As I reflect on this Christmas season, I’m reminded of a pivotal moment in my life – the day I discovered I had migraine disease. It’s hard to believe that it’s been an entire decade since then! Looking back, I realize how much my life has changed, but also how much I’ve grown and learned.
It all started when I was just 27 years old, sitting in a doctor’s office, feeling a mix of emotions as I received my diagnosis. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of an incredible journey – one that would take me to new heights of advocacy, connection, and growth.
As I look back on those early days, I’m struck by how much I didn’t know about migraine disease. I’d experienced symptoms since childhood, but it wasn’t until my mid-20s that I finally received a diagnosis. And even then, I thought that with the right treatment (Imitrex in hand), my struggles would be behind me.
But, as we all know, migraine disease is notoriously unpredictable. That first attack on Christmas morning was a wake-up call – literally! It took me weeks to recover, and it marked the beginning of a journey filled with chronic attacks, doctor’s appointments, medication trials, insurance battles, and more.
Fast forward 10 years, and I’ve written my 100th article for migrainemedicine.org. As I celebrate this milestone, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come as a community. From grassroots advocacy events to online resources, we’ve made tremendous progress in reducing stigma and supporting one another.
One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had recently was participating in a free Zoom yoga session hosted by Miles for Migraine. It felt amazing to connect with others who understand my struggles – something that would have been a luxury back when I first started this journey!
As we celebrate this anniversary, I want to acknowledge all the people who have supported me along the way. Your stories, your struggles, and your triumphs are what make our community so strong.
So, do you have a migrainiversary or a special date that holds significance in your migraine story? Share it with us in the comments below! Let’s celebrate our resilience and keep pushing forward, together!
Happy Migraineversary to all of us who’ve walked this journey – may our stories inspire hope, connection, and healing.
