There are all kinds of ways people can offer us support. We need support ALL the time, so this can be a very broad subject.
For purposes of this question -- What can people do to best give you support DURING A MIGRAINE?
Teri
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Q: Most important for support DURING a Migraine?
Answers (9)
10/ 1/09 12:47pm
Hi Teri!
Good question. For me, it depends upon the severity of the migraine. If severe and prolonged and I am dehydrated with zero energy, palpitations, etc, I need someone to drive me to the ER because I am not able. If not that severe, but still debilitated, I prefer "space." If I could be excused from responsibilities, and allowed to retreat into a cool, totally dark room devoid of noise, smells, wind, etc, I am more likely to be more relaxed as the meds take their courses. I have learned to leave meds both upstairs and downstairs, (and in my purse), in case I am too sick (and/or sick at my stomach) to move too far when in the throes of a migraine, since often I am home alone when they begin and there is no one to help.
10/ 1/09 12:13pm
The first support I need is to have people believe the intensity of pain I am in!! Second would be to listen to my migraine experiences and what has worked for me and what hasn't (I have had migraines for over thirty years...I am an EXPERT on what works for me and what doesn't).
10/ 1/09 2:17pm
Great question! A few things come to mind:
1. make me a cup of tea
2. don't judge me for my attitude and understand that this is not normally who I am
3. quietness in the house so I can sleep
4. give me a back rub (a great way to take my mind off the pain in my head!)
5. listen
6. bring me meds and a cup of water
7. make me a meal if I'm hungry
10/ 1/09 5:39pm
For me different migraines require different types of support, but generally there are a few things that I could always enjoy having:
1: A cold or cool damp cloth for my eyes
2: Everyone around me to please TRY (and I really mean to try their hardest) to be quiet
3: Understanding that a migraine is not a "headache" that everyone gets once and a while, it is much much more.
4: Sometimes a back massage or even a slight head or face massage can feel good.
5: Try to keep away outside distractions that will add to the migraine such as phones, unexpected visitors, etc. as this will allow me to stay focused on relaxing as much as possible.
6: During a migraine just having someone there can be a great thing so it is greatly appreciated just to have any kind of support because going it alone can be really frustrating and depressing sometimes (on the other hand sometimes you would just like to be left alone but again it depends on the migraine)
10/ 1/09 9:39pm
People can help with most anything else. For a migraine: Leave me alone!!!!
10/ 2/09 12:11am
Well, my mom is really great with this (I guess she's had a lot of practice!). She stays in my room and listens to music with me if I'm up to it, if not she leaves me alone and is careful about being quiet.....she also gets me snacks and drinks if I need them, and an ice pack.....Super Mom!
10/ 2/09 9:52pm
Mostly I would like my husband to take care of himself, i.e. fix his own meals and not expect me to function as normal. Also, I wouldl like him to try not to FIX me all the time. I appreciate that he shares info but he can never remember what I've already told him about what the doctors and I are working on and wants to know why we don't do this or that that he's read about!!
10/ 3/09 2:24am
When I have a migraine, I need an ice pack(wrapped in a washcloth) for my head, a dark quiet room, and peace and quiet. If there is someone that wants to help, a coca cola on ice is wonderful.
IF the migraine has become worse, and I am vomiting, I need to be taken to the ER, for once that starts, I get dehydrated quickly, get tunnel vision, my BP rises, and I'm in severe pain.
Understanding that I did not CHOOSE to have a migraine is something that I would love to have.
10/12/09 10:13am
If you have a regular habit of vomiting with a migraine, ask your primary MD or Neurologist to write you a scrip for Phenergan tabs and/or suppositories. No need to rush off to the ER where bright lights, loud noises, uncomfy beds await. No need to vomit when Phenergan and other meds are available with a prescription by a caring MD. I'm an RN in the ER and what we'll give you if you decide to come in with a migraine is...surprise!...Phenergan!
10/12/09 2:11pm
I have pleaded for that, believe me! I have Tricare..Military insurance. my doc won't refer me to a neurologist, and will only prescribe Imitrex.
It is an ongoing (over 30 years, now) fight to get the help I need.
11/21/09 11:35am
Possibility that your Doc needs updated or changed. My daughter receives Phenagren through the VA doc so it is covered in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.
Good luck.
10/ 6/09 10:12am
More understanding! I feel so guilty on top of feeling so bad. People don't understand how come I still feel so bad when My headache finally eases up. I feel physically exhausted, weak, tired, and very sore from head to toe, plus I can't think very well. It takes a couple of days for me when I had a bad migraine.
11/21/09 11:37am
I tell other's that I have a migraine hangover.................
11/21/09 4:12pm
Wow..that is a great response!
I've had a migraine today since I woke up this morning. I took my Imitrex, and a 1mg Klonopin(helps with the nausea and that 'heart palpitation/flushed' feeling.
It's now after 3pm, my headache is gone, and I was able to eat something, but I feel 'out of it' , achy, fuzzy headed, definitely not able to drive.
I'll have to remember that one....Migraine Hangover!
Take care.
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By Teri Robert, Health Guide— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 10/01/09
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Steve,
I am thrilled with your respone(s). Don't generally hear from guys in this type forum. Right there is proof for many of us that we mean what we say, experience and feel.
Thank you for your input.