tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25403993337724315902024-03-05T07:57:11.319-06:00Migraine InterruptedUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-55339306969343246972014-06-01T22:11:00.001-05:002014-06-01T22:11:54.808-05:00Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge 1 – If Things Were Normal<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I’ve been told, doctors consider it very important that
patients are able to imagine their lives beyond their chronic illnesses such as
Migraine. A patient’s ability to do this can help to determine their success in
better management.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Keeping my eye on the prize is super easy for me. I don’t
know if it’s because I lost so much when I got sick, and had so many plans from
the early stages of my life, or because I’m just normally a *think forward*
person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If God granted me freedom from my chronic conditions –
Migraine, dystonia, chronic pain and spinal disease, hyper-mobility, autoimmunity
(lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Graves’ Disease and ?) I would pick my life up from
whence it was left. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>I would dust off and clean out my enormous
stained glass studio and start designing and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">making beautiful windows again</b>. I would renew my love of art shows
and begin attending them again because interacting with my clients and the
other artists there was such a joy to me, it’s difficult to tell you how it
felt. People have always had trouble remembering my name, but everyone knew me
as “The Angel Lady”, and I’d finally be able to get all these creative designs
out of my head and into the real world for me to personally enjoy and pass on
to others. I used to make my living as an artist and designer and I really miss
it.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>I would begin <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spending time and riding my beautiful horses again</b>. Believe it or
not, our farm was reasonably successful in breeding, training and teaching
riding. I LOVED working with kids and the horses, and was very proud of the very
young national level teams I took to compete in knowledge competitions as well
as riding shows. I had nine year olds nearly acing the state college horse
production final, which was amazing to watch! I have an unused room full of
trophies, with walls covered in plaques my own horses won, most with my
daughter astride. I don’t go there because it reminds me of what I’ve lost. I
sold nearly all my horses, including the deep golden stallion who was
well-known in our breed and had beaten horses from all over the world; the
little mare that helped my daughter win six national high point titles in a
single year; and Nicole - the only daughter of a very famous exported, deceased
stallion, still producing beautiful foals. My stallion was abused and is now
deceased, so if I could, I would dream him back to life and back home with us, as
it was before his suffering. I would buy back Nicole and Ali, the two mares
that were such a big part of our everyday lives, as well as Nicole’s foal it
took me years to produce, that I never got to see. I would ride my gentle old
horses through green fields and forests, and watch deer grazing in the tree
lines, and I wouldn’t have to worry about the sun making me sick.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>I would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">get
a normal job</b>, probably as an emergency dispatcher again. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>I would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">go
to church every Sunday</b> again. It’s been many months since I could make it
to a Sunday service, and I miss it so very much.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">start
taking Emergency Medical Responder calls</b> again – something I only recently
have had to stop doing.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>I would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">go
back to school</b>. I had my kids early, because we were told that was our only
chance of ever having them at all. I was a full-time mom, choosing to work jobs
that allowed me to be with them 24/7. It also meant putting off finishing
school, something I have always regretted because I got sick before that could
happen. I dreamed of a terminal degree. Not having the right letters after my
name often means that I receive little respect and few opportunities, despite
my experience, intelligence and knowledge. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">become
foster parents</b>. This is something I’ve dreamed of doing since meeting my
lifelong best friend whose family suffered through the foster care system. I am
bursting with love for kids, and for some reason, work well with troubled kids,
often utilizing the horses and animals that can often change their lives. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>I would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">finish
my house</b>. I have a background in restoring and remodeling homes, but when I
got sick I had to stop. About 7 years ago we hired a contractor to remodel this
home. We demolished much of it to the studs and began to rebuild, but one day our contractor
left and never returned. Instead of a peaceful space to live, our home is
filled with boxes, an un-finished particle board floor (replete with slivers
when I’m not careful) and no doors, trim, and minimal paint. One room still
needs more drywall work, having been left more unfinished than the other rooms,
and the new siding was left nearly finished. Even the custom cabinets we had
made were never finished. Surrounded by an unfinished home in chaos makes me
feel that my life is unfinished and chaotic. There is nowhere to go for peace. The basement is filled with the
supplies to finish the project, and it’s impossible to use our garage for the
cars that are being weathered outdoors. Even the yard is a problem. Nearly 2
years ago we hired a firm to re-grade and redo our yard. They’ve never showed
up to do the project despite multiple meetings. I have still not even seen drawings
to tell me what it is going to look like. So, arriving at our home means
walking through mud and weeds through the back yard, where once there was a
nice front yard and front entry porch. Having friends over is not an option for my family,
and this often makes me feel quite lost. Living in the country is isolating,
even when inviting others over is an option.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>I would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">travel</b>.
Now that the kids are grown and married on their own, I want to do things and
go places. Simple things like a trip to the zoo can only be a dream right now
due to light sensitivity. A day in the car leaves me sick and in pain, and the
fluorescent lights of a simple museum will also make me sick. I have a bucket
list of places I want to visit, such as Petra, the sphinx and the great
pyramids. I want to take my kids to see Italy and Greece someday, and swim in
the beautiful blue waters there.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span>Which brings me to the last thing I would do: I
would <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fix our below-ground swimming pool</b>.
I grew up swimming competitively, practicing sometimes twice each day, since I
was seven years old. Water was my second home, and having a pool that needs
repair makes me sad. I can’t swim during the day anyway due to light problems,
but if those were gone, instead of filling it with dirt as we are currently
planning, I’d fix it up, get it going, and again, use it every single day!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My list is long, because I’m not done with this life yet.
These are the things that are important to me beyond my family. I pray every
day to be freed from symptoms, and doctors, and insurance companies, and
monopolizing my husband’s days. I don’t know what the future holds, but I
guarantee you that I’m giving it everything I have right now to get better so
some of these things might someday be a reality! I’m also doing my part to help
find answers for other patients someday we won’t have to ask about life lists
like this.</span></div>
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<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Today
is the first day of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM), which
means that it's also the first day of the Migraine and Headache
Awareness Month Blog Challenge. Every day this month, a new challenge
prompt will be posted on the <i> <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Headache and Migraine Association blog</a></i>.
We bloggers then write on these prompts to help raise awareness and
support and to reduce stigma. - See more at:
http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/c/123/169583/migraine-headache-challenge/#sthash.0ba6tviy.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Today
is the first day of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM), which
means that it's also the first day of the Migraine and Headache
Awareness Month Blog Challenge. Every day this month, a new challenge
prompt will be posted on the <i> <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Headache and Migraine Association blog</a></i>.
We bloggers then write on these prompts to help raise awareness and
support and to reduce stigma. - See more at:
http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/c/123/169583/migraine-headache-challenge/#sthash.0ba6tviy.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Today
is the first day of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM), and
the day #1 of our Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge
(#MHAMBC). - See more at:
http://www.ahmablog.com/2014/06/headache-migraine-blog-challenge-1.html#comments</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today is the first day of the National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge. Today's theme is: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/2014/06/headache-migraine-blog-challenge-1.html#comments" target="_blank"><i><b>What would you do if your dream of a completely pain and symptom free life came true?</b></i></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Today
is the first day of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month (MHAM), which
means that it's also the first day of the Migraine and Headache
Awareness Month Blog Challenge. Every day this month, a new challenge
prompt will be posted on the <i> <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Headache and Migraine Association blog</a></i>.
