Operator Error: Must Reboot Now. Powering Down.

By glassmind

2 min read

I knew better

Yesterday was a day of 90% negative stress (civic business red tape, computer problems, pharmacy troubles, missed meals, bright sun, fumes, heat and cold, and way too much driving) with 10% positive encounters (a helpful psychologist, a sympathetic technician, snuggly pets, and a loving family).

I was overwhelmed and exhausted by evening, yet I made it through without getting a migraine. Migraine Buddy app even chimed to let me know I'd been migraine-free for 7 days! I woke up feeling good. Decided to tackle some fall yard clean up.

And.....

Know your triggers

Cue migraine. I know exercise can be a migraine trigger for me. I knew I was lucky to have avoided a migraine yesterday. I should have just spent the day relaxing.

But...

I love gardening. By the time the first tingle of a headache arrived, I also knew it was too late. I never get "just headaches." So, now it's been 4 hours of excruciating pain, nausea, disorientation, weakness, vertigo, sensory sensitivities, etc.

And I'm using my phone to write this story instead of just blacking out my world till the migraine passes.

Why?

Because I'm sick of taking meds that knock me out and leave me with medication hangover or cause serotonin syndrome. I'm low on meds anyway because my new doctor failed to continue my established medication regimen. Today's migraine is a 7. I need to save those meds for the level 9 migraines.

Why am I sharing?

This community brings me comfort. Reading other's stories and articles helps alleviate the crippling hopelessness that rides the tailcoat of Migraine.

And, maybe, just maybe, in leaving this record I'll remember to watch my triggers better. Drat, it gets dull avoiding nearly everything in order to avoid migraines, but it is always a regret when I push myself or overdo it. It's just so ridiculously easy to trigger a migraine.

And, maybe maybe maybe, someone else will save themself from a migraine in reading and remembering: "Know your triggers. Respect your body. Take it easy. Always."

Love to you all. Thanks for reading.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
Dear Glassmind- I'm so very glad you are a part of our community. Wise words- both to be cautious- and to throw caution to the wind. Because, you're so right- sometimes it's just way too easy to trigger an attack and sometimes we just have to live a little, garden a little, get outside- and smell the flowers. Even if it means a migraine. We can't always live in fear and in the confines of our triggers. Other times, yes, so important to be respectful of what our bodies are asking in terms of limitations- especially when that migraine is lurking- or active. Then, time to pull the shades, quiet down. I suppose I just want to say, bravo to you for sometimes embracing the world despite the consequence. I do the same. Again, grateful you're with us.
1. glassmind Member
 Thanks, Holly!
glassmind Member
Thanks, Holly!
twobassets Member
Boy do I know how this feels. Sometimes I just need to do something I love. I too, am navigating a new doc, new pharmacy, etc., etc., etc. I wanted to work in the garden the other day so I did for 2 glorious hours! I don’t know if it’s really worth the 2 day migraine but I must admit it felt so good to be outside. Hope you are feeling much better.
1. glassmind Member
 Gardening is such a delight. Had I known, I would increasingly lose activities to Migraine when I had the first attack, I'd been devastated. Yet, I've lived 20+yrs with other deteriorating conditions, so I usually just shrug when restricting myself from a formerly enjoyed activity. "Movie?"..."Meh." Gardening and trekking remain activities regardless of consequence. I must better adapt these, though. May you find continuing joy in gardening also. Thanks for reading and responding.

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