Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Two For Tuesday...Migraines

It is kind-of ironic that I decided Sunday night that I would write this post today, and here I sit, barely able to even look at a computer, with a full-on Migraine hitting me like a dump truck. I knew this morning as soon as I opened my eyes that it was coming. Those of you who have never had this gut-wrenching, whole-body, downward spiral that hits you have no idea. The head pain is only 20-25% of a migraineur's plague. The remaining symptoms are much worse, and after almost 11 years of living with these things, I've experienced almost all possible symptoms.


This is EXACTLY how I feel during 95% of my Migraine attacks. Except picture her hair in a ponytail that has been forced to the side from tossing and turning in bed and her eyes will be dull with pain.


So, today is Two For Tuesday...2 things you need to know about MIGRAINE.

1. Migraine is NOT "just a bad headache." If you even had any idea what my Migraine attacks really consist of, you would NEVER have the balls to say to me, "Do you have another bad headache? Just take some Tylenol." The very sad truth is that no doctor really knows what causes a Migraine attack, why some family members live with Migraine disorder their whole lives and their brother has never had one, or if blood flow, muscles, or if some other neurological anomaly causes them. Thanks to Migraine.com, we can all learn a little more about the disorder, and how to treat those who suffer. Sadly, after so many years of living with Migraine, my attacked morphed into chronic Migraine about 3-4 years ago, but now occur with less incidence, only 1-2 times per week.

Even the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke, a part of the National Institutes of Health, have no idea what "migraine" really is. According to their website, The pain of a migraine headache is often described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. However, it is much more; the International Headache Society diagnoses a migraine by its pain and number of attacks, and additional symptoms including nausea and/or vomiting, or sensitivity to both light and sound. Migraine is three times more common in women than in men and affects more than 10 percent of people worldwide.

2. There are certain things you should never say to me, either because they are just plain rude, you are ignorant, or have no idea in hell what you're talking about. This is probably the biggest one. Migraine.com has also put together a list of The Dirty Dozen- 12 things to never say to a chronic Migraineur. Number 10 on their list is my favorite- I read about something new that can cure Migraine... While you may think that what you're saying or the advice you're giving is in my best interest or may help me in some way, I promise I've already heard of it. While you wait to read up on the latest and greatest in Migraine prevention and treatment in Sunday's newspaper, I already was following 3 blogs dedicated to Migraine and read the extensive report on CNN on Tuesday when this "breakthrough" was announced. Please STOP with the help; trying to process the words coming out of your mouth is literally making my head hurt.


Do you know anyone who suffers from debilitating Migraine attacks or are you a caregiver? Just a friend? Have a colleague who suffers? If so, I hope some of this information is helpful to you both.

xoxo!

3 comments:

  1. I am so sorry girl! For a brief time when I was younger I would get headaches so bad that I would get ill. I can only imagine what you're going through. I hope you feel better soon!

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  2. I feel your pain! I have a bad headache at the moment that I can feel is turning into a borderline migraine. I am getting ready to go lay down without the lights. I hope you feel better. And great job linking your email to your page! Now we just need to get you a bloglovin button. :)

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  3. Sorry to hear you're starting off April with a Migraine. I hope you are feeling much better today!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/

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