Quote About Hope

Today is the first day of the Migraine Headache Awareness Month and the first blog topic is:

Favorite quote about hope, and how does it apply to your migraine?

If pain must come, may it come quickly. Because I have a life to live, and I need to live it in the best way possible. If he has to make a choice, may he make it now. Then I will either wait for him or forget him. -Paulo Coelho

Sometimes I feel like like my pain decides when it's time to strike and at the most inconvenient time. This quote reminds me to move on and not let the pain take over my life. I'm way too busy to worry about my next migraine attack. I'm not fully living my life if it's in fear for the next migraine. 

"The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is organized by the American Headache and Migraine Association." - See more at: http://www.ahmablog.com/2015/06/migraine-headache-blog-challenge-1.html#.VWyoQc29KnM

Faces of Migraine 2013

Please take the time to watch this video about migraine. Today is Chronic Migraine Awareness Day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW5LYDLyfvk&feature=youtube_gdata_player 

Star Trek: Generations

What role does migraine play in my family history?

My mother had awful migraines as a teen. She missed classes and of course had to deal with other teenage woes while suffering from migraine. She told me when she was am adult, she no longer had them.

Her middle sister gets them worse than I've ever heard of. She's paralyzed for days and is in so much pain. She's gone to many different doctors and, like me, they don't know what to do with her. She also has rheumatoid arthritis and blood pressure problems.

My mother's youngest sister used to have a headache everyday. She used Zomig and said after her daughter was born, she no longer had the problem.

My maternal grandfather has your two diabetes, My maternal grandmother has thyroid issues. My youngest sister inherited the thyroid issues.

And then there's me. I never had a problem with migraines until 2009 when a three day migraine kept me crying in bed. After that, I got a daily headache that was treated with Excedrin, the so-called savior to pain. Finally in 2011 after frequent migraines and a trip to the ER, I started seeing a neurologist. My diagnosis so far is Chronic Migraine and Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

I was cursed from the start I guess.

Eat Pray Love

Today's challenge is about sex so since I don't really have a steady partner, it's irrelevant lol. I chose an alternate post that asks to share your favorite migraine trigger free recipe.

Since I've given up so much of my usual food,  I've had to rethink my meals. I used to have Chinese as my go-to quick fix. Well, it's just crawling with MSG so I've learned to make my own. I use a preservative free soy sauce, veggies, and a meat. I mostly use chicken or shrimp rather than red meat.

Squash is a great stir fry additive because it soaks up the flavor and gives you essential nutrients. I also like to add broccoli and mushrooms for nutrition and taste.

What's your favorite migraine free food? 

Riverdance

Exercise is an important part of any treatment. Lately I've been jogging. My ultimate goal is to do a 5K by Labor Day. With the help of the "Couch to 5K" program, I've ran more than I've ever done I'm the past six years. Sometimes I can't get too far without getting weak and lightheaded. I know my limits but it helps to keep trying.

Other great ways to exercise include swimming, aerobics, walking, and biking. Metro that blood pumping and drink plenty of water.

Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina

We don't want to be pitied. So how do we want to be helped?

The biggest impact in my life is to hear these words: I'm here for you. Sometimes just having an ear helps. So many emotions are kept in that sometimes I need to just let it out. My audience changes because I can't stand to burden just one person.

Music is another way to help. For every emotion, there's a song for that. I can't wait to make music of my own and share with other spoonies.

Letters to Julia

Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for getting me during my treatment of my disorders. For assisting me financially when I needed it. For putting on a brave face when I explained what was happening. For trusting my judgements on how to take care of my body. You've always been there for me and I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

Love,

Stef

Sophie's Choice

What's the toughest treatment you've had to face? Many neurological medications have so many side effects that it seems the migraine is so much easier. The toughest treatment for me is the actual treatment.

Twilight

Today's post asks what power of a vampire or werewolf would you like to have to cope with migraine.

I'm sure many migraineurs would agree that a werewolf's ability to heal quickly would be the most ideal. I'll take that over super speed anyday.

Many of us have more than one disorder not linked to our minds such as gastro or uterine. To be able to heal quickly would mean more relief from all ailments.

Ocean's Eleven

Today's MHAM asks who is part of your care team and what rules still need to be filled.

Doctors - It seems I have a specialist for everything: neuro, allergy, gyn, and soon gastro.

Family - My family has been very supportive of my migraines, especially since two of my aunts have the same problem. My mother had them as a teen but not as an adult. I was the opposite. My dad's side of the family doesn't quite understand but they know I'm hurting. The kids try to be quiet when I grimace and the smokers keep their distance to not trigger an attack.

Friends - As I've explained in the grief chat, I've lost touch with sole friends who were tired of my canceling on them all the time. I didn't blame them, and I have a tight group of friends who are more understanding and patient. You just take the good with the bad.

Bridget -I have a crazy three year old boxer named Bridget and she helps me so much. When I'm feeling bad, she cuddles up to me. Sometimes she acts out but that's lessened as she's grown. More that we go to the dog park when I'm feeling okay,  she is less disobedient.

Work Associates - The people I work with have been very understanding mostly because I make up the time I miss and I'm a hard worker. Sometimes I feel they resent me for leaving unexpectedly, but I can't help it. Most of them have a relative or friend who has a similar disorder so it helps with the understanding.

Roles needing filled - It would be nice to have a man in my life to take care of me and my dog when I'm having a bad head day. Due to the disorder, dating is extremely difficult.

Mama Mia!

