I regularly have migraine attacks. I’m
not telling you this, but for understanding. A migraine is not
just a bad headache, but a neurological disorder that
can affect every system of the body. The unbearable head pain that migraines
are known for is only one symptom of the illness. When I say “I have a
migraine,” I mean that I am horribly nauseated, dizzy, weak, have flu-like lethargy, and fatigue.
My legs tremble, and my knees
buckle. I can’t think clearly enough to write
a coherent sentence, common words escape me,
and decision-making is nearly impossible. I am overwhelmed by mood swings,
which includes suicidal
depression. Light, sounds, smells, and touch are magnified beyond annoyance.
The head pain is so severe that even
moving my legs while laying in bed causes me to moan in agony. These aren’t all my symptoms just the most notable ones. I am fortunate in that I don’t
have endless vomiting, diarrhea, numbness,
tingling in my limbs, temporary paralysis,
or loss
of vision.
The misunderstanding that a migraine can be treated with
over-the-counter painkillers and a nap or avoided entirely by not eating
chocolate or not getting stressed is not only wrong. This disregards the
enormous suffering of the more than 37 million
migraineurs in the U.S. Some people
could have a radical reduction in the frequency and severity of their migraine
attacks with awareness, preventive medication, and lifestyle and behavioral
changes.
Many others strive tirelessly to
improve their health with no luck. Chronic
migraines, defined as 15 or more headache
days a month with at least eight of which are migraine, affects 2 percent of
the world’s population. Some migraineurs have an attack every single day. In
addition to the excruciatingly painful migraine days, every migraine also
has a recovery day (or three)
that can put alcohol hangovers to shame.
Understand that your sibling isn’t
just trying to get out of your weekly Sunday dinner with the family. Your
coworker isn’t taking the day off to something fun. Your spouse isn’t a whiner
who doesn’t want to help with housework. A migraine cannot be eliminated with
any amount of positive thinking though I wish it could). There is no cure at
all for migraines because modern medicine doesn’t even know the full extent of what
causes them. Do your best to be patient with us as we figure out what
works for us.
Kerrie
“If migraine patients have a
common and legitimate second complaint besides their migraines, it is that they
have not been listened to by physicians. Looked at, investigated, drugged,
charged, but not listened to.” (Oliver Sacks) [i]
[i] Adapted from: -“An Open Letter to People without Migraine” By Kerrie
Smyres
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