There are lots of myths and misconceptions about Migraine. Which one tops your list as the biggest and most common? What can we do to get the truth out there?
The #1 thing that bothers me the most about Cluster Headache misconceptions, is the pain. I ALWAYS hear, "Oh! It's just a headache, get over it." OK, I'll remember that next time I'm writhing in agony, banging my head on the floor. (Sarcasm ia wonderful isn't it?) If you've never experienced a Cluster before all I can tell you is congratulations!!! It is so horrific, I wouldn't wish it on my worse enemy!! I always describe my Clusters as a demon running an amok in my head. Poking, prodding, stabbing at whatever sanity still exists. However, I did a little bit of research so this may be a teeny bit more helpful.
A cluster headache strikes quickly, usually without warning. Typical signs and symptoms include:
-Excruciating pain, generally located in or around the eye, but may radiate to other areas of the face, head, neck and shoulders
-One-sided pain
-Restlessness
-Excessive tearing
-Redness in the eye of the affected side
-Stuffy or runny nasal passage in the nostril on the affected side of your face
-Sweaty, pale skin (pallor) on the face
-Swelling around the eye on the affected side of your face
-Reduced pupil size
Drooping eyelid
The pain of a cluster headache is often described as sharp, penetrating or burning. People with this condition say that the pain feels like a hot poker being stuck in the eye or that the eye is being pushed out of its socket. People with cluster headache appear restless, preferring to pace or sit and rock back and forth to soothe the attack. In contrast to people with migraine, people with cluster headache usually avoid lying down during an attack because this position seems to increase the pain.
Some migraine-like symptoms, including nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and aura, may occur with a cluster headache, though usually on one side. Via http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cluster-headache/DS00487/DSECTION=symptoms
I really in all honestly think that to get the word out there is AWARENESS!! So many of my friends on Facebook have to be annoyed with my ever constant headache posts. But how will anyone know, if I don't put it out there for people to see?!
Wishing you all a pain free day. I see a couch that DESPERATELY needs my company today =[
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Migraine Awareness Month #6: Name That Tune!
Choose a theme song for Migraine disease or your headache disorder.
Ok, you must know one thing about me. I LOVE music! So this is very hard for me to choose just one theme song. I like such a wide variety, that some of which may not be "family" friendly. So, I've narrowed it down to a few songs (which do not contain potty mouth) & I've posted the lyrics below.
Been disconnected for so long
And left my mark here along the way
So many years have come and gone
So many fears have remained the same
It turns to silence
A silence sometimes I can hear
Internal violence
A struggle deep within what if
What if I leave, could I still breathe
What if I breathe, could I still be
And if I leave, would I be me
I lost my hope along the way
-What If
If I were to write a song TO my headaches this would be it:
I can't bear to face what's growing in my head
Please get away from me
Take advantage of what I feel, yes you do
One day you'll beg for me
So I'm saying nothing
Each day taking that much more
As I'm screaming all my pain
You will be there counting
You just see me as something you throw around
You weren't there for me
Beating down to the ground
Yes it always seems
You take more from me
So I'm saying nothing
Each day taking that much more
As I'm screaming all my pain
You will be there counting
-Counting by Korn
I hurt so bad inside.
I wish you could see the world through my eyes.
Each day is the same
I just wanna laugh again.
Keep hoping.
Nothing to spare.
So my life.
Isn't quite there.
-Dirty by Korn
Where do I take this pain of mine?
I run but it stays right by my side
So tear me open and pour me out
There's things inside that scream and shout
And the pain still hates me
So hold me until it sleeps
Just like the curse, just like a stray
You feed it once and now it stays
Now it stays
So tear me open but beware
There's things inside without a care
And the dirt still stains me
So wash me until I'm clean
It grips you so hold me
It stains you so hold me
It hates you so hold me
It holds you so hold me
Until it sleeps
So tell me why you've chosen me
Don't want your grip
Don't want your greed
Don't want it
I'll tear me open, make you gone
( From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/metallica-lyrics/until-it-sleeps-lyrics.html )
No more can you hurt anyone
And the fear still shakes me
So hold me until it sleeps
It grips you so hold me
It stains you so hold me
It hates you so hold me
It holds you, holds you
Holds you until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
I don't want it
I don't want it, want it, want it
Want it, want it, no
So tear me open but beware
There's things inside without a care
And the dirt still stains me
So wash me 'til I'm clean
I'll tear thee open, make you gone
No longer will you hurt anyone
And the hate still shapes me
So hold me until it sleeps
-Until It Sleeps by Metallica
Happy Wednesday to all!!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Ok, you must know one thing about me. I LOVE music! So this is very hard for me to choose just one theme song. I like such a wide variety, that some of which may not be "family" friendly. So, I've narrowed it down to a few songs (which do not contain potty mouth) & I've posted the lyrics below.
Been disconnected for so long
And left my mark here along the way
So many years have come and gone
So many fears have remained the same
It turns to silence
A silence sometimes I can hear
Internal violence
A struggle deep within what if
What if I leave, could I still breathe
What if I breathe, could I still be
And if I leave, would I be me
I lost my hope along the way
-What If
If I were to write a song TO my headaches this would be it:
I can't bear to face what's growing in my head
Please get away from me
Take advantage of what I feel, yes you do
One day you'll beg for me
So I'm saying nothing
Each day taking that much more
As I'm screaming all my pain
You will be there counting
You just see me as something you throw around
You weren't there for me
Beating down to the ground
Yes it always seems
You take more from me
So I'm saying nothing
Each day taking that much more
As I'm screaming all my pain
You will be there counting
-Counting by Korn
I hurt so bad inside.
I wish you could see the world through my eyes.
Each day is the same
I just wanna laugh again.
Keep hoping.
Nothing to spare.
So my life.
Isn't quite there.
-Dirty by Korn
Where do I take this pain of mine?
I run but it stays right by my side
So tear me open and pour me out
There's things inside that scream and shout
And the pain still hates me
So hold me until it sleeps
Just like the curse, just like a stray
You feed it once and now it stays
Now it stays
So tear me open but beware
There's things inside without a care
And the dirt still stains me
So wash me until I'm clean
It grips you so hold me
It stains you so hold me
It hates you so hold me
It holds you so hold me
Until it sleeps
So tell me why you've chosen me
Don't want your grip
Don't want your greed
Don't want it
I'll tear me open, make you gone
( From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/metallica-lyrics/until-it-sleeps-lyrics.html )
No more can you hurt anyone
And the fear still shakes me
So hold me until it sleeps
It grips you so hold me
It stains you so hold me
It hates you so hold me
It holds you, holds you
Holds you until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
Until it sleeps
I don't want it
I don't want it, want it, want it
Want it, want it, no
So tear me open but beware
There's things inside without a care
And the dirt still stains me
So wash me 'til I'm clean
I'll tear thee open, make you gone
No longer will you hurt anyone
And the hate still shapes me
So hold me until it sleeps
-Until It Sleeps by Metallica
Happy Wednesday to all!!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Migraine Awareness Month #5: "Do That To Me One More Time."
What comfort measure do you find helps you enough during a Migraine that you go back to it again and again, and how do you use it?
I'm telling you after I received this pillow, I don't know what I did before it!! You can fold, twist & maneuver this to any position that fits your needs. The one side is a soft Velour, while the other is a silky nylon. It's not hard nor overly soft either! It's completely portable & small enough to be packed w/ you for car rides etc. It now comes in very snazzy prints, zebra & I believe camouflage. Had I known that when it first came out, I would've waited for the print versions. Now I'm stuck with the drab blue. Ha ha!! You can find the pillow @ Walmart. A few years ago it was $14.98. I don't know if the price has went up, or if the printed ones are more expensive. Oh!! I've owned & used the pillow for close to 2 years. It has retained it's shape quite well. Its almost molded to the shape of my head!! (I hope this doesn't sound like I'm writing a consumer review! Oh well, I am actually!)
This is by far my favorite pillow. That is when the pain isn't so bad to the point where I can't lay down! I have so many other rituals that make me feel comforted, but I could then drone on for hours...
