Never give up!
I am 62 years old and have had migraine disease since I was a small girl. I have seen many doctors, taken many medicines, and have tried many other ways to get rid of the pain in my head.
Of course, there has been more to deal with than just extreme pain in my head: there is the sensitivity to light and noise, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to items such as perfume or cigarette smoke, and visual aura and nerve tingling. Then there was the neurologist who many years ago told me that a migraine is just a headache - no different than any other headache. I never saw that doctor again.
I have seen doctors who only treat headache and/or migraine disease, have gone to Mayo Clinic, have had acupuncture, have followed a VERY strict diet, have exercised on a daily basis, and have taken so many different prescription medicines that I can't remember them all. This has cost me a lot of money, the loss of a good job and having to file a claim for Social Security disability. I have had to cancel untold get-togethers with family and friends, have called in sick so many times over the years and had to deal with the skepticism from bosses and coworkers. So many people find it hard to believe that a "headache" could make one so sick. I got over any guilt I felt years ago. And, after all this, I still have migraine disease.
My Mother had migraine, her younger brother has migraine, 2 of my cousins have migraine, and my younger sister has migraine. I have spoken to so very many people over the years who also are dealing with migraine. I could have lost hope of getting better, but I refuse to give in. I will continue to increase my knowledge of migraine and share it with others. I read about new medicines that are coming and more research being done to better understand this strange disease.
This disease has cost me so much in so many ways. However, I have also learned a lot about myself and how I deal with difficulty. I have made new friends who are also dealing with this disease so I know I am not alone. That gives me comfort; it may not stop the pain, but it gives me comfort.
There has not been any treatment I have received which has lessened the frequency of migraine attacks for me for any lengthy period of time. I remain hopeful and will never give up!
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