Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #10: Taking An Important Step

My husband and I were able to attend our sister-in-law's ordination this past week. We drove down to Waco, Texas to attend the service and celebrate. We're so proud of her! She and her husband (Jeremy's brother) are now both ordained, and will be starting at a new church as head pastors this next week. We're so glad we were able to be there for such an important event.

I struggled through much of the church service, due to the shrill voice of an opera soprano singing and the volume of the organ. My dad had recommended that I take earplugs, so (luckily) I threw some into my purse. I put one of the neon pink/yellow earplugs into one of my ears (hoping it wouldn't be too obvious to others), and plugged my other ear (as needed). I probably should've put both earplugs in, but even wearing the one (in public) was a huge step for me.

I struggled with the ride back home the following day; but I was able to enjoy dinner with a long-lost friend, the ordination service, and visiting with family. And, I made an important step in caring for myself... even though it required wearing neon earplugs in public.

This post was written as part of the Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge (MAMBC), which is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com and the National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF).

Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #9: Day Dream Believer

Hmmm... a day without Migraine to hold me back - what to do, what to do... Actually, what not to do?!

A day without Migraine holding me in its grasp is nearly impossible to even imagine. But, after getting over the initial shock of waking up well-rested and with no pain, I would be ecstatic and do so many things that I've faced with limitations over the past few years.

Here are some of the things I'd love to do on my pain-free day:

Go for a walk outside, without sunglasses - without worry about the sun, heat, or exercise.

Drive and go shopping by myself - without worry about the sun and other stimuli driving involves, the fluorescent lights, other people's perfumes, getting exhausted within moments of leaving my home, or getting stranded somewhere because my head started hurting and I couldn't drive myself home.

Chew gum (specifically, cinnamon gum) - without worry about the chewing or smell worsening my head.

Play with my nieces and nephew - without worry about their high energy, loud toys, or piercing shrieks.

Spend time with my husband - without worry of him having to take care of me or that even the slightest touch will be painful.

Go to a concert (with my sister or Jeremy) - without worry about the lights, smells, loud music, crowds, etc. triggering a Migraine. I'd love to go to a Christian concert like the one my sister and I went to the summer before my accident - it was all-day, outside, and the bands included Skillet, Jeremy Camp, MercyMe, and Pillar - so amazing! I'd also love to take Jeremy to see Blue Man Group - I saw them in concert with my brother about a year before my accident - it was great!

Go horseback riding - without worry about being outside in the heat and sun, or dealing with the rhythm of trotting or loping.

Call and set up a gathering of my closest friends and family. We'd have dinner and game night at my immaculate apartment. I would prepare all kinds of delicious food and drinks, especially ones that I've had to limit because of my Migraines. We'd spend the entire evening eating, visiting, playing games, and laughing until it hurts - all of this without worry of being overwhelmed by too much stimuli, or of a Migraine being triggered by food / drink.

Scream, laugh, cry - without worry that any of these would trigger or worsen a Migraine.

My day without Migraine holding me back would be surprising, productive, enjoyable, and full of laughter.


This post was written as part of the Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge (MAMBC), which is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com and the National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF).

Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #8: Let There Be Light

Oh lights! I have to say that I've never been a huge fan of light, especially of flashing lights and the bright sun. But, since my migraines have become chronic, it's become more than just a dislike. Light sensitivity (i.e., photophobia) is a HUGE problem for me!

Our apartment is our "cave" - we have black-out curtains on all of the windows (and even then, it's sometimes still too bright for me). We don't keep many lights on either, and only use incandescent bulbs. I don't do very well with fluorescent lights, including the compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that are being pushed for home-use because they use less energy than incandescent bulbs.

I limit my time outside, especially when my head is really bad or on edge of becoming really bad. I still try to get out some, but I do much better on cloudy days (with my sunglasses still on).

I try to choose the darkest booth in the restaurant to sit it (quiet, dark, and away from the crowd) - I then position myself to have as little view of windows, overhead lighting, etc. I can't stand overhead lights with fans... it gives a horrible strobe-like effect that makes me ultra-nauseous and worsens my head pain.

Sometimes, I keep my sunglasses on inside bright houses/apartments, restaurants, stores, etc... I don't really like to do it, but sometimes it can help (even if only a little).

I struggle with all the lights at night, when we're driving back home from somewhere. Even with my sunglasses, the headlights and streetlights just wreak havoc on my eyes and head.

If someone takes a picture that uses a flash, I'm doomed, and it's especially bad at night. The flash affects my vision, sometimes to the point that I can't see anything else, for at least 5-10 minutes (and usually takes much longer to completely go away).

Lighting has become a major struggle for me because I'm so very sensitive to it. I try my best to deal with it without it affecting others, but that can be difficult.

