Is it worth it?

By tphreh

1 min read

6 am, alarm clock goes off you roll over and get out of bed. It's going to be a long day, you already have the start of a migraine. Your face is warm your hands are cold, there's a slight ringing in your ear and tingling on the left side of your head. It's only a matter of time until the throbing and pounding begin. You start by taking your relief medication. Then in the shower, gotta pay the bills let alone the RX/medical coverage for all the doctor and ER visits. By time your out of the shower the nausea sets in, you take another medication for that.

Then it hits, the excruciating throbing make you curl in a ball pounding pain. You do your hair anyways and get dressed, by this point you're debating if you'll be able to make a full day of work. I already missed one day this week. Will I be useful? Will my team understand? How can I put my career in jeopardy? So you get in your car, you go to work and put on a smile through all of the pain no one understands, except other migrainures. Even when you can't see strait or even when you know someone's perfume will drive you strait to the ER.

Each day becomes more difficult and yet each day I hope and pray for the right combination of meds or better yet a cure! Each day I'm asked if I tried this or drank that... each day I have to ask myself, is it worth it?

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bodhigirl Member
In early April, Tammy Rome wrote an insightful headline story, "I don't know how you do it" which described her feelings and thoughts when people make this comment. Those without migraine wonder how those of us with migraine make it through our days of work and responsibilities and even social events ... or just make it through our days. It's also a question that's crossed my mind, but it's been directed to people whose stories I read here and, I suppose, now to you. How do you do it? How do you go to work or run a business or take care of children? I guess I asked the question because I can't. I just can't get up in the morning in pain (which is every morning) and even think about going to work, Never mind actually doing it. Even if I could drag myself to an office I don't think I could get my brain to cooperate, to think clearly through the brain fog. For me, it's not worth it. I can only imagine what the stress of going to work would do to my already relentless and painful headaches and what it does to you. I have great admiration for you and for anyone who does what has to be done. My career is gone and my income is now less than a quarter of what it used to be, however, I think I've made the right choice for my health. My only suggestion is that you trust yourself to make the right decision for you. Until you make that decision or find the right combination of medications or, better yet, a cure, I wish you strength and comfort and as many pain-free moments as possible.
1. tphreh Member
 First and foremost, thank you however every day is a struggle as I'm sure it is for many including you. I can tell you personally my migraines became chronic about 2 and 1/2 years ago and the days are catching up to me. Is it worth it? These days more often then not I can't make it in to work, or keep an appointment, or cook dinner or get groceries. The days are running together, the throbing and pounding may end but the sensitivity to light/sound/smell, concentration issues, or memory recall linger for hours or days. At that point my migraine is back... it's a vicious cycle. A never ending vicious cycle!! My family, coworkers and friends suffer because I can't commit to things because of my migraines, I feel helpless at times. If I can't find a combination of meds to help it will come down to me making a choice of my health and I will choose me! Secondly, admiration for you, choosing your health and family! The most important things in life! Wishing you the best!

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