Getting the Most Out of the Holidays Despite Migraines

Teri Robert is Writing a SharePost Living With It Author of "Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches" Patient advocate and writer Teri Robert's career moved in this... Send Message Subscribe: Teri Robert

Thursday, December 04, 2008
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The winter holidays are times we should be looking forward to, but Migraines can turn anticipation into dread. Whatever you're celebrating -- Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, the new year, or just life -- planning ahead can pay off in fewer Migraines and getting the jump on any we do get. Check yo...

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Holiday stresses
betsyb
Thursday, December 04, 2008 at 08:17 PM

Here are a couple of very simple things I have learned to do for myself over the last year or so. I plan to practice them double or triple time over the holidays. I just watch and listen to my body to try and relax and I ask myself these three questions. Am I breathing? (Not kidding -- I can't tell you how many times I find I am holding my breath when I am nervous or anxious, and I take a few deep breaths with slow exhales.) Are my shoulders pasted to my ears? (Not kidding about this either - if my shoulders are scrunched up or tense, I push them down away from my ears and drop my shoulder blades down my back and feel the goodness and strength of it.) And can I relieve any neck tension by gently turning my head from side to side, backward and forward and rolling my shoulders? Just performing these simple acts a few times a day not only makes me feel a bit relaxed but also makes me conscious of what I am doing with and to my body. I try to do this even during migraine attacks if I'm able to. Wishing you peace for the holiday season,

Besy

re: Holiday stresses
betsyb
Thursday, December 04, 2008 at 08:20 PM

Ha ha -- I can't say that these things help me type! My name is Betsy - with a t

re: Holiday stresses
Milissa Buckles RN BSN
Saturday, December 06, 2008 at 04:22 PM

Hi Betsy,

thank you for the advice. My name is Milissa and this is the first attempt I am making to reach out and start learning about Migraine symptoms and how to control them. You would think a nurse would be the best at taking advice, but I am finding myself to be a most horrible patient. Anyway, I have Hemi-plegic Migraines and am wondering what the standard of treatment is - I read calcium channel blockers. My MD (a good neurologist) has me taking 120mg Inderal once a day and T#3 for breakthrough migrines. What do you know ablut these migraines and how can I tone 'em down?

Milissa Buckles RN BSN

re: re: Holiday stresses
betsyb
Saturday, December 06, 2008 at 07:23 PM

Hi, Milissa!

I'm so glad you're reaching out, and there are many caring people and experts on this site who can respond better than I to your questions. I've had migraines for nearly 40 years, and I know if I could have reached out or had access to resources like this one 30-some years ago, I may have found more help and suffered less.

Teri Robert is the lead migraine expert, and you can participate on this site by creating shareposts or by joining the forum discussions on all kinds of migraine topics. Under the blue "Connect" drop-down menu at the top of this page, you can get to the shareposts or the forum. You may very well find a discussion of the questions you have in the forum topics. There's also an ask-the-expert option where you can ask your specific question.

As a fellow migraineur who is not a medical expert, I know you will find some answers and support here. It's great that you have a doctor you like, and I wish you all the best in managing your migraine attacks.

~Betsy