photo by Alex Boyd
This has not been my best week. I should have spent it writing, working, spending quality time with my family. Instead, I spent most of my time actively trying to hide how much pain I was truly in. For 67 hours straight, yes I counted, I had a migraine that just would not quit. It was one of those headaches that had me questioning what I’d done wrong in my life to deserve this kind of pain. So what’s a girl to do? Medicate. Sleep when I could. Grin and bear it. Pray a little. Try and stay hydrated. And when you come through the other side do whatever you can to help someone else who may suffer from the same affliction you do.
What I know for sure; I know migraines and if I can do nothing else, at least I can share what I know with others that may battle headaches. Here are some of my best tips, tricks and tried and true “must do’s” from posts old and new, all I know that will help you battle the migraine monster.
For those of you who have not had a migraine and are thinking oh boo hoo, headaches are not that big a deal. Let me set you straight. A migraine is not your average headache, it is a knock you to your knees, make you question your sanity, hold your breath and pray for help, kind of a headache. Headaches that make your vision blurry, the world spin, your stomach lurch, and make you want to cry. They must be the work of the devil.
Here are my best tips on how to survive a migraine.
Know Your Triggers. Some may include:
- Aspartame.
- Stress
- Weather Related – When storms blow in so does the migraine monster
- Barometric Pressure Changes – this includes travel days that include a flight!
- All the fun cheeses.
- Wine…all booze really. My neurologist recommends, if you are going to drink, think clear. Vodka may be for you!
- Chocolate is a big fat no no for many.
- Nuts.
- Skipping a meal.
- Not enough sleep.
- Remember MSG is not your friend, say no to deli meat, hot dogs or prepared food.
- Hormonal changes
Know What To Do
- Nail that headache with your prescription drug, Liquid Advil, or your best 1st line of defense as soon as you feel that familiar twinge of pain.
- Be Prepared. Carry your migraine medication with you everywhere and take your migraine meds right away, don’t be a hero. I repeat, do not be a hero. You can not beat this on your own.
- Hydrate. Drink a ton of water. Drown that nasty beast.
- Caffeine. Sometimes a trigger, sometimes a blessing. For me, a strong coffee or Coca-Cola can often help curb an attack.
- Seek Quiet. If possible get screen free and rest in a quiet dark room. Find 20 minutes to lay down and get on top of the pain.
- Hot & Cold. A hot shower or a cold ice pack might help.
- Protect Your Eyes. If you have to go out, embrace your inner movie star and wear those dark sunglasses. Shades help.
- Eat. Do not forget to eat, even when you do not feel like eating
- Breathe. Do not forget to breathe.
Remember:
- This too shall pass. When it does pass…..it might try and come back. Migraines are very tricky beasts. You stop the drugs and end up with the lovely “rebound” headache. Keep drinking the water….and if necessary give that migraine the double tap.
- Sleep. Get regular sleep. I know, easier said than done, but try.
- Migraines run in families. If you have children, watch your babies for signs and symptoms of a migraine.
What’s New:
- Every migraine sufferer has been asked to keep a migraine diary. There may be nothing more frustrating than constantly checking off yet another headache and not knowing if the information you are collecting will ever make a difference. I’ve just downloaded “Migraine Buddy” to help me track my sleep, med choices, weather and yes, track those headaches.
- “Stopain Migraine Topical Pain Relieving Gel“ A beautiful little over the counter product that helps numb your forehead and distract you from your head pain until the real pain meds can kick in.
- Botox. Have you tried it? A series of shots in your forehead and scalp intended to help control migraines. It can take a few months for these to work.
- Darth Piercing. This intrigues me! It seems there has been great success for some woman who get their darth pierced with an almost immediate reduction in headaches. I don’t know if I’m brave enough to try this but would love to hear from some who have.
- Magnesium Supplements: I’ve just started this to my migraine cocktail. Fingers crossed this new addition will make a difference.
The migraine monster stole my week and a good chunk of my weekend. I think I hate that the most. The fact that these damn headaches keep stealing from me. Stealing my time, my joy, my life. If you know someone who suffers from migraines, try and cut them some slack. They are an invisible thief of love and joy. I hope a few of my tips and tricks help you or someone you love the next time you suffer at the hands of the migraine monster.
If Hubby is lucky enough to get a warning sign(he sees flicking light) so you can take something right away and get to a quite dark spot sometimes the migraine fades away after an hour or so but sometimes it’s just a day of vomiting and laying down and resting.So sorry to hear you have these also,I really feel your pain !
I had no idea that there’s that many triggers for migraines. I get severe headaches when my blood pressure goes up and the only relief is to figure out why my pressure is up, but in the mean time I want to get a melon baller to pop my eyes out, just to get a little relief. The body is a sensitive, uncompromising bitch, that’s for sure !
I used to get migraines in my 20’s and 30’s. Thankfully I outgrew them!
I have regular tension headaches and also TMJ pain. Botox injections were recommended by my dentist but I was reluctant to do that . Thankfully, my doctor uses trigger point injections to help with headaches which has been working well. After using it for my headaches we also started using it for my TMJ with amazing results! I have only ever had one headache and thankfully after laying down in the dark it went away.
Magnesium is pretty phenomenal – both as a supplement and a few extra sunflower seeds for a snack – I can’t say its a cure but there are certainly worse things I’ve tried over the years!
Migraines are terrible, I have suffered with them for years and know your pain. Knock on wood I have been good for the last few months. A few years ago I was getting 6+ a month and it was torture. Need to get some of the Stopain to have on hand.
Migraines can be cruel, have a friend who suffers.
Very informative post. Migraines can really be horrendous from from I’ve heard; luckily I haven’t experienced them.
It really helps to know that I’m not alone with my migraines. A best friend to check in with makes me feel normal. Great list! I’m going to check out the topical gel.