Greetings!
My 29th birthday is coming up this December 27th, and instead of feeling helpless about my condition (read more below, if you wish), I'd like to invite you to contribute to the Migraine Research Foundation to fund further clinical research and advocacy surrounding this condition.
I experienced my first migraine at the age of 13 in my freshman English class. Over the past 15+ years, I have taken endless numbers of preventative medications, including beta blockers, anti-seizure medications, anti-depressants, and a new class of CGRPR antagonists that was released just this year on the market. I have also taken just about every abortive (rescue) medication on the market, which all have their own host of side effects. These side effects often look like extreme drowsiness, cognitive impairment, sensitivity to touch and sound, weakness, agitation, suicidal thoughts, etc.
In addition to medications, I have tried virtually every other therapeutic approach that has been recommended, including massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic, biofeedback, feldenkreiss, acupuncture, psychotherapy, reiki, trigger point injections, Botox, cannabis and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.
This condition *is not* a headache. It is a deeply impairing neurological condition. I often go to the emergency room because I cannot deal with the symptoms on my own and with the arsenal of medications I have at my disposal at home.
I am a chronically ill person who presents healthy. This is a *daily* struggle, which is also a rarity in the world of migraineurs (people who suffer from migraines). I either actively have a migraine or am fighting one on a daily basis, and this has been the case for 6+ years.
This post is here to raise awareness of my condition, and not to solicit advice on how to go about my treatment plan. As you can see, I have been through virtually every option available. I only hope that if you have read this far that perhaps you will be able to foster some sympathy toward someone who also suffers from this condition that you previously were not privy to.
Thanks so much for reading and for any contribution you are able to make to help researchers better understand this still very misunderstood and deeply stigmatized condition.
All my love,
Megan