We bloggers then write on these prompts to help raise awareness and
support and to reduce stigma. - See more at:
http://www.healthcentral.com/migraine/c/123/169583/migraine-headache-challenge/#sthash.0ba6tviy.dpuf</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">#MHAMBC #MHAM Find me on twitter at @ESchnak</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Live your best life,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ellen Schnakenberg </span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-57016986081577134092014-05-30T10:50:00.002-05:002014-05-30T11:14:56.016-05:00Migraine and a Medical Cannabis Update<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Migraine and other conditions that lead to chronic pain and nausea can sometimes benefit from the use of medical cannabis (marijuana). As is the case for most treatments, what works for one, won't for another. I wish there was more research on the use of medical cannabis and the potentially helpful chemicals it contains, because of the extreme need for more new treatments and fewer side effects, however, I don't really know where I stand on its use for Migraine specifically. There simply isn't enough helpful research. Coming from a law enforcement family and background, I have <b>very definite</b> feelings about its recreational use in states where it is legal or illegal. That said, there is an update on the medical use of cannabis that hit my email today, so I thought I would share it for those interested in the ongoing medical cannabis saga.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwXVAiK1IhseEfaqNMyfEJsmHFKFyB3uPRS6oZZWEdkXF9MCvFjUnn9Akmjvki9gw42Aez7E1X_IJCXxgfLPab9-Wz67p5cGLZVevmB2KfRgB8rT8d7AgW5uxFvksyVI5zrWuC7-WVHpF/s1600/nih+marijuanachart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwXVAiK1IhseEfaqNMyfEJsmHFKFyB3uPRS6oZZWEdkXF9MCvFjUnn9Akmjvki9gw42Aez7E1X_IJCXxgfLPab9-Wz67p5cGLZVevmB2KfRgB8rT8d7AgW5uxFvksyVI5zrWuC7-WVHpF/s1600/nih+marijuanachart.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NIH Cannabis Plant Chart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cannabis for medical use is legal in a few states with varying results. It is still illegal on a federal level however, and this can cause problems for those providing cannabis to patients in states where it is legal. In a nutshell, the federal government currently has the right to ignore the state's legalization and interfere with cannabis production, sales and use.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Public opinion on medicinal cannabis legalization is shifting. By a 219-89 vote, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would have blocked federal government interference with individual states' enactment of medical cannabis laws. The bill has been added to another bill related to the Justice Department's budget, and still requires Senate approval.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As a patient advocate, I wish there were a way to convey to readers how distraught I am at the loss of so many Migraine and chronic pain patients for lack of a treatment that helps them. There are many treatment options which give the illusion there's no reason for suffering, but none work for everyone. The fact remains that many of us live lives struggling just to breathe. The cannabis and psilocybin issues need to be considered and discussed so we stop seeing patients die over the misunderstanding between a chemical <u><i><b>mis</b></i></u>used for *fun* and the same one used in an appropriate medical setting, to save lives. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And, the debate continues... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>How do you feel about the medical use of cannabis?</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>How do you feel about this new legislation? </b></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-58339728708438764102014-01-02T14:28:00.002-06:002014-01-02T14:28:56.007-06:00Quit Micromanaging My Health, It's My Business!Trigeminal neuralgia is severe facial pain known to doctors as the Suicide Disease, and for good reason. Not only is this type of pain agonizing, it is difficult, often impossible to treat. I need treatment for my trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia, but the day I walked in to start things off, I was told the government has denied me the beginning to my treatment: a shingles vaccine.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nope, didn't ask a government agency to pay for it or even to administer it. They however, without being a physician who has examined me, or knowing me or my illness, have created a blanket law that states that no one will be allowed to give me the vaccine until I am 50, even with my doctor's orders and written prescription. Not in the USA anyway.</div>
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I am 49.</div>
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My neuralgia is suspected to come from my autoimmune disease, Sjogren's syndrome. It began many years ago in my right ear, and has slowly spread. A few years ago, it showed up on my left side too, and lately has spread like wildfire. Without quick treatment, my neuralgia may become worse, and permanent. Since I cannot safely take the oral meds needed to try to control it, I am in trouble. My rheumatologist has prescribed a biologic drug to modify my errant immune system, which we're praying will help to control the inflammation and crazy nerve impulses that control my life. We've been slowly working up to this treatment over the last year and a half.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0miK1Bm7AdjIStPp7qQHmqReN_aDnVohFb7KEA5qnXlCQiqi6GD5eb2KeP5ezaQR73i3K4_ltMGguEdFOMFehjW6n3yubc-IM9uYaZg-y_N4qbGfALthHsuHhyphenhyphenZllG1M1xicTBOwz4Kwp/s1600/Scissors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0miK1Bm7AdjIStPp7qQHmqReN_aDnVohFb7KEA5qnXlCQiqi6GD5eb2KeP5ezaQR73i3K4_ltMGguEdFOMFehjW6n3yubc-IM9uYaZg-y_N4qbGfALthHsuHhyphenhyphenZllG1M1xicTBOwz4Kwp/s320/Scissors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I now have what feel like knitting needles stabbing my eyeballs, bee stings in my eyelids, and scissors stabbing my jaws, ears, throat and tonsils as well as the base of the right side of my tongue. Some days I can neither eat nor drink, and talking is impossible without indescribeable pain. Add a Migraine, and I am frantic with pain that isn't controllable in any way.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My doctors feel that the biologic may be helpful, but I need a shingle's vaccine first, to make sure that, after we tank my immune system, I don't make the nerve problem worse by getting shingles (a nerve condition) on top of everything else. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The government thinks I am too young. It hasn't taken into consideration that this immune system treatment will be lifelong, and dangerous. It hasn't taken my disease into consideration at all. That's what my doctors are for. My doctors insist this is vital and I agree with them. Simply said, neuralgia worse than this is not compatible with life. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know what I can do at this point, but pray and make phone calls. Starting today, that's the plan. Right now, I get by, moment to moment, day by day. I haven't blogged much lately, due to the medications, the intense pain, the brain fog and bad eyesight, and I am so very sorry. I hope you'll hang in here with me. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This girl could use a few friends on her team :D<br />
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-23615756559544611512013-07-21T15:04:00.000-05:002013-07-21T15:04:48.681-05:00Why I Bought a Wetsuit for my Health - the SagaUV rays are the enemy of lupus, Sjogren's and yep, even Migraine patients. So what does a person do when going to the land of the midnight sun for a cruise vacation? Cover up.<br />
<br />
Really cover up. <br />
<br />
One of the things I miss the most is swimming. I swam competitively from the age of seven until I was 17. I was actually pretty good too :) I own an in-ground swimming pool we haven't even opened up for the year since around 2005. I look outdoors at the diving board and slide and yearn for the days when we would swim as a family nearly every night, friends and neighbors right along with us.<br />
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For this trip, I decided I was going swimming, no matter the cost. Well, so long as I could do it without causing an autoimmune flare. So, I bought a wetsuit.<br />
<br />
I began looking right after Christmas. After several weeks of looking, I had an idea what I thought I needed - a triathlon suit. These suits are made of thin material in varying thicknesses depending where the suit is on your body. The thicker the suit, the warmer the suit. To make it flexible so you can actually move those arms to swim and expand your chest to breathe, there are panels that have very thin material. The suits cover you from neck to ankles and wrists - well most of them do anyway. <br />
<br />
Because I needed something to keep my core warm (I do NOT hold my body temps well and suffer fairly serious Raynaud's) and to keep 100% of the UV light out, I chose the full body version. Coated with a rubber-type coating, it was the only thing I could find that would completely protect me from the sun and fluorescent lights sure to be present on the boat.<br />
<br />
Despite the suit, my head, neck, hands and feet will be exposed to whatever light is present. This will likely limit the hours I can swim to late at night when the sun is at its lowest. I'm okay with that. Maybe that will keep me from scaring the kids sure to also be present on the boat, lol.<br />
<br />
To cover my head, I've decided on a do-rag. Purple of course :) I can't stand the feeling of a hat on my head because the allodynia from the 24/7 Migraines makes me so sensitive that washing my hair hurts. I do have a cap I'll be bringing just in case there is a certain amount of time I can stand wearing it, but will save it for our excursions - whatever those will end up being.<br />
<br />
Sunscreen is a must, but for a person who is allergic to most sunscreens, this is a challenge. I have used a particular brand in the past, but it is not waterproof. The only sure way to keep the sun from damaging my fragile cells and triggering a mass immune response, is to be covered. This means zinc oxide. I have the option of gloves and socks too, but I'm going to try to avoid using them if I can.<br />
<br />
Add my bug-eyed sunglasses, and I am sure to be quite a site for people to stare at. On one hand I don't know these people, and it really doesn't bother me. On the other hand, I also know that it will bother me.<br />
<br />
Each time I have to make a concession to do something most people consider normal... each time I see a family member or friend roll their eyes at me... each time I look in the mirror... I realize that I really am sick and it is harder to *not feel* the differences. Oh, and those eyes that look at me when I have to be dressed in a get-up like this. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Once I figured out the type of wetsuit I needed, the search was on for the exact make and model. Who knew there were hundreds of these things out there to choose from - and each of them different!<br />
<br />
I wanted the expertise of professionals, which I got. I wanted someone to just guide me and tell me "Buy this one, it's the right one for you" but didn't get that until May.<br />
<br />
Great! Now I finally know which one to get and I go to order it, only to find they have none in my size. I pray that the backorders will come through and I'll be able to get my perfect wetsuit (which also happens to have purple accents!)<br />
<br />
No matter where I looked and how long I waited, I had no luck with the suit of my dreams. So I began the search all over again.<br />
<br />
Eventually I found a pro that told me he knew just what I needed. When we looked at it, it too was sold out.<br />
<br />
So he showed me another. It wasn't sold out, but was an additional $150 more than I'd allotted to spend and it was a thinner suit.<br />
<br />
When I placed my order, it too was sold out.<br />
<br />
What the heck?!<br />
<br />
I didn't have time to Migraine, get ready for a trip AND start over from scratch for a third time. So I began looking very deep for the last suit and was amazed to finally find one.<br />
<br />
