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!