As someone who’s lived with chronic migraines, I’ve learned that there’s no need to explain myself to those who understand. They get it – the agony, the frustration, and the helplessness that comes with these debilitating headaches. But for those who haven’t experienced migraine pain firsthand, it can be tough to convey just how intense and all-encompassing it is.
I used to struggle to describe my migraines in a way that made sense to others. I’d say things like, “It’s like a really bad headache,” but deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. Migraine pain is more than just a throbbing headache – it’s a sensory overload that can leave you feeling drained and helpless.
So, I decided to get creative and find ways to describe my migraines in a way that would resonate with others. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer! Here are five of my favorite descriptions:
When my husband asked how a particularly nasty migraine attack had felt, I told him it was like having a red-hot waffle iron stuck to the side of my head – and if I could’ve removed that waffle iron and stopped vomiting, I’d have felt much better!
Sometimes, nausea takes over during an attack, making me feel like I’m suffering through a hot yoga class while eating raw chicken from 2007. Yeah, it’s that bad.
During Halloween one year, I found myself comparing my migraines to monster-like creatures. “Imagine Frankenstein’s lightning-filled head,” I told a family member, “and then add flu symptoms. That’s what it’s like.”
When I was pregnant and considering the pain of childbirth, I realized that my years of experience with migraine pain had prepared me for anything. It’s like trying to fix Thanksgiving dinner while in labor – not exactly easy!
And finally, there’s my go-to description: “My migraines feel like my brain is being grilled on a hibachi while my stomach is off eating funnel cake and riding the Tea Cups at Disneyland over and over again.” Yeah, it’s a mouthful, but trust me, it gets the point across!
By sharing these vivid descriptions with others, I hope to break down barriers and help people understand that migraines are more than just really bad headaches. We’re not just dealing with pain – we’re fighting for control and normalcy in the midst of chaos.
So, if you’re a migraine warrior like me, keep on keeping on! And if you know someone who’s struggling with migraines, try to understand what they’re going through by using one of these descriptions. Who knows? You might just help break down those barriers and make them feel less alone.
