Sorry to hear about the migraines persisting. Last thing you need is more unsolicited advice, but from ex-nurse to ex-nurse I really can’t help myself.:-)

I had the same problem as you and could easily lose 3 days a week to migraines. Everytime the doctors would suggest the list of off-label prescriptions used for preventative means, I would shudder at the thought of being on constant medication … until I just couldn’t function anymore.

I finally succumbed and after having a failed attempt on some old antidepressant (just made me sleep alot) I tried propranolol. It worked almost immediately. I now take it everyday and only ever have a rare migraine.
It really got me my life back which meant it gave me writing time. I can’t tell you how much better I feel and every time I read about your migraines I remember how awful it all was.

You may have already tried some of these and if you have ignore me, and I certainly don’t want to suggest you go against your convictions about taking medication, but from one who’s been down that road … it was so worth it.

I hope you feel better soon.

Excluding, of course, month-long migraines and vertigo.

There are probably medications out there that would stop the pain, but I will not take anything other than Tylenol or aspirin. Will never again touch anything that could alter my ability to write or create.

So at the moment, having had all the necessary standard medical tests, and having reached the limit of medicines I’m willing to take, I’m following up on a friend’s recommendation to have Irlen testing done.