Migraines Are No Joke
Disclaimer: This post does not include actual medical advice, just the experience of someone who suffers from migraines.
Who knew kids with motion sickness can turn into adults with migraines? Not me until a few years ago. Woof. What a turn of events. Randomly starting a few years ago (once I turned 30), often when I took a flight, an Uber, train, etc. - I got super nauseous either instantly or progressively in the hours following the “trip” , followed by a crazy headache, blurred vision, light sensitivity, dizziness or aura- always leading to the point of flu-like nausea and vomiting. I was like, what is happening to me?! I had to (and still do) miss out or leave early for so. many. social. events and barely make it out in time (most of the time).
After finally getting into a neurologist last year, I’m now fully informed about vestibular migraines and currently trying to find the best treatments to be able to go about my daily life. Literally up until 2022 (ish) I had ZERO idea about migraines, never had any, didn’t really pay attention to them being a chronic illness- I was completely uninformed. There are so many types of diff migraines, with different symptoms and experiences and it’s so stressful and frustrating to navigate. I’m slowly figuring out what helps/what doesn’t, my triggers, and I’m optimistic I can figure this out with both my neurologist and family doctor so I’m not literally getting a migraine anytime I go anywhere without driving myself. A LOT of folks suffer from migraines- especially those with periods. Are you suffering from migraines? What drugs and therapies do you use (prescribed from your medical provider)? What are your triggers? I’m currently using abortive therapies (drugs that help when I have symptoms) as well as a daily blood pressure drug- with some improvements. I’ve heard Botox is life-changing from others suffering from migraines. Of course our healthcare system is not perfect and is completely under-resourced- but thank goodness we live in Canada. We can’t forget this and we need to support and vote in politicians who recognize how important our health care system is and being able to access care.
Rachel, Founder of Here for Her