Once again, I placed my order. I emailed the company and thought they answered none of my other questions, they were in California, so I hoped ovenight shipping would work. I wrote them again and told them so long as I had it by Saturday I thought I'd be okay, as that would give me sufficient time to return it for another size if needed.<br />
<br />
Friday at about 4:15pm I receive a call telling me they goofed and didn't have my size. So, they wanted to upgrade me to a thinner, better suit.<br />
<br />
But I don't want thinner, I want thicker!<br />
<br />
I tried to look it up online, and found virtually nothing, probably because it's a newer model.<br />
<br />
Faced with an impossible Migraine and an impossible decision that needed to be made within the hour, I agreed to the upgrade and called her back. Great! They can still get it to me by Saturday because I've paid for overnight shipping.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later, another phone call. *Oops* they can't get it to me overnight because we don't have anyone to deliver overnight packages.<br />
<br />
Are you kidding? Sadly, no.<br />
<br />
I asked them to pro-rate my shipping back to 3 day since it would be Monday before it arrived, but they couldn't.<br />
<br />
I wanted to pull my hair out and vomit all over the phone just for good measure. This just shouldn't be so blaming hard.<br />
<br />
"Yes, please send me the suit, just so long as it arrives by Monday. That won't give me any time to get another size if this is wrong or won't work for me, and my trip will be ruined, but oh well."<br />
<br />
So, on Monday my wetsuit is finally to arrive. It's my third choice, cost me an additional $150, isn't but half as warm as the original, but at least it's getting here!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more of the wetsuit saga, lol.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-17618684325015486652013-07-07T20:21:00.000-05:002013-07-07T20:58:02.977-05:00Migraine and Chronic Illness: Preparing for the Vacation of a LifetimeWhen I was about 5 years old, my father went to Alaska. When he came back, he gave me a little stuffed blonde seal pup and promised that someday he wanted to take us all there to experience some of what he got to see on his trip.<br />
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It's my 30th anniversary, and my parents' 50th anniversary, and we're going on a cruise to Alaska. Finally!<br />
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When I say "we" I mean my parents, my hubs and both our kids with their new spouses, and my brother and his family (which includes 3 kids under 8 - one autistic and mentally challenged). To make the trip easier on my brother, my parents chose a cruise specifically for families of autistic kids. <br />
<br />
Our situation is unique, and this brings forth some unique things to have to deal with in the <a href="http://migraine.com/blog/how-should-i-plan-to-take-my-migraine-medicines-with-me-on-vacation/" target="_blank">planning and execution of such a trip</a>. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I am putting together a current list of my medical history - medications, surgical and accident history, allergies, medication sensitivities, physician information etc. I have some strange and complex issues going on and it's vital that I have this information with me at all times in case something goes wrong.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I am <a href="http://migraineinterrupted.blogspot.com/2010/09/keeping-myself-in-dark.html" target="_blank">extremely light sensitive</a>. My Migraines make living without incandescent lighting, or going out doors without my special sunglasses, miserable. We're going to be there during the *midnight sun* so I'm trying my best to plan for the trip by making sure I have ALL my sunglasses with me - just in case.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>My autoimmune issues mean that UV rays increase my antibody production, which attacks the organs and tissues in my body and causes a flare of disease that makes me very sick. As a result of this, I said I could only go if I had a cabin that at least had a window, as it is likely I'll be spending the bulk of my time there and at least want to be able to see the environment around us. It's not a perfect solution, but hopefully it will make me feel included and allow me to feel like I'm actually in Alaska and not just along for the ride. The noise I'm pretty sure I'm going to be exposed to with the sheer number of kids on board, is also an issue that I'm hoping will be made easier with our cabin. </li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>I am working with my headache specialist to be sure that I am well-equipped with a written rescue plan if I'm caught off guard while on the boat. Cruise ships are not known for having fabulous medical services, and I could be in serious trouble if my medications fail me. I don't know yet what all this will entail, but I want to have a mag IV setup as well as injectable rescue meds. Going to the ER in this case could potentially mean a helicopter ride to the local hospital and the loss of the trip as well as finding a way back home again. I need to be as prepared as I can.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I have been working for the last 7 months to plan ahead for maximizing my preventive therapies to maximize the time I'll be able to participate in activities. Things didn't exactly work in my favor where this is concerned - I basically am starting from scratch on my Botox right now - but it's the best we can do. I'm all about optimization right now, so no sense crying over spilled milk.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>We're planning our excursions this weekend. It's vitally important to me that my family not be held back because of my chronic illness, so I kind of forced them to get together and sign up for the trips they really want to take. I haven't signed up for anything yet, because I really don't know what I can do at this point, and I may end up having to spend a good deal of the shore time in my room to avoid the sun. This again isn't ideal, but crying about not getting to do the things I've dreamed about for 4 decades is really not helpful. (I admit, I've done my fair share the last week I'm afraid)</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>We're planning how to pack all my medical supplies and equipment so that I don't have another run-in with airline staff over my need to have my things on board with me vs in checked baggage. It's going to take cooperation between all of us to make it happen safely, but thankfully my family knows how important this is and I think we'll be okay.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>We are taking a larger plane to get to the port in Seattle. This will help stack the deck in my favor that there will be fewer problems getting my medical supplies on board, having the room to stow them and having more restroom choices should I need to make an emergency run for the border. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm trying to concentrate on the things I'll be able to do while on the trip, instead of those things I'll be sitting on the sidelines for, or missing altogether. I just CAN'T get caught up with being sad about what I want and need to make peace with being happy with those I can do. This is a daily struggle at this point. Sometimes, even moment to moment. Those of us with chronic illness know full well that this happens though, and often this is how we get through each day of our lives.</li>
</ul>
There may be even more things that we do to maximize our experience on this wonderful trip. I'll write about them as they come about. In the meantime, maybe some of my readers have suggestions for me that I've not yet thought about??<br />
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This post is my response to the July 2013<a href="http://somebodyhealme.dianalee.net/p/carnival.html" target="_blank"> Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival.</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-1247417126693000352013-06-10T11:43:00.000-05:002013-06-10T11:44:15.942-05:00Tired of LosingThis month's Blog Carnival topic asked participants to choose their favorite blog carnival post.<br />
<br />
Because I am one of those sponsoring the project, I read each and every post. I find myself daily saying under my breath "WOW", or sometimes giggling. I tend to think of fellow Migraine and headache bloggers as a part of my adopted family. They're more than just friends.<br />
<br />
Choosing a favorite blog post is about like choosing my favorite child. How can I do that?!!<br />
<br />
So first, I want to encourage everybody to go to the <a href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/" target="_blank">Fighting Headache Disorders Through Awareness blog</a> and catch all of the fabulous links. Sit back, read and enjoy while you learn a few things... about living with a headache disorder as well as about the people in the community. Then I would dare you to come up with a favorite post!<br />
<br />
So, I'm not going to. I'm going to tell you the one I had the best time writing myself.... and why.<br />
<br />
My choice is <a href="http://migraine.com/blog/premonition/" target="_blank">"Premonition" </a>and it talks about treatments in the future.<br />
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<b>Why is this my favorite? </b><br />
<br />
I lost a friend to Migraine two days ago. Coincidentally, it happened when I was busy working creating an education/awareness video we hope to release soon. In it we use the song by <a href="https://thirdday.com/music/albums" target="_blank">Third Day</a> "I Need a Miracle".<br />
<br />
The song tells the story of a man who had given up. He went into the woods to end his life. In the end, he chose to go home instead, and that night they found the miracle he needed.<br />
<br />
What if he hadn't waited? What if something awful had indeed happened that day?<br />
<br />
I am sick and tired of losing people to this disease. I am sick and tired of the stigma. I am sick and tired of waiting, and playing games, and the derision that is happening within the community at large. <br />
<br />
NOW is the time for this to end... not tomorrow.<br />
<br />
But we don't have much choice. We must remain patient. We must NOT give up the day before our miracle.<br />
<br />
There are many ways Migraine kills. Only one of them is when a patient who has suffered longer than they can bear, chooses to end their life and their pain. <br />
<ul>
<li>Migraine kills when patients have adverse drug reactions to the many things we use to try to prevent and abort our attacks. </li>
<li>Migraine kills when it causes stroke. </li>
<li>Migraine kills when a traffic accident occurs as the result of an attack.</li>
<li>Migraine kills when medical accidents happen during one of the thousands of treatments we often have to endure. </li>
</ul>
We need better treatments that target what is happening in our bodies. <br />
<br />
Well, the post tells the rest... <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-55098154861113486782013-06-07T21:34:00.000-05:002013-06-07T21:34:17.908-05:00"Pretty Woman" with MigraineThere are many parts to this topic - what you do to look good when you feel like crap and have Migraine. It's really all about knowing a few things, then planning for them ahead of time.<br />
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I once had someone tell me - every single day actually - that I needed to get up and get dressed, all the way to the shoes. It would get me ready for the day. I hated it, but she was right. That meant planning the night before what to wear, then lay it out, so it's ready to go first thing. No thinking, no time needed to plan when I'm tired and cranky.<br />
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Getting dressed, for me, is like owning dogs. I do it because it keeps me functional. It makes it so that I have no choice but to keep going on even when I feel awful, like tonight.<br />
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Okay, I love my dogs, but sometimes they're hard to own when you're sick. Most of the time they're hard to own when you're sick. <br />
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Sometimes I do even feel better once I've gotten dressed. At least I'm moving. Sort of. Even if it takes me all day to get there.<br />
