“My boss doesn’t understand my migraine disease. What do I do?” I see this dilemma pop up in my migraine Facebook group every now and then. The advice given in return ranges anywhere from the passive approach of prayer to the nuclear hammer approach of telling the boss where to go, then finding a new […]

Migraine illness is a bad relationship from which I cannot escape. The best I can do is figure out ways to live with this difficult, fickle creature that controls much of my life. Over the past several decades, I’ve learned a few things to help manage my disease: Don’t eat too much. Don’t eat too […]

The noise of the world exhausts me on a good day. On a migraine day, the noise of the world is nauseating, literally. Those who have migraine need no explanation of what I mean. The power of silence possesses a convenient spot in the seasoned migraineur’s toolbelt. Sensitivity to sound is a common symptom of […]

I don’t use complementary treatments to manage my migraine illness. It’s not that I refuse to try remedies beyond scientifically proven medication. After all, if there are different ways to knock down a migraine episode, why not take advantage of all the options possible?  You don’t know until you try, as they say. Some of […]

Migraine is not what I would call a social illness. In fact, I would describe my migraine disease as quite the opposite. The external view of my migraine disorder is one of solitary pain. I lie on my bed behind a closed door with shades drawn across the windows while the rest of the world […]

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 […]