Ghosts of Migraines Past

Being diagnosed with any chronic illness, I feel, is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. Migraines are not life threatening but they are life altering. At least they were and still are for me.

In hind sight, I can see that they changed everything in my life and continue to challenge me in many different areas.

You might be feeling overwhelmed (especially this time of year) from seeing doctors and specialists, visiting hospitals for test and blood tests, and pharmacists for your new medications. If you have found one that works.

Then there is the physiotherapist, psychiatrist and psychologist that the new specialist has referred you to.

At some point you might feel like you are spending way too much time finding the right professionals to help you.

Life with migraines can be hard, and if you really need an excuse to fail then this is an easy one to use. Week after week, month after month, year after year of recurring attacks, this cycle of repeated failed medications and treatments can really get you down.

It gets me down!

Your mind might interpret some or all of this as failure.

Somehow, you've convinced yourself that you don't have what it takes, because of your past with Migraines

Your past need not reflect your future.

Don’t use this as an excuse to fail. The irony is you absolutely have what it takes, and the fact you're reading this email means to me you are striving for a better life, despite the migraines.

You are managing to find your way through the complexities of the Medicare or healthcare system. This is a major achievement in itself. It takes determination and persistence. These qualities are essential for success, and you possess them!

You also have incredible resilience, being constantly knocked down by a new symptom or a new medicines side effect, yet you always get back up again and continue on with your day to day life.

Joyfully!

To me, success is about how you deal with it all, and about the person you become (hint - more compassionate).

Merry Christmas by the way. I wish for you a very happy and pain free 2016 and beyond.

And go easy on yourself. It is this time of year that you could choose to reflect on the past year, your ghosts of migraines past so to speak, or make plans for the New Year.

I think having some down time is great for rest and rejuvenation. Something we need but don't seem to get enough of. And FUN, don't forget to put in fun if you find Christmas time stressful with the added visits of family members.


Here is my New Years Resolution


- I love my commitment to be strong and healthy.


Please click on this link Migraine Headaches and Holidays for some Stress Busting Tips for Christmas and to share your New Years Resolutions in the Facebook comments box at the bottom of the page.

I think this is a must read post too Migraine Drink Recipes for some yummy alternatives this festive season.

Essential Migraine Tools

Pillar One - Information + Education = Options + Choices

Build Your Own Migraine Tool Kit - Here is my post with eleven steps on exactly how to do it yourself! It has all the forms you need to print out and step by step instructions to navigate your way through building an effective chronic pain management strategy.

Pillar Two - Meditation and Biofeedback Training

I highly recommend reading Cynthia Perkin's Mindfulness Over Migraines e-book that explains the science behind mindfulness and why it helps migraines. And she explains the method step by step that she uses to eliminate her migraines in 15 minutes. Yes, you read that correctly ... eliminate in 15 minutes. It will be the best $6.99 you ever spend!

Timing is everything when aborting a migraine attack. Do you know your tipping point? You will after you read her book. It changed everything for me.

Wild Divine Biofeedback is an essential part of keeping my migraines at bay. Learning to control breath and body temperature could assist in reducing migraines or eliminating them all together, especially if they are stress related. Meditation is proven to help reduce migraine attacks. This system will teach you all of that. I love mine.

Pillar Three - Eliminate Potential Food Triggers

Dr. Amy Myers Elimination Diet e-Course is much easier than doing it yourself - like I did. It is vital to find our migraine food triggers, and then avoid them where ever possible. Dr. Myers is an autoimmune expert. Just what we need! This e-course will guide you every step of the way.

Pillar Four - Use Safe Food As Medicine

Food is so important to me, especially because it is the one thing I can control. I can choose what I put in my mouth. And after spending four years studying Chinese medicine and a few more studying nutrition, I know how crucial it is to healing.

I can be proactive and help my body with nutritious foods and staying hydrated. I have a whole migraine food section that I hope you enjoy. Come check out the migraine safe recipes.

Post Your Story

What do you struggle with most? Have a place to vent your anger and share your pain here at Migraine Savvy. Post your story with those of us who understand completely. The good, the bad and the ugly!

I hope you ENJOYED this issue of Surviving Chronic Migraine!

Please share this with your friends and family.

It’s time to spread the word about Migraines and educate our loved ones!