Kelli's Migraine Daily

Migraine & Headache graphic from Mount Sinai

Click on the graphic to display it larger.

Included here with permission.
Clicking on the graphic will take you to the Mount Sinai page.

Source: Mount Sinai Medical Center

Botox for Migraines - Update

I blogged back in 2004 about Botox for Migraines.  My original post is here:

http://www.migrainedaily.com/2004/10/botox_for_migra.html

I had planned to try it, but upon some research I found that the manufacturer tested on animals in a particularly cruel way and I just couldn't stomach supporting that product, even if it might help my migraines. (Note: There's no way to be perfect here... most medicine (or specific ingredient in that medicine) has been tested on animals at some point... but it's an important issue to me, so I try to at least know what's happened and make an informed decision and do try to stay away from any product I don't absolutely need that has been tested on animals.)

I just read from the HSUS today that Allergan is changing its testing practices...

"On Friday, Botox manufacturer Allergan announced that the company has developed—and received federal approval for—a new procedure that avoids using animals in testing this product. The company expects the new method to reduce animal use in Botox testing by 95 percent within three years, as it secures regulatory approvals outside the United States."

Read the entire article here:

http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2011/06/botox-testing-victory.html

Very good news for the animals and also for migraineurs who may have abandoned any testing with Botox because of this policy.  I will be looking into it again in a few years as a treatment for my migraines and may even have a few of these lines on my face (that seem to be getting deeper by the day) taken care of as well.  :)

Best, Kelli  :)

Reporter Serene Branson - Complex Migraine

Were you all as fascinated as I was to find that reporter Serene Branson's on-air confusion and garbled speech was due to a complex migraine.  When I saw the clip on the news that night I also thought immediately that she'd had "stoke-like" symptoms, but even as much as I think about migraine... it just didn't pop into my head immediately.  I've personally never experienced that type of severe aura.  I've definitely had issues of "cloudiness" and not being able to think as quickly as normal... but nothing to that degree.  Fascinating... and I felt so relieved for her to hear that it was a migraine aura and NOT a stroke.

Sounds like she has had migraines for some time, was experiencing a "normal" migraine at the time, and has family history.  But, she didn't think that those severe symptoms were from the migraine either.  What an eye-opener for the entire country to have seen that... hopefully it's educated a lot of non-migraineurs to the fact that migraine is a brain disease... and things happen to us that are WAY beyond our control.  

Click on the image at right to watch an interview with Serene Branson and learn more about complex migraines. 

EDIT Feb. 23, 2011:  I just found another interview with Serene where she says she never had a migraine before and only after her episode learned of the family history... so my statements above are based on the Today Show interview, but for accuracy, here is another interview where the info is different.  I edited here only because I think it's even more fascinating if she never had migraines before... goes to show that they really CAN come on at any time in life and with little to no warning (or warning that you might notice). 

You can also find more information about complex migraines at the resources below:

http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/question-answer-27079-63.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2182428_manage-complex-migraine.html 

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Product Review: SootheAway Thermal Therapy System

My simple review:
Excellent - A+ product!
Details below.

Click here to see the SootheAway Product Demo

I was recently contacted by the makers of SootheAway and asked if I would be willing to try their new product and provide my feedback.

"SootheAway is a new heating and cooling device for migraines a surgeon here in the Cleveland area has developed. We are passionate about informing migraine sufferers of this treatment, and we would love to offer you a free unit to try!!!"

Of course, anyone that is doing anything to help migraineurs, I am more than happy to participate and give my feedback. The company sent me a trial unit. As I write this, the unit is in process of being returned to the company after my 2-month-long trial. I have not been compensated for this review.

Click here to read the FULL REVIEW...

Medi-Temp Migraine COLD/HOT Wrap - Free Shipping Offer

UPDATE 1/23/12:  My affiliate link and promotion code no longer seem to be working. I do still highly recommend these wraps and use mine constantly!  You can pick them up at Amazon.com for $15-16 (same as the main Medi-Temp website) and if you have Amazon Prime OR something else to put in your order to get the free shipping with $25 minimum offer, you can get free shipping. :)

Hi all,

I've just been invited to join the Medi-Temp affiliate program as one of their first migraine affiliates.  YEA!  They're offering free shipping on all Medi-Temp orders of more than $20 by using my code DCKELLI when you check out.