Here's a great resource for ideas to deal with photophobia:  Two dozen tips for light sensitive Migraineurs.

This post was written as part of the Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge (MAMBC), which is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com and the National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF).

Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #7: List Topper

There are SOOO many myths and misconceptions about Migraine. But, I think the biggest and most common one is the idea that "Migraine is just a headache."

Migraine is a genetic, neurological disease. It affects a person in every aspect of his/her life. In fact, some migraines (such as, abdominal migraines), don't even have the head pain that most people identify Migraine with. There are four different phases:  prodrome, aura, headache, postdrome. Some of the most common Migraine symptoms are:  throbbing pain, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea, vision changes, vomiting, aura, neck pain, weakness, dizziness, sensitivity of smell. Migraine attacks last for at least four hours, and may last for days (or longer).

Migraine disease is much more complex than most people know or understand. I try to help minimize the myths and misunderstanding, by trying to keep myself educated and open to sharing with others what Migraine disease truly is. Hopefully this will bring about a better understanding of the severity of Migraine and other headache disorders... leading to increased interest, research, and new treatments.

This post was written as part of the Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge (MAMBC), which is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com and the National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF).

Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #6: Name That Tune! (Skyscraper)

This is my theme song for Migraine disease.

Skyscraper by Demi Lovato

I absolutely love this song! Both the song and video are very powerful. I think the message is great for everyone that is in a dark place in their life. There is still hope, and you can battle through and rise higher than ever... "like a skyscraper."

You can take everything I have / You can break everything I am / Like I'm made of glass / Like I'm made of paper / Go on and try to tear me down / I will be rising from the ground / Like a skyscraper / Like a skyscraper

In the video, she's barefoot, making her way through a barren desert. I think the imagery is right on. In the midst of dark times, it can often feel like we're alone... trying to make our way through a barren land. But, we can make our way through it, and rise to new heights.

http://youtu.be/r_8ydghbGSg

This post was written as part of the Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge (MAMBC), which is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com and the National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF).

Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #5: Do That To Me One More Time

A comfort measure that I find helps me during a Migraine attack, enough that I go back to it again and again. Well, I like to be prepared... but, my brain doesn't always work very well - especially when I'm getting or have a migraine - and my meds tend to make my brain and body slow down. So, my husband recommended that I store a checklist of things to do before I take my migraine/pain meds. I now have a list that I can go through, so I can make sure to have everything set before I take my meds - that way, I can take them and lay down on the couch to rest.

My list includes things as (seemingly) simple as deciding whether or not to take my migraine meds (this includes checking my migraine diary/journal to make sure that I haven't already maxed out on my meds for the week), and to eat before taking my meds (I've made the mistake before of not doing this, and the rough side effects of the meds kicked in hard and fast - it's something I have to be very conscious of, especially since I experience a lot of nausea with my migraines, and it's harder than it seems to eat even just a little bit).

I then have a list of things to gather / do just before (or immediately after) taking my meds:

• Cell phone - per an agreement with my husband, I'm to keep my phone with me at all times (I've needed help before and not had my phone with me)
• Pillows / blankets - to make the sofa as comfortable as possible, since I'll be there for the rest of the day
• Water & snacks - so I can make sure to stay hydrated and keep some food in my belly, even if it's small snacks throughout the day
• Meds - daily and as-needed (so everything is handy)
• Paper & pen for notes - to keep track of when I take my meds (so I don't take it too often or take too many), and I can also record random things that come to mind 
• Ice pack and/or heat pad - I don't actually do either of these all that often because I haven't found a lot of relief with either one
• Trash can - in case I can't make it to the bathroom to vomit (meds + migraines sometimes cause this)
• Kleenex - I have increased nasal issues with my migraines
• Socks - to keep my feet warm
• Mouthguard - if I end up napping, I need this in my mouth or I'll end up waking up with even more pain
• Chapstick - to keep my lips from getting too chapped, since my meds cause severe dry mouth
• Blood pressure machine - my meds are narcotics, so they often lower my already low BP, so I try to monitor it to make sure it doesn't get dangerously low
• Neuro-stimulator programmer - in case I need to change or turn off my stimulator
• Air purifier - this helps with my nasal issues, as well as my frequent coughing
• Remote control - for obvious reasons
• Then - go to the restroom, take meds, and get as comfortable as possible on the sofa (in darkness, but TV on quietly)

By having this list and making sure that I get / do all of these things before taking my meds, I feel more comfortable that I have what I need to make it through the day. I think it gives my husband some comfort, too - he checks on me / I keep him updated via text throughout the day, so he knows how I'm feeling and if he needs to come home early to take care of me. But, I feel more able to get through his working hours, by having all of these things ready and on-hand / within reach.

This post was written as part of the Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge (MAMBC), which is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com and the National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF).