It's been a whirlwind week. Last Monday night/Tuesday evening I felt the start of a migraine so I took my rescue meds. Four hours later, I woke up to the room spinning. It didn't stop until I had taken a few doses of my motion sickness medication my dr. prescribed to me. I had the same thing happen to me last January. Then, I finally was able to drive, bend down and go from sitting to standing with some normalcy, so I got to go back to work on Thursday. I taught some very rambunctious kiddos, attended an IEP meeting, hurried home to grab my hubby and our bags, and we were on the road to the headache clinic by 4:30. My appointment was Friday morning and the doctor was fantastic. He is a fellow migraine sufferer, which is why he started his practice to help others who suffer from migraines. Here's a synopsis of my appointment:
- Migraine is a chronic disease (since I have most likely inherited them and didn't experience a head trauma)
- I will probably always be predisposed to migraines, but there are things I can do to prevent them
- Stress is a huge migraine trigger (In fact, he asked me if I was a special ed teacher and I said no, but I have students with special needs in my classroom. He said that made sense because many special ed teachers suffer from migraines due to the stress of the job.)
- Weather and barometric pressure are huge migraine triggers (can't do much about that)
- Irratic sleep schedules trigger migraines
- When I get pregnant, my migraines will likely improve or go away (new plan-keep having babies for as long as possible...j/k)
- He will put me on preventative medications and additional supplements after I have had a child and am done nursing
- B2 and Magnesium are helpful in the prevention of migraines (tried magnesium in the past, but not a high enough dosage)
- Low-tyramine diets are helpful in the prevention of migraines
- Over-exertion is a trigger of migraines
- Let down migraines are a real phenomenon in the migraine world (I am most likely to get migraines after a stressful week and I can finally relax i.e. Friday night, Christmas break, etc.)
- Relaxation techniques are very important in the prevention and management of migraines (I just started this with my counselor in an effort to reduce and/or cope with stress)
- Exercising at a moderate level 3-4 days/week will help with the prevention of migraines and stress
- Avoid eating high sugar food on an empty stomach, when excessively hungry, or in place of a meal
- All food, especially high protein foods, should be prepared and eaten fresh
- Be cautious of leftovers held for more than one or two days at refridgerator temperature
- Freeze leftovers that you want to store for more than 2 or 3 days
- Stay away from cigarette or cigar smoke because they contain a multitude of chemicals that will trigger or aggravate your migraine
- Each day eat three meals with a snack at night or six small meals spread throughout the day
- An MRI is scheduled locally later this month to rule out additional complications
- A follow up visit is scheduled after the first of the year
My assignments for the next 6 weeks:
- Keep a very detailed calendar and diary of my meals, snacks, beverages, exercise, emotions, medications, migraines, etc.
- Implement a strict sleep schedule of going to bed and waking at the same time every single day
- Exercise moderately 3-4 days a week
- Take B2 and magnesium supplements
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Reduce stress as much as possible
- Follow the low-tyramine diet and avoid migraine "trigger foods"
I developed a migraine at church today and it kicked my butt. I slept this afternoon and am just now starting to feel recovered. It will be wonderful if all these things help to truly prevent my migraines. Prayers are still appreciated. Thanks for sticking with me and living life with me through my blogging.
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