Julie Ryan is a writer, blogger, and health advocate living in Huntsville, AL. Julie lives with a variety of chronic illnesses including chronic migraine, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, cluster headaches, and probably at least one other that she forgot about. She strives to live positively despite chronic illness. Her dream life is to buy an RV and live like a turtle, carrying her house with her wherever she goes. Julie shares her experiences and insights on living with chronic illness on her blog Counting My Spoons.
Conditions Covered:Migraine, Headache & Migraine
Latest by Julie Ryan
Migraine Runs in My Family
For patient advocate Julie Ryan, migraine is a family affair, which has some benefits – a deep empathy for migraine pain for starters.
Is Migraine Different for Men and Women?
Migraine symptoms might be similar between men and women, but women are three times more likely than men to experience migraine. Here's some other facts.
How to Explain Endometriosis to Your Partner
Explaining endometriosis, a chronic pain condition of a woman’s reproductive system, to your partner can be daunting. Learn how one woman did it and get her three main tips for starting the conversation.
Endometriosis and Birth Control: My Experience
When Julie found out she had endometriosis, she tried different hormonal birth control options to lessen symptoms and pain. Here’s what worked for her.
Getting Sleep With Migraines
For Julie Ryan, compromised sleep worsened her migraines. Mindfulness, CBD oil, and changes in sleep habits got her back on track. Learn more about sleep and migraine.
What I Wish I’d Known Before Having Surgery for Endometriosis
“In 2013, I had the first of three laparoscopic surgeries for endometriosis. Had I known then what I know now, I could have avoided at least one of those surgeries.”
Migraine Pose: Why It's Unfair to Trivialize Migraine
Julie Ryan responds to Instagram’s “migraine pose” started by makeup artist Nam Vo, reminding the media that migraine is a painful condition that needs to be taken seriously.
How to Pace Yourself With Chronic Migraines
Living with chronic migraines involves figuring out how to best use your supply of energy – resisting the urge to push yourself beyond your limits. One woman shares her insights on pacing.