Hope this was helpful!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Migraine Awareness Month #4: "June Is Bustin' Out All Over!"
Whats the best tip you can offer others for having some summer fun despite Migraines? Be a hermit!! Don't leave the house!! Oh no, I'm just kidding...
My fellow Cluster Headache sufferers:
If you are anything like me where no medications can prevent the demon living in your head from going bat crap crazy, I have no help to give you. I'm a ticking time bomb, I never know when or where the monster will rear its ugly head!! 80+ meds & still no relief!! My only abortive
measure is my beloved oxygen. And that's only if I can catch the Cluster w/ in 2-3 mins!!!
Tension/ Exertion Headaches:
One simple rule here. DON'T OVER DO IT!! The heat is not your friend! It does not like you & will make you suffer immensely!! Another thing, if you feel nasty that hermit idea sounds pretty good huh?! Nice A/C will sooo soothe a throbbing tension headache! HA HA!!
I recommend having a few simple items with you in case you leave the comfort of your abode:
1. Medications / portable Oxygen
2. An ice pack in the cooler
3. Sunglasses
4. A pillow for your back, neck, or for elevating feet
5. Water DRINK PLENTY OF IT!!
6. A snack. Just in case you can't handle a heavy meal
Also there's one other simple rule to remember here, now pay attention because all of us can learn from this. Ready?! IT'S OK TO SAY NO!! If you don't feel well, there's absolutely no reason to put your body through it. Give yourself some slack! YOUR HEALTH is way more important!! (Believe me, I'm still struggling with this) But you know what? If you have understanding people around you, you won't be letting anyone down but yourself. You know, the guilt you implement on yourself for missing out, & feeling like a burden. Sound familiar?!
I hope this helped! Have a fantastic Monday!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
My fellow Cluster Headache sufferers:
If you are anything like me where no medications can prevent the demon living in your head from going bat crap crazy, I have no help to give you. I'm a ticking time bomb, I never know when or where the monster will rear its ugly head!! 80+ meds & still no relief!! My only abortive
measure is my beloved oxygen. And that's only if I can catch the Cluster w/ in 2-3 mins!!!
Tension/ Exertion Headaches:
One simple rule here. DON'T OVER DO IT!! The heat is not your friend! It does not like you & will make you suffer immensely!! Another thing, if you feel nasty that hermit idea sounds pretty good huh?! Nice A/C will sooo soothe a throbbing tension headache! HA HA!!
I recommend having a few simple items with you in case you leave the comfort of your abode:
1. Medications / portable Oxygen
2. An ice pack in the cooler
3. Sunglasses
4. A pillow for your back, neck, or for elevating feet
5. Water DRINK PLENTY OF IT!!
6. A snack. Just in case you can't handle a heavy meal
Also there's one other simple rule to remember here, now pay attention because all of us can learn from this. Ready?! IT'S OK TO SAY NO!! If you don't feel well, there's absolutely no reason to put your body through it. Give yourself some slack! YOUR HEALTH is way more important!! (Believe me, I'm still struggling with this) But you know what? If you have understanding people around you, you won't be letting anyone down but yourself. You know, the guilt you implement on yourself for missing out, & feeling like a burden. Sound familiar?!
I hope this helped! Have a fantastic Monday!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Migraine Awareness Month #3: Just shoot me now!
Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #3: "Just shoot me now!" What's your worst Migraine trigger? Can you avoid it? How do you handle it? Oh, triggers. How I despise the... I have so many that break me down, leaving me incapacitated in its wake.
Heat/ Humidity: Picture this. It's a beautiful 85 degree summer day. Your family is over & you are having a cook out. Being outside in this heat has made you start sweating profusely. You're completely saturated. Then you start to feel this tightening in your head. It feels like a rubber band being squeezed around your cranium, to the point where you can't possibly take anymore. Oh! And then comes the fun part. Nausea!! You can't eat, you can't possibly smell the food being cooked all around you. If you're lucky you won't gag in front of your guests. If not, it'll all come up. Yes, you guessed it! Every single pair of eyes are on you, while your doing the unthinkable!! There's nothing you can do to prevent this whole ordeal. No amount of water, medication or positive thinking NOTHING!! Besides, worrying what's going on inside of your body, already makes it impossible to put on "the happy face". There's no grin & bear it anymore. Your making a spectacle of yourself & EVERYONE around you knows it!! Welcome to my summer...
