Migraine

I will never make this mistake again. Neither will I ever flippantly throw around the word for dramatic effect. Never will I confuse a headache with a migraine. Once you have experienced a true migraine you will never confuse the two again.

I was at a dinner party with two other couples and their children. Sitting at the table, I felt suddenly bothered—or acutely aware—of the light right above the dinner table where I was seated. It felt like it was shining deep into my brain as if exposed with no skull in sight. It seemed like a sudden headache, but the rate of its increase was steadfast. Yes, I had a glass of white wine in front of me as per social custom, but I had only half emptied it by this point. Suddenly, I was nauseated and felt the familiar ways that I do right before I faint (this part was not new to me). Tapping my husband on the leg, I signalled for us to leave. He was confused as to why the sudden urge to leave—after all, the night was young! Realizing after a couple of tries that he was totally missing my cues, I knew I did not have much time before I was going to pass out. I quickly excused myself and made my way to the living room. The room was spinning and I was convinced I wasn’t going to make it to the couch, even though it was merely steps away. This was my first sign something was not right.

The rest of my very busy weekend went on as planned, except for this rather strong headache which persistently lingered. I tried to medicate it with Advil and Tylenol but the relief was minimal. By the time Monday rolled around I was debating between a lobotomy or a trip to the ER (the former in this case is not for dramatic effect as I was seriously considering it). I had fainted two more times after that dinner party from the excruciating pain. It was time for a more serious intervention.

I am not a dramatic person when it comes to my health, or the health care of those closest to me. However, I am persistent and determined to get to the root of the issue and deal with whatever comes up in a matter-of-fact manner. I knew there was a problem, but what I had to rule out was the obvious such as a possible tumour or even risk of stroke. I never considered my age when dealing with any health issue before, but lately I’ve been telling myself ‘at this age anything is possible’.

So after an MRI, bloodwork, and nine hours later in the ER, they sent me home with the recommendation that I do mindful meditation. The worst had been ruled out, but they did not offer more than that. Grateful to be in the clear from any life threatening issues, I still didn’t have an answer or relief from my pain.

I returned to my family doctor who has known me since I was 6 years old (and by all accounts should be retired and playing golf in Florida by now, but I’m thankful he isn’t). He was the first person who told me that I may be experiencing a migraine. Finally! Something to work with!

I followed his meticulous instructions on how to take a new medication and finally experienced relief. The more I spoke to others about my experience the more I realized how many people suffer in utter silence with migraines. Friends that I have known for years told me about their many years of suffering. I threw it out on social media asking for ‘tips and tricks’ to best deal with migraines and received useful advice. I’ve learned that triggers can be different for many people, and medications that work for some don’t work for others. I was jolted into a world I did not ever expect to see, but was grateful for all the support.

A migraine is not just an untreated headache that goes on for too long. A migraine is an all-consuming and debilitating experience that has me shaking in my boots at the thought of it returning. The exact cause is still unknown, but the usual suspects are present such as stress, drug or alcohol abuse—or in my case a long standing history of multiple minor and major concussions throughout my life. I was told that menopause (or being perimenopausal) may also be a contributing factor.

Some time has passed since my first episode, but I share my story in the sincere hope that you remember to take good care of your health and take anything that comes your way with appropriate caution. After all, ‘at this age anything is possible’.