I've had seven migraines in the last 12 days. Generally my special medicine works well. But the last three (Thursday, Friday and today) have been rather awful and I've had to take two lots of painkillers and sleep for five or so hours each time. A pity, as they have each begun mid morning, so that virtually writes off the day. And I have a whole lot of end-of-year assignments all due at once too. I do think Tim Nyberg has captured the feeling really well in his painting, 'though, don't you?
Up until now I have told everyone I meet how my life has been so much better since Maxalt came of the market.
I still do highly recommend you try it if you get migraines and haven't encountered it yet.
I've only had two migraines in my life and that was quite bad enough. I can't even start to understand how people such as you and my brother cope. I do hope that they recede and stop interfering with your life - especially over the coming weeks.
ReplyDeleteThank you Geeb! I'm feeling SO much better this evening. Hopefully this swarm is over. :-) I really don't get them very often.
ReplyDeleteBut I do feel for CJ...
Gadzooks! I have never seen a painting before that so captures a migraine so perfectly. Also a Fiji Islander in wearing a ceremonial wedding mask.
ReplyDeleteVerification word is torouria, which if it isn't a town in New Zealand, ought to be.
Sorry the migraines have been tormenting you this week. I'm happy to say that I have never been affected by that particular demon - mind you, I am a sheep!
ReplyDeleteI went to a headache clinic at one time and found that one of my bad triggers MSG or monosodium glutamate in ingredient labels. I pretty much know what I can and cannot get by with eating. I can seldom order anything chicken at a restaurant especially KFC. No flavored chips. No Chinese food unless I order special. Most Sausages and canned soups and bullions are taboo. I must throw away the flavoring packets in Ramens. I have learned to live with (without) all this. Although I still miss the Chee-tos! These are things I can control. Some of the triggers are not as easy.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of triggers
• Stress (your boss).
• Hot, bright sunny days. Flickering light between trees when driving.
• The weather: changes in barometric pressure.
• Strong scents- Some colognes make my mouth feel as if the air is thorny. Gasoline fumes are awful.
• Hair: Accessories pulling the hair; Too long, weighing down.
• Strenuous exercise, including sex, can sometimes lead to headaches.
• Poor posture especially affecting the shoulders and neck (sitting, standing, sleeping).
• Foods (eliminate them all, add back one at a time):
1. Cheese (except American)
2. Red Wine
3. Cold cuts
4. MSG
5. Caffeine
6. Nuts
7. Chocolate
8. Skipping meals
Excedrin often helps. So does BC powder. It must be the caffeine. Funny since caffeine is on the list to avoid. There are also prescription meds that your doctor can prescribe. Some help more than others. What helps one person, might not faze another’s headache.
One last thing:
Lie down in a dark room with a long sock full of rice over your eyebrows. Tuck the tails of it over and behind your ears. The mild pressure feels so good. Some people like cold packs on their foreheads. It’s not for me.