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The other half will be important to read and understand....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs4V35AIiUSLJrwAll98MlTXrK8Gh8L6fuQXIFGffSAlxGi4pvkz2vanovaosqdPEm8Y9tX913RRkwpl6nkQf-5mSPcX7yEz5E12dNtZ_8PmGvhY9MCTp0zjkUgJiC79O6lLEXO7tGMoW/s1600/2013MHAMBlogChallengeLogoOfficial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs4V35AIiUSLJrwAll98MlTXrK8Gh8L6fuQXIFGffSAlxGi4pvkz2vanovaosqdPEm8Y9tX913RRkwpl6nkQf-5mSPcX7yEz5E12dNtZ_8PmGvhY9MCTp0zjkUgJiC79O6lLEXO7tGMoW/s1600/2013MHAMBlogChallengeLogoOfficial.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you look like crap when you go to the doctor, patients can often be seen as lazy, not trying, not compliant, or even just as losers. There's already such stigma re: Migraine patients and their level of education and their stress levels, hysterical brains and laziness, this does nothing to help the situation. Of course you and I know the truth - some days just getting to the bathroom is all I can accomplish. Forget dressing. However, I learned a long time ago, if you want to be seen as a potential drug seeker, go to the doctor looking like one. If you want to be taken seriously, go with that in mind. <br />
<br />
Remember pony tail holders are made for these kinds of situations. Caps or head/hair bands. Even a clean bandana can cover up hair that's not been washed in days. Clean clothes that look normal - no black, gangsta or biker stuff here. I top it off with a leather jacket or black dress jacket because it makes it look like I tried without trying. Deodorant/anti-perspirant that's not too strong. And for gosh sake, please try to brush your teeth 30 seconds, or at least gargle so the doctor can take the time needed to examine you. <br />
<br />
Here's what's not necessary...<br />
<ul>
<li>curled, perfect hair.</li>
<li>a bra (unless you're indecent without one)</li>
<li>socks</li>
<li>makeup - of any kind</li>
<li>a purse</li>
<li>jewelry, of any type</li>
<li>Shaved legs and pits </li>
<li>anything stylish. Just make it clean, and hopefully not clashing.</li>
</ul>
I have my "Migraine clothes" at the end of my closet so they're easy to get to. This is about planning for me. some days my hubs has to dress me, so this assures he gets the right size for my current body weight, etc. All he has to do is grab the hangers X 2 and help me get in them. Slide on my slip-on slippers and we can go. I actually timed it: It takes 5 seconds for me to put my hair in a pony tail and look like I at least tried. Thirty seconds if he has to do it. I can "brush" my teeth with a towel over my finger and avoid the gagging toothbrush, then swish some Biotene so I don't smell like I have dragon-breath. That's 30 seconds tops. The Biotene is good for Migraineurs because it has no alcohol, won't dry, has light taste and smell, and acts just like saliva in the mouth, so is good for your mouth, unlike regular mouthwash. It also contains Xylitol which kills the bacteria in your mouth better than anything else.<br />
<br />
A "Pretty Woman" I am NOT. However, I can appear fairly normal, very quickly if I need. <br />
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It's all about planning.<br />
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<i><b>Learn more about the 2013 MHAM Blog Challenge and other MHAM events by visiting: <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" rel="nofollow" target="blank">2013 Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Information Page</a></b></i><br />
<br />
<b><i>June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated
to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine
and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by <a href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">FightingHeadacheDisorders.com</a></i></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-22407022435337256232013-06-05T08:00:00.000-05:002013-06-05T08:00:00.218-05:00Migraine Challenge: "Carousel"The song "You'll Never Walk Alone" talks about walking through the storms of your life... that you'll never be alone in them.<br />
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Living with chronic illness including chronic Migraine and other headaches, autoimmune diseases like lupus and Sjogren's syndrome, and dystonia means I've been thru my share of storms. These last few months I've even had additional diagnoses to add to my storms - not something I'm fond of sharing or have happening.<br />
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My take on the song is that you may be physically alone, but in your heart you know that those who love you are sticking by you no matter what.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8YWzQZqrUrNk7t0xJEGhwUoK8HK-vzoIu3Uu8YqCVxM7Cysw-o9dQbFLoFhYIobkN3G6gn9kjq3aNvvrn3tzZsYUtRfIENAyaFJ7UUEGfE_tNcClYdmSv-ScZBYW7Gy7toO-bQioNb-1/s1600/abbey+and+Teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8YWzQZqrUrNk7t0xJEGhwUoK8HK-vzoIu3Uu8YqCVxM7Cysw-o9dQbFLoFhYIobkN3G6gn9kjq3aNvvrn3tzZsYUtRfIENAyaFJ7UUEGfE_tNcClYdmSv-ScZBYW7Gy7toO-bQioNb-1/s320/abbey+and+Teddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've lost a lot of friends and family over being sick, so this can be difficult to see. However, I challenge us all to close your eyes and think of the people in your life, or the pets, that mean the most to you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs4V35AIiUSLJrwAll98MlTXrK8Gh8L6fuQXIFGffSAlxGi4pvkz2vanovaosqdPEm8Y9tX913RRkwpl6nkQf-5mSPcX7yEz5E12dNtZ_8PmGvhY9MCTp0zjkUgJiC79O6lLEXO7tGMoW/s1600/2013MHAMBlogChallengeLogoOfficial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfs4V35AIiUSLJrwAll98MlTXrK8Gh8L6fuQXIFGffSAlxGi4pvkz2vanovaosqdPEm8Y9tX913RRkwpl6nkQf-5mSPcX7yEz5E12dNtZ_8PmGvhY9MCTp0zjkUgJiC79O6lLEXO7tGMoW/s1600/2013MHAMBlogChallengeLogoOfficial.jpg" /></a></div>
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It's true, they may not physically be walking your walk with you, but don't they love you just the same? They may have weak moments and cave into frustration with our illness, but don't we get frustrated too? When we got sick, they were robbed of something too - us. That's a reason to get angry sometimes. I think that's not only expected, but that it's okay.<br />
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The trick is, getting through these tough times and still staying friends/family after its all been said and done. <br />
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Right now I have a puppy with a hurt leg on my lap. She laid her face on my shoulder very slowly and softly, almost like she knew I am hurting today too. Her soft eyes tell me she's in pain and she wants comfort, and it makes me wonder if she realizes the comfort she gives me today, with her warm presence and the mere fact that she needed me today.<br />
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We can comfort each other. <br />
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In the end, chronic illness patients walk their walk alone. That's the reality. Nobody can enter our bodies with us, but they can be *with* us in other ways.<br />
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Here this beautiful song here: http://youtu.be/A4_NdiPSmbs <br />
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Let's try not to forget that there are many different ways our loved ones can walk with us without actually putting on our shoes...<br />
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<i><b>Learn more about the 2013 MHAM Blog Challenge and other MHAM events by visiting: <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" rel="nofollow" target="blank">2013 Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Information Page<b></b></a></b></i><br />
<br />
<b><i>June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated
to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine
and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by <a href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">FightingHeadacheDisorders.com</a></i></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-41540011897899815962013-06-05T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-05T07:00:00.679-05:00Hobbies and MigraineThe Migraine and Headache Awareness Month <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" target="_blank">Photo Prompt for the day</a> is Hobbies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRsoaDmnpC_-NpmSs8tJz0XyAHbmEO1fARF5rdPExKkSv63YYCAptK3qbsZjPi2toAJ2wIhBTIh04Y7o3QVc24w1xA9ydPJ90SPYEGXm1qgAGeZxP4Iyx_v2QsBSl18KR-HSL9kYbaLz4/s1600/Hobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPRsoaDmnpC_-NpmSs8tJz0XyAHbmEO1fARF5rdPExKkSv63YYCAptK3qbsZjPi2toAJ2wIhBTIh04Y7o3QVc24w1xA9ydPJ90SPYEGXm1qgAGeZxP4Iyx_v2QsBSl18KR-HSL9kYbaLz4/s320/Hobby.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I am one of those blessed people whose hobbies always led to some sort of a career. Art is one of them, although this is the first and only oil painting I have ever attempted, and it's only about half finished! <br />
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The subject is my 27 year old Straight Arabian Stallion, Ibn Naseri. I've a long way to go getting the details right, but hopefully I won't goof it up too badly when I get around to continuing it.<br />
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Truth be told, I am so involved in advocacy for Migraine, autoimmunity and dystonia that I haven't had the time to sit down and work on a painting. Someday I pray I'll have it done though, hopefully before my beloved *white boy* has left me. This year he's looking much better and seems much healthier, so there's a chance my dream might come true...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-72121077221276110152013-06-04T09:41:00.000-05:002013-06-04T09:41:38.578-05:00Migraine Awareness Photo Challenge: Pain<br />
Today's prompt is: "Pain"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFAWGdx4fAq8OhZTigH5Xy_UZNq4bM_Z_TlZS2zcyYOESsdFDDCFvxHrmdA3G2rn4O8NHCSMthCHUXu_8AkbOg_Z0cbntbLcprTqNZSs58b5bYS15XzGhMaVrToB0NT-fa6cSHNlR5E8K/s1600/3+horse+kick+2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFAWGdx4fAq8OhZTigH5Xy_UZNq4bM_Z_TlZS2zcyYOESsdFDDCFvxHrmdA3G2rn4O8NHCSMthCHUXu_8AkbOg_Z0cbntbLcprTqNZSs58b5bYS15XzGhMaVrToB0NT-fa6cSHNlR5E8K/s320/3+horse+kick+2005.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
Now, if I tell you this required no pain medication because my tolerance for pain is so enormously high that being kicked in the face by a horse and surviving with a broken face, eye socket and skull with crushed nerves felt like nothing compared to my Migraines... would that make you stop and think a moment?<br />
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This photo was 5 days into the healing process.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RPdIq3o0kFmABRkbOUS07Cq2vMpLRoJHgiCjiaU9gnI9MKehzZxQi7WcHbX1J3qNTRU0L7m_VuKEe44dFIZOXVCw2Raj2MR0_uEjkLNBVThlcym9FLVAtp5OSse9GQGxxvJWtnRZ4KAb/s1600/editMHAMPhotoChallengeLogo13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RPdIq3o0kFmABRkbOUS07Cq2vMpLRoJHgiCjiaU9gnI9MKehzZxQi7WcHbX1J3qNTRU0L7m_VuKEe44dFIZOXVCw2Raj2MR0_uEjkLNBVThlcym9FLVAtp5OSse9GQGxxvJWtnRZ4KAb/s1600/editMHAMPhotoChallengeLogo13.png" /></a></div>
#MHAM13 #MHAMPC<br />
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The Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Photo Challenge is sponsored by the American Headache and Migraine Association. For more information, see the activities list here<a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" target="_blank">: AHMABlog.com</a><br />
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<span id="goog_1166029142"></span><span id="goog_1166029143"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-15837762151530977652013-06-04T09:01:00.001-05:002013-06-04T10:49:39.623-05:00"Finding Nemo" with Migraine and Chronic Illness"Just Keep Swimming!"<br />
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I was only a teenager when things started to go permanently wrong with my health, so I've been doing this *chronic* thing a long time.<br />
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Along the way I've managed to have and raise two great kids, maintained a 30 year marriage, and held a handful of jobs that made it possible for me to put my priorities straight and still contribute to the family income at the same time. I even built and owned three of my own businesses. I've spent more hours volunteering than probably anything else... all while sick.<br />
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My mom has a saying that is called an "Ellenism" in our house now because I say it at least once a day. It explains how I "just keep swimming..." It's all about a question, and an answer.<br />
