Interview with Cindy McCain: Migraine Sufferer, Advocate

I have suffered from headaches since childhood.  I hid them for a long time until I started suffering from hemiplegic migraines. This type of migraine affects my speech, balance, eyesight not to mention the effects on my personal life. On January 1, 2006, I was driving home from work and was talking to a friend on my cell when my vision became blurry, my speech became slow, and my left side was numb. My head had been busting all day. I am a nurse and nurses aren't allowed to take any meds that may affect performance. I agree with this. I pulled over to a parking lot and was going to call my brother to drive me home. A sherrif's deputy stopped and asked me some questions. Since this affects my speech, I did the best I could. Suddenly, there were other officers there and I was given a field sobriety test which with poor balance and left sided weakness, I failed. My car was searched and I was arrested for DUI.  I never went to a cell as my family posted bail. I called my doctor and I was admitted to the hospital for 6 days. Eight agonizing months later the toxicology results were in. I had no alcohol in my system but I did have phenobarbital in my system as I also have a seizure disorder. The assistant DA built a case on the suspicion I was abusing phenobarbital. My physician saved me. He testified on my behalf and the case was thrown out. The damage was done. I lost my job, and my supervisor turned me into the State Board of Nursing. I passed all of the tests and examinations by the Board and my license was unaffected. A large part of me died that New Year's night. I hope my story helps prevent someone else from the same thing. I wish I could share my story with Cindy McCain. If there is any way I can help in the awareness of migraines and treatment, I would happy to.