It's been quite a rough couple weeks and I thought it's about time to share it here. If you've followed the blog for a while, you know I suffer with chronic migraines and have for about 11 years. It's something I learned to just deal with and move about life pretending like I'm not in pain and I've been okay for the most part because I've been on a daily medication for about 10 years preventing them. I still have the normal migraine about once a week but that's manageable from when I used to have them for a couple months straight.
A couple weeks ago I decided it was time to stop all medications having to do with migraines. I've been wanting to take this step for a couple years but was completely scared by the outcome and how I'd be extremely vulnerable to struggling while my body adjusted to nothing. Well I've been proven right because it's been one constant migraine along with the most severe side effects with vomiting, dizzy spells, lack of sleep, shaking and being completely out of it at times. I feel like I'm not very present in life going about my business because it's a fog of pain but we're managing... trucking through as best I can.
Why am I denying medication? It's become something I'm immune to and even the strongest pain killers aren't making a dent. Breaking it down, I was on a daily preventative, two onset pills, nausea medicine, vicodin and the occasional percocet. You can only imagine when my body is subjected to this extreme at least once a week, it would be in shock cutting it out, ha! Altogether, I want to find a place where I can manage this without being completely zonked on meds or miserable without them. I'm trying to find a good balance as well as natural remedies to help for this time being.
As this year closes, I find myself becoming busier as we all do during this season but I have to force myself to say no to those additional projects right now because I just can't function. With the exception of two nights, my average sleep schedule is about 4 hours a night because I'm up vomiting so frequently and it really doesn't help that both of my jobs are with me planted in front of a computer all day. The joys of social media!
All in all, I'm trying to keep up blogging as time and wellness permits but I so appreciate your grace if there are larger leaves of absence on the blog! As always, you babes have my heart and I can't thank you enough for your support!
Aubrey, I go through the exact same thing! I don't have migraines as frequently as you do, but I get them at least twice a week. Vomiting, shaking, dizziness, lack of being fully coherent, it's terrible! It's so hard for my husband to understand too…he's never had a migraine before in his life! Living in South Korea I just have to learn to deal with it, and my only source of pain relief is ibuprofen, which as you know, does NOTHING for migraines. I sometimes like to try aromatherapy, but when I have a migraine I'm usually SUPER sensitive to smell, and it turns out to be a little much for me. Let me know if you figure anything out!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you have to go through this during the holidays!
Sending some prayers your way that you start to feel better!
ReplyDeleteOh man ... I've only experienced one migraine in my entire life and it was one of the worst physical experiences I've lived through. I know you've probably tried everything, but one of my friends has frequent migraines and she swears by drinking Coke - I'm not sure how it works, but it's her magical elixir.
ReplyDeleteThinking about you, Aubrey, and hoping you get through this! I don't experience migrains, but I do have crohn's disease, and that's something I've been on daily meds for almost 12 years. I would like to get to the point where I don't have to take meds, but it's scary to me! Can't imagine how you are managing to deal with all this but I'll keep you in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI know how painful migraines are. I get them from time to time but not all the time. So I hope that you feel better. I know it's not easy. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHoly cow that sounds awful! So sorry you have to go through that constantly and I pray you find some sweet relief somehow!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you're having to deal with all of that, but glad you've decided to go off the meds! They do more harm than good, sadly. Have you researched vitamin deficiencies? I've read that chronic migraines can be caused by a magnesium deficiency. Maybe something you should look into! The doctors won't really tell you much about natural alternatives since they only want you doped up on meds. Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteBless your heart! I hope you find ways to cure this miserable thing in your life! We completely understand that this blogging may become a back burner job for now! :)
ReplyDeleteUgh that sounds awful! I am so sorry! I hope you can find something that can help you.
ReplyDeletemigraines are so awful. so excruciating. and vomiting itself is enough to make me cry. i am so so sorry that you are experiencing this pain my love. i hope God delivers the relief you need and deserve, soon!
ReplyDeleteI also suffer from migraines. I average about 4 a month. I can't function either. I take a sleeping pill and sleep the day away. I cannot take migraine medicine as I'm allergic to it. I've tried herbal medicine, drinking magnesium, anti depressants and even saw a chriopractor. None of that helped. So I've resorted to getting acupuncture. It's been 3 weeks and so far I haven't had a migraine!
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about trying acupuncture? I didn't believe in it at first...but the fact that I haven't had a migraine in 3 weeks is turning me into a believer. Not only has it helped my migraines, it has helped with my sleep and a shoulder problem that I have had for 6 months.
Migraines are awful! I hate that you've been dealing with this, but I wish you all the very best in taking this step! XOXO
ReplyDeleteGirl, you are awesome! I get those chronic migraines too! I haven't had them as long as you, but have been getting them for quite sometime. I have one AT LEAST once a week and they are killer. No medicine helps and it just hurts so bad! I've tested myself to see if it's because of stress--it's not. if it's not wearing my glasses--it's not. or to see if it's because I sometimes don't wear sunglasses--it's not.