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"How do you eat an elephant?"<br />
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Answer: "One bite at a time."<br />
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Most of the time I take things one day at a time. Sometimes I feel worse than others and I have to take things in smaller bites. Maybe it's getting through this half of the day. Maybe it's getting through the next hour. Sometimes, it's just getting through the next minute. I literally watch the clock as I try to distract myself from the pain that is mind-bending. Each time the number changes to another minute, is like a victory for this warrior.<br />
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When the clock changes, it means two things. It means that I conquered and I won over whatever challenge I was enduring and fighting that minute, but it also gives me strength that I know if I did it once, I can do it again.<br />
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There are no medals in this fight. There aren't even any ticker tape parades or celebratory parties. There is usually just me, knowing if I did it once, I can do it again. <br />
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I don't really have any other ways to just keep swimming... this has worked for me for decades. So long as my direction is still forward, it doesn't matter how small those bites are, just so long as I keep taking them. Eventually the enormous task ahead - which regrettably is sometimes just surviving - will be accomplished.<br />
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<i><b>Learn more about the 2013 MHAM Blog Challenge and other MHAM events by visiting: <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" rel="nofollow" target="blank">2013 Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Information Page<b></b></a></b></i><br />
<b><i>June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated
to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine
and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by <a href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">FightingHeadacheDisorders.com</a></i></b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-78661994672281134032013-06-03T12:34:00.001-05:002013-06-03T12:34:45.699-05:00Migraine and "The Hunger Games"Today's prompt is all about the catch-phrase used throughout the movie:<br />
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"May the odds be ever in your favor."<br />
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What do you do to be sure you keep all the greatest odds possible in your favor so you don't develop a Migraine attack? If you're chronic, what do you do to keep the odds in your favor so that you will get through the day despite Migraine?<br />
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I do everything most other people do... or do I?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I watch my triggers. More than that, I manage them carefully.</li>
<li>I take my medicine religiously at the same time every day</li>
<li>I try to remember to eat regularly throughout the day</li>
<li>I graze on veggies and fruits thru the day</li>
<li>I have started Botox treatments which seems to be helping slightly.</li>
<li>I attend medical CME credited conferences so I can learn the latest and the greatest from the best.</li>
<li>I have an amazing headache specialist</li>
<li>I keep track of my other health conditions and maintain regular visits to keep as healthy as possible.</li>
<li>I take at least 1 hr out every afternoon to rest and take a break to spend some time on me so I don't feel left out.</li>
<li>I maximize my sleep efforts. </li>
<li>I keep pets in the house with me which help to force me to stay active even when I'm sick.</li>
<li>I make sure and let my support system know how much they mean to me. </li>
<li>I make my mess my message, by being active as an advocate/educator helping others.</li>
<li>I keep track of my own medical records on paper, in a notebook</li>
<li>I schedule my day</li>
<li>I schedule my life. This means I have a written schedule and plan ahead so if I get sick, someone else can take over seamlessly. Dogs get their meds and fed, hubs has something to cook fast, etc.</li>
<li>I prepare food ahead. I buy farm fresh from the farmer, then prepare it when I'm feeling good... in huge batches. Some things can be pre-mixed and need only be shoved in freezer bags so they can be tossed into a crock pot on a bad day.</li>
<li>I eat clean.</li>
<li>I keep track of the weather.</li>
</ul>
The last thing I'd like to mention is surprising to most people, but key to helping me.<br />
<ul>
<li>I volunteer.</li>
</ul>
If you feel there is no purpose to your life; if there is nobody you can help; if there is nothing to make you feel needed in a good way, and appreciated every day of your existence, then your chances for situational depression are much greater. Even with these things in place depression can be a factor to deal with. Volunteering is something you do on your terms, when you feel up to it. Yet it involves others and is rewarding beyond words. For me, volunteering is one of those things I do to help prevent Migraine from ruining my life.<br />
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<i><b>Learn more about the 2013 MHAM Blog Challenge and other MHAM events by visiting: <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" rel="nofollow" target="blank">2013 Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Information Page</a></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b></b></i><br />
<i><b><b></b></b></i><br />
<b><i>June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated
to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The Migraine
and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is issued by <a href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">FightingHeadacheDisorders.com</a></i></b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-18078534649580139582013-06-03T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-03T07:00:00.807-05:00Migraine and SleepToday's Migraine and Headache Awareness <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" target="_blank">Photo Prompt</a> is Sleep.<br />
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I am one of those lucky patients whose head always hurts. My comorbid conditions make the rest of me hurt too, so sleep is often elusive. For me, it requires dark bedding, a neck pillow, a pillow between my knees to stabilize my back and hips, and a heating pad that won't shut off.<br />
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The Migraine bracelet is always there to remind me I am not alone.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-77170638138733020092013-06-02T14:35:00.000-05:002013-06-02T14:41:39.836-05:00Alone, Lonely - Migraine Life Without my BeastToday's Migraine and Headache Awareness Month <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/mham.html" target="_blank">photo prompt</a> is Alone, Lonely... so I took a photo of what immediately comes to mind when I see those words.<br />
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The loss of my dog, Beast. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ-ZOhKXnPrI-gEi6wMRBz09yePS_qkr2GxZ0d_a0BRWSAid8hG4aboaE8Tq-eZ6TZmTH0ur2iDqKTo5i2RsAYewGRbPaHix-brkYgorxXFTcEwU-3NsBfrGoL3Fmg7feGIwEnH_aBgw3/s1600/lonely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQ-ZOhKXnPrI-gEi6wMRBz09yePS_qkr2GxZ0d_a0BRWSAid8hG4aboaE8Tq-eZ6TZmTH0ur2iDqKTo5i2RsAYewGRbPaHix-brkYgorxXFTcEwU-3NsBfrGoL3Fmg7feGIwEnH_aBgw3/s320/lonely.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You see, my big dog is nearing the end of her life. She has pancreatitis and is in the mid-stages of liver and kidney failure. She has rheumatoid arthritis, bad hips and a bad back that hurts her so badly she can hardly walk. The pain meds we have to give her to keep her moving are also destroying her organs. She has dementia and is about 75% incontinent.<br />
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And, I can't help but add, her farts are so potent even she leaves the room when she toots!<br />
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She is 15 years old.<br />
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Beast never leaves my side unless she is forced. She is uncomfortable having me out of her site, and I am so used to her being with me, that I depend on her to tell me whenever anything is going on around the house... despite the fact that she is also about half deaf and her eyesight is also failing. I have other dogs, but they wander the house occasionally leaving me alone with my work.<br />
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The dog bed in the photo actually belongs to one of my little dogs, but if Beast ever finds it empty, she twirls herself around and plops onto it, pretending to be one of the little guys. She looks embarrassed that she barely half fits, and seems annoyed when we laugh at her for trying.<br />
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The day is coming that we'll lose her. And when I see the empty doggie beds, it's going to tear my heart into little pieces...<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-70307222133004104002013-06-02T12:05:00.001-05:002013-06-02T12:09:50.780-05:00X-Men and Chronic Migraine Heroes<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br />Migraine & Headache Disorders Super Heroes: Who in your life goes above the call of duty and how?</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> It's no secret that my hubs has become my biggest hero throughout the years. I haven't often mentioned why...</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> I wish I could count the number of times I've heard people tell me "Do you have any idea how lucky you are that your husband has stood by you through all of this?" I am immediately ashamed that I would be the cause of a life others would consider something they couldn't live with, but of course, my answer is, "Yes".</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> When I met my husband, it wasn't his looks, his accent, or even his height or age that attracted me to him. I was almost 15 years old, and it would have been easy for those reasons to have turned my head. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">It was something in his voice and the look on his face when he saw me that did it. Within seconds, I found him to be respectful, caring, polite, and charismatic. He had me smiling and laughing almost from the first moment. He was a christian too, and that floored me. I had no idea at the time that I would spend the majority of my life sick and disabled. I just knew that I enjoyed spending time with someone for whom those characteristics and ideals were important, as they were also important in my own life. I knew he was someone I would enjoy spending my whole life with.<br /> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRJQerv5DR7Gl_hmSY3kcZ_PPAZNR-OlMKzx7gaLprKm4eoC3u1I1FQZfl7DnkWX6Fc8SUoq1fQ7G7QIEsZLGHPHXDrFa7NLZL_AgEeVu6v_O1R2eVN5iEsQYIQyNzDZp7_IFrdAS75KP/s1600/MYDC0110.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRJQerv5DR7Gl_hmSY3kcZ_PPAZNR-OlMKzx7gaLprKm4eoC3u1I1FQZfl7DnkWX6Fc8SUoq1fQ7G7QIEsZLGHPHXDrFa7NLZL_AgEeVu6v_O1R2eVN5iEsQYIQyNzDZp7_IFrdAS75KP/s320/MYDC0110.JPG" /></a><br /> <br /><br /> My hubs has had his tough times with this illness business. It wasn't always easy. In fact, in the beginning he thought I was lazy and just needed a regimented, written schedule to get me through the day. So he wrote me one, placed it prominently on the refrigerator,then made me promise to stick to it for a week. He was SURE this would cure the problem. When it didn't, he still didn't let loose of the idea that it was some personal weakness that could be fixed, that was the problem. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> Every day he came home from work, he would open the front door and with a frustrated voice say, "So..... what did YOU do today?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> Most of my readers will immediately understand why this made me bristle. In fact, it caused a good number of fights. I briefly even considered leaving because I couldn't stand playing this blame game every day. But divorce wasn't in my personal vocabulary, and leaving never lasted longer than an afternoon's drive through the forest where I always feel my calmest. I knew he loved me. I knew the problem was that he didn't understand what was happening to me. I didn't even understand what was happening to me!