Super Senses (but only because of migraine)

I've always had a stronger sense of smell (and sometimes hearing) than most. Many people have called me out on it, telling me I have the nose of a bloodhound. I even saved a former workplace once from major issues thanks to smelling a sewage back-up before it happened (gross).

But why? Why do I notice things like this? Why do I smell the B.O. of the guy sitting 7 feet away from me? Is it genetic, a "gift," or am I just a freak?

Well, it's definitely possibly all of the above. But it could also be because I'm a migraine sufferer. After reading this article on Migraine.com, I've come to realize that migraine sufferers can have a heightened sense of smell (or hearing, taste, whatever) all the time. Weird. But kind of cool.

And also kind of annoying. Those same smells that I might try to avoid to avert a migraine are the ones that I can't help but notice anyway - even from far away. Even the "good" smells (e.g. therapeutic essential oils) can make things worse - even if I like what I'm smelling!

As far as the hearing goes - I've noticed my hearing isn't as great as it used to be (a sign I should be turning my headphones down), but high frequencies that others might not even notice are painful for me. Am I a dog, too??

Have you noticed heightened senses bothering (or enlightening) you beyond migraine attacks?

Liver Detox

It's time.

I know I've been saying that for a long time, but I mean it this time.

No, seriously.

There's no better time than now, especially this coming month. I'll be living with my parents (no shame!) continuing the job hunt process throughout the month of September. Why not do it there, in the comfort of home?

Maybe I'm being dramatic and exaggerating when I call it a "liver detox," but that's essentially what it is. I wake up almost daily with MOH, and I'm sure clearing out my liver will help get that under control. However, I have no plans of doing one of those liver "cleanses" that are advertised. Those seem dangerous, ineffective, and unnecessary.

I've fought the battle with MOH in other times of my life. Last time, I went cold turkey from all meds and caffeine for a few days and was pretty sick for a while, but was ultimately successful. I'm hoping weaning with lots of fluids and healthy foods will be a little easier, though I'm sure it will still be difficult.

Have you ever done a "cleanse" or "detox" in an attempt to rid pain from your life?

Mapping Out Headaches

I've noticed an increase in some of my headache and migraine issues since moving to New York (which is a big factor in deciding whether or not I will want to stay come the end of August). Which makes me wonder, has research ever been done to see if people living in certain areas of the world are more prone to headaches and migraine than others? If that were true, why might that be?

I can imagine the increase for me has been caused by the stress inducers that come naturally in a big city like NYC. Not to mention all the smells: garbage, urine and sewage, body odor, and who knows what else. It's also been a more stressful time of my life as I'm coming to some major decision-making moments.

Have you ever noticed a change in your headache / migraine patterns based on where you live or have traveled?

A Migraine in NYC

...is flipping hard. Especially when you're out and about. Here's are some things I've been doing when I feel one coming on:

• Get home or at least inside. Especially the way this summer's been going. Try to find a place with some decent A/C.
• Water, water, water. We know this one should be a given, but it's not always easy or convenient to carry a bottle of water when hiking around the city. To top it off, it's hard to convince yourself to bring one along when it's often hard to find a public restroom when you need one. Nevertheless, suck it up and bring one along, or pick one up at the nearest hot dog cart or deli.
• Use an MP3 player. This way, you can control what you're listening to and how loudly. It's easier to ignore the mobs around you if you're listening to something you enjoy.
• Always carry your meds with you! Get a pill fob. They're small and hang nicely from your key ring, so you can keep a variety of meds on you with needing the space for all the bottles. Just be sure to fill it with what you need before you leave home.

There you have it. It's a small and simple list, but it's what's been keeping me going this summer, especially with attacks on the rise again.

What's your big city list?

Melatonin and Migraine Prevention

I was so happy to discover this article the other day.

The article by Diana Lee of Migraine.com discusses new migraine prevention research that studies the effectiveness of Melatonin vs. amitriptyline. Please read the full article here.

This study has found that Melatonin can be just as much, if not more, effective than amitriptyline, with more tolerable and desirable side effects. I've always been a big advocate for Melatonin as a natural sleep aid, and now it's possible I can prevent some morning headaches and migraines as well. I tried amitriptyline quite a few years ago, but had no luck and turned out to be allergic.

