This is a reader-submitted story.
1. My diagnosis is: migraine.
2. My migraine attack frequency is:1-5 times a week. They have been every day, and have had months without one.
3. I was diagnosed in: around 2004
4. My comorbid conditions include: nothing diagnosed. Have joint problems, suspected hernia, tender trigger points, muscle cramps, crushed nerve damage on left shin from a fall, acid reflux.
5. I take __0__ medications/supplements each day for prevention and __2 otc__ medications/supplements to treat an acute attack
6. My first migraine attack was: I was around 21
7. My most disabling migraine symptoms are: pain, nausea, light sensitivity, brain fog.
8. My strangest migraine symptoms are: burning muscles during an acid reflux migraine.
9. My biggest migraine triggers are: stress, smells, sounds, lights
10. I know a migraine attack is coming on when: I can’t concentrate or get anything done.
11. The most frustrating part about having a migraine attack is: loss of productivity. It’s like my life is leaking away and I can’t stop it.
12. During a migraine attack, I worry most about: my job and future
13. When I think about migraine between attacks, I think: if I eat good enough and do everything right maybe I won’t have another one.
14. When I tell someone I have migraine, the response is usually: Too much sympathy. I hate people feeling sorry for me. I just don’t want them to feel like they are being ignored.
15. When someone tells me they have migraine, I think: bummer! Hate those!
16. When I see commercials about migraine treatments, I think: I don’t watch tv, but can imagine I would be skeptical and hear the disclaimers louder than the promise.
17. My best coping tools are: ice/heat, sunglasses, ear plugs (can’t always use them), sleeping when can, isolation.
18. I find comfort in: my bed with all lights shut out.
19. I get angry when people say: n/a: I can’t afford anger.
20. I like it when people say: n/a
21. Something kind someone can do for me during a migraine attack is: leave me alone, and please no strong odors or loud noises.
22. The best thing(s) a doctor has ever said to me about migraine is: n/a. Don’t go to doctors much.
23. The hardest thing to accept about having migraine is: loss of my time
24. Migraine has taught me: anger has no positive contribution.
25. The quotation, motto, mantra, or scripture that gets me through an attack is:I will get better. I will beat this.
26. If I could go back to the early days of my diagnosis, I would tell myself: look closely at the food manufacturing process.
27. The people who support me most are: my sup and my friend.
28. The thing I most wish people understood about migraine is: they can vary a lot between people and even time to time for the same person.
29. Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is important to me because: some people are becoming aware and more considerate about scents.
30. One more thing I’d like to say about life with migraine is: somehow, some way I will beat this!
Reader-submitted stories solely represent the personal point of view, experience, and opinion of the author, not of The Daily Headache or Kerrie Smyres. Follow this link to learn how to share YOUR 30 Things about living with a headache disorder.