You all know how much I love their products, especially the head wrap.  The price is so inexpensive for this wrap ($15.95) that you won't quite make the $20... but you can make another small purchase of the Multi-Compress ($5.95) and be at $21.90 OR you can get the Micro-Pillow I also love ($19.99) and be well over the $20 requirement.  It's a really nice sized compress (not quite the size of a sheet of paper), and it stays cold for a long time.

You should also know that in Medi-Temp's Terms and Conditions, they offer an unconditional 30-day money back guarantee.  So, there is no risk to you to try the product.

I use my head wrap any time I have a headache and can't lay down.  It wraps and closes with velco and stays put... so you can sit upright, walk around, do your normal activities, etc.  I have even been seen driving with mine on when I have to go somewhere and have a migraine.  The cold helps me with both the migraine pain and with the motion sickness that also comes with the migraine for me. 

I like to freeze my wrap... but here's a little tip I've found helpful over the years.  If it's frozen and you put it on the normal way... blue side out... it can almost be too cold on your skin.  So, I start out with the blue side in... it gives just a little more barrier between the frozen insert and your skin.  Then when it's no longer frozen, I'll flip it and get all the rest of the cold with the blue side out.  You can also use it blue side out and just put a paper towel in between your forehead and the pad... but for me, it's just easier to flip it and then flip it again.  

I know I seem like I'm plugging these products a lot this month... but they truly have been a godsend for me over the years, so if they might help you, I really want to encourage you to try them. 

Best, Kelli  :)

Dealing With Heat Triggered Migraines

This time of year is always rough for me.  The temperature and changing barometric pressure always seem to trigger more migraines than usual. This year has been no exception.  These are a few things I do to try and cope.

1.  Stay IN or OUT!  

I find I have even more trouble when I go from cool air conditioning to the heat and back and forth.  If I'm going to be outside, I stay outside.  If I don't need to go out, I don't.  This may not be terribly practical in for most people, but during the summer months when it's either severely hot or humid, or storming, I stick to the air conditioning as much as I can.  If I have something I need to do outside, I try to really stay outside until the activity is done.  I.e. I went to our awesome Henry Doorly Zoo here in Omaha over the 4th.  I started out with a migraine, but took my meds and an ice pack for the ride there and it was almost gone by the time I got out of the car.  I could feel the twinge of it still, but once my body adjusted to the heat, I was pretty much okay for the entire time and tried to stay outside and not go in and out (some of the exhibits were inside, but I only went to a couple and only for a few minutes).  Once I got back into the car and the air conditioning blasted, the migraine came straight back and I was ill for most of the rest of the day... but at least I got to participate in the activity until it was done.  I've had this happen when I work in the yard too.  I'll be okay until I'm done, but if I come inside to the cold immediately, I seem to end up with a migraine... so I've been trying to hang in the shade/garage until my body cools off before I come in.  It seems to help some.

2.  Ice packs! 

Any of you who've read my posts before know that I'm all about the ice packs... I love them.  My Mom recently found these awesome reusable ice cubes that I'm now in love with.  They're called Cubies (there are a couple other brands that look to be similar - Icy Cools, White Ice - see them on Amazon), and they're great.  I took a bag of them (40 pieces each) and double bagged them in ziplocks... so it's just like having a full ice bag, but without the hassle of filling up the bag and dropping ice cubes everywhere.  It stays cold for me for 6-8 hours and when it's warm you just pop the entire setup back into the freezer.  The benefits is that it's like the super simple gel packs, but doesn't freeze up as one big hard block.  It's pliable so you can lay on it and your head sinks right in.  I use double pillow cases to wrap it because it's usually too cold, and that's perfect.

I also use the awesome products from Medi-Temp - I use their headache wrap constantly on days when I need to be more mobile or sit up at my desk.  They recently sent me a new product to try called the Micro Pillow and I use that when I lay down quite often as well.  

There is another breakthrough cooling/heating product I'm going to blog about soon as well called Sootheaway.  The company sent me a unit to test and I'm impressed with it.  It's a different idea than using traditional ice packs, and I think it's cool.  More coming soon. 

3.  For On The Go! 

You know that product "Head On" with the annoying commercials.  They have a version for migraines and I dig it.  It's basically a large chapstick like tube with the product inside so you can rub it on your temples and forehead - wherever it hurts.  This works for me when the headache is still mild... just gives as much of a cooling sensation as it can and it has the menthol smell, which for me is a cold smell.

