcloth in ice water and lay it on the flared-up area. When the cloth gets warm, I dip it again to make it cold. After about an hour, my skin is usually calm enough for cortisone cream and moisturizer. It takes a couple days of diligent attention, but eventually it works. Maybe it would help you too?

Shared Solutions (Copaxone's Manufacturer's Organiztion) gave me some free Gel freezer packs. Kind of like these

Thanks for sharing! I just received this ice pack strap thing that didn't work for me very well. I need it to sit right in the crook of my neck below my skull and it didn't do that.
I might try the migraine cap or The Original Headache Hat
Or this one: Elasto-Gel Cranial Cap Not sure why the guy's shirt is off, but I like that it also covers the neck.

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-MDS138055-Standard-Perineal-Packs/dp/B000K6TF1Y/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2Q8PDUXZZEO3X&keywords=perineal+ice+packs&qid=1558789517&s=gateway&sprefix=perineal+ic%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-3

​

These were the ice packs I used, i had a 3rd degree tear and lived on these things for a week, they felt so much better, yes they go on top of the pad. They're the same ones the hospital gives you. It takes about 4-6 weeks for your abs to firm up, the corset style support was nice but too hard for me to breathe in! It does help you get up and move around without a jelly feeling belly though!

I love my headache hat. It’s cubes so there are small patches without relief because it’s not one giant ice cube. It stays cold for probably 2-3 hours. I’m considering getting another so I’ll have more time with them. When that gets too warm though I’ll take some gel ice packs and tuck them under a stretchy bandana headband thing. That works well but the gel packs I have last 20 minutes tops

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Headache-Hat-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1510561682&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=Headache%2Bhat&th=1

Lots of help here. Lots of young people your age with the same problem.

First go to the right side ==> and download prophylaxis, abortives & procedures list.

Next read a lot of the existing postings. There are a bunch of existing posts on the front page right now about what to do.

If you have migraine with aura there is no need to get a lot of MRI tests, they never show any results of migraine. They are only to rule out some other problem that might cause the headaches.

If you are lucky, the migraines will come and go over your life. If you are really lucky they will mostly go. Sometimes you can have nothing for a long time, then a whole run of headaches over a short period, then they go away again. Sometimes you can have some really painful ones, then some mild ones. All people are different.

It is important to learn to recognize the first signs of the aura starting. My aura is flickering lights in my peripheral vision, bright spots in the middle of the computer screen, loss of depth perception, and pressure in my right eyeball. Each person is different. When you notice the first signs quickly take a triptan tablet, find a cool, quiet, dark place where you can relax until the tablet starts to work.

I suggest you talk to your doctor about an abortive medication called a Triptan - there are many different kinds, and you will have to experiment to find the correct one for your migraine.

Next get a small bag and put in a can of coke or pepsi, some mild pain tablets, a gel eye patch, some ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones. Keep it someplace you can grab it quickly in an emergency.

Sunglasses are a good idea, and an anti-glare screen for your computer.

Since you are going through exams in the next period, it is important that you get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and don't do too much exercise (exercise can temporarily make the headache worse). Get a note from your doctor to give to the school ahead of time so that they can arrange to make accommodations if get a migraine in the middle of an exam. Plan your study time with lots of breaks, don't let yourself get too stressed.

Hope this helps. Good Luck.

ETA: if your school has a sports medicine clinic it is good to see a massage therapist to work on your neck and back.

I recommend the Flexikold. You can order them on Amazon, and come from like letter size to literally the size of your back. They are very tough and not likely to leak. You can also get a reusable gel ice pack at pretty much any store with a first aid/recovery section. I got a decent one at Fred Meyer for about 10 bucks. They are awesome and re-"freeze" in like 30-45 minutes.

As an Eskimo living in Anchorage, with an apartment that has terrible cross-breeze, I need these to survive! In a pinch you can use a 2 liter bottle (make sure you don't fill it too full), but the gel packs are the way to go.

One of my rats has a respiratory infection so I cannot give him water to play in but I want to keep them cool. The ice packs are made of safe ingredients, but I am putting them in a little tin anyway to keep ratty teeth off of them. The blue metal box is about 10 inches wide which should be plenty of room for my two rats with the cold tub inside.



Products here (I get no commission of any kind):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07C3W77GF/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ZVIG1R2/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NCQTUNW/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Definitely check in to that, just to be safe!

In the meantime, as someone who also has no heat tolerance, I would recommend hats, lightweight, sun-protective clothes (even just a light button down shirt that you can wear when you are outside can help) keeping up with the water intake, and maybe ice packs. There are cooling patches like this that just stick on, you could freeze ice packs to take with you, and you could also keep a few instant ice packs with you as well. (I am planning to try out the instant ice packs when I go on vacation in August. Indianapolis the first weekend of August is HORRIBLY hot and humid!)