I'm actually excited to eventually meet with a specialist and discuss this prospect. Now it's just a matter of figuring out where I'm going to be living in the next month so I can find a local specialist!

Who Knows Anymore?

After desperately wanting to get away from New York these past few months, I made my escape back to Iowa this past weekend to help throw a surprise retirement party for my parents (a HUGE success, by the way). Since the heatwave was dying off, and I would be going home to relax and simply enjoy life, I assumed my headaches would be less intense and frequent and I would be able to work on tackling MOH a little.

NOPE.

My first morning back home started with a pretty intense migraine - I haven't had a problem with a morning migraine like this one since last summer. Excedrin took the edge off, but I still battled a headache for the rest of the day. It could have been a multitude of things - very little sleep the day before, too much caffeine the day before, pollen and dust in the air from the fields, or a variety of other possible triggers.

The next morning was nearly the same, though less intense. My third and last morning in Iowa produced almost no headache at all. I just don't get it!

It's so hard to determine triggers to avoid when there seems to be no pattern to my headaches and migraines, or consistency in intensity. What's a girl to do?

Happy Memories

We all know this: There are good days and there are bad days. Sometimes, the bad days aren't even related to physical pain. Sometimes it's just a down day.

For reasons left unexplained, yesterday afternoon was a day like that for me. I was in a sour mood that I just couldn't shake, and it left me unmotivated and mopey all day.

In an attempt to cheer up, I got out and walked a bit last night to clear my head and get some fresh air. I bumped into an Hispanic couple with a young child at a local deli, and was immediately reminded of a fun little incident that happened to me several years ago.

***

I was back home in Iowa, visiting a friend who worked at a local convenience store, when a Mexican man and his little boy came into the store. The man had just put gas in his car and was getting ready to pay, but the little boy kept telling his father that he wanted a treat, so Dad finally caved and let the boy wander while he paid for the gas.

The little boy wandered around the aisles for several minutes, eyeballing all the candy and crappy convenience store toys. Each time he reached the end of an aisle, he would stop, stare, then grin goofily at me (a grin I returned), and then would continue down the next aisle after being coaxed by his dad.

Finally, Dad gave up and told the boy it was time to go, and took him outside. My friend and I smiled at the cute experience, and began to go about our conversation.

Moments later, the door opened. Who else but the boy and his father, back to look for treats (what a patient dad!). The boy continued his journey around the same aisles, still not satisfied with what he saw. He stopped as he reached the end of the last aisle.

Slowly, the boy stepped closer to me, continuing to smile. Again, Dad was losing patience. 

"Vamos! Tú quiéres?" Let's go! What do you want?

The boy looked bashfully at me, then turned to his father and said, "Quiero ella." I want her.

The father looked at me, laughed, and said, "Ella? She's not for sale!"

With that information, the boy turned and headed out the door. His dad smiled and winked at me (in a non-creepy way) before following.

I walked in the clouds for the rest of the day.

***

I try to remember moments like this when I'm feeling down or ill, and my day is usually instantly brightened, even if only for a little while. I think it's something anyone could try from time to time.

What are some happy memories that lift your spirit?

Those Damn Triggers

One of the most frustrating things for headache and migraine sufferers everywhere has got to be triggers.

It can take years for one to figure out just what seems to be causing the problem, and just like that, triggers can change.

Or, a trigger that hasn't been present for a while may have subtly re-introduced itself to the equation again, without even being realized.

Or, there can be too many triggers all at once, and it's hard to pinpoint which is the most problematic and needs to be addressed first. This is the problem for me right now.

Having just moved to NYC from calm and laid-back Iowa / Minnesota, lots of things in my routine have changed. Now I seem to be back to the grind with headaches I can't quite get the hang of again.

For instance, yesterday I fought the early signs of a headache all afternoon, and finally had to take something in the evening when it got problematic enough. There are sooo many things that could have been a factor - heat, poor diet, caffeine, MOH, bad posture, not seeing a chiro regularly, not using my glasses regularly, not wearing my jaw splint at night - and I'm struggling with which one to tackle first.

Some of them are relatively easy: Wearing my jaw splint and glasses when I should, fixing my diet some, and watching caffeine intake are all pretty easy to remedy. But it's hard to battle the heat when you're trying to conserve energy and difficult to find a chiropractor in a city where you have so many options to choose from.

