What’s Your Secret: Submit Your Questions!

By Holly Harding

1 min read

Migraine.com is a rich and thriving community and every member is a vast resource on the topic. Although migraine is very prevalent, few of us know many, if any, people in our real lives who have the condition as severely as we do. In this video, we invite members to submit questions they would like to have brought to life in video form by our patient advocates in order to mobilize the community and create an engaging discussion on the topic of their choosing.

If you have questions you’d like to pose to the Migraine.com community for the What’s Your Secret Video Series, please add them to the comment section below, or go to the Q&A page and submit your question there. We have a wondrous resourceful community with a wealth of information and support just waiting to help you out.

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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aurohra Member
How do you express that you’re in pain without sounding like a complainer?
1. aurohra Member
 I also try not to bring it up... Although, I feel that they will judge me because of unexplainably missing commitments or they will judge me because I’m “complaining about a headache again”. Personally I think everyone needs a little empathy from time to time and so I offer my shoulder for them to lean on if needed. I hope that when I need to explain to them why I can’t do something that it a fact (I am in pain and I cannot do this) and not see it as a complaint or an excuse. The reason I posted the question is that my method isn’t really working.
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3676523" username="aurohra"/> - just an update- I wanted to let you know I'm working on both an article and a "What's Your Secret" video on this topic as it is such an important and rich topic. So, stay tuned! Warmly, Holly B. (migraine.com team).
brian-t Member
Based on my own experience of having service aboard a submarine aggravate my unknown propensity for migraines (reduced oxygen concentration, constant exposure to diesel fuel, monoethanolamine & lube oil mist) and the anecdotal evidence that service on submarines drastically increases the incidence of migraines; could a questionnaire allow organizations to "filter" applicants for positions that should be avoided by undiagnosed migraineurs? In my case there were experiences among myself and family that in hindsight would have shown the risk for me was higher than average: 1. Have you, your parents or siblings ever experienced temporary vision problems that resulted in part or all of your vision being distorted or covered by intense geometric figures or grey areas? A: When I described my first ocular migraine to my family my father, mother & brother had experienced ocular migraines and did not know what they were or seek attention for them. 2. Have you ever experienced severe pain or an inability to keep your eyelids open when stepping into direct sunlight or bright light, when you were not experiencing a hang over? A: I thought my photophobia was a symptom of sinus headaches. 3. Have you experienced a sinus headache, or pain behind your eyes that did not include sinus congestion? A: I realize that any "sinus" headache with or without congestion could be a migraine symptom, but I believe I experienced both sinus & migraine headaches without realizing many of them were migraines. I imagine many of us are uncomfortable trying to find ways for employers to block us from positions, but in my case, it is possible had I been medically disqualified from submarines in boot camp, I could still have served in the surface fleet and my infrequent, undiagnosed episodic migraines might never have become chronic daily migraines that resulted in my medical discharge. I have tried to find medical research that documents the long term effects of submarine atmosphere but apparently that research is either classified (a 1946 study is available on line that is so different than nuclear sub service it is useless to me) or the Navy decided not to ask a question it didn't want the answer to. I'm betting there are many more questions out there.
wendyvernon Member
What can I do about the fatigue associated with my chronic migraine? Why do we feel a chronic fatigue even on days that we don't experience a full-on migraine?
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Take a look at this article, Wendy- you are definitely not alone in feeling this very normal postdrome after-affect of Migraine: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/chronic-bodys-slow-leak/?r=' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/chronic-bodys-slow-leak/?r=</a> That said, I will bring your question to life in an upcoming video to see how the rest of our community members handle this tough reality. Thank you for your topic. Warmly, Holly B. (migraine.com team).
2. aurohra Member
 I call that a migraine hangover... especially in the days after a severe attack. Chronic pain drains a lot of energy
Member
How do you feel about Medical Marijuana use as a preventative and an abortive of chronic migraine?
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hey KadKat - Thanks so much for your question. Have you seen any of our articles on the topic? You can find them here: <a href='https://migraine.com/?s=marijuana&submit=go' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/?s=marijuana&submit=Go</a> Additionally, stay tuned- we'll add your question to the list of topics to bring to life through the "What's Your Secret" video series. Many thanks. Warmly, Holly B. (migraine.com team).
rachel20 Member
I find if I'm not home, ginger in pill form is my first attempt. I also try to eat a granola bar or a little something. I also have found that taking ibprophen and tylenol can get me at least home and not make me tired to get home. If nothing works i have to try and lay down for a few minutes and then try again
suepashley1 Member