Edited to add: I forgot about cooling towels!

For those of you that have GearVR on the S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, or Note 4 and don't know:

http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1457642683&sr=1-1&keywords=3x5+gel+pack+reusable+hot+or+cold

Everyone buys these and they fit perfectly between the front cover and phone and keep it from getting too hot (which is a huge problem after 10 min)

A slightly less ghetto similar solution, using perfectly sized gel packs which can be cooled and stay soft when "frozen".

https://www.amazon.com/Headache-Migraine-Relief-Cap-comfortable/dp/B07DG2Z1NH/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=migraine+hat&pd_rd_r=94763c2b-d0fd-4279-bbb4-37828292cc17&pd_rd_w=iUYAr&pd_rd_wg=6msEA&pf_rd_p=801e52f8-2f92-4121-a10a-a677634e995d&pf_rd_r=6STY39E8F69YBABN221J&qid=1565239261&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

I have a bunch on my wishlist, but I just found this one. I also like an ice pack in the back as well!

No not really. I honestly don't mind running on pavement. Its really my preference. I guess what would be best is doing toe raises like another user suggested to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shin. I have these ice packs that I bought to use after using the roller. Besides doing these 3 things I dont think much else can be done about shin splits along with just plain ol rest.

This is in my bath and body list and it is a thing that I need. I have terrible sinus allergies, and sometimes ice on my face is the only thing that helps. I have a mask like this, but it doesn't stay cold very long.

Thanks for the contest!

It's hot as balls in the summer. I got a giant flexible freezer pack and put it in my jacket where the back armor goes. Keeps me nice and cool on the way home from work.

http://www.amazon.com/FlexiKold-Cold-Pack-Standard-Size/dp/B0091IOISW/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1464625466&sr=8-1&keywords=flexicold

Yup, these are the ones I use. They work pretty well, you won't have any overheating problems. The downsides are added weight and initially before the phone warms up sometimes they cool the whole headset too much and the lenses fog up.

I had the same brace after my ACL/meniscus tear, but I would take some of the straps off so I could slide this kind of pad in. It did wonders for the pain. I did it over the wrapping.

Once I got more healed up and didn't need the icing machine, these were the best ice packs I found. They stay soft, only take 2 hours before you can use them again, and they're the only ones that didn't break on me. I recommend getting two.

I'd wait until you get the take from your PT. I was back on the bike within three weeks for both of my ACL repairs but full recovery took months and I had a lot of swelling for nearly a year. I did PT for a year in both cases, obviously less and less as time progressed.

A subsequent total knee replacement was actually easier to recover from.

If you don't already have one, pick one of these up on ebay with the knee attachment. I use mine still after long hard rides.

https://www.amazon.com/Polar-Products-Inc-Active-Therapy/dp/B001ALNM3A?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

http://www.amazon.com/Chattanooga-ColPac-Therapy-Polyurethane-Over-Size/dp/B000QFZRNE/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1457656774&sr=8-2&keywords=large+ice+pack

sadly there is no velcro, but you can secure it with a hand wrap...every PT and AT i know uses these.

Yes-I've asked my physical therapist this question. Icing is used for new soreness/injury (such as after yoga/working out, using a particular joint or muscle a lot). Heat is a little more unclear, but can be used prior to stretching to warm the area, or for an older sore area. Hope that helps. For the record, I use these kind of ice packs-http://www.amazon.com/Chattanooga-Therapy-Polyurethane-X-Large-Oversized/dp/B000QFZRNE/ref=sr_1_11_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463267837&sr=8-11&keywords=ice+packs

They also make one specifically shaped for your neck.

Thanks! I'm guessing you're talking about something like these.

I think a plastic tub with ice packs like these or a bunch of the small hard ones will probably be fine (just swapping out the packs with fresh ones every day). I went to Home Depot and got this which I can use for both a fermentation swamp cooler and for bottle conditioning (can close it up and throw it in the closet easily).

I'm just being super nervous and worried as a first-timer. I'm sure once I finish the first brew, I'll have learned a lot about the process and how my apartment can handle it.

I have one of these. It's nice, but I do wish the ice pack parts were softer. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGWLDR6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_hE6sDb6CKVSSC

There are two kinds I use: The Wellpatch Migraine Cooling Patch and the Migraine BeKoool Soft Gel Sheets.

They are supposed to last 8 hours. [Spoiler] They don't actually last 8 hours. [/Spoiler]

After years of dealing with incompetent doctors, I found a neurologist/MS specialist who is a veritable treasure trove of useful information, particularly when it comes to symptom treatment--these beauties were one of the first things she told me about.

