Do you remember your first Migraine? What was it like? Show your support by Commenting!
I began getting migraines at a very young age I was in elementary school when they began. This was in the early 1980s. At that time most doctors did not take migraines seriously. Luckily today that has changed.
When I got my first migraine, I remember being at school one day and my head began to hurt. I became very nauseous. I sat down on the ground to try to keep from falling. The next thing I knew a teacher was standing above me asking if I was okay. She took me to the office where I got physically sick.
My parents took me to see a doctor. He told my parents it was just stress. Over the course of my teens, the migraines became worse. I had several more instances of passing out. I saw several more doctors, but nobody ever took it seriously.
Read more: Living with Chronic Migraines
When I was in my early 20s, I was finally diagnosed with chronic migraines. That means I have 15 or more migraine days a month. I have tried many things over the years. Some things worked, but only for a short while. Eventually, the migraines came back. The only thing that gave me any long-term relief were the daith piercings I got a few years ago.
With these piercings, I went from 15 to 20 migraine days a month down to 2 or 3. Unfortunately, the piercings fell out recently. I have not had a chance to see if I can have them redone.
For me, not all migraines are the same. Most days they are mild. My neck becomes very stiff and sore. I feel as though someone has their boot on the back of my neck. It also feels like the joints need to pop, but they won’t. My eyes will throb, and there is pressure in my temples. All of this is accompanied by irritation, fatigue, and confusion.
Read more: On a Hunt for a Magical Cure for Migraine
On the worst days, I will have all of the above and more. My whole head will throb. The nausea is nearly unbearable. My eyes will ache, feeling like they are about to burst. I often have blurry vision. Occasionally I will experience blindness in my left eye.
When I get hit by one of these migraines nothing will help. I have to lay down in a quiet room with no light. Any light or sound will cause me to vomit. After one of these episodes, I have to battle fatigue for days.
After battling this disorder for more than 30 years, I still cannot get used to the pain and discomfort. I try not to let it stop me, or even slow me down. I try my best to continue on through life as best I can.
Read more: Diapers for Migraine Headaches
But depression and anxiety are two common side effects as well. When you see the things you miss, or cannot do, you get depressed. Constantly fighting the confusion and fatigue causes anxiety.
I do my best. That’s all of us can do.
