Chronic Migraine Awareness

Chronic Migraine Awareness, Inc. is pleased to present the second story in our series.

This is Sharon R’s story.

I have had this chronic invisible neurological disease called migraine for over 30 years but was not diagnosed and treated until about 12 years ago. I never understood why certain sensations would bother me. For example, sunlight, loud noises, smells, and weather changes. Some foods would also trigger and amplify the symptoms of my migraine attacks. Migraine disease has changed my life. I have experienced the debilitating pain, leaving me unable to carryout daily activities. In the past 12 years, the occurrences of my migraine attacks have escalated to every other day.

I have altered my lifestyle in hopes to decrease symptoms and frequency of my migraine attacks. These lifestyle changes include changing my diet, exercise routine, and using topical creams to help ease pain during a migraine attack.  I’ve explored many migraine disease medications, therapy and treatment options including chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, Botox, nerve block, trigger points, and sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) procedure. However, none have been successful. My migraine attack triggers include msg, strong smells, smoking meat outside (my husband does this) campfires, clicking sounds, as well as barometric pressure changes.

Migraine attacks can be debilitating, and this neurological disease not only affects our health but every facet of our lives. We strive to not let migraine disease take our lives away, and often that means suffering silently, and living in a world where everyday existence means “just pushing through.” There is considerable pain and discomfort associated with not only the migraine attack but the pre-migraine (prodrome) and hangover (postdrome), which can create days of pain. Due to the duration of a migraine attack and the frequency, it may be difficult for people to enjoy life – like a warm summer day, or a child’s birthday, and family event. I say without hesitation, that migraine disease impacts all aspects of my life; my ability to work, to take care of my family, and just enjoy life.

Until someone experiences a migraine attack, it may be difficult for them to understand the true nature of this disease. A migraine attack is more than painful; some other symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, brain fog, trouble word finding and simply getting through the day is a struggle.

The most important thing is finding relief and having a good quality of life. Migraine disease has essentially taken my life away.

Giving up is not an option, and I encourage us all to stay strong!

Thank you 

*Disclaimer* This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding migraine and headache disease and all medical conditions.