No More Brain Pain: June 2013

Friday, June 21, 2013

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.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

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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Monday, June 17, 2013

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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Sunday, June 16, 2013

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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Thursday, June 13, 2013

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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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

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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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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Monday, June 10, 2013

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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Sunday, June 9, 2013

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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Saturday, June 8, 2013

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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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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Thursday, June 6, 2013

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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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

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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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

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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Monday, June 3, 2013

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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Sunday, June 2, 2013

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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Saturday, June 1, 2013

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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