I don't know if you believe in miracles, but now that I have been migraine-free for 11 months I do. The weekend I started my Migraine Plan I was in the midst of a migraine. The fact that I was in a state of chronic migraine meant that I was almost always having a headache. You know the one's that are unilateral, pounding, and debilitating. I cheated on my plan almost immediately taking a triptan (I had eliminated them because they cause rebound headaches) and giving up all my will-power on just day two of my plan. However, it didn't take long before my plan had an effect. It took about 3 days of adhering to the dietary eliminations and trying to stay away from all of my triptans (I had quite the stockpile of various prescriptions to get me through my life) before I noticed a difference. I got through those first few days alternating Advil and Tylenol and icing my head. I looked really good with my blue sports-designed ice pack holder wrapped around my head...just ask my husband and kids. Actually, they were quite used to this look as I used it frequently over my years with migraines. It was commonplace for mommy to be wearing the ridiculous ice-packed headband. Little did I know this would be the last time I would wear my silly ice contraption for a very long time...Thank You God, it's a miracle!!!
I will admit the dietary eliminations were difficult to master. I made quite a few errors along the way and most of them were accidental. Like the day I went out for sushi and completely forgot not to dip my roll in the soy sauce. Yep, that was a day I had to dose several times with Aleve. Miraculously though, the Aleve works now! At first the diet seemed so restrictive. I joke a lot with my friends when they offer me wine, chocolate, or aged cheese that I am "DEBBIE DOWNER" unable to partake in their yummy snacks. The irony is that I have never been HAPPIER. There is no DOWNER about not having a headache and I turn away their devilish delights happily knowing I don't have headaches. I wish to share this ability to live migraine-free with everyone.
I still have days that I use Aleve and Tylenol to get through life and those days are few and quite predictable (sleep deprivation and my menstrual cycle can be a problem for me). Knowing this, I manage my lifestyle accordingly. Regularity and schedules are key aspects of my plan. I need regular sleep, regular exercise, and a regular eating schedule. I need certain things in my life that help me keep stress low and make me happy. If I am going to have vodka (the only alcohol that I now drink) I make sure that I am drinking water as well. Over time my Migraine Plan has become part of my life and is quite routine. I live it everyday and I am happier and a healthier person as a result.
I plan to use this blog to explain what I do to keep migraine-free. I will post migraine-friendly recipes and respond to frequently asked questions. I hope by sharing these things others will learn to develop their own plan and experience their own miracle.
I will admit the dietary eliminations were difficult to master. I made quite a few errors along the way and most of them were accidental. Like the day I went out for sushi and completely forgot not to dip my roll in the soy sauce. Yep, that was a day I had to dose several times with Aleve. Miraculously though, the Aleve works now! At first the diet seemed so restrictive. I joke a lot with my friends when they offer me wine, chocolate, or aged cheese that I am "DEBBIE DOWNER" unable to partake in their yummy snacks. The irony is that I have never been HAPPIER. There is no DOWNER about not having a headache and I turn away their devilish delights happily knowing I don't have headaches. I wish to share this ability to live migraine-free with everyone.
I still have days that I use Aleve and Tylenol to get through life and those days are few and quite predictable (sleep deprivation and my menstrual cycle can be a problem for me). Knowing this, I manage my lifestyle accordingly. Regularity and schedules are key aspects of my plan. I need regular sleep, regular exercise, and a regular eating schedule. I need certain things in my life that help me keep stress low and make me happy. If I am going to have vodka (the only alcohol that I now drink) I make sure that I am drinking water as well. Over time my Migraine Plan has become part of my life and is quite routine. I live it everyday and I am happier and a healthier person as a result.
I plan to use this blog to explain what I do to keep migraine-free. I will post migraine-friendly recipes and respond to frequently asked questions. I hope by sharing these things others will learn to develop their own plan and experience their own miracle.
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