I get migraines. I had a few migraines during my college years but they became more prevalent as I aged. The usual culprits like stress, lack of sleep, and head colds, are all sources of my migraines, but most often my migraines are caused by foods. Additives and artificial flavors found in foods are sure to send me holding my head in pain. Unfortunately I often don’t know the source until it is too late!
I have read some historical recounts of migraines and find it fascinating. From thoughts of being possessed to being an oracle, the migraine sufferer suffered various roles.
Also interesting are some of the remedies for migraines found in historical records. Skulls were found with holes drilled through thought to relieve pressure, pain or evil spirits. Eyes were removed for some of the same reasons. Institutionalization, and shock treatments were also popular ways to treat migraine sufferers.
Recently I had a full morning of meetings planned. I woke up with a headache. I took my drug. I followed with 3 Advil, breakfast and a shot of espresso. I showered, dressed, and got ready for my day. The headache was a migraine and it was not responding right away. From experience this indicates time to nap in a dark room.
Last year I had a migraine that I ignored and pushed through to a planned meeting. I cut the meeting short. The meeting was at a hospital and I knew of an interfaith meditation room opposite the surgery waiting room that was hardly used. I knew I could not drive home so I stretched out on the floor of the room and turned off the lights. Sure enough some surgeons in full scrubs entered and discovered me. I assured them I was fine, just a migraine and waiting for the drugs to take hold. Of course being doctors and at a hospital and discovering a middle-aged woman on the floor, they felt obligated to help!
I did learn my lesson from that incident and stayed home this time. I napped for 2 hours and woke up feeling cold feet, not aching head and knew I was OK. My cat who feels she must babysit was relieved too.
Are you a migraine sufferer? What works for you? Have you ever found yourself on the floor someplace waiting for your drugs to kick in?
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Yes I get them. I started getting them in 1982 and I'm still suffering. I get the aura, weakness, headache, sickness and ye, I have been on the floor with it too - also at work. horrid isn't it and I sympathise with you. My migraines were worse when I was going through the menopause and now at 63 they are not so bad. Mine last on average 3 to 4 days and have stopped me doing all sorts of things. It is very hard to plan a day out or a trip to a theatre because these events are expensive and you don't want to be ill on the day, do you.
February 28, 2015 - 11:14amI find that Sudafed tablets help me the most. I don't know why but they do seem to clear my head. I take one or two painkillers a day but they don't really touch the pain. It is pain day and night for the duration and very exhausting. My doctor gave me a migraine specific tablet but it just makes me sleepy and I still have the pain.
I live in hope that there will be a cure one day or at least someone will find out why some people get them and others don't.
Keep strong and know that you are not alone.
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Thanks. I have never tried Sudafed so I will add that to my Migraine toolbox of fixes!
March 7, 2015 - 11:46amThis Comment