I am a 42 year old woman and have been having daily migraines with and without aura for the past 5 years. My “official” diagnosis is: Intractable Daily Migraine. I started looking for relief from my migraines by seeing my Family Practice Doctor, then a Neurologist, a Pain Specialist with a Neurology practice and finally a three week inpatient stay at The Michigan Headpain and Neurological Institute in Ann Arbor. They are one of the best ranked facilities in the world and approach treatment with a multi-disciplinary approach.

Despite all of these wonderful doctors and many medication trials, I still have a migraine every day. The intensity of the pain is typically not the same every day, something that keeps me chugging along! I think the most helpful approach for my headpain has been through a fantstic Acupuncture Therapist and Homeopath named David Hasssert. His practice is in Wisconsin, but he treats people from all over the country. He found migraine triggers that no one else thought to look for, such as food sensitivities. I need to stay away from soy, glutens, most dairy, citrus and sulfates/ nitrates. A typical meal for me is: salad with lots of veggies, a small portion of organic meat and sometimes a piece of fruit. Eating this way brings my pain intensity down significantly!
Many people wonder how a person lives with a migraine every day. I have a super support system, medications, relaxational techniques and distraction techniques. I also quit working and I haven’t lost hope.
This condition is tough to live with, but I’m doing it. Some days, I despair because the pain is so intense and on other days, I am so content because pain is low and I can do the things I want to do.
It’s a rollercoaster, but you don’t have to ride it alone.Just one last thought: I find the company of our pets (2cats and one dog) to be therapeutic. They are quiet company, soothing to pet and need me to get up out of bed to care for them. It’s all good!
My best to you, if you are also struggling with migraines. If you are a support for someone with migraines,you rock! Keep the things you can offer going. ~Kristi