Sara has made major changes in the way she lives, which has let her control her headaches instead of having them control her. Part of her success has come from a realization that the good days are sweet and you’ve got to grab them when you can.
I have had migraines since puberty, although they got worse after I had surgery when I was 20. It was to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. So, no more first rib on the left side. I’ve joked for years that I mailed the damn thing back to Adam! My chiropractor has suggested that the healing process, with my left lung now attached firmly to the second rib, has caused changes I haven’t noticed in how my body moves. I suspect she is right! Freaked me out a bit when I read Jantha’s story, since she also has thoracic outlet syndrome.
I am now 36, and over the last six years have made major changes in how I live my life. I’ve found significant pain relief through this. I have had my depression appropriately treated, and more than likely will take anti-depressants for the rest of my life. I have arthritis medication daily and Tylenol 3 for the days I really need it.
Most important seems to be the other stuff I did. I quit smoking. I don’t eat anything that has artificial colour, flavour, or preservatives of any kind. Ever. No caffeine. I only drink beer, although of course that is questionable…but we all need our treats right? I exercise 6 days a week, at home on the floor, with a book that works very well for me. And, for the last 18 months, I’ve seen a chiropractor every 2 or 3 weeks. Since I drive over an hour each way to see her, I have a 30 minute treatment. She does neural linking, and 3 months ago started doing skull adjustments on me. Sounds weird….but it all works.
Over the years I’ve gone from 3 or 4 migraines per week to 2 or 3 per month. And I am getting more control over them every week, it feels like! Today I’ve got a twinge, rather than a full blown migraine due to the pressure changes and thunderstorm here this afternoon. I figure it is a great improvement!
I also work to keep a positive attitude about all this. I remind myself…I’m not actually dying. Just realizing how sweet the pain free days really are. It might sound a bit Polly-annaish. However…you haven’t heard the swearing that can accompany that statement on a bad day 😉
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