</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> Soon he had to come to appointments with me as I wasn't able to drive for a while. That's when the lightbulb went on. He heard the doctors struggling with treating me. He saw me endure abuse that I was encouraged to report to the state examiners as it was so serious. He watched me nearly die from a drug interaction. When he tried to help me and couldn't, he began to understand that this wasn't something that could just be overcome by willpower and a schedule. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> My husband has picked me up and carried me like a baby. He's spoon fed me. He's cleaned up messes you never want someone you love to even see, let alone handle. He's stayed up all night rubbing joints and caressing my face for distraction. He's rushed me to the hospital and grabbed the arms of doctors so we could get answers. He's yelled at staff to get me the treatment I was being denied. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> Without my husband, there's no doubt I would have given up all hope, and most likely my life, long ago. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> He is my hands when I need lids lifted, arms when I can't reach something. He's my legs when I can't walk, and my back when I can't get out of bed. He's my balance when I can't stand in the shower by myself, taking a fully clothed shower so I could get the relief I needed from the hot water. He's been my secretary, writing down my meds so we can keep track of what needs to be taken when. And he's been my voice when I can't speak.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> When I gave up, he wouldn't let me. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> When I was distraught, I asked him to divorce me so he could have the life he deserved, but he refused. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> Sometimes we fight. He has the right to lose his patience once in a while. He has the right to feel angry, and the right to act out once in a blue moon. He didn't ask for this life any more than I did. I try to keep my mouth closed when this happens, because I know how I need to vent sometimes, and surely he must be the same. </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /> <i><b>Who is your Migraine and headache, or chronic illness hero? What makes them special to you? Take a moment and think about it, then join us in talking about them:</b></i></span><br />
<h2 class="date-header">
</h2>
<h3 class="entry-header">
<a href="http://www.fightingheadachedisorders.com/2013/06/migraine-headache-awareness-x-men.html">Migraine & Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge #2 - X-Men</a></h3>
<a class="asset-img-link" href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef01901c5a3edc970b-pi" style="float: left;"><img alt="2013BlogChallenge4AwareSite" border="0" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d8341ce97953ef01901c5a3edc970b" src="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef01901c5a3edc970b-800wi" style="margin: 0px 13px 0px 0px;" title="2013BlogChallenge4AwareSite" /></a><span style="color: #6000bf;"><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: 10pt;"></span></b></i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-1058579030948803042013-06-01T11:29:00.000-05:002013-06-02T11:05:19.048-05:00Comfort, Peace, Coping<div data-canvas-width="298.19734222030644" data-font-name="g_font_p0_1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 21.3333px; left: 154px; top: 98.4px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.21713, 1);">
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<span style="font-size: small;">This is the theme for today's <a href="http://candacerich.com/" target="_blank">Migraine and Headache </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://candacerich.com/" target="_blank">Awareness Photo of the day</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In addition, I am including the Team Migraine "M" in </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">each of my photos. Make the Team Migraine "M" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">with your hands in the photo and use that to help </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">generate conversation too! </span><br />
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<div data-canvas-width="335.7518789819718" data-font-name="g_font_p0_4" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333px; left: 75.6667px; top: 344.667px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.20341, 1);">
<span style="font-size: small;">Today's prompt is Comfort, Peace, Coping</span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="335.7518789819718" data-font-name="g_font_p0_4" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333px; left: 75.6667px; top: 344.667px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.20341, 1);">
<span style="font-size: small;">My beautiful mare Sammy gives me comfort and </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">peace, and my hubs helps me cope from day to </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">day. He too is a great comfort to me.I want </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">people who see them to wonder what's with the </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">"M". Maybe ask a few questions, generate a few </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">conversations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If you're participating in the Photo of the Day, I </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">encourage you to do the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">MIGRAINE & HEADACHE </span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="315.50294273605357" data-font-name="g_font_p0_1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 21.3333px; left: 145.267px; top: 124.333px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.19963, 1);">
<span style="font-size: small;">AWARENESS MONTH 2013</span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="233.17334028244014" data-font-name="g_font_p0_1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 21.3333px; left: 186.467px; top: 150.267px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.15432, 1);">
<span style="font-size: small;">PHOTO CHALLENGE</span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="439.105349439621" data-font-name="g_font_p0_4" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333px; left: 75.6667px; top: 197.2px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.18357, 1);">
<span style="font-size: small;">Take and share a photo each day of 2013 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Migraine & Headache Awareness Month </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">(MHAM) this Juneusing these prompts for</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> inspiration. Use your creativity in interpreting the</span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="469.8581505676269" data-font-name="g_font_p0_4" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333px; left: 75.6667px; top: 260.4px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.22359, 1);">
<span style="font-size: small;">prompts. There is no right or wrong way to see </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">them.</span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="654.7077573478697" data-font-name="g_font_p0_4" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.3333px; left: 75.6667px; top: 302.533px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.20572, 1);">
<span style="font-size: small;">Share your photos on Instagram, Facebook, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, yourblog, etc. Use </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">the hashtags #MHAM #MHAM2013 and/or </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">#MHAMPC so others can find & identify your photos.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-72418017300633843922013-03-20T00:52:00.000-05:002013-03-20T00:52:07.032-05:00Hello American Headache and Migraine Association!<span style="color: #f1c232;">Those of you who follow me on Migraine.com are aware that a good portion of my time these last several months has been spent working on a groundbreaking new Migraine and headache patient organization we have named the <a href="http://American Headache and Migraine Association" target="_blank">American Headache and Migraine Association </a>(AHMA).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">AHMA is an arm of ACHE - the American Headache Society's committee on headache education. As such it falls under their 501c(3) status, and all donations to AHMA are tax deductible.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Coming soon is an awareness store chock full of amazing things that will help bring awareness to these disorders, but also help make you a part of this Team Migraine movement.<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">100% of the proceeds from the store go to the organization.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">A member forum is a great place to connect with other members and share your experiences while you learn from others. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Many other opportunities are in the works as well. A mentoring program, and a lot of really neat ideas.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">The best part of this new organization is that we are currently working on our very first patient conference to be held on November 24, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">We have some amazing speakers already lined up and ready to talk to you, your families and care partners. Wouldn't you love to join us?!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">This is an amazing opportunity I hope many of you will be able to avail yourself. Many of us advocates will also be there, and I hope to get the chance to meet you!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">For more details on joining the AHMA please see the</span> <a href="http://www.ahmablog.com/2013/03/introducing-the-american-headache-and-migraine-association.html" target="_blank">AHMA blog</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-87340338573564808442013-01-02T09:33:00.000-06:002013-01-02T09:34:29.798-06:00Goodbye 2012!<br />
2012 brought with it a lot of heartache and stress. I'm not sorry to see it go. However, I'm not sure that I'm ready for 2013 either, with it's uncharted territories and scary new things.<br />
<br />
In a week I'll be trying a new specialist and new treatments. This is always a scary thing for me, as my history with doctors has been dubious at best. Many of my readers have had similar experiences and will understand my trepidation. <br />
<br />
Goodbye 2012. I have made peace with your passing... not that I had any choice.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your lessons. Thank you for the new friends you brought my way. Thank you for helping me become stronger. Braver. Wiser. Without you I would be much the poorer.<br />
<br />
Hello 2013.<br />
<br />
Please don't let me down. With your birth I feel hope, but I am also afraid.<br />
<br />
Please grant me friendships that strengthen and new friends that enrich me. Please keep my losses this year to a minimum, as my soul loses pieces each time I lose someone or something dear to me. Please make me braver tomorrow than today, and smarter so I can continue to help other patients. Speaking of patience, lol... give me more please, so the stress seems less overwhelming. <br />
<br />
Happy Birthday 2013! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-6144553331349341622012-11-11T16:23:00.002-06:002012-11-11T16:25:28.813-06:00Migraine and 30 Days of Thanksgiving<br />
Chronic Migraine makes it difficult to concentrate on the good things in life, yet at the same time makes it even easier to appreciate them. I really have been very blessed in my life - I've had dreams I made come true, and I have a loving family and good friends to share those dreams with. <br />
<br />
When we're hurting, it seems the pain is about all we can think of, doesn't it? Nothing else seems to get through unless we make a concerted effort to go beyond our pain.<br />
<br />
I'm reminded daily of the things that my chronic Migraine and other illnesses have taken from me. Stolen from me. It's easy to become bitter. Resentful. Thinking positively is SO important when I'm hurting.<br />
