Migraine Sufferers, The Most Patient Patients
As I walked around my house with a looming migraine, trying to do my weekend chores, a thought came to my mind. Migraine sufferers have got to be the most patient people in the world. Think about that, acknowledge it and then pat yourselves on the back for it. There's never a one and done solution. There's never a quick fix. There's never a lone solution. It is a series of trials and errors, measurable results, and continued searches for that "miracle". The one that will set us free from the gripping pain. The one that will defeat the unpredictable destroyer of plans. The one that will alleviate our fears and anxieties that an attack will occur during the most important times of our life, like the day of your son's wedding (I was luckily migraine free that day).
Then there's the moment when you think you have found the right combination after successful weeks in a row, only for the pain to return at seemingly great speed. And the feeling of failure once again rears its ugly head. But we are migraine sufferers, and we prevail. Yes, we may have a pity party in our own honor, but then we get back up, scour the internet for studies and results and go to the next treatment plan. We stay patient (pun intended) because we know each type of modality needs at least two to three months to see if it actually works. As I currently go through yet another treatment round of possible prevention, I try to remind myself that if it doesn't work, I have other options up my sleeve. I must be patient, persevere and be resilient, yet realistic, and always the planner. So yes, us migraine sufferers, we certainly can be considered the most patient people on the earth. Embrace that quality in you and know you can do this!
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. I understand how this feels, and appreciate you putting it so eloquently.
Those of us living with migraine disease are extremely patient, day in and day out. As you've said there are many options out there but that doesn't take away the feeling of defeat after trying so many things to prevent attacks.
I hope you are having a low pain day and look forward to hearing more from you, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team
- your words are so very uplifting! Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us here in the community. The insight you've shared is spot on. Migraine sufferers often demonstrate incredible patience in managing the unpredictable nature of their condition. It takes immense strength to cope with the pain, uncertainty, and disruptions that migraines can bring. And acknowledging the resilience and perseverance of migraine sufferers is significant. They truly deserve recognition for their endurance and courage. All those suffering through, remember to be kind to yourself and celebrate your resilience. You're doing an amazing job navigating through it all. Thoughtfully, Rebecca (community moderator) 
This is so relatable,
! Anyone with a chronic illness finds themselves thrust into a new lifestyle where they simply have to adapt, whether the changes are welcome or not. But, in some ways, those traits of patience and adaptability can be (dare I say) positives.
Your post made me think of this very similar sentiment shared a while back by our own: https://migraine.com/living-migraine/dynamic-rigid-flexible-spontaneous
Can you relate?
Sending hugs and wishes for a low-pain week. -Melissa, migraine team
Oh yes! It is so hard to function and try to act normal when we are getting swallowed up by a migraine attack and all the complex symptoms that come with it. While it is an invisible disease, there are some ways that it can appear to others. I've had people tell me they can recognize when I have a migraine attack: https://migraine.com/living-migraine/visible-symptoms-showing. It's hard to imagine that others do not see the extreme pain we are in.
Interesting to hear about the tie between your condition and an accident you had previously. Glad you are going to consult with a pain doctor next week. Please let us know how it goes. And yes, you are not alone. This site helps us all feel connected as we realize how many people are facing the same challenges we navigate each day. Glad you're with us! Warmly - Holly - migraine.com teamHi! Just checking in with you. Did you go to the pain doctor yesterday? I hope everything went okay. And I love that you labeled your migraine as Barfy. It may not be pretty but it helps to be honest sometimes! -Melissa, migraine team
