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).

Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #4: June Is Bustin' Out All Over!

The best tips I have to offer others for having some summer fun despite Migraines are:

• Wear dark sunglasses and a hat
• Stay hydrated - water, water, water
• Keep snacks on-hand - keep your blood sugar level by snacking throughout the day
• Stay in the shade as much as possible (and/or spend time in air conditioning)
• Know your limits and listen to your body - if you start feeling dizzy and/or pain increases, take these signs seriously and immediately take action (remove self from situation, drink water, eat a snack, sit or lie down, etc)
• Pace yourself and plan rest breaks
• Always have your medication with you (for pain relief, anti-nausea, etc)
• Be mindful of the fragrance found in many sunscreen products
• Be careful not to get overheated, as this can worsen your migraine pain
• Have a "wing man" that knows about your migraines and can help make sure you drink enough water and will help you get out of a situation that has become "too much" for you
• Remember that you can enjoy time with friends and family, if you plan ahead and arm yourself with some needed items

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 #3: Just Shoot Me Now!

Today's prompt is to discuss my worst Migraine trigger(s).

Discovering one's migraine triggers can be very difficult, especially since they build on one another. So, something may not normally trigger a Migraine, but if I'm also dealing with a lot of stress and a weather change, even the smallest thing may be enough to trigger a big one.

Weather is a pretty big trigger of mine. It's somewhat inconsistent, but I almost always have difficulty when the temperature drops 10+ degrees. It's frustrating because I live in Texas, where the weather is a roller coaster. And, there's not really anything I can do to prevent it from happening. I just try to make sure that I have my migraine meds ready for the day before or the day of the weather change, and I plan on taking things easy for a few days around a big weather change.

Here's an example from last month (May 2012):

6 OBSERVED Hi  91.0° Lo  72.0° Precip (in) 0

7 OBSERVED Hi  89.0° Lo  66.0° Precip (in) 0

8 OBSERVED Hi  72.0° Lo  65.0° Precip (in) 0

9 OBSERVED Hi  83.0° Lo  60.0° Precip (in) 0

10 OBSERVED Hi  82.0° Lo  57.0° Precip (in) 0.22

11 OBSERVED Hi  75.0° Lo  60.0° Precip (in) 0.53

12 OBSERVED Hi  71.0° Lo  62.0° Precip (in) 0.01

I had increased migraine pain on the 8th (after the temperature dropped from a high of 89 to a high of 72). I didn't have a problem (in fact, some of the "better" days of last month) from the 9th through 12th, when the temperature stepped or tapered down.

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 #2: Tea For Two

Today's prompt is to choose someone that I'd like to invite to my home for tea, for the purpose of explaining Migraine disease to them so they would truly understand it.

I've been thinking about this for a while, and I don't really know who I'd choose. I would love to invite someone that has the power and influence to truly bring about a better understanding and positive changes to improve the lives of those with Migraine and other headache disorders. But, I don't know who I'd choose, and it's a bit overwhelming to think about.

So, I'm going to choose someone in my own life that I'd like to better understand Migraine (specifically chronic Migraine). I don't want to come across as throwing anyone under the bus, or as placing blame on anyone in my life that doesn't really understand Migraine - it's not meant that way at all.

That being said, I'd probably invite some family members over, as well as some of my friends (that have mostly disappeared from my life). I feel like my immediate family has a better understanding of what I live with than many others do, but they've known me for longer and are willing to really listen, accept, and be flexible / understanding with me (such as, when I have to change or cancel plans).

But, there are others in my family and many of my friends that just have little to no idea of how bad my migraines really are, regardless of how much I've tried to explain to them about Migraines and to describe some of my own experiences. Not only is this frustrating and isolating, but it's extremely stressful.

I feel more guilt (though I always feel some degree of guilt when others are involved... I'm working on that) when I have to change or cancel plans with these family/friends because they seem less accepting of the fact that my life is often  minute by minute. I'm not trying to ruin their plans or cause them any stress of anything, but Jeremy and I have to take things one step at a time and evaluate how I'm feeling and what I can handle at that moment. I know how difficult it is to try to make plans with someone that might have to cancel plans at the last minute, it's incredibly frustrating. I've always been a planner, so this isn't how I'd choose my life to be either. Having to take thing one moment at a time has been (and is) something that I've had to learn to accept myself. It's how my life is right now, and I'm doing the best I can to keep it from affecting others.