But we just keep swimming anyway, am I right?

What are some triggers you've been battling this hot and sticky summer?

Heat is Hard

Summertime is supposed to be fun. Long days at the beach or lake, booze-filled Saturdays with nothing else to do, and campfires with fun, terrible-for-you foods. Or sometimes, a combination of all three of those things in the same day.

But it's hard to have fun doing those things when the heat affects you so severely and quickly. I can never seem to enjoy myself in the hottest parts of the day for more than an hour or two, and alcohol isn't even really an option in the summertime. Campfires, though, I can get into :)

I just feel like I have a constant dull headache all the time, which usually gets worse before I go to bed and stays that way through the morning. Some days are better than others, but it's especially hard when I'm not living someplace with central A/C (one of NYC's summertime downsides, along with all the putrid smells).

I spend a lot of time pressing a damp cloth or ice pack to my face to relieve some of the discomfort. I also move our portable A/C around the house with me, which can be a big hassle.

How does the heat affect you? What do you do to battle it?

Getting Out of the Kitchen

So much for the blog challenge, eh?

I dumped nail polish remover all over my keyboard early last week and destroyed it, so finishing up the challenge I was already not doing so well at became difficult. Oh well, maybe next year... Though, I'm happy to hear that our efforts are finally starting to make an impact.

It's that time of year again where it becomes difficult to escape the heat, especially without central air conditioning. Fortunately, for whatever strange reason this year, despite the heat my traditional heat-induced headaches and migraines haven't been nearly as frequent or severe. I wonder what that's all about.

But they're not gone completely. On really bad days where it's not only hot but I also have to run around outside all day, it can get bad. It's like I wake up with it, take some OTCs along with a cool shower, and it tapers off for a while. Then I get back out in the heat and it gradually comes back. By the end of the day, I go to bed feeling about the same as I did when I woke up.

Whatever the case, it's a work in progress that's slowly getting better. What do you do to escape the heat and the headaches that can come with them?

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 21: Eat, Pray, Love (my choice)

Share your favorite Migraine trigger-free recipe.

I've noticed that sodium tends to be a big trigger for me, so I try to look for recipes that use spice alternatives to salt and seasonings. Here's a couple that I like:

Roasted Honey Chicken

Salt-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (yum!)

Salt-Free All-Purpose Seasoning

I also love a good mozzarella / tomato salad with balsamic or olive oil dressing, but you have to take it easy on the mozz.

Of course, not everything can be trigger-free, but for me, lowering my salt and sodium intake is a good place to start.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 20: Star Trek Generations

What role do Migraine / Headache Disorders play in your family history? Do others live with it? Does this make a difference in how you talk about it?

I'm kind of failing the blog challenge right now, guys. Hopefully this weekend I will be able to play some catch-up.

I know most everyone in my family (particularly on my mom's side) have experienced migraine once or twice in their lives, but my uncle and I seem to be the only two who have continued to experience them on a more frequent basis.

We've both been through a lot of the same things: Neck issues, sleep issues, jaw issues, and so on. We've seen the same chiropractors and reflexologists in the past, and we've been able to share some experiences. My aunt (his wife) and I usually discuss my and his progress when we're together, and share ideas and advice with each other.

In one way, having an older family member also go through the same experiences has been nice. For instance, my uncle was offered a twin-sized Tempurpedic bed because someone knew he had sleep / neck / headache problems. Since it was a twin, he wasn't really interested, but I was the first person he thought of who might want it (and I did). It was like sleeping on a very comfy cloud for several years, and I highly recommend them if you ever get the chance. They are worth the price, I think.

Anyway, it's nice to have someone else in the family who relates, and who can empathize with me.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 17: Steel Magnolias (my choice)

In what ways are you stronger as a result of living with Migraine / Headache Disorder?

Dealing with the pain has made me a stronger person, but I wouldn't say it has made me any more tolerant to that pain.

However, I've become a stronger / better person in the sense that I am more empathic and sincere when it comes to talking with others about headaches and migraine. I am also stronger for the fact that I am much more knowledgeable about my headaches than I was five years ago because I've put in the effort to be that way. This has helped me come a long way, and learn what to avoid.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 16: Riverdance

Have you found a way to work exercise or movement into your life with Migraine / Headache Disorder? What is it?

