Crazy Bus Lady

By deadeyes

August 4, 2018

I was diagnosed with migraines 9 years ago. I am usually good at hiding the pain in public but not on Tuesday. I took the bus home after the pharmacist was unable to refill my Sumatriptan. Pain was rated at 8/9. I walked like a drunk turtle, peering out my one good eye, towards the bus stop. Fighting nausea, I try to walk near the grass, discreetly heaving every 5 steps. There is a sharp throbbing pain under my jaw, so I find moving my mouth helps. So I'm yakking on invisible gum. Probing my face and neck, trying to discover the pressure point that will relieve this pulsating pain. I look crazy walking to the bus. I looked crazier on the air-conditioned bus when the pain and exhaustion became too much. Cold air is my kryptonite.

I spent the 30-minute ride home, huddled under my sweater, crying and praying and making audible sarcastic comments to myself. Needless to say, I will not be taking that bus ever again. And I will never trust the automated pharmacy refill line again.

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Nancy Harris Bonk37 Moderator
August 6, 2018
Hi deadeyes, I'm so sorry you had such a rough day. That sounds like an awful experience. Are you feeling better now? Nancy
1. deadeyes
 August 6, 2018
 Yes, thank you for asking. This is my 2nd "clear" day. I'm hoping for a few more.
2. Nancy Harris Bonk37 Moderator
 August 27, 2018
 Good to hear, I hope it lasts!! Nancy
sfnative
August 16, 2018
So very sorry you had such an incredibly awful pharmacy, bus, a/c, bus, etc., experience. I've found that my "etc." list goes on and on. I can so relate to that cold air. Example: Husband and I get into the car. I'm driving, because he's been swilling beer. It's 97 outside, so I turn on the a/c and get blasted on the left side of my neck and head - BAM! Uttering a "Grrrrr!" plus and curse word, I immediately reach for the little flap adjusters to re-direct a/c air flow and my husband asks what's the big deal(!). At this point, I'm trying really, really hard not to get angry at him, because that will make my migraine pain worse (those "anger" hormones and chemicals). He knows that cold air, especially that which is forced or of the windy type, just kills my head. It has since chronic migraine arrived in July 1984. I simply cannot figure out my husband, who refuses to remember these triggers and to have appropriate emotional reactions. On the other hand, I should probably join Al Anon (sp?), as a spouse of an alcoholic. Been thinking about that lately. Back to center: This time of year, summer, is a real challenge for many, as referenced in the "South" article today. Though I don't live in the South, in the Pacific Northwest we've had too much mid to high 90s weather, which has dumped me into spikes of increased pain. I hope you and I can get ourselves out of this season and into Fall without too many more untoward pain scenarios.
1. deadeyes
 August 16, 2018
 Thank you for sharing and letting me know that I am not alone. I hope we get to fall soon too.

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