I also keep my trusty Origins Peace of Mind peppermint aromatherapy with me.  The peppermint has such a cold smell that it's almost like having cold there for me.  If you haven't smelled it... it's great.  It also helps me when I'm around strong smells like cigarette smoke or exhaust, etc. 

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

Disclosure Notice:  Any products I'm recommending above are only recommended because they have worked for me, or I personally like them.  I am an Amazon affiliate and if you click on the link for the ice cube products, I make a small commission if you purchase a product. I will not receive any type of compensation if you purchase any of the other products.  Medi-Temp was kind enough to send me a product thanking me for my previous positive comments about their products on this blog.  Sootheaway sent their unit for me to test, but I will be returning the unit when my evaluation period is over. EDIT 7/19/10 - Medi-Temp has asked me to join their affiliate program, so I will get a small percentage of each sale if you click on my affiliate link on this site.  They've also offered free shipping on any order over $20 - see the banner at the top of this page.

Migraine Clinical Trials

This is a great place to check to see what's going on in migraine research... both from the pharmaceutical side... and from the lifestyle side.  Interesting stuff and a good place to find new things to try.

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=migraine

Kelli : )

Headache Causes – Migraine Headache Causes and Relief - Goodhousekeeping.com

I was interviewed a while back for this article, and it is now out in the June issue of Good Housekeeping.  I thought the author did some great research.  It just opens with a little bit of my story, and then she goes into pages of researched info.  I thought the article turned out to be very helpful and wanted to share it with you all.

A tiny twinge tells Kelli Smith, 40, that The Headache is coming. "I feel pressure behind my left eye. Then my pulse starts pounding in my left temple. It feels like a bruise if I touch it," she says. "I get nauseous. The pain becomes so sharp I have to lie down in a dark room."  Read more...

via www.goodhousekeeping.com

Aspirin for Migraines - does it work for us?

From the LA Times blog "Booster Shots"
Don't dismiss aspirin for those migraines
April 14, 2010 | 11:49 am

Aspirin may seem too old-fashioned to be effective against headaches as severe as migraines, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

In a review of previous studies, researchers at the Cochrane Library found that 1,000 milligrams of good old-fashioned salicylic acid works fairly well at easing migraine pain.

Read full blog post...

----------------------------------

Note:  It threw me when I read the word "acid" associated with aspirin - I hadn't realized until I looked it up that aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid.  It sounds bad doesn't it?  I supposed like anything, even something as benign seeming as aspirin needs to be taken with caution and you should check with your doctor before taking it regularly.

I had ruled out taking anything like aspirin years ago... maybe I'll give it another try and see if it might help.

Kelli  :)

Commercial for new Migraine Study - the Heart and Migraine connection

Hi all,

I just saw a TV commercial for a new migraine study.  Looks quite interesting so I wanted to pass this on.

http://www.premiumtrial.com/

Best, Kelli  :)

"Migraines & Acupuncture" - New book - submissions requested

Hi,

With the great success I've had treating my migraines with acupuncture, I've decided to put together a new book on Migraines & Acupuncture.  A section of the book will include real-life experiences from our fellow migraineurs who have also had experience treating their migraines with acupuncture.  If you have tried acupuncture, or know someone who has, would you be willing to participate?  If so, please visit, or forward along, the page below. In exchange for your participation, you will receive a free copy of the e-book when it is released.

http://www.MigrainesandAcupuncture.com

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

No more migraines,
Kelli  :)

"It's a new dawn... it's a new day" (for my migraines) "and I'm feelin' good!"

Bottom line... things are so much better with my migraines right now... it's a very strange feeling. 

Since starting acupuncture in June, 2009 (8 months ago), my migraines have been almost completely under control.  As I've written previously, I do still have them, but they are less frequent and less intense. The medicine I do take (the triptans - sumatriptan, Imitrex, Treximet - and hydrocodone for pain) work faster and better.  It hasn't been perfect, but after 8 months, I can now confidently say that acupuncture has been a HUGE help in managing my migraines.

I've finally been able to do all kinds of things, and make all kinds of plans, without the constant worry that a migraine is going to ruin the plans... or strike in the middle.  I was able to go and visit family for 10 days in December, and had an excellent time.  I had a few headaches, but nothing like I usually have when I travel (new smells, new climate, different bed, etc.).  I also just got back from a 10 day trip to Maui and my migraines were MINIMAL.  I was out in the sun a lot, went swimming and snorkeling, went out on a boat 4 times and rode as a passenger in the backseat on a windy road up Haleakala volcano... and had very minimal head pain.  I do still have some motion sickness, it was minimal and I was able to use those acupressure wrist bands (I have the biobands.com version) and really had very little trouble.  I think that is also due to the acupuncture and lessening of the intensity of the migraines.

So, really happy news for me.  This year, I've been feeling like I'm so much less controlled by the migraines, and have better control of my life.  I post all of this so that any one reading it who is currently suffering and thinking it'll never get better can see that there is hope. Keep trying... don't give up. 

I don't know if my good fortune will last forever, but I'm so grateful for the way things have been going this year.  It's the first time in 20 years that I feel like I can look forward to planning things and be able to do some of the things I truly love - traveling, being outside, swimming, taking long walks when it's hot outside, etc.  Most of those activities caused headaches in the past, so it's a hopeful time for me.

Best,

Kelli  :) 

Save 25% on the Medi-Temp hot/cold wrap until Dec 13th

Hi all,

Just got this promotion from Medi-Temp.  I've talked about using ice/cold a lot to help my migraines, and I've been using their head wraps for years.  Allows you to have super cold on your head but still be able to sit upright and walk around.  I have even driven with it on... I'm sure I look like an idiot, but I don't care.

The coupon code is:  DC1125  It's only good until December 13th, so hurry if you want to save.  Their shipping is UPS and might seem high if you're used to ordering with free shipping a lot... but if cold helps you, it's worth it.  (I have no monetary interest in promoting their product, I just love it personally and think it's genius!)

http://medi-temp.webuildecommerce.com/_product_68431/Head_-_Neck_Pad

Note: when I first start using it... I actually put the blue side in.  The white side on the underneath is thinner material and almost too cold... but on the other side, it's perfect for me. 

Medi-Temp is doing a ton of promotions right now... and I get emails from them all the time with offers for their many products.  If there are others you like on the website, sign up for their mailing list and you'll get all their special deals.  The sign up form is down at the bottom right of the home page. http://www.buymeditemp.com/

Kelli  :)

Almost migraine free from my acupuncture treatments!

Hi everybody,

I don't know what is up, and I really don't know how to explain it with my limited knowledge of chinese medicine, but I have been almost migraine free for several months and the only thing I'm doing differently is going to acupuncture once a week.  In that time, I have had only 1 "sick headache," as they used to call them, where I got sick and threw up, etc. 

I've had some strange headaches on the right side of my head (I'm a left side migraineur for the most part).  It's like the migraines may have shifted to the other side, but those headaches on the right didn't cause the terrible nausea the others do... and they were different.  Not sure how to explain it... but they felt different.  And a few times at acupuncture, when the needle came out of my right temple point, it bled.  I guess bleeding is associated with "heat"... which can be a cause of pain.  It's all so fascinating and I am going more reading on it so I can be better informed about it.

For any of you who are interested in learning more about it, my acupuncturist recommended these two books for the lay reader new to chinese medicine.

The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk

Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine by Harriet Beinfield

So, things have been good.  I was able to take a vacation to Cancun over Thankgiving, and I did not have a full blown migraine the entire time I was traveling (6 days).  This is SO unusual for me.  I had a couple twinges where I was a little worried one might be coming on, so I took my Imitrex and always slept with my ice bag at night... but they never got bad.  This was even with my two travel companions smoking a LOT, lots of strange smells, different eating/sleeping schedule, some minimal drinking, about 80-85 degree weather with some humidity.  Frankly, those things were a recipe for disaster for me, and I was well the WHOLE time.  I couldn't believe it.  I hope this gives all of you hope... it sure does for me.  

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you all... and Happy Holidays ahead!

No more migraines,

Kelli  :)

Update on my Acupuncture for Migraine treatments

It's been several months now, and I'm still very happy with my acupuncture treatments.  The frequency and intensity of my migraines have both decreased... and I can't be anything but thrilled by that. 

I had been having migraines every day in June and July and was really frustrated.  Within a week of acupuncture treatment, I noticed a big change.  They were coming less often, and when they did, the pain was much less intense and was easier to relieve with my medication (Imitrex or Treximet, Hydrocodone).  Over 2 months later, that is still the case. 

I have had more headaches over the past few weeks, but I'm almost certain that they have been triggered by my giving up soda and the decrease in caffeine.  The headaches have started on the right temple, which is unusual for my migraines.  They usually start on the left side, which leads me to believe these may be a different type of headache. 