I remember having major issues with migraines and exercise when I was younger. Since I was in middle school and high school gym classes, I was kind of forced to do what everyone else was doing, and it didn't always turn out well for me.

So I stopped all exercise once I graduated (and paid for it). Fortunately, I've been able to get back into a small routine of sorts, since I've learned not all exercise requires major exertion. Mostly, I just do a lot of walking, and exercises like squats and simple crunches when I feel like toning some. I'd like to try running again, but I don't know that I'll ever be brave enough to let it happen.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 13: Sophie's Choice

What are the toughest treatment choices you face when balancing Migraine / Headache Disorders with other health conditions?

It always comes down to what will be better for my body. Unfortunately, what will be better for my body usually isn't as effective as medication.

I started taking  Topamax when I was in my third year of college. I had just transferred to a new school away from home and had just turned 21. You know what that means! I went out at least once (usually twice or thrice) each weekend, and my hangovers continued to get worse and worse morning. But I wanted to spend "quality" time with my friends, so I ignored the issue and kept going back.

Until someone finally told me how lethal the combo of Topamax and alcohol really is.

When first prescribed, no one had bothered to tell me how dangerous Topamax can be, especially when consuming alcohol. I had read the label, but it simply said, "Do not consume alcohol while taking this drug." I read that as, "If you are drinking, don't take a dose in the same night." Welp, problem solved!

When a kind pharmacist questioned my migraines and what I was taking for them, and then found out I was partying all the time, he recommended stopping Topamax immediately (and drinking for a while, too). He informed me that I was actually lucky to be alive with a functioning liver.

So I take that into consideration every time I take something for a headache or migraine, but I know that doing an alternative just won't always be what I need to get through a day of pain. There lies my biggest battle.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 12: The Box

What situation in your Migraine / Headache Disorders treatment has made you feel like a lab rat?


"Here, let's try this. Nothing? How about this? Maybe this?"

I went through a slew of different "preventative" medications when I was first diagnosed with migraine, like antidepressants, muscle relaxers, and various beta blockers. I also went through the same type of ordeal when my migraine flared up again in college, but with different medications like anti-inflammatories, birth control, and of course, more beta blockers. Nothing worked, and they usually just had nasty side effects to deal with.

When Treximet first came out, my doctor at the time wanted me to "try this new medication." She even told me I was her first patient to use it, and frequently asked me how it was working.

Going through all these different "trials" took a toll on my body, and that probably caused more headaches and migraine at the time than anything. I'm happy to be doing my own "experiments" now like chiropractic, aromatherapy, and diet changes, and I feel like these are having a much better effect on my headaches and my body.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 11: Evita (my choice)

We don't always want to be pitied, but we aren't always open about telling people how they can help us. How would you like to be helped?

I don't often talk about my issues with migraine, but I don't care for the unexperienced pity I get sometimes get in return. On the other hand, it is nice to talk with people who have experienced migraine before and can relate.

In any case, I think I've got pretty good control of my triggers down, and I don't need help with that. When I do have a migraine or major headache, I just want help in the form of patience and understanding. I might ask for half an hour of quiet and darkness around the house, and maybe a glass of water and bucket next to my bed, but that's really all I can ask for. I can't expect someone to keep babysit me 24/7 and make sure I'm not consuming or doing any possible triggers, and I can't expect someone to sit around with me while I'm in pain (though, I probably wouldn't want that anyway). All the help I need comes in my loved ones' patience.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 10: Ocean's Eleven (my favorite movie!)

Who's part of your Migraine / Headache Disorders care team? What essential roles still need to be filled?

Of course, the best part of my team are these wonderful folks, first and foremost. Next I would add...

My chiropractor.
Well, technically I'm in between chiropractors right now and don't have one to call "my own," but I believe my last chiropractor really changed my life. She uses an "arthostim," which essentially taps repeatedly at your spine in order to adjust it, rather than manipulate and crack it. While it takes a little longer term to start making a noticeable difference, it's more comfortable and effective in the longrun. As she puts it, "If you're going to approach someone and want a positive response, do you tap them on the shoulder or do you shove them?"

