Single Mom with Migraines

By agb1978

1 min read

My name is Amanda. I am a single 35 year old mother of two, grandmother of one. I have always been a mother and father to my 18 year old daughter. Thankfully, my 3 year old son's father is a huge part of his life. I have had migraines for a very long time. They probably started when I was a teenager, maybe before.

The past few years have been rough. They have gotten more severe and I have missed a lot of work because of them. Of course, I HAVE to work because I am a single mother. I have a mortgage and car note like everyone else. I am excited to have found a group that know how I feel and what I go through when I have a migraine.

A majority of those in my life do not understand at all. I have no one to turn to for support. Some of my friends tell me to get over it. How do you "get over" a migraine??? I have also battled depression because of having migraines, missing work and activities, and having a decrease in my paycheck because of time missed. Also I have not had health insurance for years. When I go to the doctor, or my neurologist, I have to pay cash. I also have to pay cash for my medications, some of which I cannot get because I cannot afford them. I am reaching out to this group for help!

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meh422 Member
Amanda, my name is Melissa and I suffer from severe daily migraines. I also have worked in medical offices so I can offer you some tricks of the trades, so to speak. First, I don't know where you live, but apply for medical assistance if you job doesn't give you the option of medical. Second, for you medications, most medication manufacturers offer some kind of patient assistance program. For example, I'm trying to get Botox injections for my migraines, but my insurance doesn't cover them. I went online and found the website for Botox and they have a patient assistance program. I called the phone number, they faxed the paperwork to my doctor who then mailed it to me so that I can fill out my portion. Hopefully in the next couple of months I will be approved and can start receiving injections. I will be happy to help you with any questions that you have. Take care, Melissa
agb1978 Member
Thank you so much for the advice. I will look into these to see if I can find some help and relief. Any other suggestions are welcome!
ellen Member
Amanda, This is a topic that comes up frequently. Our forum has this same question about caring for kids and I've given a number of links that may be helpful for you. The forum thread is here: Migraines and Heathens Oops I meant Toddlers <a href='http://migraine.com/topic/migraines-and-heathens-oops-i-meant-toddlers/' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/topic/migraines-and-heathens-oops-i-meant-toddlers/</a> To help everyone, here are the links I've included so far in that thread: How Can I Talk to My Children About Migraine? Part 1 – My Migraine <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/how-can-i-talk-to-my-children-about-migraine-part-1-my-migraine/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/how-can-i-talk-to-my-children-about-migraine-part-1-my-migraine/</a> How can I keep parenting during a Migraine? <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/how-can-i-keep-parenting-during-a-migraine/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/how-can-i-keep-parenting-during-a-migraine/</a> How can I be prepared for my next Migraine attack? <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/how-can-i-be-prepared-for-my-next-migraine-attack/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/how-can-i-be-prepared-for-my-next-migraine-attack/</a> What should I put in my Migraine tool bag? <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/what-should-i-put-in-my-migraine-tool-bag/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/what-should-i-put-in-my-migraine-tool-bag/</a> What should I put in my kids’ Migraine survival bag? <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/what-should-i-put-in-my-kids-migraine-survival-bag/' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/what-should-i-put-in-my-kids-migraine-survival-bag/</a> It's hard living any kind of life when you're living with Migraines, but doing it with kids who don't really understand why Mommy can't do things, can really tug on our heart strings. One thing to remember, is that Migraine is hereditary in most cases. Hopefully your kids will never suffer a Migraine attack in their lives, but if they do, they'll remember how you have handled your own attacks and act accordingly. Children learn what they live, and although you are struggling, you are showing your kids how they can struggle to if necessary, yet still be a loving parent. If they never suffer a Migraine in their lives, they will understand them because of you, and may play an important part in someone else years from now, feeling supported because of how you are parenting them today. Sending you ((Hugs)) of understanding. Please keep in touch and let us know how you're doing, and write again if we can ever be of any other support or help. ~Ellen

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