Stress is the perfect word for the free space in the center of a buzzword bingo card. Whether as a noun or a verb, stress is everything from a legitimate cause of illness to a convenient, plausible excuse for bad behavior. I’m not sure if my cynical take on the idea of stress and anxiety […]
I was born and raised a Kansan. My parents taught me about weather awareness at an early age. Living in Tornado Alley requires a few safety precautions to boost one’s confidence and chances of surviving the wrath of nature. We know the rules by heart. Keep an eye on the sky when conditions are favorable […]
Relationships are strange creatures composed of similarities and differences bound together by an invisible connection. Coming to terms with another human being’s quirks is difficult enough without adding migraine into the mix. Relationship baggage comes in all shapes and sizes. Entering a relationship with me means you better be prepared for me to unpack stubbornness, […]
I’m on the outside looking in at a life larger than me. Migraine requires a departure from a society that doesn’t wait for me to be well again. Time moves forward with or without my involvement. I volunteer at a local cat rescue. I’m part of a group of women of various ages coming together […]
As a migraine warrior, I walk a thin line every day. I best avoid triggers when I vary little from my daily routines. Not too much or too little sleep, not too much or too little food, not too much or too little caffeine, and limited exposure to glares and certain odors. A change in […]
Triggers play a huge role in the life of a migraine warrior. We spend countless days searching for clues to uncover the secret behind what’s causing us pain and suffering. We work hard to decipher the cause and effect we find buried in the activities of our day-to-day lives. Over time, the discovery of our […]
How often have I said, “Where has the time gone?” One day I’m walking the halls of my high school, and the next thing you know I’m cruising through a midlife crisis. Along the way, my migraine illness has evolved from an unnamed ailment to an official diagnosis. Preventive and abortive treatments have helped me […]
Migraine is a sly enemy, waiting in hidden silence for the right trigger to set it off. Figuring out triggers is a time-consuming task requiring skill in educated guessing and frequent use of the process of elimination. There are tons of different items related to sight, sound, smell, and taste that can be the culprits […]
So you’ve just been diagnosed with migraine. Your mind is probably racing in search of answers to questions you haven’t had a chance to formulate yet. Have a seat, my friend. Let’s chat about your newly identified condition. First, I’d like to say I’m sorry you must join the millions of people with migraine. Second, […]
I’m complicated. I enjoy companionship and solitude. I appreciate the freedom of choice and the comforting structure of rules and routines. I’m honored to be approached by friends and family in need of a favor, but I hate asking for help in return. I’m not sure if my motivation for shying away from help when […]
