Migraine

Greetings, Everyone.

I didn't realize I was having migraines a few times a year until my mid thirties when I started experiencing auras. I ran to the eye doctor thinking I had a detached retina, and he laughed and referred me to my internist.

My dad and brother had experience migraines all their lives, and I just thought that these were the "headaches" that all people had. In the last six years, I have had an increased incidence and severity of migraine where I now have up to four migraines a week. I am working with a neurologist and am on preventive medications as well as treatment medications.

I recently had to retire from teaching and consulting online because lengthly time online apppears to be yet another one of my migraine triggers.

I hope to find support and ideas on how to manage my life, including how to focus less on what I can't do and more on what I can do. I feel less isolated already thanks to the many posts I've read.

Hi Kate -

A big welcome to you! My story is a lot like yours. My migraines started getting more frequent in my late 30's and then increased dramatically in my early 40's. I was having around 4 a week 4 years ago, now I'm averaging about 1 a week. It is hard to accept the changes in our lives this can bring. You are on a very positive path to be focusing on what you can do. It's also okay to feel grief for what you've lost. And live in hope to get it back again, as many do when they find effective treatment.

HOpe to see you around the forum. Your username is cute!

- Megs

Hi Kate,

Welcome to the forum! I started having more frequent migraines in my thirties, also. I usually get about 3-4 a week. My neurologist has me on 2 different preventatives. One of them I've been on for about 7 months and the other I've been on for about 4 weeks. I'm still waiting to see if there is a difference.

I hope you find encourangement through this site. Everyone is very friendly and helpful.

Hi UpStateKate,

Welcome to MyMigraineConnection,

Invisible illness can make a person feel very isolated, depressed and lonely. No one sees our pain. It's not like a broken arm where you can see the cast, see the broken bones. Someone here suggested once that we wear a bandage on our heads during a Migraine. Then people would notice!!

Living well with chronic illness it not easy, but can be done. Time, patience and practice, in my humble opinion. Here is some information I hope you find helpful:Migraines and Headaches - Tips for Living Well All Year

Welcome to the forum family Kate! I'm so happy you've found us

I've had migraines for over 20 years and mine increased when I hit 35 but thankfully, I found this forum and it really saved my sanity. I also found a migraine specialist that I travel to Texas to see. I saw him in January and he was able to help me reduce the severity and the length of my migraines. Woo Hoo!!

Do you keep a migraine diary? It is useful to track patterns in your migraines, possible triggers and the effectiveness of your medications.

You should take a look at this article when you get a chance:

Migraines-Where to Start

Once again, from one native NYer to another, welcome!! I look forward to seeing you around the forum.

Welcome, Kate! It looks like the others have gotten you off to a great start with information, so I'll just add my welcome to the pile! Let us know how we can help you.

Welcome Kate,
Like many of the others I started having migraines in my early 20's and than more in my late 30's and than lots in my 40's. I've recently started a preventative that seems to be working. It's nice, really nice to be getting my life back. I have 2 teenage kids and I enjoy enjoying them again.

Please let us know how we can help,

Cindy

I'm a day late, but I wanted to add my welcome.

I had to give up a successful law practice when I was 35 because my head was out of control. I've had a few times here and there since then (16 years) when my preventives worked, but never for long enough to go back to work. I know how hard it is to give up a career, and we're all here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on.

I was comforted when I learned that there were other people who were going through the same things I was. This forum has really helped me.

Looking forward to seeing you around!

Gretchen in Mississippi

Hi, Kate. I know your story will sound familiar to many people. Migraines are very under-diagnosed and under-treated. I had hormonally-triggered migraines throughout my young adulthood, but never really thought anything about them, since ibuprofen controlled them down to 0. I never sought a diagnosis until I became perimenopausal; at that point, the migraines became more frequent, and ibuprofen quit controlling them.

This forum has saved my sanity, as well. And I know I'm better off than many people because my abortive and rescue meds work, and I have a good doctor.

Welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

Hi Kate,

I wanted to add my welcome to the pile!!

Dar

Kate,

Hello and welcome!