In my last post, I wrote that since 2003, I experience only a small number of full-blown migraines per year. As fate would have it, just after that post went up I was hit with two days' worth of level-ten nuclear bomb migraine hell.
Years of experience tells me that the seasonal change from summer to autumn weather was probably a precipitating factor. It served as a timely reminder of how devastating migraines can be. In fact, they can be downright disabling at times.
Multiple sclerosis disabilities and associated financial issues have profoundly changed the course of my life. Migraines have taken a back seat to MS -- not because it is a lesser issue in and of itself, but because the number and severity of migraines has decreased dramatically for me.
There is plenty of evidence regarding the long-term physical effects of chronic migraines. There are also long-term emotional and financial effects.
Sometimes I wait too long to grab that package of Imitrex (a very poorly designed package, I might add) because of the cost of a single pill. Through my insurance, each pill costs about $8.52 out-of-pocket. When you put it that way, it is a small price to pay to be rid of a migraine. However, I also need my MS medications, which have a price tag of $500 out-of-pocket per month. Throw in premiums for individual insurance with a pre-existing condition and outrageous deductibles, and the financial reality becomes obvious.
Having both migraines and MS, it is difficult to put into words just how much of a roller coaster ride life is. Just when the MS decides to take a small holiday, the migraines get their kicks in! It is even more difficult to explain the financial sinkhole.
Life is like that. Sometimes you get a double-whamy. At this point, I'll just be grateful that there isn't a third enemy.
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