ReplyDeleteI hope your migraines go away! You are so awesome and you are really doing a great job!
p.s. I love your Brutus! I must meet him someday! (:
I've been struggling with chronic migraines since I was young too so I know how tired of it all you must be. Hang in there girl!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Oh my gosh sweetie... I am so sorry. I can't imagine having to deal with that constantly. I hope that you can find a balance that works for you + your body quickly! You are a stronger woman than I am :) I will be praying for you in the meantime!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Aubrey. Thinking of you and praying. The balance with medication on your body is something I struggle with too. What's right? What's too much? I think about that all the time for me. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this. I will be praying that you find a balance that works best for your mind body and soul. Hang in there girl!
ReplyDeleteAubrey, I hope the sideeffects of withdrawl subside and you are able to find something that will help with your migraines. You are in my prayers, if there is anything I can do besides pray let me know. (huge hugs)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, and I wish there was something I could do. Stay strong and try to relax as much as you can - it is the holidays, after all!
ReplyDeletexx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
Aubrey, have you thought about going to a naturopath? My husband has lots of medical issues due to chemo and radiation long-term side effects. We went to a naturopath and it has helped immensely. He is being treated with a bunch of vitamins & a different diet. The dr believes that other doctors are quick to treat the symptoms & not the problem. Just a thought! I also know of a guy who receives Botox shots because of chronic head aches and it has helped so much. Hope you start feeling better! XO
ReplyDeletehi! i just stumbled upon your blog and had to comment on this post. i also have suffered from migraines (1-2 a week, sometimes lasting 2-3 days). i went to the neurologist and he gave me all these stretches to do and prescription for when I feel them coming on. Like you, i have become immune to the meds and had to figure something else out.
ReplyDeletea few months back i totally changed up my diet. I went paleo, which is basically no carb {except fruits, you can have those}, no dairy, etc. you can look it up and see it's rather simple to follow, just takes some planning. anyway, it has significantly cut down on my migraines, like maybe one a week or every couple weeks. just a thought, something to try. It's amazing how chemicals in processed foods and certain foods can effect your body. wanted to share my experience as it has totally changed my life! ~amanda
Just got done with a three day migraine, so I sympathize. Take all the time you need, and hopefully you'll share some of the natural remedies you're able to find on the blog!
ReplyDeleteThis hits home because I went on a heavy hormone regimen to actually help control my migraines. now i don't get migraines but i still get some headaches but i have some side effects that i have realized are no longer worth it. i am scared to get off the regimen but ultimately i know i have to do it!
ReplyDeleteugh! I completely know how this feels! I have chronic migraines as well.. I'm sure you've heard it a thousand times but here's my regimen: preventatives everyday (just noretryptoline 10mgx3) then I had to cut out peanut butter which is a HUGE trigger, as well as moderate amounts of caffeine and chocolate. I've started taking a daily B12 vitamin because I know someone who starte taking that everyday and her migraines went away. Also heard botox is a huge help.. But I know the struggle and pain - and I'm always willing to try new things for them to vanish! Hope you get to feeling better soon!!!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you! I know the pain all too well and how it can disrupt your life. I think it's great that you are taking this step, scary as it might be. Sadly it seems most Doctors today are more concerned about treating the symptom but not the whole person. You should look into a Doctor that is involved in integrative medicine. Acupuncture is worth a try too. I will definitely be lifting you up in prayer. Thanks for being so transparent. Take all the time you need, your health is more important. XoXo Mia
ReplyDeleteHope you find something that helps you soon. Keeping you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh man, so sorry to hear this :( I can't even imagine. I wonder if my mom could help you? She is a homeopathic registered nurse and works out of her home (in Phoenix). She has this machine that can pin point a lot of things that regular doctors can't. A lot of times things are vitamin deficiencys. She is super reasonable ($30-50 a visit I think). If you'd like more info, you can email me at sleepysinglegirl@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon!
Justine
www.sleepysinglegirl.blogspot.com
I've been having migraines and throwing up almost every day for the past two months so I know exactly how you feel Aubrey! I Went to a Neurologist and I still have to do a bunch of tests but they think it is nerve damage :( Might have to get steroid injections in my neck and they said even botox may help too. I go to a chiropractor(not a traditional approach; its like acupuncture but he uses his hands, its crazy BUT IT WORKS) for my back problems and he said he specializes in migraine care. Hopefully something works because it truly is the worst thing to experience.
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon!
When I was younger, I had migraines every day, without fail. The doctors had no idea what was wrong with me. Eventually they figured out that I had Meniere's diesease, and by going on a low-sodium diet, I was able to eliminate many of my migraines. Try cutting out processed foods and foods high in salt and see if that helps. Also, we found that there were some random foods that triggered migraines for me, like orange juice (not a food allergy, it just gave me a migraine). Just sharing this in hopes that it might help you. Migraines are the worst! Praying that it gets better.
ReplyDeleteAw my friend, just saw this…..I hope you're doing better!!! Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteCarly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com
I just had my first migrane this last week and it is truly the most excruciating pain! All I could do was attempt to sleep it off and drink tons of water. Do you do anything to surpass the pain?
ReplyDeleteXO,
http://www.sororitygirlintherealworld.com/