As I lay in bed, wracked with pain, I couldn’t help but think that someone had attached a portable grill to the side of my brain. The sensation was unbearable – like a constant burning fire that refused to subside. And just as I thought I’d found some relief with a cool washcloth and a dark room, the regret crept in. Dealing with episodic migraines can be tough enough, but add in their unpredictability, and you’re left feeling like a walking disaster waiting to happen.
For me, it was like trying to predict when a storm would roll in – impossible. My migraines happened 2-4 times a month, with no discernible pattern. One minute I’d be laughing with my loved ones, the next I’d be doubled over in agony. It was as if they had a mind of their own, and I was just along for the ride.
As someone who thrives on routine and planning, it’s hard to accept that some things are simply beyond our control. Migraines have no regard for schedules or to-do lists – they show up uninvited and unwelcome. And yet, as much as we might try to fight them, we can’t help but wonder: what triggered this latest attack?
In my case, I searched high and low for patterns, only to come up empty-handed. No stress, no sleep deprivation, no particular food or activity – just the occasional, seemingly random migraine. And so, I found myself constantly apologizing and canceling plans at the last minute.
But here’s the thing: as much as we might wish we could predict our migraines, the truth is that they’re a mystery even to us. It took me a while to come to terms with this reality – but eventually, I realized that my migraines were just one part of who I am. And so, my new mantra became: migraine happens.
Of course, it’s not always easy. There are still moments when the uncertainty gets under my skin. But by acknowledging and accepting my migraines for what they are – unpredictable and unwelcome visitors – I’ve found a sense of peace. And with the help of organizations like migrainemedicine.org, I know that I’m not alone in this fight.
So if you’re reading this and nodding along, remember: you’re not crazy, your migraines aren’t your fault, and they don’t define you. You are more than your migraines – and so am I.