To piggyback onto this, I saw these recommended on a previous thread. I purchased some for after my delivery- I don't know how well they work, yet, but the reviews are good!

Make sure whoever picks you up after has food ready. Don't be scared to test your leg. It's in basically cast with that brace on. I was walking on and off under two weeks. (You will need to lay in bed and ice all day after probably.)

Buy one of these https://www.amazon.com/Polar-Products-Inc-Active-Therapy/dp/B001ALNM3A

Order the pads from amazon. So much better than what I made at home. https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Standard-Perineal-14-25-Count/dp/B000K6TF1Y

You've got this!

this is the one I use, and it’s worked great for me

I LOVE this:

Headache Hat - The Original Wearable Ice Pack for Migraine Headaches and Tension Relief - Regular Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGWLDR6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ofzvDbVKE08M9


I tried to link it but it wouldn’t work so you’ll need to copy and paste that

I finally couldn't take it anymore and they gave me Ajovy (the monthly injection) and I haven't had ONE migraine since. It's a miracle. Other than that, Aleve, the headache hat, and diet coke

This sucks. So fucking much. I’ll tell you that I know that list, except for Kratom.

The thing that dulls pain for me the most are benzodiazepines, barbiturates and the migraine hat. It wraps around and keeps your head on ice for an hour or so. I bought 4 and rotate them. Honestly, it’s such a relief compared to the many drugs we’ve taken.

Here is a link to the headache hat. . I hope it helps, if you try.

Get these and freeze 'em. They fit well enough between the phone and back plate. My phone has never overheated with one in: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZVI485Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Creepy but they work lol

Creepy Ice Gel Mask

http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Extra-Microwavable-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y#
Here's the link to the ones I use. They are perfection.

I put a 3x5 Gel Pack in the cover, doesn't solve it but extends my playtime for sure. I keep a couple in the fridge.

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y

This is what I did, and it worked fine:

http://www.patstarace.com/samsung-gear-vr-2015-retail-mod-for-note-4.html

Basically just gotta trim out the corners and make sure not to mess up those pegs. I used my dremel but you could probably use a hacksaw or something with patience.

The overheating...isn't good. But I bought some gel packs and they've worked wonders. I keep them in the refrigerator instead of the freezer because I'm afraid of condensation. My longest session so far has been 30-40 minutes with no overheating.

https://smile.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466731694&sr=8-1&keywords=3+x+5+gel+pack

Check out the reviews, everyone is using these things. There's other mods you can do like adding a case fan but I really didn't want to go through all that.

S6 Edge overheats all the time- but these help- https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y

Funny you ask about MRI and EDS. Sadly, I tried to do an MRI last month, but had a horrifying (and embarrassing) panic attack about 4 minutes in and have not rescheduled. So I can't help at all with sharing a diagnosis from MRI. At least they didn't charge my insurance. My orthopedic doctor took x-rays a few years ago and saw very slight calcification. I get steroid shots a few times a year and it helps, so inflammation is a factor.

Two family members have been diagnosed with EDS. I have not pursued that that avenue of possibility, so again can't share my own diagnosis.

I do ice pack and heating pad about every other night for about an hour. 15-20 cold, then 15-20 heat x 2. It helps me a ton. I've also started at home physical therapy that orthopedic doctor gave me. I use this ice pack cover and use this ice pack in it. I've also become mindful to not sleep on my side. I try to stay on my back when I'm aware/able.

Sorry I have no solid answers. This symptom comes and goes for me, just like everything else with fibro. Hope you find some relief.

Best advice I got was to bring my own toliet paper. When you are sore down there postpartum, the last thing you want is to use the rough stuff the hospital provides.

Also, get padsicles... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K6TF1Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ice pack when you're hot (I have a flexible one like this: http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Reusable-Cold-Compress-Large/dp/B00717YEO8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1426727855&sr=8-3&keywords=ice+pack ) and heating pad or heated blanket when you're cold. I've never been able to control my temperature, it's a side effect of the fibro I have. I don't think Cymbalta helps (I'm on it too).

Massive weather changes meant uber-nasty migraine today.

I swear by these "Be Kooool" things for relief:

https://www.amazon.com/Koool-Cooling-Relief-Migraine-Sheets/dp/B004AI8ZE6/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497299273&sr=8-1&keywords=be+cool+migraine

I use this one!
https://www.amazon.com/Medi-Temp-Head-Neck-Cold-Reusable-Compress/dp/B000A3IP0E/ref=pd_bap_rp_13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SXEFBTD5M695EFGRC15R

There have been times where this is the only thing that helps.

http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1457739959&sr=8-1&keywords=3x5+gel+packs

Yea some apps and games make the phone work pretty hard.