When I went for treatment this week and the needle went in just in front of my right temple, there was definite pressure and burning/pain. By the time I was done (I usually lay and relax for 25-30 minutes with the needles in), the headache was gone.  I've had this same experience in other headache points (mostly on my hands and feet) where one week I don't even feel the needle go in... and another week there's a pressure or burning sensation.  Those experiences have really helped convince me that there must be something different - energy blocked - to cause it to feel so different from week to week.  I have been going weekly and will continue to go for a while as I am changing my diet and working more hours than I should.  It has definitely been helping.

If you have not looked into acupuncture, I highly recommend at least trying it to see how your body reacts to it.  I'm sure it's like every other treatment... it helps some and not others.  My insurance does not cover these treatments (another problem with the system - no coverage for holistic methods used to try and "prevent" migraine pain), but I'm willing to pay for it if it truly helps me. For me, there was 1st appointment cost of $125, and then the weekly treatments are around $75.  Right now, this is in addition to my co-pays for medication (about $150 a month)... but hopefully someday, I'll be able to stop medication for good. That would be so great!

If you decide to try acupuncture, please make sure you go to a credentialed professional who has really studied in Eastern Medicine.  There are a lot of places that offer acupuncture these days as an adjunct to their main practice, but are not as experienced as you would want to make sure you have the best treatment possible.  I.e. The acupuncturist I was lucky to find this year studied in China and has over 3000 hours of study in Oriental Medicine and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine.  She is a Licenced Acupuncturist and certified by http://www.nccaom.org/. 

Hope you all are finding relief for your migraines,
Kelli  :)

Everyday Health article on Migraines - triggers, helpful tips, etc.

A friend just forwarded this article from the Everyday Health website.  A lot of these are things we know... but it doesn't hurt to remind ourselves from time to time of the daily things we can do to try and manage our migraines.

http://www.everydayhealth.com/headache-migraine/headache-prevention.aspx

Best,
Kelli  :)

Imitrex / Treximet - no insurance? GlaxoSmithKline financial assistance program

GlaxoSmithKline has a couple programs to help people who do not have insurance coverage and need migraine meds like Imitrex or Treximet.  Please visit the link below if you need assistance.

http://www.gskforyou.com/

http://www.bridgestoaccess.com/

Kelli  :)

Optimistic report on my Acupuncture for Migraines

I wrote about a month or so ago about starting acupuncture treatments.  I can happily report that I am VERY optimistic about the treatment.  In the time since I started treatment, I have noticed a drastic decrease in the amount of migraines I'd been having, and when I do have them, in the severity of the pain and resistance to medication. 

I've been able to be outside in the heat and not have it be an almost immediate trigger for a bad migraine.  I've been able to plan things and not have to cancel at the last minute from a migraine.  I've been just feeling so good.  I've been going for about 5-6 weekly sessions now, and that's not nearly enough to assume it's not a coincidence... but based upon how horrible my headaches were before I started (almost daily, not responding to my meds like they should), and how I am feeling now, I'm feeling really positive about it.

The acupuncturist I've been seeing is trained in all manner of Chinese Medicine.  If I happen to have a migraine during any of my future appointments, we will try "cupping" which she said can help a current headache.  I have heard a lot about it, but never tried it. 

She also just put together an herbal treatment that is 1/2 Migratol and 1/2 Corydalin. It's the type where it's best to dissolve it in water and drink it like a tea... but you can also mix it with other stuff if you really don't like it that way.  So far, for me... the tea is fine and I just chase it with some juice and I'm good.  We'll see if I can keep going.

So, all is good in my quest to find treatment for my migraines.  I'm feeling more positive than I have in a LONG time.  Very grateful for this!

Kelli  :)

Migraine Food Triggers - Advice from a Fellow Migraineur

I received this email today and thought I would share it with you all...
***********************************

I would like to offer a tip after having migraines on/off for 50 odd years! 

 

The migraine food triggers for me are:-

 

Cheese (any sort) especially very matured cheese, can trip a migraine in me within 30 mins!

Orange juice and oranges

Chocolate (caffeine)

Coffee (caffeine)  I don't drink coffee anymore, since I gave up smoking 10 years ago.

Tomatoes

Red wine

 

All the above are very acidic.  I do eat chocolate occasionally, cos I like some of it and I get a migraine and treat with painkillers.

