Resolutions

We do it every year, well some of us.  Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't.  But this year I did make some resolutions.  I'm going to put my health first.  Now, I know how much of a struggle this is for those of us who struggle with migraines, but it is something I must do.
I recently read a book that talked about what makes up your integrity. What are those things that your inner voice is always calling to you.  For me it has always been eating more fruits and veggies.  I feel better when I do.  I function better when I do.  My body can feel the difference.  So, my first resolution is going to be to go with my gut, literally and eat more healthy things.
I've been doing some studying on the topic and have found juicing to be a great way for me to add to my daily dose of nutrients.  I still eat whole fruits and veggies but have added the juicing.  What I have learned is that if we aren't eating enough of the healthy stuff, our body can't get rid of the toxins inside of it.  Toxins we pick up from junk food, medication, etc..  Well, most of us take a good amount of medication so maybe this will help me feel better by getting rid of more of the waste.
We'll see, I think it will help.  Whenever I've increased my healthy eating in the past, I have felt better overall.  Not sure how it effected my migraines, but I'm hoping for a positive side effect.
I do believe that good nutrition, what we put in our bodies, has an impact on our overall health, future and sense of well being.
Happy New Year!

An Update

After every migraine, I consider myself a survivor. I may not of cheated death, jury is still out on that one in the medical field, but I have suffered, fought and won. I have even asked for help. But there is still so much you endure on your own. I have survived. Thank you, God!

I have been seeing improvement with my visits to MHNI and having my meds adjusted.  I am happy to say I do not need surgery on my syrinx. I was told I am young and have a large spinal column.  So, I guess that is a good thing.  I will be moving forward with two Facet nerve blocks, though.  I have two spots on my spine that really give me trouble, the base of my neck and the top of my shoulder blade area.  I really hope this helps.  I have heard both good and bad, but I'm willing to risk it.  Wish me luck!  I'll try to post more often.  It is kind of funny because we have been recording my migraines and have seen a couple patterns.  My worst is the start of my cycle, so I will be taking Naproxen around that time.  The other, the actual funny thing, was that I get one every Sunday.  My doctor took a look at my calendars and said, "What's up with Sunday?'  I said I guess it's because my husband is a Pastor! Ha Ha Ha on so many levels.

A New and Emotional Developement

It was a good experience at my last visit to MHNI. We talked about how PT was good but left me in lots of pain. We also discussed increasing some of my meds, which has helped tremendously.  But something we discovered was an abnormality on my neck MRI.  To think I had seen my other neurologist going on three years and he never ordered a neck one.
A syrinx was found from C7 to C4. A syrinx is a fluid filled tube like a cyst in or on your spinal cord.  It causes neurological damage and will continue to do so until it is removed or drained.  I see their most highly recommended neurosurgeon this coming Tuesday.  My symptoms are mild, but there. A lot makes sense now, especially things I just attributed to my migraines.  I hadn't separated out symptoms that were happening not during a migraine attack.  Also, the fact that I can get painful headaches at the base of my skull that don't have other migraine symptoms.  On the other hand, frequently, these headaches can trigger a migraine.
Some of my symptoms include, persistent neck and upper back pain.  This includes several knots that never seem to go away.  And I've had them worked on quite a bit.  I do have a tiny bit of weakness in my arms, too.  I also have times when my speech seems slurred, which I thought was just a migraine warning.  Trouble finding and pronouncing words, too.   I have buzzing and ringing in my ears and sometimes skin crawling.  I also get leg cramps.  I do get muscle cramps at the base of my skull on either side, too.  This has been a new kind of headache I've developed in the past year.  It can trigger a migraine sometimes, too.
Either way, its there and we're going to find out soon what can be done about it.  Everything I read says that the progression is very very slow.  This could also lead to a diagnosis for Chiari malformation. Where the brain doesn't fit in the base of the skull correctly.  If that is the case then there is surgery for that also.
This has been a lot to think about.  I know I'm not at deaths door and that there are options but it is so different thinking there might be something going on than having it confirmed there is something else unpleasant going on.  Lets hope for the best and like many people have said to me, at least I'm getting answers.

Go back friday

I'm not sure how I feel about the past month.  I think things have been better, but I'll wait to hear what the experts say to form my opinion.  I do like most of my new meds.  PT has been tough but good.  I do get to try biofeedback. I have high hopes for that.
As for this summer.  I have completely wiped myself out.  Having all three kids home has been the biggest challenge.  I'm so exhausted all the time and can't get any personal free time.  My husband had to go to school in MN for a week this month.  I am having the hardest time recovering from it.

ONE MORE DAY!