Check out the reviews lol http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZVI485Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I did cold washcloths or one of those cooling gel mask things from the fridge like this and that helped a bit. I also tried to drink more water because that made my vomiting episodes a little less terrible. Good luck!

I remember back when the most important accessory was an external battery.

Hard to believe I used to be able to walk outside for 6 hours and never have any issues besides battery life.

Nowadays the most important accessory I have to carry with me is cold packs:

https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y/

I use this one , it’s a bit cheaper and it’s been a life saver. Probably the best money I’ve ever spent, but I get tons of migraines.

Dunno which one is best, but there are a bunch of "migraine hats" available... Would let you "wear" your icepacks

I got these little moldable ice packs, and while the fit is a little snug (Pixel XL, 2017 DD), it works perfectly for keeping the phone cool. I just wrap it in a paper towel to fight off condensation.

With a 5 pack, your battery will die before you ever have an issue with heat.

Ice Packs

Also, using external power (battery pack) is one of the biggest gains you'll get.

Well... this is apparently adhesive!
http://www.amazon.com/Medline-Industries-MDS148055-Perineal-Adhesive/dp/B00BLE60T4
;)

I bought these disposable cold packs that were pretty amazing: perineal cold pack They’re like padsicles, but you don’t have to make them yourself and they don’t require freezing. You fold the pad in half to activate the cold pack and throw it out when it’s no longer cold.

Wearing a Headache Hat right now. I'm going to buy another one next month, and am also entertaining the idea of a third. I know you can buy extra ice squares, but I'm not going to want to take them out and put them back in when I have a migraine.

Official Page: https://theheadachehat.com/

Amazon Link

Get something like this.

I've used these both frozen and room temperature. When frozen, I wrap a single paper towel around it in case of condensation. When they're at room temperature, they don't work as well, but still provide a sort of heat sink that wicks away heat from the phone instead of it being insulated.

Not the most elegant solution but it won't overheat

Some version of a flowing water ice pack

Has she tried the Headache Hat?

You can buy more of the [lovely mesh hospital undies]
(https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Seamless-Postpartum-Maternity-Underwear/dp/B016QO93QA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1500912979&sr=8-2&keywords=postpartum+underwear+mesh#Ask)

Perineum Cold Packs

And finally, belly binders. There's a ton to choose from.

Headache helmet!

https://www.amazon.com/Headache-Hat-Original-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6

Edit: removed stuff that had smells to them!

Here are some of my faves:

https://www.amazon.ca/TMF10133-Theramed-Cold-Headache-Band/dp/B004O3RF70

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Peppermint-Menthol-Rosemary-Headache/dp/B010OE8KQM/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482593483&sr=1-1&keywords=natural+peppermint+headache+stick

https://www.amazon.com/Koool-Sheets-Adults-Migraine-Count/dp/B004AI8ZE6/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482593507&sr=1-1&keywords=be+kool+migraine+patches

These are perfect..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZVI485Y

Someone made a thread here few days ago about their Pixel phone overheating too and what he did was bought these mini ice packs and placed them behind the phoe while using VR and each pack was usable for 30 minutes up to an hour. The thing is VR is still probably a bit too "Beta" product that in future updates these overheating issues wil be things of the past.

Link to ice packs: https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y/

https://www.amazon.com/Original-Headache-Hat-Wearable-Headaches/dp/B00FGWLDR6

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLE60T4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Combination ice pack and absorbent sanitary pads.

Same.... heres a link to a product i had my husband get me. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FGWLDR6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1526306617&sr=8-3&keywords=headache+head+wrap

I think this in combo with tyenol and a dark room gets me thru. <3

Stupid mobile won't let me edit the original post...

Product link.

Medline MDS148055 Deluxe Perineal Cold Packs with Adhesive, 4.5" x 14.25" (Pack of 24) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BLE60T4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_E7Qgyb9FRNBH9

>overheating completely ruins it

Text list of standard overheating solutions

Picture of ziploc bag solution (Note bag is between phone and faceplate. The phone is NOT inside the bag. Also, some people are using gelpacks instead of water.)

Picture of aluminum foil solution (Careful of sticky tape goo on your phone if you do this one)

Gearvr cooling fan solution

How to deliberately overheat your phone AKA what to not do

I think this is what you want, posting link because there seems to be a language barrier or lost in translation
http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Packs-Overheating-Relief-IceWraps/dp/B00ZVI485Y

FlexiKold for the injured.

I literally use ice packs, got the idea from a sub on VR. These guys were maxing their devices' capability with VR and within 30 minutes you could fry an egg on the bag of the phone. They suggested using reusable ice packs and so I got these. They only last about 30 minutes before losing effectiveness, as it gets warmer it will probably be worse. But they keep gym battles smooth as needed and for long sessions of transferring trash pokemon and items.