The Timeline of a Migraine

If there's anything I've learned on my migraine journey, it’s that migraines are different for everyone, oh…and to always pack your relief meds while traveling. It’s such a individual experience and still I’m forever interested in how others deal with their migraines. So, I wanted to share one of my recent migrainey nights. Waking up with one is never fun, but here we are and here we go…

In the middle of the night

1:00 (ish) AM - Woke up to tiny twinges behind my eyes. Took a deep breath, and tried to assess what level these pains were moving towards. Took another deep breath. Still possible they’d go away with sleep. So, I went to sleep hopeful I’d wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start my day pain free. Or not.

3:33 AM - Woke and immediately noticed the pain had increased. Boo. It was time to take my relief meds, but who wants to walk all the way to the bathroom with an oncoming migraine? Made myself get up to take a low-dose if my medication. Fingers crossed that’s all I need.

In the morning

5:34 AM - I was dreaming about a road trip and in my dream my head hurt. When I woke up, of course, my migraine had not subsided, but the pain had increased. So, it’s time to take the full dose of my relief medication. Tried to go back to sleep, but it took me an hour…

7:00 AM - Time to wake up the kid for school, but now I have a full-on migraine. So, instead of preparing the breakfast and school stuff, I told my husband I have a migraine and need to stay in bed. My son gets ready, but comes to give me a hug and a kiss on his way to school saying: “Is there anything I can do? I hope you feel better soon.” My head feels like tiny drillers are pounding away, but my heart is full with his caring and love. I reassure him I’ll be OK, and tell him to have a wonderful day at school. I force myself to get up take ibuprofen, drink some caffeine, and go back to sleep.

10:30 (ish) AM - I wake up, feeling exhausted, and now have a dull headache instead of a full on migraine. Thank goodness. I decide to take a hot shower knowing that can help.

In the afternoon

1:32 PM - My head pain is significantly better. I feel tired but I’m able to move slowly through my day.

4:00 PM - My 11-year-old is home from school, and I give him the biggest hug! We decide to watch a movie together, definitely the best part of my day.