Medically Me

So, I think the topomax is actually working. I’m on my second week and I’ve only had one migraine and that was actually due to two days of bad sleep due to no ambien due to ran out. Though, admittedly, I had initial success with topomax when they tried me on it years ago. Let’s just hope the botox/topomax combo is the magic combo.

The only problem with the topomax is the random numbness it causes in my face, fingers, hands and feet. It’s not really a problem so much as a weirdness. It’s a little distracting and there’s no rhyme or reason to it. It’s kind of like that weird tingling just right before some part of you completely “wakes up” from being numb after laying on it wrong. I suppose this is better than brain-melting-wanna-die-pain so I’ll take it.

I’m also less depressed than last week which is a good thing. Had my session with my shrink last night. She wants me to do another 10 week therapy group; this one on cognative thought therapy. I’ve been interested in this kind of therapy for a bit so I’m a bit excited about it. I think it’ll be helpful so I’m going to do it.

We talked a little bit about just how depressed I was last week. Her concern of course is always whether or not I’m depressed enough to hurt myself. I confessed to her that my mother is always worried about that too and sometimes she tells me that in words and she did this past weekend, but the truth is that I have a very vivid memory of after my cousin killed himself, my mother begged me to promise her never to let it get that bad and never to kill myself like that. I guess I just couldn’t put my mother through that. Which I guess is ironic since my family has such strong pro-assisted suicide views. Huh.

Anyway, I am better this week. I’ve got a new cause — I’m going to be organizing fundraisers for the New Orleans Public Library here in Maine though I’m not quite sure how to go about it yet. I’ve got a new movie buddy. I’ve got a new therapy group. I think I might look into getting a military pen pal (and, yes, keep politics out of it).

So, making plans. Sounds kind of optimistic.

tags: topomax, wellness, migraine, depression, suicide, therapy, botox

6 comments

1. on March 7, 2006 at 10:10 am

   Tamara said:

   Glad it’s helping. Does Topamax make fizzy drinks (ah, Diet Coke) taste flat? I hated that. It wasn’t the reason I quit taking it, but I was glad when that effect wore off (took almost a week!)

2. on March 7, 2006 at 10:29 am

   n. mallory said:

   Is that what it is? OMG! Starting last week I kept thinking there was something wrong with my Diet Coke. Damn it. What am I going to do if this doesn’t going away? I might have to just drink water and add in the chemical caffeine.

3. on March 7, 2006 at 10:34 am

   Tamara said:

   Yes, sadly! I saw it listed in the side effects. It’s really a huge bummer. I didn’t really even care about the caffeine, I can get that from tea, but I love my DC.

   Actually, it helped me kick it, but I started right back again once I got the bubbly sensation back. Oops!

4. on April 30, 2006 at 3:55 pm

   Dan said:

   Has anyone had a problem with nose bleeds on Topamax?
   Also a numb feeling in the face, hands, arms, legs and feet.

5. on May 1, 2006 at 10:44 am

   n. mallory said:

   I haven’t had a nose bleed issue but I have had the numb feeling. I mostly just ignore it because it’s better than the headaches.

6. on June 27, 2007 at 10:34 pm

   Chris said:

   Hello, I just happen to stumble upon this site while looking up the side effects of Topamax. I see that these comments were posted early last year, have you had any problems with Topamax since then? My wife is taking if for her migraines and it seems to be helping but she is getting the numbness in her hands, feet and nose. I was just curious to see if you were still taking Topamax and if the side effects have continued. Thank you for your time! Love the site!

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