Conversation of the Week: Living with migraine disease and multiple chronic health issues
Living with migraine disease is challenging and frustrating. Many of us also live with multiple other chronic health issues which complicates migraine management. Let's discuss how we manage with living with migraine disease along with other health conditions.
i've had crohn's disease since August 1st, 2007--had surgery in 2010 because of it.. got diagnosed with chronic migraines which is barometric pressure related in 2019 and battled uterine cancer and beat it, but with crohn's, i'm in remission.. NEVER take ANYTHING or ANYONE for granted
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I understand how complex it is to live with multiple health issues. I am happy to hear you beat cancer and are in remission with Crohn’s - that has to be a relief!
I love what you said - "NEVER take ANYTHING or ANYONE for granted" that's so important. We know our bodies, if only we were believed every time!
I hope today is a low pain day and I look forward to hearing more from you, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com TeamI am so sorry to hear that you have had to live with so much. It is great to hear that you beat cancer and your Crohn's is in remission. I am sure there is so much you could teach us after surviving what you have lived through. Your lesson above is such an important one. It really is easy to get complacent in our lives and begin to take people and things for granted. Some health conditions have a way of reminding us what is truly important. Best wishes - Amanda W (team member)
I just posted about this, although my question is more specific. I have migraines, asthma, and was just diagnosed with a-fib. There does seem to be a connection between the headaches and the heart episodes, and my cardiologist said a-fib can cause headache; but the reverse is also true. Yay.
Also, I just asked about how people navigate with all their doctors when they have more than one chronic condition. Seems like doctors should communicate more when they share joint patients, but also this seems like it's rarely done. They rely on the patient as the go-between.the link can be pfo Hi, I know the feeling! Some of my doctors communicate with each other, others don’t. My primary care doctor works the old fashioned way. He actually writes everything down longhand! Then his secretaries enter it into the computer. He listens to me as long as I need and somehow remembers all my problems. Most of my specialists don’t connect too many dots and don’t spend much time with me. If I have specific questions, I write them down and make sure I ask them.
I started migraines as a young teenager, we have a family history of migraines. I've collected many chronic illnesses in my 60 years, inflammatory arthritis, psoriasis, both of which are autoimmune conditions, PCOS, hyperlipdaemia, type 2 diabetes, and lastly cirrhosis of the liver from NAFLD and liver toxic drugs to treat my arthritis.
My diabetic nurse thinks my blood sugars exacerbate my migraines as they are worse when we readjust doses of drugs. I also crave sugar and cards during migraines.
I had to ill health retire in 2019 (A.P. in a Renal Unit) as I just couldn't keep going after a physical and mental collapse. That has been hard, to loose my career in the NHS which I loved. But although financially difficult, its given me a chance to look out for my wellbeing. When a migraine starts I no longer have to exist on coffee, caffeine drinks and co-codamol to drag myself in to work. I can take time to give myself TLC and rest as much as I can. I get to smell the roses, do tai chi in the garden, I've learned to meditate and look out for my wellbeing.
I have cultivated a very rich inner life which brings me joy. I joined a national choir, Rock Choir, and have learnt that practicing the songs we are learning sometimes helps the pre or post drome of a migraine, I think it the vibrating of the vocal cords that helps.......who knew?!Hi Tonya, I can’t believe I am reading my words from at least 2 years ago and things keep getting worse. I had ankle surgery last fall, then I was diagnosed with GCA, Giant call arteritis, so right onto high dose prednisone to preserve my eyesight. It’s one strange disease! My feet(plantar surfaces) are always in pain so, just take a little walk is out, as has been driving for many years. It’s a good thing I am a homebody with hobbies. I will attempt to post the quilt that took me forever to make! Just like all of you, I am so tired of pain! 
I am so sorry. I truly understand about changing health issues. I must say...that quilt is lovely though. My grandma used to make patchwork quilts. So pretty!!! Hang in there. Sending you lots of virtual hugs.
It is very difficult to live with other chronic pain conditions in addition to chronic migraine. Some of my other health conditions include fibromyalgia and chronic back pain. Due to these conditions, I have an opiate prescription for a medication called Nucynta. While this medication helps with my fibromyalgia and chronic back pain, it can have the reverse effect on my migraine. Due to this, it is always hard to decide when to use the pain prescription. Just like with a migraine, if I wait until the pain is completely unbearable, the pain medication will not work as well or with one dose. However, taking the pain medication can cause a migraine or increase the migraine pain that is already there. It is definitely a double edge sword. - Amanda W (team member)