I truly hope that by participating in National Migraine Awareness Month, and continuing to share with and educate others, that we can be better heard and understood.

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 #1: Your First for the First

The prompt for today is to share the story of my first Migraine. Honestly, I'm not really sure when my *first* Migraine was. I was a colicky baby, and had bad motion sickness whenever I rode in the car on family trips or cruises. These might have been precursors of Migraine disease.

I've dealt with headaches for as long as I can remember, but they became more prevalent during my teenage years. I've always had trouble with perfumes, potpourri, bright lights, loud noises, etc. (though all of these things have significantly worsened - to a point that these are triggers to disabling migraines, since my chronic migraines began a few years ago). I also had headaches that occurred sometimes when I worked out (I was extremely athletic in middle and high school - absolutely loved running and playing softball, so I guess I did my best to just get through the headaches and keep running / playing).

All that being said, I believe I was first diagnosed with Migraine, while I was in high school (~10-12 years ago). But, I was able to keep them under control by using Excedrin Migraine and Imitrex. I was episodic for years - having headaches more frequently than migraines (migraines were only a few times a year), and I was still able to function (even if only at a low level) with those migraines.

I started experiencing chronic migraines, following an auto accident 3.5 years ago. I remember when I came to the realization that my migraines were both chronic and debilitating... with no end in sight. It hit me hard, especially since I'd spent plenty of time in denial. I was left not knowing what to do, but I continued seeking help from doctors because I know I simply can't give up. And, it's been a journey of ups and downs, since that time.

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

June is designated as National Migraine Awareness Month (NMAM), initiated by the National Headache Foundation (NHF). This year's theme is "help make migraines visible!" Many of the obstacles facing Migraineurs have to do with myths, misconceptions, and stigma surrounding Migraine and other headache disorders. So, this month provides many different opportunities to jump-start this important awareness effort to make these invisible illnesses visible.

Ellen and Teri have put together a Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge, where they provide a daily prompt. 30 posts in 30 days - to help make migraines more visible!

There is a National Migraine Awareness Month Facebook page, where we can share what we're doing to bring awareness to Migraine and other headache disorders.

The NHF shares some different resources to increase awareness - including a series of NHF hosted chat webinars (you can find out more information and register at this link), which will be each Tuesday in June, from 6:30-7:30pm (CDT). The topics are:

• June 5 - Migraine: How to Communicate with your Physician
• June 12 - Sinus & Allergy Headaches
• June 19 - Tension Headache
• June 26 - Hormones & Headache

Please take a few moments to take the Migraine in America Survey. It will be open through June 15. The contributors at Migraine.com will share the results with the community.

Also, please take a moment to sign the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy petition to urge Congress to hold hearings on the impact of Migraine and other headache disorders - you don't have to personally experience headaches or migraines to help support those of us that do, so please take a moment and sign this important petition.

Diana Lee of Somebody Heal Me will be hosting two Migraine Awareness Month chats:

• June 6 (3pm, CDT) - What do you wish people better understood about living with Migraine disease?
• June 20 (6pm, CDT) - What do you need in order to live well with Migraine disease that you currently don't have in your life - tangible or intangible, it's all fair game?!

Chronic Migraine Awareness Day is June 29, 2012. There is also a Facebook page for this event. Please show your support by wearing purple and red clothing (purple is the official color for Migraine disease, and red + purple represents Chronic Migraine).

Other ways that you can show your support: post a video about how you live with Migraine and headache disorders at Project Migraine Hope, and/or send a photo of you wearing purple to show support to Faces of Migraine and Headache.

There are plenty of ways to be involved this month, and I truly hope to be able to be able to participate in many of these initiatives. Things are busy for me this month (my sister is getting married in two weeks, so that's what I'll be busy with for the first half of the month... and probably recovering during the second half - lol), but I'm going to participate as much as I can!

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).