"Migraines Beget Migraines" - Wow...

I read a headline this morning on NPR's Health Blog - "Why Women Suffer More Migraines than Men" and as most chronic migrainers would do, I eagerly clicked the link hoping for some new insight into this lifelong affliction of mine.  Yes, I know why women suffer more migraines than men, I've researched this topic for years, I've suffered for decades, but after losing two nights' sleep this past weekend and one entire day to migraine, I was hopeful.  A chance to read a bit of good news on the research front was exactly what I needed.

Early on, the article tells us that "Today scientists know a migraine is all in your head..." Ugh... like I haven't seen that old chestnut pulled out countless times during the last 35 years of migraines.  Okay, so maybe I'm being a bit snarky at this point, but lack of sleep tends to do that to a soul.

As I read on, I found that the researchers' conclusions point to hormones - estrogen to be specific. Seriously?  This warrants an article?  Is this supposed to be "new" information?  Most any woman who has suffered from migraine from an early age can attest to the fact that hormones have attributed to the frequency and severity of her migraines.  Sure, she may have other triggers as well, I have dozens, but hormones are almost always an instigator and no reputable doctor would be expected to leave it out of early migraine discussions. Numerous articles and studies have already been done to support this fact and some of us even make allowances in our lives, recognizing the potential for hormone fluctuations as we track our cycles each month or the gradual shift in our hormonal levels as our bodies change during our lives.

Migraines and Valentine's Day - A Natural Combination

Migraines and Valentine's Day - the two don't really go together, do they? Or do they? 


When he first came into my life, my husband discovered quite quickly that migraines came with me, part and parcel. 


Over the years he has tip-toed through dark rooms, shuttled  medications, refreshed cold cloths, helped me to and from bed, held my hair back as I vomited, driven me to the emergency room when necessary, and supported my decisions. 


He has tolerated mood swings when my daily pain was too much to bear, he consoled me through weight gains and losses as I constantly tried new medications, and he has been my perpetual sounding board as I have waded through that, "should I, shouldn't I" journey that we all travel when we're trying to decide what to try next. 


Twenty years have gone by in a flash and this remarkable man has witnessed nearly every migraine I've experienced in that time.  He gave me shots of Imitrex before I was bold enough to do it myself, if he wakes and sees I'm in pain, he shuffles the dogs out of the room as quietly and as quickly as possible... it's all become seamless. 

Migraines and Valentine's Day.  Now that I think about it, it seems natural.  In sickness and in health, for better or for worse...

We hope for more good days than bad days, more health than sickness, but in the meantime, I can't think of a better Valentine's Day wish for my fellow migrainers than, may you all have someone there to support you.  This path isn't easy, everyone needs someone supportive.

 If you don't have a supportive spouse, partner, or lover, find a friend who will walk with you on this journey.  These blogs are a great start too. Just don't do it alone. Oh, and don't forget to support them back... I know it's hard sometimes, but don't forget - it's not a one way street.


Hope you're feeling well today.

P.S. I like Kate Hepburn. Strong woman, but with just a touch of weakness...

When in pain, would you rather be around dogs or people?

Are Dogs more intuitive than people when it comes to migraine? 

Or do they just respond better to conditioning? 

Let me explain my thinking...

Regarding Bad Migraine Advice or... Go Stick your Head in a Bucket!

Everyone who suffers from migraine knows that when the pain hits, people can be separated into four types of people.  My guess is that if you're reading this, you''ll recognize at least one person you know from each category!