Unless you’re a new reader, you’re probably aware that 2014 has been an incredible year for me. I’ve found myself tearing up a lot the last few weeks as I reflect on the year. My loved ones have also been tearing up for the same reason, which reinforces how fortunate I am to have their support and love.
This year, I’ve felt better than I have in my adult life. I no longer have one continuous migraine of varying severity. When migraines do come, I can usually stop them or at least reduce their intensity with triptans, which are effective for me for the first time ever. My diet is still very restrictive, but I’m up to about 40 foods (whether I think that’s good or not depends on my level of frustration on any given day). I’m writing a ton. I don’t feel entirely normal, chronic illness has a greater say in my life than I’d like, and I still feel like I’m catching up on all that fell to the wayside when I was sick. But most of the time I feel like I’m making huge strides.
I haven’t made a New Year’s resolution since my first “unresolution” in 2013, when I resolved to recognize that I’m doing the best I can. Self-compassion and recognizing my own strength were big themes for me this year. I’m the happiest with myself and my life that I’ve ever been. In that tradition, I am committed in 2015 to mindfully experiencing my life as it unfolds. (And working on getting my writing published on a wider scale. That’s not a resolution or unresolution — it’s just what I know I need to focus on next in my life.)
I wish you peace and healing in the new year. If you’re struggling with severe pain or illness, I hope you find some relief, whether physical or emotional (preferably both). I thank you for celebrating my successes with me this year and for your support for the past (almost) 10 years. I look forward to learning more from all of you, as I have every day since starting The Daily Headache. Take good care of yourself.
Hi there – just found your blog. I have been a migrainer since my late 20’s. i am now 52. This week has been really hard. I had just had a 3 day really bad migraine, and then have been expecting my 3 day menstrual migraine to show up today. I have lived with migraine pain for so long and tried everything i know, and nothing has worked. I am waiting for the day I go into menopause when it all might calm down. My MM’s are the worst, lasting 3 days, but then its just constant headaches, till migraine mid cycle, then I have about 1 week where I feel ok, then back to square 1 again. My social life is limited. My kids are sick of it, as I can’t plan any holidays. But you know all this. I would just like someone to talk to. Someone that understands. And someone that might have some ideas to lessen the pain without ODing on the drugs. Glad you are doing better from what I just read. 🙂
Tracy, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with such severe migraines. I’m not sure what all you’ve tried, but here’s an interesting article on treatment for menstrual migraine: http://migraine.com/blog/short-term-option-for-migraine-prevention-frova/. It talks about the use of various triptans for menstrual migraine and using Frova for a week at a time as a preventive. Also, here are some preventives with good medical evidence behind them: http://migraine.com/blog/migraine-preventives-start/. From what you describe, I think you have chronic migraine, so Botox might be an option. Nerve blocks work well for some people and are becoming increasingly popular in headache medicine practice in the U.S. And if you’re interested in connecting with more people who have migraine, Migraine.com’s forums are good for that: http://migraine.com/forums/.
I hope this is a helpful start. Please let me know if I can help with anything else.
Take care,
Kerrie
To make the greatest understatement of this nascent year: Yay.
Thanks, Katie!
Take care,
Kerrie
Hi Kerrie
Thanks for all the info. It’s helped my headaches a lot. I am now on a low histamine diet like you and also no gluten and also low caffeine.I also drink lots and lots of water. It’s helped a lot.
Do you drink caffeinated beverages? Do you think it contributes to migraines?
Julia
Julia, I haven’t had caffeine in four years. It is definitely a trigger for some people. I don’t know if it is for me or not. For now, I’m not even trying it.
Take care,
Kerrie
Kerrie thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, and for giving us hope as we celebrate your success this year. I wish you all the health and happiness in 2015.
Thanks, Kate! I hope the same for Francesca.
Tak care,
Kerrie
Happy New Year to you Kerrie! Thank you for sharing your migraine journey. You’re an encouragement to me – maybe some day I also won’t have migraine every moment of every day; and sometimes you’re a thorn in my side, when you write about something I know I should (or shouldn’t) be doing, but have let slide.
I’ve watched your roller coaster of a year and wish you an easier ride in 2015, and I celebrate with you the amazing progress you’ve made in 2014. How wonderful to get your life back, even if only partially. Linda
Linda, thank you for your kind words and support. I’m sorry to be a thorn in your side! Don’t beat yourself up too much — I’ve learned that I’m doing the best I can even when I let things slide. It’s not always possible to eat a strict diet or exercise or do whatever it is we think we should be doing — whether that’s for practical reasons, because we’re too sick to cope, or we just want to enjoy life. It’s a constant balancing act.
Take care,
Kerrie
I am so glad to hear of the improvement in your health over the past year. I will continue to hold you close in my heart and in my thoughts. Tons of love, wowmom
Thanks, Mom/Wow!
Love,
me