Walking into the ER with a Migraine (Part 1)Let me set the scene for you. It's day 5 of an earth-shattering migraine, and you're lost in the sea of emergency medicine and other abortive techniques you've collected over...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Soothe Your Migraine Attack in 5 MinutesAnyone else tend to freak out in the midst of a migraine attack? The increasing head pain, sensitivity, moodiness, and irritability that I experience during a migraine attack mess with...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
The Demanding Cycle of Trying New TreatmentsThere is a demanding multi-stage cycle involved in trying new treatments. It is a complex, time-consuming, and depleting process. I've found that there are 7 stages involved in this cycle:...Reactions0reactionsComments17 comments
Assessing Side Effects of a New MedicationWhen I was first trying migraine treatments, I researched the side effects of every medication in minute detail. I read the package inserts and looked for patients’ experiences online. I...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
How A 24-Hour Cancellation Policy Harms Chronic Pain PatientsWe’ve all done it. You forget about that self-care appointment or double book yourself and forget to cancel. These instances are frustrating for businesses, so they’ve adopted a 24-hour cancellation...Reactions0reactionsComments27 comments
Migraine with Limb PainFor a while, I thought my migraines might be gone for good. Then I realized they weren’t gone; they’d changed. I rarely got an aura, or if I did, I...Reactions0reactionsComments15 comments
Angie's Challenge: Migraines and Trying to ConceiveAngie has been living with migraines for years. They started shortly after she underwent brain surgery in 2008 for a seizure disorder. Her biggest challenge today is managing her migraines...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
3 Reasons I've Said I'm Feeling Okay When I'm Not"Mom," my son begins timidly, "are there different types of lies?" Well, now my 8-year-old has my attention. I think back through our day, wondering if a particular event triggered...Reactions0reactionsComments17 comments
Migraine Fatigue: It’s Beyond Feeling TiredMigraine attacks come with a plethora of symptoms and side effects. These can be from both the migraine itself or even our self-care measures like the abortive medications we use...Reactions0reactionsComments20 comments
A Shift In Weather and My Migraine BasketI live in the midwest, which is known for its whiplash in weather changes, including warm and cold fronts. We had a pretty calm fall in terms of cold fronts...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Why You Need a Support Person During Doctor's VisitsAny visit to your doctor's office, let alone the first appointment, can be a nerve-wracking experience. You can make lists, practice your questions out loud, and take other measures, but...Reactions0reactionsComments17 comments
Med Students and MigrainesI lived in Philadelphia for four years in my twenties. The Philadelphia region has nine medical schools. No matter what kind of doctor I went to, whether my primary care...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
A Call for Ubrelvy & Nurtec Side Effects and ExperiencesThe monthly injectable CGRP options that are designed to prevent migraine (Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality) have been on the scene for a while now. The abortive oral versions of the...Reactions0reactionsComments55 comments
Bringing in a New Year with Chronic MigrainesFeeling cheerful about bringing in a new year may be daunting. It means another year in pain for me — a new year for many means new resolutions and, of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Ringing in the New Year Without AlcoholMany of us are getting ready to ring in the New Year. We celebrate as we raise a glass with our family and friends. But what if that celebratory glass...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Giving Migraine Advice in the Real WorldBeing a migraine advocate has completely changed the way I look at migraine. I started my journey all those years ago, stumbling across triggers and fighting through the pain as...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
My Migrainiversary: Cause for Celebration?The other day I realized that my migraine and advocacy journey started ten years ago to the day this Christmas! When thinking about Christmas 2011, it's hard to believe how...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
Holiday Events and Migraine Don't Always MixHave you ever thought to yourself, "I love the Christmas season, but it doesn't love me?" Well, that's how I feel at times. It's not because I don't love Christmas...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments
This Holiday, Choose EasyI don’t quite feel like I have my s**t together this holiday season. I don’t think I ever do. I am always in awe of people who totally nail the...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Managing Holiday Pressure and ExpectationsThe holidays are filled with commitments – family gatherings, social get-togethers, community events, and of course, holiday shopping. It can be a joyful time, especially as we start to be...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments