Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Under attack

Last Friday I was sitting in front of the computer editing some photographs when all of a sudden someone ran up behind me and smacked me on the forehead with a big hammer. Blam! At least that was what it felt like. On the right, just above the eye. Bugger. Sudden onset migraine with none of the usual warning signs.


I've been a migraine sufferer since I was a teenager and over that time I have learned what triggers them for me, how to cope and what helps me best. In short I know what to do. I usually suffer with common migraines with just the head pain, nausea and photo and aural sensitivity. They usually last around 24-48 hours and then I am left with a post migraine fog for a couple of days where I find it difficult to function properly - I can't think straight, I find it harder than usual to find words and get words mixed up easily. Most of all it leaves me tired and washed out. I could sleep for a week.

However, sometimes I have a persistent migraine that lasts from three to seven days or so, known as status migraines. This one has turned out to be such a one. Six days and counting. The pain is not so bad right now but is getting worse (again). My eyes ache and I have the brightness on the screen turned right down. It's getting me down as I cannot keep on with my exercise while I feel so awful and washed out. And thank goodness for spell check. Migraines are not just 'bad headaches' they are a painful condition which means you cannot function properly. I cannot wait for this one to leave so I can resume my life again.

9 comments:

srp said...

I am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I don't think any of us who have never experienced a migraine can fully understand the misery they bring. My daughter gets them, but it doesn't sound like they are nearly so bad. I'll be sending prayers your way....

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Caffeine and lots of Motrin. That's all that chases those long-term ones away for me. I get loopy near the end, but it's worth it.

In short, I know your pain. Hang in there!

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

Poor baby. Cuddle a kitty. It won't help the pain, but it'll help everything else associated with it.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh My Dear...I hope it will be gone sooner than later!! It sounds so damn debilitating! I feel for you, dea B-K, and wish I had a Magic Long Distance Cure....This sounds like no fun at all.

Anonymous said...

My mom suffered from migraines for years which knocked her out for 3 or 4 days at a time. She finally found a doctor who started her on monthly IV's of various things and she's not had one for the last 30 years. I've no idea what his secret is, but every migraine sufferer in St. Louis sees this guy.

I hope you get better soon.

Kathryn said...

The longest i've ever had a migraine was 14 days. It might have gone on longer, but at that point i went to ER to get Demerol.

However, the severity has let up a lot now that i get CranioSacral work done regularly. I've only used meds once or twice in the past 2+ years.

Hope this soon relents for you. I do know how bad it can get. Blessings, dear, and prayers i'm sending up for you.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Sorry to hear about the migraines. I get them from time to time, though mine don't tend to last any longer than 2 or 3 days.

I know Susan said about caffine, but it's that stuff that will trigger a migraine for me. Thankfully, I don't drink much with caffine in anyway.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Hi Dear B-K...Just checking to see how you are feling now..I dearly hope that Migraine has flwn the coop!! Sending you Big Hugs, my dear. xxx, N.

carmilevy said...

My wife suffers from them, and there's nothing more frustrating than the feeling of powerlessness over a force that can lay us so low so quickly. Sending you wishes for a fast, full recovery - and a very long interal before the pain returns.

Only in health...