In reply to you question what to do when aphasia sets in: these is my most embarrassing moments at work....I repeat words over and over and over in my head hoping that they will come out making sense and sounding 'sane'. The worst senario is to be answering customer questions because in this 'state of mind' nothing makes sense to you either and the best you can do is take a break. I hate people to see me like this and luckily I do get the warning signs of the aura (flashing lights) before I have this....in fact it has been along time since I have gone through this stage (since taking Topiramate and Niratriptan together).....losing my speech is the worst thing I have ever experienced in any illness...it affects your pride, your self esteem and your credibility. Migraine is such a debilitating disease, even though it may be temporary. I also feel that my senses never fully return to normal after I have had an attack (anyone else feel that way??) Just recently after an MRI I have been told that I have experienced a small stroke in the last 40 days...I was never aware!!! apart from numbness in my toes which lead me to the investigations in the first place. Apparently people who have migraine with aura are more at risk of having strokes than other people!!! I was immediately taken off the Naramig medication as this could bring on another stroke???
suepashley1 Member
In reply to you question what to do when aphasia sets in: these are my most embarrassing moments at work....I repeat words over and over and over in my head hoping that they will come out making sense and sounding 'sane'. The worst senario is to be answering customer questions because in this 'state of mind' nothing makes sense to you either and the best you can do is take a break. I hate people to see me like this and luckily I do get the warning signs of the aura (flashing lights) before I have this....in fact it has been along time since I have gone through this stage (since taking Topiramate and Niratriptan together).....losing my speech is the worst thing I have ever experienced in any illness...it affects your pride, your self esteem and your credibility. Migraine is such a debilitating disease, even though it may be temporary. I also feel that my senses never fully return to normal after I have had an attack (anyone else feel that way??) Just recently after an MRI I have been told that I have experienced a small stroke in the last 40 days...I was never aware!!! apart from numbness in my toes which lead me to the investigations in the first place. Apparently people who have migraine with aura are more at risk of having strokes than other people!!! I was immediately taken off the Naramig medication as this could bring on another stroke???
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Sue- Experiencing aphasia is incredibly alarming, indeed. And, as you said, it can be embarrassing and disheartening too. You might find some of the comments (and the video) from this link of interest:https://migraine.com/video/secret-dealing-aphasia/ Regarding your recent MRI- You ask some really important questions which I hope you will bring to your migraine doctor. In the meantime, I wanted to share a couple of articles on this topic as well: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-and-risk-of-stroke' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-and-risk-of-stroke/</a> <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/follow-up-study-confirms-migraine-not-associated-with-cognitive-decline' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/follow-up-study-confirms-migraine-not-associated-with-cognitive-decline/</a> <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/stroke-migraine-with-aura-prevention' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/stroke-migraine-with-aura-prevention/</a> Finally, as to your question to the community regarding the impact on the senses that is feeling permanent, that's a good one. I would encourage your to pose that (and any other questions you have) to our Q&A page - where you are more likely to get more feedback and interaction: <a href='https://migraine.com/q-and-a' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/q-and-a/</a> So glad you are a member of our community. Please know we are thinking of you and stay in touch.
joypeters Member
migraine is not the only chronic pain or condition I have. Between all my physical conditions my mental conditions are more troubling.
hsully04 Member
For me right behind the excruciating pain, but before the light sensitivity, is the constant ringing in my ears. My chronic migraines stem from a concussion so I guess that knocked a screw loose, but it has been over ten years and the headaches and noise are driving me crazy! Does anyone else hear the ringing?
1. Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
 Hi <inline-mention username="hsully04" user-id="4377020"/> I'm right there with you! I also sustained a nasty concussion in 1996 which triggered chronic migraine and a whole host of other issues. It's not that the concussion "caused" these issues, rather it triggered them. Let me share information on cause vs. trigger; <a href='https://migraine.com/expert/argh-trigger-is-not-cause-dont-let-them-get-away-with-it' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/expert/argh-trigger-is-not-cause-dont-let-them-get-away-with-it</a>. We also have lots of information on concussion and migraine here; <a href='https://migraine.com/search?s=concussion' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/search?s=concussion</a>. Yup! I also have tinnitus along with chronic migraine, many of us do. Some days are worse than others. Have you mentioned this to your doctor? If not, you may want to at your next visit. For more information on this here you go; <a href='https://migraine.com/search?s=tinnitus' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/search?s=tinnitus</a>. Sending you pain free wishes, and I look forward to hearing from you. Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>Migraine.com</a> Team
Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="hsully04" user-id="4377020"/> I'm sorry to hear that you had a concussion and that is prompted migraine. That's a tough combination. Are you working with a neurologist or a headache specialist? Have you had any physical therapy or bodywork since the concussion? I don't know if you feel that might help with the ringing in the ear. Also here's an article that you might find helpful. https://migraine.com/blog/tinnitus Best Alene, moderator