I’m Alive And It Wasn’t Just A Headache

Migraine suffers would never describe the pain from a migraine as 'just a headache', but many if not most who are unfamiliar with migraines frequently classify these debilitating events in such a manner.

Sinus headaches are bad as are those resulting from tension, but the debilitating pain from a Migraine is almost indescribable. Few understand, and even fewer show compassion, when faced with someone complaining of migraine pain.

Some people see auras or squiggly lines that warn a migraine is on the way. I don't suffer from Migraines with Aura, but on those times I have particularly bad ones, I can look back and see the signs were there.

Yesterday, I noticed a little difficulty forming some words and at times I even slurred a little. I chalked it up to not resting well the night before but honestly didn't think much about it Around 11:00 pm, I began feeling the tell-tale vice closing in on my head accompanied by the dull knife-like throbbing on the left side of my head.

I use abortive medications like Imitrex which are taken at the onset of a migraine, but only two can be taken within a 24 hour period. After you've met your limit, you either suffer until it goes away or get a shot that knocks you out for a looooong time. I rarely choose the latter (unless you count the time I was convinced I was suffering a stroke) because I feel like I've lost a day of my life. 99% of the time, Imitrex works but this time, it didn't. I finally broke out the emergency migraine big gun that would allow me to sleep but without the long-term hangover effect.

I was headache free after I woke up later in the day but I still felt empty of any energy. It can take a while to recover from a bad episode but I'm so thankful I have a husband who gets to work making the room dark and keeping the boys from disturbing me. He'll never know how much I appreciate his consideration. He regularly reminds me to make sure I have enough refills or if I have enough medication on hand because he knows they can happen at anytime. Migraines affect more than just the individual.

If you suspect you suffer from migraines, make yourself see a neurologist. The time lost from a bad event can be cut down significantly.You can actually nip a migraine in the bud within the first 5 minutes. Excedrin Migraine has proven quite effective as well.

If you are fortunate enough to not be a sufferer, be understanding of those who do and never think it's just a headache.

I found this interesting, but short video of migraine sufferers showing how they demonstrate migraine pain. It's a shocking illustration but I found myself identifying with many of the examples featured.

If you think this is unrealistic, you couldn't be further from the truth.