Stress: I know, I know everyone has the stress issue. So there's really no need to elaborate on this one, eh? There's things I can do to help calm myself down, but it always seems to bite me in the butt!!
Lack of sleep: Yet again, this one I dont really need to elaborate on... It happens due to immense, conatant pain, or stress.
Depression: But ofcourse this one HAS to go on my list. With everything I've been going through lately this one is inevitable. Especially when it's all mixed with mind racing, worrying, anexiety etc. Fun times!! The antidepressants haven't taken effect yet. So all I can do is reach out & ask others for help. But most of all, BREATHE!! Things will be ok, I know this. However, when I start to get panicky, life doesn't seem as easy as it should be.
Knowing & learning when I need to relax: This has proven to be REALLY, I MEAN REALLY hard for me. There's always something that needs to be done, obviously because I'm so anal. Dishes can't be left in the sink & everything NEEDS to be in its spot. Oh, my Husband, Mother & Father can tell you how "particular" I am. HA HA!! I need to learn when to relax & DO IT!! I'm always to worried about everyone else, but not about me & my condition.I think that's about it...
I can't think of anything else. My brain is so fried right now trying to throw around ideas. Anywhoo I think this is pretty long anyway!!
Have a happy painfree Sunday everyone!!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Heat/ Humidity: Picture this. It's a beautiful 85 degree summer day. Your family is over & you are having a cook out. Being outside in this heat has made you start sweating profusely. You're completely saturated. Then you start to feel this tightening in your head. It feels like a rubber band being squeezed around your cranium, to the point where you can't possibly take anymore. Oh! And then comes the fun part. Nausea!! You can't eat, you can't possibly smell the food being cooked all around you. If you're lucky you won't gag in front of your guests. If not, it'll all come up. Yes, you guessed it! Every single pair of eyes are on you, while your doing the unthinkable!! There's nothing you can do to prevent this whole ordeal. No amount of water, medication or positive thinking NOTHING!! Besides, worrying what's going on inside of your body, already makes it impossible to put on "the happy face". There's no grin & bear it anymore. Your making a spectacle of yourself & EVERYONE around you knows it!! Welcome to my summer...
Stress: I know, I know everyone has the stress issue. So there's really no need to elaborate on this one, eh? There's things I can do to help calm myself down, but it always seems to bite me in the butt!!
Lack of sleep: Yet again, this one I dont really need to elaborate on... It happens due to immense, conatant pain, or stress.
Depression: But ofcourse this one HAS to go on my list. With everything I've been going through lately this one is inevitable. Especially when it's all mixed with mind racing, worrying, anexiety etc. Fun times!! The antidepressants haven't taken effect yet. So all I can do is reach out & ask others for help. But most of all, BREATHE!! Things will be ok, I know this. However, when I start to get panicky, life doesn't seem as easy as it should be.
Knowing & learning when I need to relax: This has proven to be REALLY, I MEAN REALLY hard for me. There's always something that needs to be done, obviously because I'm so anal. Dishes can't be left in the sink & everything NEEDS to be in its spot. Oh, my Husband, Mother & Father can tell you how "particular" I am. HA HA!! I need to learn when to relax & DO IT!! I'm always to worried about everyone else, but not about me & my condition.I think that's about it...
I can't think of anything else. My brain is so fried right now trying to throw around ideas. Anywhoo I think this is pretty long anyway!!
Have a happy painfree Sunday everyone!!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Migraine Awareness Month #2: Tea for Two (Family Q&A)
Hmmm.... If I could invite any living person over for tea, so that they could fully understand my condition... I would invite my whole family. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A BAD THING!! If I had everyone from my Husband's side, plus mine all in one room, I'd have a Headache Conference!! HA HAA!! Q&A?! Sure!!! Hit me with your question!! I really honestly think having everyone all together, they won't feel weird about asking questions. Because someone is bound to ask all the personal ones, plus questions about topics someone maybe is afraid to ask! The best thing about this is, I would be greatful knowing they all showed up for me, plus they would leave with more knowledge then they came in with!!
