syrinx

The only reason I write about pain at this time in my life is because the pain is being managed. I have a medication combination that works but requires dedication on my part to be maintained. When I was in the worst years of my unmanged pain I would not have written about it, much less talked about it in any great detail. It was really something to just get through. I spent enough time explaining it - revealing it as my reason for not participating in more social activities. So I understand if anyone reading this does not feel inclined to comment or speak up and would rather just read and collect information.

To say that the pain is now managed doesn't mean it's behind me or that I'm cured. It is always with me. But it does not rule every minute of every day of my life as it once did. Other migraine people will understand what I mean when I talk about the "walking around with sticks of dynamite" feeling. Anything can set it off. You just don't know what or when.

That is a source of stress all by itself, although I don't buy the "stress as a cause of migraine" story. Or stress as a trigger. I think that was thrown into the mix as a guess because it can be baffling trying to determine the cause of the illness. When you think about it, people on death row (including the wrongfully convicted) don't spontaneouly develop migraines, nor did people in concentration camps. Their stress can not possibly compare to my simple day to day issues.

On the other hand - the extreme polar opposite, really - I've had attacks during some of the most joyful times in my life. Some of my worst migraines ever have happened while I'm sleeping. I do not support the emotion/migraine connection theory. It does not explain the hole in the heart valve theory or the brain lesion theory. They are provable by medical testing and no amount of councilling is going to change the fact that they exist.

If you are seeking the right medical therapy you will go through many medications before you find the right ones for you. Just like with doctors. Luckily there are now plenty of medications to choose from. And they work in different ways. Google "migraine medicine" to find out about the various medications and then talk to your doctor, because there is a very complex set of medications out there.

You may be taking over-the-counter medications but they are not really as effective. I take them too, but they don't work as fast or last as long. It's better to get the right medications for your condition. Only then can you manage your pain.