Migraine

For the longest time the only people in my world who understood my migraines and what to look for and what to do were my best friend and my kids.

After reading posts about how supportive and also how confused family and friends were on the subject I decided to come up with a plan that my new DH could use. I thought I would share the idea with you too.

In previous posts, I mentioned I have a tendency to be pretty stubborn when it comes to asking for help. Since our move the “burden” has fallen upon my DH to figure out what to do. I realize now that if I was just up front about it all it wouldn’t frustrate him or me.

So, my brilliant idea – at least brilliant to me – is to put everything to look for on a dry erase board in our bedroom. It includes what to look for before the migraine ie; jumbled words, moodiness, or saying “I need to sleep” among other items and also includes what to do during the migraine; basically – feed and water me, give me kisses and let me know he loves me and also when it is time to go to the ER (a thing I HATE to do).

He said he finds it very helpful and hopes I will add more items to it when I think of them. Just thought I would share my idea and I hope it helps others in the same boat of stubbornness as me.

What a great idea Laura. I think sometimes it is helpful for our significant others to have concrete things they can see and do to help with our pain.

Could you do me a favor and post this in the 4Partners, Families, Friends folder? I think others may benefit from this great idea.

Thanks so much.

This is an awesome idea! I often think that I hide too much of how I feel once the pain strikes. This would help my dh know what to look for and how to help.

Thanks Laura! This rocks!

I put in a shortcut to friends and family folder too!

Nancy and Eileen-I admit, I am flattered by your responses! <blushing>

Eileen-thanks for creating the shortcut!

I also think it is a great idea. When my "boy"friend read the migraine chapter in Teri's book, for weeks he would go and tell me "you do this, you do that" you must have aura, you will get a migraine. It was the funniest thing ever. But I bet he would apppreciate a chart or something like that, he could check when he is unsure.

LauraM, that is brilliant! Blush all ya want honey, you're a genius!

BTW, my DH has noticed I get a funny look on my face, all scrinched up, when I'm getting one. My migraine specialist says that it's a clinically confirmed phenomenon, well known in the profession. Might be something else to look for...

Thanks!
LauraSue

Thanks for the idea. I'll mention it to my darling DH. He feels helpless, I know, but he doesn't want to show his frustration.

I'm going to make one for myself, too. Sometimes I forget about things like my ice wraps or my precious Real Coke.

Gretchen

quote:

Originally posted by gwp:
Thanks for the idea. I'll mention it to my darling DH. He feels helpless, I know, but he doesn't want to show his frustration.

Gretchen

Same here. My DH would do anything- but it's the lack of "something to do" that drives him insane. Of course, I'm forum-ming with a low grade migraine, so the action of actually MAKING hthe chart... Ehhh.. Not so much right now. But I will do this when I'm feeling better enough to write something other than "get ice pack for Jamie" "Tell Jamie she's slurring her words and to go lay down."

That is so cool! I've never thought of something like this, but it's brilliant!

We always want a protocol in place for us to follow so we can know what to do to help ourselves, but so often with migraine it's an effort to communicate what we need from those around us. This kind of thing takes the guesswork out of things and I'm sure will alleviate all kinds of frustration for family and friends.

Very clever, indeed, and so worthy of a seven smilie salute...

Laura,
What a great idea. My DH helps me out so much, all the time. He has learned the signs, and sometimes knows before I do that one is coming on. He does a lot of reading and research on migraines and treatments. For the most part, he knows when to leave me alone and when I really need a hug or support.

The only thing I am really stubborn about is going to the hospital. I hate it, just like everyone I am sure, and will do just about anything to avoid it. I only go if I feel like I am about to die and it just goes on and on. I was actually close earlier, but i got it calmed down. It is ramping back up some now, but I just took some more meds and will probably be back in the bed soon.

Sorry I am rambling (again)! I will stop now.

quote:

Originally posted by dragondroolHOST:
Very clever, indeed, and so worthy of a seven smilie salute...

Very cool, an official seven smilie Droolie seal of approval! LauraM, now you can't ever leave the forum even if you stop having migraines completely! You are OURS, you hear, OURS, and we'll never let you go!

Too bad we don't have a gold star "smiley". ANyone who knows how to get a gold star here .. get it here for Laura... she deserves it!!!

Ummmm, all I can think of are three things right now....gee I must look dumb with this goofy smile (seven at that) on my face; my face is red enough for Santa and lastly (forgive me if I get it wrong) but in the movie Wayne's World when Wayne and Garth bow down to (insert who, because I can't remember) and say "We're not worthy, we're not worthy"....

LauraSue...so what your saying is it's like the mafia...once your in you can't get out? Not that I want to!! Especially after this major boost of kudo's!!

I wonder if that is what my oldest son sees in me right before I migraine. I always thought it was in my eyes but maybe not.

Of course, my face is usually one of confusion

quote:

Originally posted by LauraSue:
LauraM, that is brilliant! Blush all ya want honey, you're a genius!

BTW, my DH has noticed I get a funny look on my face, all scrinched up, when I'm getting one. My migraine specialist says that it's a clinically confirmed phenomenon, well known in the profession. Might be something else to look for...

Thanks!
LauraSue

I'm so happy to hear that! BTW, you are the one who inspired me to drink a Coke when migraining. I usually stick to just water BORING but yesterday I had a mini-me Real Coke....loved it!!

quote:

Originally posted by gwp:
Thanks for the idea. I'll mention it to my darling DH. He feels helpless, I know, but he doesn't want to show his frustration.

I'm going to make one for myself, too. Sometimes I forget about things like my ice wraps or my precious Real Coke.

Gretchen