Let me just clarify here for a second. My family & extended family are the best support group I could ever ask for. All I mean by this topic is, there has to be something someone out there is afraid to ask me. In a group setting that person may feel more comfortable to ask that question. I know some are more knowledgeable on my daily life than others. All I want out of this "tea date" is everyone feeling like they know, understand & comprehend all that I go through. Also to not feel ashamed, or burdened by asking me ANYTHING! I'm an open book, I'll always answer anything!!
Hmmm, this may just have to happen!! Great idea huh?! I'm sooo giving myself a pat on the back for this one!!! =]
Have a great pain free day everyone!!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Let me just clarify here for a second. My family & extended family are the best support group I could ever ask for. All I mean by this topic is, there has to be something someone out there is afraid to ask me. In a group setting that person may feel more comfortable to ask that question. I know some are more knowledgeable on my daily life than others. All I want out of this "tea date" is everyone feeling like they know, understand & comprehend all that I go through. Also to not feel ashamed, or burdened by asking me ANYTHING! I'm an open book, I'll always answer anything!!
Hmmm, this may just have to happen!! Great idea huh?! I'm sooo giving myself a pat on the back for this one!!! =]
Have a great pain free day everyone!!
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Migraine Awareness Month Blogging Challenge #1: Your First for the First.
Share the story of your first Migraine, what it was like, if you knew what it was, what you did, how you felt.
If you have a different headache disorder, please join us! Just substitute your headache disorder for Migraine and share with us.
My first experience with a Cluster Headache started in the middle of the night on September 29th 2006. I was 25, a newlywed & enjoying life. Around 2am I was sleeping soundly & was awoken with the most terrifying pain. The stabbing & burning agony was centered around my right eye, forehead, & temple. I honestly thought I had developed a brain tumor! I crawled on to the floor, laid there on my hands & knees with my head in my hands. I rocked back & forth, also while sporadically banging my head on the hardwood floor. I cried endlessly & shrieked out in pure agony. While also begging & pleading for the thunderous pain end! After 20 minutes, it stopped completely. I was dumbfounded because there was no pain at all, it just stopped! The only signs of its reign of terror was leaving me lethargic & feeling like I got ran over by a U-Haul moving truck. I was immensely shocked & terrified by what occurred. I couldn't believe it at first. It seemed to me like it was the worst nightmare in history. Then my poor Husband watching it all helpless to its wrath, broke my heart!! He couldn't believe it either! He kept asking me was I OK. All I could mutter was yes & I fell back asleep.
If you have a different headache disorder, please join us! Just substitute your headache disorder for Migraine and share with us.
My first experience with a Cluster Headache started in the middle of the night on September 29th 2006. I was 25, a newlywed & enjoying life. Around 2am I was sleeping soundly & was awoken with the most terrifying pain. The stabbing & burning agony was centered around my right eye, forehead, & temple. I honestly thought I had developed a brain tumor! I crawled on to the floor, laid there on my hands & knees with my head in my hands. I rocked back & forth, also while sporadically banging my head on the hardwood floor. I cried endlessly & shrieked out in pure agony. While also begging & pleading for the thunderous pain end! After 20 minutes, it stopped completely. I was dumbfounded because there was no pain at all, it just stopped! The only signs of its reign of terror was leaving me lethargic & feeling like I got ran over by a U-Haul moving truck. I was immensely shocked & terrified by what occurred. I couldn't believe it at first. It seemed to me like it was the worst nightmare in history. Then my poor Husband watching it all helpless to its wrath, broke my heart!! He couldn't believe it either! He kept asking me was I OK. All I could mutter was yes & I fell back asleep.
H.O.P.E
HOLD ON PAIN ENDS
K8 =]
National Migraine Awareness Month is initiated by the National Headache Foundation. The Blogger's Challenge is initiated by www.FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)