Hi everybody,
It's been a long time since I've written, and I suppose in some ways that's a good thing. I.e. migraines not on my mind, so that must mean I'm not as frustrated as normal.
But, they're back on my mind again, pretty much daily now, and I'm starting to get frustrated and upset again. Since the beginning of Spring here in Kansas, I've had head pain almost every day. I was all excited because when I went up to visit my Mom in Omaha for a week or so in May, I had 7 days in a row of a perfectly clear head. That RARELY happens this time of year, so I got ahead of myself and started thinking maybe I was cured! Ha! Ha!
I was trying to think of anything different I might have been doing while I was there. I've stopped drinking/eating anything with artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame - I'm convinced that it's poisoning us slowly - who knows, but I'm not having a lot of trust for food manufacturers these days). I thought maybe that was it, but a day after I came home to Kansas, the migraines started up again and I had one every day for a month.
I'm starting to wonder if I might be cheese that's causing me problems. I am vegetarian, but still sometimes eat cheese (which is something I struggle with from an ethical standpoint - ethically, I want to be vegan, but struggle with it due to habits, favorite foods, etc). I've noticed recently that I eat cheese a lot more than I thought and on the days when I have not had any cheese at all, I have not had head pain the next day.
I don't think I'm going to find ONE answer though. There are so many things that contribute to this condition. It could be the cheese, in combination with mild allergies, in combination with the fact that I'm still also drinking regular soda (caffeine), and not exercising, in combination with the heat and humidity. UGH... when is the answer coming???
Oh well... then I stop and remember how lucky I am that ice helps me and that I have Imitrex and Lortab that both help me get by. So many of you I hear from just don't have any relief and all, and I am so sorry for that. I hope we can all just keep positive and remember that EVERYONE has something they struggle with. This is just "our thing" to deal with in life.
I've gotten much better about being honest with family and friends about it. When I know there's a good chance I may have to cancel on plans, I just don't commit to anything. It sucks, but it makes the stress on me so much less. I cannot stand disappointing my friends canceling plans on the same day. I know they understand, but it still bothers me, so I just don't promise to do anything, so then I don't have to back out. When my Mom can hear on the phone that I don't feel well, I just answer honestly that I have a migraine, but that I'm used to it, have taken my medication, and am sure it will be better soon. That's honest but positive enough that then she doesn't worry that I'm upset or depressed.
This time of year, I'm not going to buy expensive tickets for an outside concert when there's a greater than 50% chance I'll have a headache and would be miserable (sick) the whole time I'm there. I don't agree days ahead of time to go to the movies, or out to eat, etc. I just do everything spur of the moment, which means I do alot of stuff by myself... but I've never had a problem with that. So, it's all good.
Thanks so much to everyone who emails me with their stories, suggestions, questions. It's great to hear from people who really understand. I try to get back to everyone if I possibly can, but am not always able to reply. I appreciate every email and read them all though.
Hope you are all doing well,
Kelli :)
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