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Has anyone called you "useless" since you have chronic migraine? (long vent)

Venting warning and may be repeat. This may sound like I'm on repeat, but oh boy...just when I think I have my family on board, one falls over, and yes - it is always my husband. We met with an insurance agent yesterday...and he blabbers out that "she is useless with these migraines, she didn't do ANYTHING this past summer (guess I'll stop doing laundry, cleaning and making home cooked meals), talk about no fun, that's her". That just cut me to the core. And I told him so after the agent left. Told him again. Like I've told him a million years I hate that word and don't say it. Got the usual "sorry, not sorry" treatment with a smart aleck grin, "oh me and my big mouth" which was almost worse. Yes, I know it is frustrating to be married to someone who is "no fun" (yes, been called that practically every day), but actually having the migranes is for lack of better words, way more no fun. No fun x 100. Should we draw them pictures? Say...put a brick on their head and tell them to go about your day and get alot of work done and smile? Get all your work done with a vice grip tight on your head, and smile while you are at it. Tell them to stare into a bright light and act like you just love it, please make it blinding, the brighter the better and remember to smile! Eat an entire canister of salt, an onion, garlic clove and wash it down with vinegar (although some people might not think that is so bad)...but eating that would be the next-day the repurcussions of a single slice of pizza for some of us migrainuers. Some people do not have an empathy gene and my husband is one of them. That, and he (and of now me) compares the woman he works for, although older (70) and makes Camilla look like a beauty queen, is just a "ton of fun, and full of energy and always happy"...ya, well I would be too if I was a +millionaire and you were working for me sweetheart. If I was a millionaire I could pay for my botox, and everyone elses botox, gladly! This woman paid $35K to have surgery on one of her horses, and yesterday my giddy husband came home with 2 huge containers of her unused dog food from her dead dog (frigging A why...because we are so poor, we aren't of course...but she wants her containers back. I was so proud of my son, he spoke up and said, I pay for my dogs expensive dog food too, so what. So I can't compete with that. I still have old cat food from her cat that died 2 years ago...I told my husband she should give it to someone...who needs it. My son volunteered to take it to a shelter. (She can't be bothered with such thing...so now I have to deal with it) I know it's petty but just fed up, it's the "one more thing" going on. Petty compared to real life. I was watching my son's dog this past summer, the dog got off leash and was hit by a car. I have that image seared into my brain. The EMS folks actually wanted to check me out as I was such a wreck (and thank God, no human was hurt). Dog is ok now, a pin put in and surgery, 20K later (son paid for it) and son not speaking to me anymore and sending me horrible texts and saying things behind my back to husband and his (my sons) siblings that aren't true (and they know it, thank God), such things like I have dementia and Alzheimers since my mother had it (and ha, I actually had myself tested since I was so scared after she died, I passed with flying colors, doc said I was wasting their time! Anyway...I've never been at a point in my life with this much personal stress. Emotional stress. Daughter got married in June, other daughter getting married in April. Was "let go" from my job earlier this year as I was coming up on retirement. Our house is in a constant state of repair and each repair brings dust, noise and smells. Makes the early years of being broke, having little ones with little problems, seem like a breeze, I mean...I almost called the suicide helpline just to talk. That all said, I have come to rely on things like this forum, in which a few folks have mentioned being on the brink too, to help manage my stress, and find support. I'm a bit isolated physically as well, and never made many friends as work and family got in the way. And...my family is tired of hearing about my migraines. That said, I love to hear about yours and hope I can help you as much as you all have helped me. Just venting has taken the edge off this migraine! I feel a load off my shoulders. To anyone that reads this, I owe you. Thank you for letting me vent. You are all loved and valuable people, by just being present - you would be surprised how that scene from the movie It's Wonderful Life is really true. You never know how much one man's life touches another. (Or woman ;o). So again, thanks for lending your ear. I know it's attached to a head that probably hurts!

  1. Hi
    This is a safe space to vent all you want - we're here for you. I'm sorry you are dealing with a partner who doesn't seem to get it. I hear your frustration and want you to know you're not alone.
    Life is so complicated and exhausting at times, Some days it takes all I have to get out of bed.
    I'm sending you gentle hugs and wishes for a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator (team member)

    1. Thank you so much. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support, all someone needs sometimes are kind words. Best medicine there is! Thanks again, Lisa


      1. Good morning, Lisa. Thank you for your kind words. We are absolutely here for you. How goes things today?
        Pain free wishes on the way, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator (team member)

    2. Hi Lisa. My ex-husband treated me very similarly and I was made to feel even more miserable than the migraines made me feel. So sorry that you are having to deal with this double l e whammy. You have found a safe place to vent and also to share your experiences as well as learn some new methods and practices to cope
      God bless.

      1. thanks for sharing your story as well. You put great words to this very unfortunate and challenging situation - it truly is a double whammy. One is a lot in and of itself but the two together are a lot. Thanks for sharing your encouragement through it as well.
        Best
        Alene (team member)

    3. Thank you . Just knowing I'm not alone helps. I know they are frustrated too, and do not always express frustration appropriately, I don't either. As long as it's not ongoing - I can handle it. He has gotten 100% more understanding since I wrote this post. It took a long time though.

      1. it's such a great perspective. It's wonderful to hear that a shift has happened since this post as well. This truly is a great place to process your experiences and to help educate family members too!
        Best
        Alene (Team member)

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