Migraine World Summit (18/31)

  18 of 31 - SOLSC 2021

So many things happen each year in March, making a pretty crazy month. They are great things and I am happy that they occur, yet I am often feeling like "when it rains it pours".

One of the things that takes hours of my time in March is the Migraine World Summit. If you, or someone you love, has migraine disease - it is a must. If you don't, the way to reduce stigma is through understanding.

The Migraine World Summit is a series of interviews with world leaders in the field of migraine discussing the latest treatments, research, and best practice. On top of all of that, you can access each interview for free! 

This year's summit began yesterday and goes until the 25th. Each day there are several interviews posted, with access for 24 hours. (Time Zone Bingo is in effect as it is a world wide event, so figuring out what time each day 'begins' will be different, depending on your location in the world.)

Last night I thought deeply about pathways. Migraine is such a puzzle; different for each person and doesn't always look the same day to day. I was reminded of how much chronic migraine sucks. I continued to learn about my disease and reflected on the journey of educating myself and how important it is to be able to know what options are available.

I am thankful to wake up this morning pain free. I try to not let days that start this way go unappreciated. Part of my story is tied up with the Migraine World Summit and a greater understanding of migraine. 

I found my way to the information through a friend's FaceBook post years ago. My hope is that at least one person learns something new about their situation with migraine and is able to improve their life because of it.

On The Horizon (25/31)

25 of 31 - SOLSC 2019

The wind is gusting,
sending things tossing about;
rubbish, hair, dust.
The clouds are gathering,
swallowing up the blue,
dimming the morning light.
The pressure is mounting;
on the barometer and
in my head.
The inevitable is on the horizon.
Rain will fall.
Pressure will be released.
But will it come before the migraine
has a chance to do much destruction?

Rolling By (17/31)

17 of 31 - SOLSC 2019

The dream faded slowly, replaced by pain in my head. The room was pitch dark - the house quiet; some time in the middle of the night. Rolling over I grappled for my phone, with the press of a button a soft light showed 3:12 a.m. The pain still in my head, legs about to swing out from under the covers, I heard a rumbling. 

Oh! If there is a storm about to start that explains the pain in my head and perhaps I won't need to take anything - the pain will burst with the rain. 

I pad across the tiles to the bathroom watching the room briefly illuminate as lightning flashes across the sky. Back to the cozy sheets, listening to the rain drive down; rumbling turning to crashes, I sit in bed scrolling through Facebook.

The storm and the pain roll away and I'm snuggled back into bed for another hour of sleep.

Slow Learner (4/31)

4 of 31 - SOLSC 2019

Cincinnati, Ohio on a chilly fall evening in 1998 I perused a book store in a mall, not because I loved books - which I did, but because the setting sun was too bright for the pain that was in my head.

That's the first time I can tell you I had something that was more than a headache.

I was diagnosed in 2000 and began my journey to living the best life I can with migraine disease. The doctor whom I worked with back then insisted that I take some medication at the first indication of an attack. I have had hundreds, perhaps thousands, of opportunities to practice my learning and yet I still have moments, like this one...

As I walk from the bedroom to the laundry room I become aware of something. After a moment of pausing I realize the feeling all too well, but think 'oh, I can drink a bunch of water, not lift anything, and I'll be OK'. 

Why have I not learned that if I take one over-the-counter pill at that point I could probably nip it in the bud without the need to go to abortive medication?! Why do I still fight the idea of taking a pill as being something 'bad'?! Why do I think the outcome this time will be any different than all of the hundreds of times before?

I must be a slow learner.