One more day of Migraine Awareness Month! Although educating people about it should continue through out the year.
My visit to the Michigan Head Pain and Neurological Institute went very well.  I was very impressed with their knowledge, compassion and confidence.  Even the waiting room was migraine friendly.  There was a lot of amazing information to take in.  Some old and some new.
Did you know that food triggers are actually not that common? But that neck problems can be a huge contributor to migraines.
I have a whole new plan and it has been two weeks.  So far, I'm just transitioning.  I can feel some benefit but who knows.  I still have had headaches close to the same but my body is getting used to something new. That's never easy.  As time progresses, I'll share more of that plan. It is a work in progress.  I go back the end of July.
In the mean time I will be getting an MRI of my neck.  I have also started physical therapy for my neck.  Makes a big difference working with someone specific to the neck, not just the back.  I've learned a lot already.  A new study, according to my PT therapist, has shown that using the wrong muscles to support your neck contributes greatly to migraines.
As for medications, I have new levels of attack and new dailies.  It felt overwhelming at first but now I have options! An arsenal.
I think the biggest things for me right now is the hope in managing migraines better and having better knowledge.  Knowledge from a leading institution. I don't have to try to do this on my own anymore!

Here is a photo of their map of where their patients come from.  They see three new patients a day and have a patient retention of 20,000 appointments a year. They are in Ann Arbor MI and have been around since 1978. They also have 15 beds at a local hospital for those who need inpatient care. I've never had such a thorough history and description of my migraines done before.

Migraine Awareness Month

Please help educate by supporting Migraine Awareness Month this June. The theme is Help Make Migraines Visible. We can each do our part by posting helpful websites that contain good information.  You can wear a purple ribbon that shows support. Putting information, links, ribbon badges and liking migraine related profiles on Facebook. There is even a blog challenge. You can find the details at http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/2012/05/migraine-awareness-month-blogging-challenge.html

And please take the time to do something for yourself too that will help bring you better care.  I will be visiting the Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute June 15th.  I will be receiving a complete work up including labs to assess my current treatment plan, evaluate for any underlying illnesses and receive help in moving forward. I will be seeing Neurologists, Psychologists and other staff members.

Remember, do something that helps make migraines visible.

Navigating through the pain

I know it isn't just the pain that gets us.  It's the nausea, sensory attacks and your body feeling like you have a cold, stomach flu and a hang over all at once, too.  But, the pain is strong and aggressive.  For me, even just feeling the pain coming on is painful.  So, how do we do it?  How do we know when to move and when to lay down.  When to talk and when to sit in silence.  I believe that trying to figure these things out is just as traumatic as the experience of pain and illness itself. 
For example, today I had a really sore neck from some over activity.  I felt it starting last night.  This morning my neck felt tighter and tighter.  Then, the muscle spasms set in.  Well, this is going in only one direction, I thought.  Not to mention the impending rain storms headed our way.  So, I took my imitrex, a hot shower (while my three and a half year old played in the tub next to me) and laid down.  The little guy was all set up with some milk and cartoons in the room right next to me.  Yes, I can rest while the imitrex starts to work.  I felt pretty peaceful, as much as one could with their skull in a charlie horse, and all of a sudden, I shot my eyes open and sat straight up.  It's too quiet! I contemplated for a minute or two, do I get up and check and risk my peacefulness because it would be all gone as soon as he saw me or do I wait it out.  Of course, the mom in me got up and checked.  Sure enough he was absolutely fine.  Just sitting there watching TV. 'Hi Mom' he says. 
Isn't it amazing how complicated it all is.  It isn't just take a pill and rest.  It isn't just eat this or do that.  There are so many factors that go into our dealing with this misery on a daily basis.  Doctors even believe that the building up period, prodrone, can last up to 36 hours prior and the let down, postdrone, even more.  Us who suffer daily, weekly can be in this constant cycle of trauma in our bodies.  And this reeks havoc on our minds as well.  My peaceful rest was totally over run by my mom instincts to check on my child.  It is really hard to find relief when you are constantly disrupted. 
I find myself having more and more anxieties or realizing ones that I had no clue were there.  Some common ones we encounter are the danger that comes with large outings or gatherings.  These can be a huge assault on our eyes, ears, stomachs, schedules.  Almost always resulting in a migraine for me.  Running errands with the kids.  Getting the little one in and out of the car.  The big kids fighting.  The little one crying.  Are again all assaults on the nervous system that can bring on a migraine.
So, the question is, How do we navigate through it? What is worth dragging yourself out of your safe place?  What is it that can make us wince through the pain in order to complete a task or not miss out on an experience?  This is hard stuff to wade through everyday.  It is anxiety producing. I don't quite know how I do it.  And believe me, there are times when I just can't do it. I am always on some point of the spectrum of illness.  This makes life difficult.