<br />
Then on those rare days when there is a break in the pain, something little happens and it feels like I've won a million bucks! You just can't squoosh me on those days. Sometimes I know I can be horribly annoying because I just can't seem to stop smiling. I am and have always been a glass half full kind of girl!<br />
<br />
This fall has been especially difficult for some reason. My pain levels have been higher. My autoimmune flares have increased in frequency and severity. Migraines have gotten worse, and I have added different headache problems on top of my normal Migraine stuff. I knew I needed to pay special attention to those things that keep me going, because I don't want to wallow in negativity that can be so infectious. So, I decided to participate in a challenge - 30 Days of Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
The idea is to write somewhere each day - Facebook, Twitter, this blog or any of the others in which I participate - and mention something I'm especially thankful for that day.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I'll admit it... the last two weeks have been difficult for me, so this task isn't always as easy as it should be. When I'm feeling good, all I can do is think about the wonderful things in my life. When I'm feeling lousy, well, I'm more likely to feel like grumbling or venting than counting my blessings.<br />
<br />
30 Days of Thanksgiving has been good for me though. It pushes me to remember how blessed I really am. It challenges me to look beyond what I am experiencing in the moment and remember what it is like to feel good. The big picture is more important than the small stuff. I wake up in the morning wondering what is going to happen that day that I can write about the next day. I find myself looking forward to the day and its possibilities, even when the pain is overwhelming me.<br />
<br />
<i><b>In a season where it's so easy to be reminded of all the things we can't do, how do you keep yourself on track and remember to be thankful for the blessings you have? </b> </i><br />
<br />
This post is my response to the <a href="http://somebodyhealme.dianalee.net/p/carnival.html" target="_blank">November 2012 Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival.</a> <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="technoratitag"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><span class="technoratitag"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A blog carnival is a collection of links to a variety of blogs on a central topic. The <b>Headache & Migraine Disease Blog Carnival</b>
has been created to provide both headache patients and people who blog
about headaches with unique opportunities to share ideas on topics of
particular interest and importance to us. </span></span></span></span>This month's challenge was: <b><span class="technoratitag" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Giving Thanks: What are you thankful for in your life despite
living with a headache disorder or migraine disease? How do you stay
focused on it when life gets hard? </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="technoratitag" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></b> <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-90105111956051923502012-11-08T11:54:00.002-06:002012-11-11T16:19:31.973-06:00Migraine Myths: Opiates, Narcotics and Glutamate<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Migraine factoid: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">One more reason opiates/narcotics can be dangerous for Migraineurs: they leave residual glutamate in the neuronal synapses, which may render other therapies ineffective. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Glutamate is the working end of MSG and is an excitatory neurotransmitter which can be a potent Migraine trigger. It has been placed at the top of a cascade that too often results in Migraine attacks. Examples of these drugs include Tylenol 3, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, Oxycontin, Dilaudid etc. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Here is a <a href="https://migraine.com/blog/why-are-neurotransmitters-important-to-my-migraine-brain/" target="_blank">Migraine.com post</a> I wrote some time ago re: glutamate and how it works in our brains, as well as a list of <a href="https://migraine.com/blog/locate-hidden-msg-migraine-triggers/" target="_blank">other names</a> this nasty little neurotransmitter can hide under in our food, cosmetics and other products. We need a balanced amount of glutamate to live, but keeping that balance is tricky indeed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Anything that potentially renders our other therapies ineffective should be avoided if at all possible. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">It's sad, but many Migraineurs, especially those that are chronic, tend to think that their doctors refuse to prescribe opiates and narcotics for their Migraine pain because they don't believe how bad the pain is. Please understand - this is untrue and those who perpetuate this lie are not helping patients get better!! </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw40ZOPU2wC0jRL3W8cu3jnzcAeHEo1MKNT0QWBBdllpa5QcPLlWXr4BE6rXLZI29RXdH2Vg5MpEPRNrwLBkeDEOH4Dacc41NRwu8giXNfdJFTTyU5Lem06IvgDi2OvJEXwS-uumZeiRg0/s1600/DSC03219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw40ZOPU2wC0jRL3W8cu3jnzcAeHEo1MKNT0QWBBdllpa5QcPLlWXr4BE6rXLZI29RXdH2Vg5MpEPRNrwLBkeDEOH4Dacc41NRwu8giXNfdJFTTyU5Lem06IvgDi2OvJEXwS-uumZeiRg0/s320/DSC03219.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Silver Creek Falls, Oregon Photo copyright 2011 Ellen Schnakenberg</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">The truth is, having Migraine is bad enough, but can you imagine if it got worse? That is what opiates/narcotics can do for us. Yes, it helps the pain temporarily, but the damage it can cause can be long-lasting. If it help an episodic Migraineur transform into a chronic situation, so much the worse. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">As an advocate, I do believe there are times when treatment with opiates and narcotics are appropriate. This should be a last option however, not a first or second line drug to help with attacks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">If you suffer episodic Migraine or chronic Migraine, please talk to your doctor if you are still using opiates or narcotics. These medicines are designed to help us feel better, but they do nothing to get to the root of the problem which is the Migraine process itself. It's true, we want relief from the pain, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. We don't need pain relief, we need something to abort the process or prevent it in the first place. </span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-41073397953308875682012-11-07T12:37:00.000-06:002012-11-11T16:35:56.050-06:00Migraine and The Importance of Friendship<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Chronic Migraine can suck the life and breath right out of a person. Living with it is exhausting... that's the only way I can describe it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">What makes living with chronic Migraine, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome, dystonia and all these other comorbidities easier? People who love you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Today I am so thankful for the friends I have, those who have stuck by me through the best times when I tend to be overly enthusiastic and polly-anna cheerful... and the worst times, when I tend to close myself off in favor of disappearing into a pit of selfishness and despair. The ones who listen when I blabber on and on, and are there to lift me up when I need it. These are the same people who kick me in the tushy when I need it too. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Good friends are like that - we can count on them, and they can count on us. </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHHQRXkhuBXQ9vifhrbqXq0xziD4qwXYqYYbZBliVdILtw0FM_faOE-qG-tv1PsYvExYWC33BCS_EP9x0B6OpyKi6XBqJGra_08zEU8XOrHLIAm8nbELKnzGMxwX1RJ1Z1I-4egHXYbuj/s1600/DSC03121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHHQRXkhuBXQ9vifhrbqXq0xziD4qwXYqYYbZBliVdILtw0FM_faOE-qG-tv1PsYvExYWC33BCS_EP9x0B6OpyKi6XBqJGra_08zEU8XOrHLIAm8nbELKnzGMxwX1RJ1Z1I-4egHXYbuj/s320/DSC03121.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo copyright 2011 Ellen Schnakenberg - Tyki the Havanese</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">I can only hope I have been a good friend to those I feel close to. To you. I do try very hard. My heart goes with you wherever you are. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">So today, I am telling my friends "I LOVE YOU!" If I could shout it from a rooftop I would. This is my rooftop today. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Do me a favor... place your right hand on your left shoulder and hold it there. Place your left hand on your right shoulder. Now close your eyes, take a slow cleansing breath, and squeeze gently. This is a hug, from me to you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">I may not talk to you every day, or even every week or every month. That's okay because I know that true friendships can endure the test of time and distance. WE endure the test of time and distance... and chronic illness.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-74799446093319110162012-11-06T14:03:00.000-06:002012-11-11T16:36:37.917-06:00Desiderata - Peace for the Mind, Body and Soul<span style="color: #f1c232;">I ran across this video that includes the words of Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, spoken by Les Crane. It made me smile today.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">God created the universe, and His plans for our
life are often hidden from us. Those of us struggling with chronic
illness tend to forget that our sight is limited. However, I know that I
am where I am supposed to be this day...</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">"...You are a child of the universe. No less than
the trees and the stars. You have a right to be here. And whether or
not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it
should..."</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-90284339699278400072012-11-01T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-06T14:42:17.118-06:00Migraine and Overgrowth of Bad Bacteria Part 2<span style="color: #f1c232;">Migraines respond well when we maximize our health, and this includes the health of our digestive system. Bacterial overgrowth may not directly affect your Migraine attacks, but it may have an indirect influence that shouldn't be ignored. It can be so easy to fix - if you know you have the problem. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">In part one, we created an analogy of cows and deer, grass and weeds to describe how good and bad bacteria work in the digestive system. Now we'll talk about why this is important to know...</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Feeding the good, starving the bad </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">To have healthy cows, we must be sure that the grass in our pasture is healthy. If all we have is weeds, then the only thing we have that can survive is deer, and we don't want deer.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">In this analogy, we need to feed our good bacteria. Good bacteria especially love to be fed fiber. Yep, the same fiber found in bran muffins, apples, celery, oatmeal and lots of different good-for-you foods. Healthy bacteria need 30 grams of fiber each day. In those patients who have diets low in fiber, it is not unusual to see a multitude of bacterial overgrowth related problems including diarrhea, constipation, yeast infections and malabsorption to name but a few.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">By keeping the pasture healthy, the cows will proliferate and our guts will be full of good bacteria, with few bad bacteria to complicate things. Bad bacteria cannot eat fiber. They exist on sugar. Sugar comes from carbohydrates. Those whose diets tend to be low in fiber also tend to be high in carbohydrates, so is it any wonder that they are sick?!