Migraine

I did not write this...it was given to me by a Dr. (I can't remember which one...there have been so many). I was expressing to him how frustrating it was that my family just didn't understand...he gave me this to give to them...it helped...maybe it can help someone else.

Please, just be there! Accept, as I have, the fact of a chronic medical condition. Enjoy, as I do, the days when migraine free; but bear with me if there are factors which I prefer to avoid; as always, in the recess of my mind is the need not to trigger a migraine attack. If necessary, help me, work with me, to isolate what factors may trigger attacks, and let us make a joint effort to avoid such mechanisms. Gently remind me if you see me being forgetful, about to do something I shouldn't; but bear with me if sometimes I make a conscious decision to take a chance--and don't say, "I told you so" the next morning--but know that I'll act this way infrequently; but there are times I WANT to forget the need to think about migraine consequences. Accept with me that there might be times when "I" or "we" will have to miss an engagement, will have to change plans--that we'll have to be flexible. Don't stand up for me, but stand up with me, if faced with the myths and misunderstandings that people may have in regard to migraine. If there are times that I ask you to go on without me, do so, without guilt or argument. When an attack starts and you recognize the early symptoms, let me take my medication, retire to a darkened, quiet place to be alone. But, BE THERE. Not sympathy nor empathy nor pity is wanted. What is needed is to know that someone who cares is there, someone who understands. That someone will look in occasionally to bring a cup of tea, a cold pack, and gentle words of encouragement. That someone is there if the attack is lengthy and severe; someone who will make a decision as to obtaining additional medical help and take it out of my hands. But, the best gift you can give is to remove my guilt. And if possible, remove or solve those matters that I think "must be seen to". After an attack, the pain may be gone, but still I may not be thinking straight, so bear with me. Don't pose questions which require a major decision--let me come around gradually. Hope with me that the attacks will ease or cease as one grows older. Seek with me the best medical care. Be with me and encourage me to keep seeking, to try approved therapies, to do as much for myself as I can so that I feel I have a stake in, a part of, a role to play, in finding at least some of the answers to this problem.

REMEMBER, I'M THE SAME PERSON--WITH OR WITHOUT A MIGRAINE!!

Hi, Sassy, welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

That's a beautiful statement.

If you have questions, ask away.

Sassyrph,
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm rather surprised you don't remember the doctor as he/she must have been special.

Cindy

Sassy,

Well said!

Welcome to the forum, I look forward to seeing you around

Thanks for sharing this!

Gretchen in Mississippi