This is a reader-submitted story. Want to share your 30 Things? Here’s how: Migraine & Headache Disorders 30 Things Meme.
1.My diagnosis is: chronic migraine
2. My migraine attack frequency is: 2-3 times a week
3. I was diagnosed in: 2008 after I graduated from high school, though i have had migraines most of my life..
4. My comorbid conditions include: vertigo, neck pain, eye pressure…a million other things
5. I take 0 medications/supplements each day for prevention and 2 medications/supplements to treat an acute attack…i have been unable to find any prevention medications that work
6. My first migraine attack was: when I was in first grade. The only one to believe me was my mother.
7. My most disabling migraine symptoms are: vertigo, slurring of speech, unable to make sense of things, severe sensitivity to lights and sounds.
8. My strangest migraine symptoms are: inability to speak correctly or think. Hand & face numbness/tingles. Right eye twitching.
9. My biggest migraine triggers are: hormones, lack of sleep, stress, crying.
10. I know a migraine attack is coming on when: it varies– tingling, dizziness, excessive yawning
11. The most frustrating part about having a migraine attack is: letting friends & family down. Having to give up any social activity. Worrying about traveling or driving far incase a migraine attack occurs.
12. During a migraine attack, I worry most about: if the pain will ever go away, even most abortive medications dont help when theyre bad.
13. When I think about migraine between attacks, I think: one day I’ll find a helpful prevention. I never take for granted my pain free days.
14. When I tell someone I have migraine, the response is usually: I dont usually tell people unless its happening and i need them to understand what is wrong with me. Most people i interact with know i have them. I occasionally get the “oh yea i get those too” which then we compare notes on helpful tips, etc.
15. When someone tells me they have migraine, I think: i feel bad for them. I know how debilitating migraines can be. We will usually talk and compare different symptoms, sort of ‘bonding’ if you will..
16. When I see commercials about migraine treatments, I think: i wish it was that easy…
17. My best coping tools are: my family, mostly my mom..she is fantastic. my boyfriend supports me beyond belief and never once resents me for not being able to do things. My loving cats…petting them while they lay on me and purr is the most comforting thing. Also abortive medications supplemented with ativan due to severe anxiety.
18. I find comfort in: knowing i have such a fantastic support system. As stated above lol. Also knowing there are so many people that understand what its like and even though its only beginning the research is becoming more thorough and actually focusing on migraines beint a neurological disorder and “not just a headache”
19. I get angry when people say: “its just a headache” or some variation. Or oh just take an advil. I wish i could lol. For the most part people are becoming more aware and supportive.
20. I like it when people say: i understand & you need to take care of yourself.
21. Something kind someone can do for me during a migraine attack is: if you’re close to me, rub my head. If you’re not just speaking softly and understanding that i am in severe pain.
22. The best thing(s) a doctor has ever said to me about migraine is: we will work to find something that helps you. I have had many neurologists talk down to me or not speak to me like I’m a person suffering because i am young and they dont wanna help because of “drug seeking”..?
23. The hardest thing to accept about having migraine is: i will struggle the rest of my life.
24. Migraine has taught me: to be more humble and accept that i cant do everything all the time. Sometimes you have to take care of yourself
25. The quotation, motto, mantra, or scripture that gets me through an attack is: i dont really have one..but i do tell myself that i will get thru it, i always do. We are survivors and we can continue to survive.
26. If I could go back to the early days of my diagnosis, I would tell myself: nothing. Same struggles as today..
27. The people who support me most are: my mom & my boyfriend.
28. The thing I most wish people understood about migraine is: its noy just a headache and it is severely debilitating
29. Migraine and Headache Awareness Month is important to me because: it shows that it is a chronic illness and that researchers and doctors are actually starting to see it as a neurological disorder.
30. One more thing I’d like to say about life with migraine is: every day is a struggle, but its our struggle. One day i hope to see a prevention that helps every day go easier and lessen the pain, but until then I will continue to remain positive. I also just hope that all of my friends understand that i dont want to blow off plans or never agree to to plans for sure just so i wont let anyone down.
Reader-submitted stories solely represent the personal point of view, experience, and opinion of the author, not of The Daily Headache or Kerrie Smyres.