Today's blog challenge deals with financial hardship due to migraine. Not only do I have medical copays, medication, and travel expenses,  but there's also missed work, diet, auto wear and tear, alternative treatments, accommodating devices, and the list goes on.

One of the biggest is the doctor or hospital itself. Testing can take a huge chunk out of the budget. Thank goodness I have good insurance! My Botox doesn't cost as much as I thought and after I meet my deductible (normally in February lol), the out of pocket costs aren't as much.

The next big expense for me is missed work. Not only do I use sick time, vacation, and maybe FMLA, but there's invisible costs like coworkers not depending on you as much and not being able to move up.

Since my doctors are all within twenty miles, travel and auto costs aren't as much as others might pay.

What costs are weighing you down?

Premonition

Today's MHAM topic is where would you like to see migraine and headache treatment go for the future. 

If I had a genie, I'd want a cure. Genies and migraine cures don't exist though. We try treatments, diets, alternate medicines, prayers, and so much more. So what does the future of migraine treatments go? I'd like to see more wholistic treatments rather than medications. Medications have so many awful side effects that the migraines sometimes are better. So why can't we find some natural ways to get relief? I'd like less side effects and more low grade days. 

Steel Magnolias: That Which Doesn't Kill Us Only Makes Us Stronger

In what ways are you stronger because of your migraine or headache disorder? Today's blog challenge is actually an alternate topic because I'm not sure how to write the Carnival topic.

In some ways, I feel weaker because my nerves are so sensitive that the smallest noise can set off a migraine attack. People around me don't have this problem so I feel so inadequate. How did I deteriorate so quickly? I've never had these many problems before! I used to let my body take care of illness and never medicated. Now, I have to see a specialist for every little thing. All these tests brought up another problem and more stress. 

So how am I stronger? I can tolerate pain and put on a mask better than most people. When others get a migraine, they instantly cripple. I get them so often that it's second nature. Sometimes I can still smile and act like it's okay. Other times, I have to really work hard to look normal. 

See this more accurate pain chart to show how a chronic migraineur describes pain. 

Just Keep Swimming

Today's blog challenge asks how do you keep going in life when migraine or another headache disorder deals you a difficult set back. This has been something I've battled with today! I had to leave work due to weather triggers giving me extreme pain. I described it to coworkers as being in a "boiling pot of water." My face got extremely red and I was so warm to the touch on my face yet my fingers were cold. 

When that happens, I have no choice but to go home and get some rest. Sometimes medication just isn't enough. If I were to stay, the pain would only make me more miserable and my work wouldn't be productive at all. Luckily, I have a very understanding boss and coworkers, so it helps with the guilt. I do still feel guilty since that means I won't be getting as much accomplished at work. I tend to come in on Saturdays or staying late/arriving early to make it up. 

To cope, I try to look at the positives like I'm still able to work and I'm still breathing. Without focusing on simple positives, I'm pretty sure I'd go insane. Social media and blogging helps with coping too. I have many Twitter friends who go through the same and help me keep my chin up. With blogging, I am able to express my feelings freely without judgement. 

Overall, I look at the bigger picture. Everyday is a challenge and I hope to overcome it. 

The Hunger Games

Day 3 of the MHAM Blog Challenge asks what healthy habits have you adopted to put the odds of better migraine & headache disorders management in your favor.

Well in October 2012, my doctor introduced the Headache Diet to me and I couldn't be happier! I eliminated bad foods that I had no idea triggered migraines. I think MSG and dairy were the biggest impact on me. I ate fast food and Chinese food all the time! When food doesn't taste as great, cheese went on it. Now I have new loves: hummus, soy milk, soy cheese, fresh fruit, and new vegetables. I have a much healthier lifestyle and feel great. 

I've also recently started running. I haven't done any type of running at all since I was in the army so it has been a challenge. I have a short term goal of participating (and finishing) a 5K by Labor Day at my hometown soybean festival. Last night I ran a 400 meter dash for a corporate challenge and barely finished. The little victories make the biggest difference. Don't sweat the big stuff and make sure the small stuff gets noticed. It's the small victories that lead to a big one. :)

Have you tried the headache diet? What's your favorite food you just discovered?

X-Men: Migraine & Headache Disorders Super Heroes

Once again, I know I'm late, but here's my Day 2 of the MHAM blog challenge. Who in your life goes above the call of duty and how?

In my life, I have many heroes. My parents have always supported me and helped me when I needed it. Without them, I don't know where I'd be. I'm so fortunate to have all this support and love from them. I know they worry about me because of my health, but we keep an open relationship and I don't hold anything back. If I hid anything, it would only hurt our relationship.

Recently I've gained some new heroes: my Twitter migraineur friends. They know exactly what I'm going through and offer help through blog posts, pictures, interactions, and well wishes. Getting introduced to the Spoon Theory (Google it please) has changed my viewing of my condition. I'm constantly holding on to spoons and hoping for relief. So thank you tweeps! 

Who are your heroes?

Phantom of the Opera

I'm a little late but I wanted to share my Migraine & Headache Awareness Month blog challenge posts. June 1 talked about what do you hide behind your migraine mask? What do you let people see?

At work, I try to look like a normal person as much as I possibly can, but they see right through it. The picture I attached to this post is how I feel inside when I have an attack. 

To my family, I can't hide anything at all. They know I struggle and hurt, but they don't know what to do to make it better. I don't even know! My dog cuddles and tries to be as sweet as possible, but I still hurt. 

For the most part, looking normal seems like a stressful chore and it is. If I have the energy, I put on makeup and a fake smile. I walk like nothing's wrong because no one wants to see that things are wrong. It's a daily mask, but it must be worn.