No More Brain Pain

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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