My TMJ dentist.
I'd still be having some serious issues if I hadn't found him. Simply wearing a personalized splint (bitegaurd) at night and polishing my teeth so that they are even has done wonders for me. While I still occasionally experience jaw pain, I no longer get the random, unexplainable, mid-day headaches that I used to before seeing him.

My last doctor.
While she didn't know a lot about headaches or migraines and couldn't suggest much beyond what anyone else ever had, she was the first medical doctor who was willing to listen and be a little creative about the situation. She was able to motivate me to try new alternatives.

How about you? Who's on your care team?

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 9: Mama Mia

How does living with Migraine or another Headache Disorder impact your financial situation?

When I first started taking Imitrex for migraines in high school, the generic wasn't available yet, and I was sometimes going through all 9 tablets in just a couple weeks. This was not only an expensive problem, but the doctors and my parents were on my case a lot about taking less. Once I went through the ordeal of cutting the horrendous amounts of caffeine out of my diet, the daily migraines drastically decreased, and I was able to take them with much less frequency.

Somewhere along the line (I don't really remember why), I was switched to Treximet. Actually, I think I may have been part of a guinea pig circuit that I wasn't really aware of, or my doctor at the time was cutting deals with her pharmaceutical rep. In any case, Treximet was so expensive, and it wasn't really any different from taking Imitrex. Granted, I wasn't eating all of these costs - most of my support came through my parents and insurance, but it's still something I wish they wouldn't have had to take deal with.

Now, for the past year or so, I'm on generic Imitrex, and it's wonderful. I mean, the actual drug is gross and still takes just as long (or longer) to work as it ever did, but at least I can justify the cost, and even pay for it myself!

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 8: Little Shop of Horrors

What comfort foods do you reach for when you have a Migraine or Headache attack?

If I'm suffering from a serious migraine, I'm unlikely to reach for any comfort foods because I'm usually too nauseous. Once the migraine and the nausea (sometimes vomiting) begin to pass, I reach for more bland things (bananas, plain bread, oatmeal) to put in my belly while it starts to settle.

When I'm suffering from a more simple headache, I'm apt to reach for chocolate (though I tend to reach for that any day), coffee / pop, or something salty. I've learned that when taking Imitrex, I should always take it with something flavored (pop, lemonade, juice, etc.) because the taste of Imitrex going down causes more nausea than the actual migraine sometimes.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 7: Pretty Woman

What do you do to look good when you feel like crap?

A nice shower is always crucial for me - it sometimes even helps to alleviate some of the pain. I'm also always sure to do my hair and make-up (which is usually just a little mascara anyway). I used to simply put on sweats and not bother with my hair or make-up, but since then I realized how much better one can feel simply by putting a little effort into their appearance. A positive attitude leads to more positive health!

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 6: Premonition

Where would you like to see treatment options for Migraine and Headache Disorders go in the future?

I would like to see more alternative and holistic options become available to people at better prices. Granted, the prices can't go down until more people start using these services, so it's a bit of a Catch 22. Nonetheless, I think medicine-free pain relief alternatives are a great way to go. They may not always seem as effective or long-lasting as pain killers and relievers, but they are easier on the rest of your body.

I would also like to see more headache specialists (those with both knowledge and empathy) become more readily available in places that don't have many yet. It's difficult (and costly) to see a specialist you've been referred to when said specialist is many hours away.

And, like everyone else, I really just want someone to create the Magic Pill that just makes all these problems go away :)

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge, Day 5: Temple Grandin (my choice)

Many of us have wondered to ourselves, "Must you live so loudly?" How do you cope with phonophobia?

One of the biggest reasons I avoid large house parties is the massive amount of noise created by them. I tend to get certain levels of anxiety when I’m in crowds; hearing too many conversations at the same time, trying to make sense of all of them. And of course, anxiety leads to stress which leads to headaches.

But I generally don’t mind avoiding large parties, since I prefer to sit in quieter atmospheres and have more meaningful conversations with people. But working the concert / event industry sometimes makes it difficult to find the happy balance…

I’ve found that if I avoid alcohol at these parties and events, I’m much better off (for multiple reasons). I also make myself go to "x amount" of events / parties per month, even at the risk of a headache / migraine. This way, I'm still going out, seeing people, and getting an adequate amount of social time, and can feel like I've done more than be a hermit every night. The "x amount" is based on the number of Imitrex I have handy - I try to take it as little as possible. 