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">The ideal diet for human beings is one that is low in carbs and high in fiber. We need animal products to survive (vegans supplement the missing nutrients) but we subsist primarily on fruits and vegetables - this is how our bodies were designed. The average American diet today is outrageously high in carbs and so low in fiber that the majority of people live in a constant state of digestive upset and low or errant immune function. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>You medicine could be making you sick</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">The number two reason for bacterial overgrowth is a direct result of medical treatment. The medicines we are taking to help us can in reality make us very ill.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">It's unfortunate that most doctors have begun to rely heavily on medicines to do the work that can be done without them. The fact remains however, that Migraineurs depend on many medicines to get them through life with Migraine disease. This means that it is really important that we learn how to optimize our good gut bacteria so we can stay as healthy as possible, hopefully minimizing the chance that episodic Migraine will transform into chronic Migraine. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">The most common medicines to alter gut flora balance are antibiotics. Since stress can also alter gut flora balance, it's possible that any treatment or disease can contribute to bacterial overgrowth, but antibiotics kill the very bacteria we need to survive. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria and they are very good at their jobs. However, they are very non-specific. They kill everything. All bacteria. This means that they kill the bad bacteria in our digestive system and any infection we might have, but they also kill off all the necessary good bacteria as well. We re-populate our gut flora after the antibiotics have been completed (you really do NOT want to ask me how) but because our diets are so poor in fiber and high in carbs, we tend to become riddled with bad bacteria that can be so harmful to us.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>How harmful? </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">E. Coli is very well known by most everyone. Have you ever wondered about it? How and why it gets into our food chain?</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">A long time ago, people realized that feeding cows a lot of sugar made their meat very sweet. So, farmers "finish" feeder cattle off with enormous amounts of grain and sugar over a short period of time. This results in a very sweet tasty steak, but because they have essentially eliminated all good bacteria from their digestive systems, they are now riddled with bad bacteria including E. Coli. Their livers can get fatty and swollen and sick. If a steer was forced to remain on this diet for long, it would actually die. When the animal is butchered, the proliferation of bad bacteria is more likely to be accidentally spread to the meat, causing illness in those who eat it. This is one of the causes of the immense resurgence in grain fed beef - the meat itself is healthier because the cow it came from was healthy and fed a healthy species appropriate diet. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">E. Coli is in your digestive system right now. It is one of the main *bad* bacterias we have in us all the time. The trick is in learning to keep it under control so that it doesn't make us sick. We do this by starving it, and by feeding our good bacteria. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>So what do we do if we have had antibiotic therapy?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Thankfully the difference between good and bad bacteria was discovered a long time ago. Good species necessary for our survival were cultivated and can be purchased as a supplement to re-populate the digestive system. We call these healthy bacteria Probiotics. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Physicians do realize the benefit of probiotics, they just don't typically make it a habit of prescribing them, which is unfortunate. Patients who are forced to undergo prolonged antibiotic therapy are however, required to take massive doses of probiotics to keep the gut populated with helpful bacteria. Remember, without it we would die of malnutrition. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">There is much to discuss when we start down the path that connects the gut and the brain. More posts will follow later on this vital connection. The facts are fascinating and might help you in your journey toward better health :)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-79181763683479550802012-10-31T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-06T14:42:32.744-06:00Migraine and Overgrowth of Bad Bacteria Part 1<span style="color: #f1c232;">Migraine causes patients to take a lot of drugs. We try many things to control our Migraine attacks and to stop them when they occur. We change how we eat, sometimes not for the better. We are stressed because we aren't functioning at capacity. Our Migraines themselves cause us to crave things that cause digestive trouble. We overdo when Migraines aren't hitting us. Like a vicious circle, singly and in combination these things can create problems in our digestive system that in turn can influence our Migraine attacks. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">So, let's explore how this happens so we can fix the problem and stop the vicious circle that may be contributing to our attacks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>It's all about cows and deer, grass and weeds.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Okay. Not really. But cows and deer, grass and weeds make a pretty good analogy of our digestive system and how bacteria overgrowth happens. It also helps patients understand how to fix the problem.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Our gut (digestive system) contains more bacteria cells than the number of cells our entire body itself is made of! Without good bacteria, we would eventually starve and die of malnutrition. Good bacteria give us vitamins, helps our immune systems and are necessary to our survival as human beings. Bad bacteria makes us sick and stops our digestive systems from working correctly. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">We're going to explain this by dividing the bacteria up into groups: Good bacteria and bad bacteria.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Good bacteria = cows. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Bad bacteria = deer. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Cows and deer both have a place in the world. They both serve a purpose. They are similar because their diets are similar. They live in a similar environment. However, in this analogy we like cows much better than deer because cows give us milk, meat, leather and all kinds of wonderful things we use every day. We need cows. Deer however are a bit of a pain. They wreck cars, damage fences, eat crops and gardens. In this story, the cow are the good guys, and the deer are the bad guys. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">So, our gut contains billions of cows and deer. Check.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">When we eat, our gut also contains the food we have consumed. This is the food for cows and deer. So...</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Gut = pasture</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Cows and deer are both hungry. They must eat to survive. There is normally a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut that keeps us healthy. They share the same pasture equally and everybody is happy and healthy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Pastures do not just grow however. They must be maintained. Farmers seed them, fertilize them, weed them and care for them. If the farmer doesn't maintain his pasture properly, weeds begin to grow. The grass is not healthy and it is eventually choked out by the weeds. In our analogy:</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Cows eat grass.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Deer eat weeds. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">If we don't eat the proper foods and maintain our gut/digestive systems properly, our pastures begin to suffer. They become riddled with weeds, the grass won't grow properly.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Cows begin to die.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Deer begin to reproduce rapidly, taking over the farm.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">When the deer outnumber the cows (the good bacteria are fewer than the bad bacteria) we have something called Bacteria Overgrowth. Bacteria overgrowth hurts our immune system, contributes to leaky gut syndrome, gluten intolerance, diarrhea and other digestive issues which may contribute to Migraine. Candidiasis, yeast overgrowth, diarrhea or constipation and frequent infections can signal that there is insufficient good bacteria in the gut.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Many things can contribute to bad pasture management and too many weeds taking over the grass. The two most common contributors to bacterial overgrowth are: </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;">Bad diet</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;">Antibiotics and medicines</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b><i>Tomorrow we'll talk about how bad diet and antibiotics and medicines can cause this difficult to diagnose problem, and how easily it can be solved. </i></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2540399333772431590.post-87201199646660811592012-10-30T08:30:00.000-05:002012-11-06T14:42:47.202-06:00The Year I was Dead - Migraine and Voting. <br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Voting when you suffer a chronic illness like lupus, Sjogren's Syndrome or Migraine is difficult at best. Still, I always do my best to get to the polls, even if that means getting someone else to drive me there. Today I received notice that my voting record had been audited. I didn't even know just anybody could do that! When I saw that they had recorded that I did not vote in 2004 I was a little miffed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Would it surprise you to learn that in 2004 I was told I couldn't vote because I was dead?</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">It sure surprised me at the time! </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>I had finally made it to my polling place. It was dark and there was a line. When I got to the table where they asked my name, they looked and looked. My hubs and son were there, but not me. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>Where was I? The ladies helping with voting knew me, and they were as shocked as I was.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>I insisted that I wanted to vote. So phone calls were made, and eventually the mistake was found.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><i>I was listed as having passed away nearly a year before! </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Needless to say, the reports of my death were greatly exaggerated, so they provided me with a provisional ballot and I was "allowed" to cast my vote. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">In other years I have had difficulty voting. Fluorescent lights in my polling place triggered a Migraine aura that made it nearly impossible. I have had to wait out a Migraine so I could drive myself. I have carried a barf-bag with me in the car because I was afraid I wouldn't make it the 6 miles to vote. I have been stuck at home without a ride, and missed voting.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Voting isn't just a privilege, it is a responsibility. As far as I'm concerned, if I don't vote, I have no right to complain about the results. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">This year I'll be voting. Will you?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Live your
best life,</span></span><br />
<a href="http://terirobert.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ce97953ef0168e9f79915970c-pi"><img alt="" border="0" height="80" src="http://www.healthcentral.com/common/bloghoster/data/uploads/common/gUmc5zOUltOmztR.gif?1333402762" width="50" /></a><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Ellen
Schnakenberg</span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">~patient educator and advocate</span></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0