My Best Friends: Ice Packs

I remember getting my first migraine at age 12, and feeling horrible, light hurting my eyes, fatigue and nausea and not knowing what was happening.

The headaches continued to plague me every month for many years. A gynecologist finally mentioned the word migraine to me, but I had no idea what he was talking about. I knew my Mom and little sister ( she was four when she had her first one) suffered from them, but I didn't have the language to discuss them. I was constantly in fear of losing my job, exhausting my sick leave and vacation.

I'm 69 now and continue to have them on a daily basis, but taking Depakote has helped reduce the severity. I've been thru migraine trials, tried many drugs and have educated myself on what will cause a flare up. Bananas, strong smells and being in the sun too long are just a few of my triggers.

I've had wonderful doctors throughout life who took me seriously and reassured me that I wasn't imagining my symptoms. I've felt tremendous guilt when complaining and canceling plans. I assumed menopause and maybe retirement at 65 would help my migraines but they became chronic.

I rarely take an abortive med now (they don't help) but depend on ice packs and a quiet and dark room. I eat a vegan diet (I've tried so many diets) and work out about 4-5 times a week at the gym. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis make me achy but working out with weights helps me feel stronger physically and mentally.

My Mom was my biggest supporter while she was alive. I feel so fortunate to have wonderful friends and family who understand that migraines are not just headaches