Saturday, February 28, 2015

The Migraine Sufferer



I get migraines. I had a few migraines during my college years but they became more prevalent as I aged. The usual culprits like stress, lack of sleep, and head colds, are all sources of my migraines, but most often my migraines are caused by foods. Additives and artificial flavors found in foods are sure to send me holding my head in pain. Unfortunately I often don’t know the source until it is too late!

I have read some historical recounts of migraines and find it fascinating. From thoughts of being possessed to being an oracle, the migraine sufferer suffered various roles.

Also interesting are some of the remedies for migraines found in historical records. Skulls were found with holes drilled through thought to relieve pressure, pain or evil spirits. Eyes were removed for some of the same reasons. Institutionalization, and shock treatments were also popular ways to treat migraine sufferers.

Recently I had a full morning of meetings planned.  I woke up with a headache. I took my drug. I followed with 3 Advil, breakfast and a shot of espresso. I showered, dressed, and got ready for my day. The headache was a migraine and it was not responding right away. From experience this indicates time to nap in a dark room.

Last year I had a migraine that I ignored and pushed through to a planned meeting. I cut the meeting short. The meeting was at a hospital and I knew of an interfaith meditation room opposite the surgery waiting room that was hardly used. I knew I could not drive home so I stretched out on the floor of the room and turned off the lights. Sure enough some surgeons in full scrubs entered and discovered me. I assured them I was fine, just a migraine and waiting for the drugs to take hold. Of course being doctors and at a hospital and discovering a middle-aged woman on the floor, they felt obligated to help!

I did learn my lesson from that incident and stayed home this time. I napped for 2 hours and woke up feeling cold feet, not aching head and knew I was OK. My cat who feels she must babysit was relieved too.


Are you a migraine sufferer? What works for you? Have you ever found yourself on the floor someplace waiting for your drugs to kick in?



19 comments:

Carol Cassara said...

My mother had them, but I escaped, thank goodness!

Haralee said...

Lucky you! I am happy for medications available now than drilling a hole in my head, that is certain!

Karen @Baking In A Tornado said...

I've had one or two in my life and can't imagine suffering regularly from them. I have friends who do and I always feel so badly, they have to stop whatever's going on and try to make it go away.

Lisa at Grandma's Briefs said...

Thankfully migraines are NOT one of my menopausal symptoms. At least not yet (and hopefully never!). I'm glad there is some relief for those who suffer from them. (My dad had horrendous ones... but I'm pretty sure menopause had nothing to do with it.)

nancy@skinnykitchen.com said...

I feel so bad for you Harlee. But I have heard that the meds are getting better.All the best to you!

Joy Weese Moll (@joyweesemoll) said...

I had migraines when I was 10 which my doctor considered very unusual. I grew out of them and I'm so grateful. And so sympathetic for the people who have the more normal experience with migraines.

Haralee said...

Yes Karen they can be debilitating!

Haralee said...

Menopause, the gift that keeps giving? I hope Lisa you stay migraine free!

Haralee said...

Thanks Nancy. Yes the meds are better than they used to be thank goodness!

Haralee said...

That is unusual Joy although my favorite sister-in-law had they as a kid too and never again. It did give her lots of empathy too!

Rena said...

I get them sometimes but they are almost always stress related!

Haralee said...

I know Rena the stress ones!!They are your body telling you to take a nap.

Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com said...

Hi Haralee. Sorry to hear about the migraines...I hope it wasn't from pondering on things too hard :-) I don't think I've ever had one but I did have a brain leak and I thought about cutting my head off before they got it resolved. Not fun and it definitely sucks the creativity (or the desire for creativity) out of you. I'm glad to hear you've learned how to deal with it and am hoping that as things progress a complete cure is discovered. ~Kathy

Haralee said...

Thanks Kathy. Yes a migraine sucks the life from you. I can't imagine a brain leek! My drugs do work best when I stay home and rest.

My New Happy said...

I'm sorry you suffer from migraines. I do too, and they are definitely getting more frequent as I get older. I've hard botox is a great remedy, but I haven't tried it yet.

Haralee said...

Sisters in migraines Lana! I have not tried the Botox either. I don't get them more than once a month and sometimes months between thank goodness, and really empathize for those who get them more frequently!

Cathy said...

I've had horrible headaches since I was a child. So has my mom, grandmother, great-grandmother. Now my son gets them. They are not migraines but they sure do pack a wallop. Dark rooms, no stress, no sound, lots of pillows under neck on bed, peppermint oil on the temples, heating pad filled with lavender for neck, and my husband's great neck rubs. I do hate pain!

Cathy said...

I've had horrible headaches since I was a child. So has my mom, grandmother, great-grandmother. Now my son gets them. They are not migraines but they sure do pack a wallop. Dark rooms, no stress, no sound, lots of pillows under neck on bed, peppermint oil on the temples, heating pad filled with lavender for neck, and my husband's great neck rubs. I do hate pain!

Haralee said...

I like Cathy that you have the remedy down. No pain is my motto!