My Best Friends: Ice Packs

I remember getting my first migraine at age 12 and feeling horrible, with light hurting my eyes, fatigue, and nausea, and not knowing what was happening.

The headaches continued to plague me every month for many years. A gynecologist finally mentioned the word migraine to me, but I had no idea what he was talking about. I knew my mom and little sister (she was four when she had her first one) suffered from them, but I didn't have the language to discuss them. I was constantly in fear of losing my job and exhausting my sick leave and vacation time.

How my migraine has changed

I'm 69 now and continue to have them daily, but taking Depakote has helped reduce the severity. I've been through migraine clinical trials, tried many drugs, and have educated myself on what will cause a flare-up. Bananas, strong smells, and being in the sun too long are just a few of my triggers.

I've had wonderful doctors throughout my life who took me seriously and reassured me that I wasn't imagining my symptoms. I've felt tremendous guilt when I've complained and canceled plans. I assumed menopause and maybe retirement at 65 would help my migraines, but they became chronic.

Treatments and comorbidities

I rarely take an abortive med now (they don't help), but I depend on ice packs and a quiet and dark room. I eat a vegan diet (I've tried so many diets) and work out about 4 to 5 times a week at the gym. Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis make me achy, but working out with weights helps me feel stronger physically and mentally.

My mom was my biggest supporter while she was alive. I feel so fortunate to have wonderful friends and family who understand that migraines are not just headaches.