 

I do drink wine and can still get a migraine within 30 mins. but suffer, cos I like drinking wine occasionally!

 

Cheese is my number one killer.  I can get fluid retention and a migraine for up to 3/4 days with cheese, so keep off of it nearly permanently.  I can get by with mozzarella and brie, which only causes my stomach to be a bit upset.

 

It is very depressing to have to leave these foods out of your everyday diet, but you can replace orange juice with grapefruit or apple juice and can have the odd tomato.

 

I hope this helps a little bit in relieving your migraines.  Also hormones can upset your system too, and stress.  Also computer screen flickering.  After menopause, my migraines are much less, although they have recurred lately due to stress!

 

Kind regards

Jacqueline

Update on my Migraine management goals...

I'm on the plane back home after visiting nieces, nephew, brother, and sister-in-law in Connecticut, so I thought I'd write a quick update to my previous "goals" post to try and keep myself on track.  I had a really good 5 days in terms of headaches while I was up there.  I think I only had one headache I'd classify a migraine and I was able to catch it pretty early with Treximet and Hydrocodone and ended up having a good day anyway.  No motion sickness this time (which isn't surprising since it's usually connected with the migraines).  I slept with my ice bag every night, just to make sure my head stayed cool and to give myself the best chance of waking up with no headache.  It seemed to work.  :)

So, here's a quick update of the things I've been trying to change, work on, to see if they help with my migraines (and to just make my life better in general too):

1. Neti Pot - I have started doing the nasal rinsing.  I did for for 3-4 days, and then made a mistake and felt like I almost drowned myself.  It was unpleasant, so I slacked on it for a few days, and am back to it again.  I've just been doing it each evening before I go to bed, and I do like the feeling when it's over.

2. Acupuncture - Had my first appointment with Donna Huber of Thirteen Moons Acupuncture here in Omaha, and she was great.  She pegged me in terms of my "type" in a matter of minutes (an empath, introverted). She was easily able to connect those things to issues in my life - migraine, depression, overweight, etc.  She did agree that things are all inter-related.  It was a wonderful first appointment in terms of building my confidence that she is very well read and educated in these areas.  The acupuncture itself was great too.  Definitely different than the type I had through a chiropractor.  The chiropractor I saw didn't go in with the needles very deep at all - maybe 1/4" -1/2" and then the idea is to wait until they pop out.  Donna said this really isn't true acupuncture.  Her needles all go in 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches for my treatment (it would be different for someone else), and you generally leave them in 20-25 minutes or so (or at least she does) - no popping out or anything like that.  I did bruise up quite a bit.  I naturally bruise really easily (she said that can be a spleen issue that acupuncture could potentially help).  When I give blood, the use of the big needle can cause my the entire inside of my elbow area to be black and blue, it looks yucky, but to me, it's worth it to give blood.  

3. My sleep schedule:  Well, this one has made no real improvement.  I have been trying to stop working when I feel tired or my head starts to tighten up (usually around 4pm/5pm or so) and lay down for maybe an hour or so just to rest my eyes and then I'm okay to work a little more in the evening if I need to.  It hasn't really made any difference in terms of when I get to sleep at night, because that's always so late anyway.  I really need to make a concerted effort to work on this though.

4. Food choices and behavior:
    a. Not assuming that I need to eat something if a migraine starts:  I've consciously waited and thought carefully about what I'd eaten that day (or the evening before).  Then unless I truly am hungry, I've consciously not eating anything just because I think it might make me feel better (when intellectually, I know it probably won't ).  So, that's some good progress on that one.
    b. Rewarding with food when the migraine is gone:  I've actually had a pretty good couple week or so here, with many fewer headaches than the past month, so this hasn't been too much of an issue.  Haven't felt down, or depressed, from the pain, so no real feeling that I have suffered and need to be rewarded with something good.
    c. Cutting out cheese: No progress on this so far really.  It's just really a tough one.  I've eaten pizza when I was up in CT visiting my family - New York style is my favorite!!  I wish cheese wasn't such a huge part of the diet I'm used to and enjoy.

5.  Exercise:  Mediocre progress here.  Walking the dogs a little further, but haven't ventured to fix up my downstairs exercise area or start on one of the 10 DVD programs I could be doing.  I think I'm going to start with a dancing one.  I love dancing and music... so maybe that will inspire me to keep doing it.

All in all, pretty good.  We'll see how I do in the next couple weeks.

Kelli  :)