It’s been a while since I’ve written here, and so much has happened! Let me catch you up on my journey with migraines.
It all started when I was in my early 20s, after a water skiing accident left me with chronic migraines. When the first one hit, I thought I was having a stroke – it was that intense! And to make matters worse, my anxiety joined the party. Luckily, my doctor sent me to a specialist in Fonthill who gave me cortisone shots to help manage my symptoms. It wasn’t until I turned 70 that my migraines flared up again, and this time, they were accompanied by aura.
For one and a half years, I was plagued by these debilitating attacks, 24/7. My living room became a makeshift hospital bed, and I felt like I was losing myself in the process. It wasn’t until Dr. S stepped in that I started to feel some relief. She prescribed amitriptyline, which helped me get out of bed and start moving again. But it came at a cost – I lost weight and struggled with anxiety.
As time passed, I went through multiple doctors, each with their own theories and treatments. It was frustrating and isolating, but I refused to give up. And then, a new doctor came to town, and everything changed. They had a pain clinic doctor who started me on beta blockers, which didn’t quite do the trick.
But it wasn’t until I insisted on getting an MRI that we discovered the root cause of my migraines – my spine was in bad shape due to that water skiing accident. With this new information, my doctors recommended surgery, and I finally felt a sense of hope. The procedure was a game-changer – for almost three weeks, I experienced zero pain!
As I look back on this journey, I’m reminded that even in the darkest times, there is always hope. And as I prepare to meet with my doctor again next week, I’m filled with anticipation and a little bit of fear (Will they increase the dosage? Has anyone else had a similar experience?). But for now, I’m choosing to focus on the positive – those two and a half weeks without pain were truly uplifting.
I know that life can get lonely at times, especially when we’re struggling with chronic illnesses. That’s why I want you all to know that you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, feeling like I was missing out on life because of my migraines. But I’ve learned that even in the midst of pain and uncertainty, there is always something to be grateful for.
So, as I wrap up this post, I want to leave you with a sense of hope and encouragement. If you’re struggling with migraines or any other chronic condition, know that you are not alone. There are people who understand what you’re going through, and there is always a way forward – even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
Sending you all my love, good vibes, and prayers