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge Day 4: Just Keep Swimming

How do you keep going in life when Migraine or another Headache Disorder deals you a difficult setback?

It's hard sometimes. I remember having bad migraines (particularly when I was younger) that were so bad I thought it would be easier if I could just somehow be dead - the pain wasn't worth living anymore.

But I've gotten past those feelings, mostly thanks to prescription meds and figuring out how quickly I should be taking what I need. And really, it's the meds that keep me going during those rough patches, otherwise I wouldn't even be able to step outside, much less get out of bed.

Knowing I have friends and family who care, and a community of fellow sufferers and supporters out there also is a great help, all the time.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge Day 3: The Hunger Games

What healthy habits have you adopted to put the odds of better M & H Disorders management in your favor?

I’ve made a few diet and lifestyle changes over the past couple years to help in my battle against chronic headaches. I’ve noticed a few things that have seemed to help:

• Less Sodium. I’ve definitely cut back on my chip and fast food portions, which has meant giving up some of my favorites (Jalepeno Cheddar kettle chips), but the pros easily outweigh the cons.
• More Fruits and Veggies. I’m not much of a fruit or veggie eater, so eating healthier and getting my necessary daily servings has been difficult. Fortunately, there are alternatives like Naked smoothies that make consuming all the nutrition I need a little easier.
• No Smoking. This is a big one, for a multitude of reasons. I don’t think I really need to explain why.
• Less Stress. While I can’t always control the amount of stress in my life, I can control how I let it affect me and how to relax and handle situations. I’ve been working more on letting stressful situations slide off my shoulders, and breathing deeply to get through.

These are just a few of the things I’ve tried. What lifestyle changes have you made in order to combat pain?

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge Day 2: X-Men

Who in your life goes above the call of duty and how?

It doesn’t take much to make me feel special and loved when helping me through pain, but there are a few people in my life who stick out to me when it comes to going above and beyond:

My Parents

My parents have always been there for me, especially when I was a teenager and migraine pain was new to me. My folks were incredibly understanding, no matter how often I came home from school early due to pain; were willing to take me to the doctor as often as needed until something was resolved; and understood that I just needed a little quiet time alone to begin to heal.

My Boyfriend

My beau certainly hasn’t had to experience as many of my severe headaches as my parents did, but he’s been the best motivator a person could ask for. When I’m feeling down because of pain or the side effects of a medication, he’s always there to remind me that I’ll make it through and to keep a positive attitude. The frequency and severity of my headaches has actually dramatically decreased since we started dating, and I think he deserves a little thanks for helping make my life less stressful.

My Pets

I think all animals have the power to heal, in a sense. They seem to sense when things aren’t quite right, and can be by their owner’s side through thick and thin. Our cats don’t have to do anything to go above and beyond; their existence alone is a great distraction from the pain.

I couldn’t have asked for anything better when it comes to my parents, boyfriend, and pets, and I hope they know that this battle would be much worse without them.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.

MHAM Blog Challenge Day 1: Phantom of the Opera

What do you hide behind your Migraine / Headache Disorders mask? What do you let people see?

There’s not much I can hide about chronic headaches, especially since I’ve been blogging about them.

I would say I’ve got it pretty good after reading the blogs of some fellow migraine and headache sufferers. My headaches, though frequent and regular, are mostly still manageable with OTC pain relievers (though I fear for my liver and kidneys more than anything). I try to be discreet when I’m taking pain relievers on a regular basis because I don’t want others to worry (or ask).

I try not to show when I’m experiencing a headache or migraine pain, but it doesn’t always work out that way. I don’t want others to worry or fret, and sometimes it’s easier to just keep it to myself. Sometimes, disregarding the pain makes it easier to keep a positive attitude, which generally makes everything go a little more smoothly.

I try not to show the frustrations I sometimes feel when avoiding migraine triggers, like alcohol and parties. It’s hard to be a twenty-something who can’t join her friends at a party without the risk of major head pain, and sometimes feel left out because of that (although to no fault of my friends).

But there are times now and then when the pain and frustrations are too much to handle on my own, and just a little bit of sympathy and cooing make me feel better. These times are always especially bad or long, and are the times when I’m willing to open up and admit I need a little help.

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June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.