Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Heart Versus Head

Ah, where to begin. There was a fire in my office building last night which is the only reason I have time to write at the moment. (Note: My understanding is that no one was hurt; it occurred in the middle of the night.) Working from home has its advantages.

Here's the thing, I'm struggling a little bit. Don't misunderstand - I have a fantastic life and I'm not depressed (like I was in the dark-night Prednisone-moment of last winter), but I would definitely say that this has been a year of suboptimal health.

I'm motivated to ensure that this blog doesn't become Kristin's Litany of Endless Complaints, not to mention that one's health is a delicate matter from the perspective of public discourse. But I'm all about telling it like it is, and it is somewhat tricky right now.

To dispel any erroneous speculation, I am largely in perfect health. The lingering symptoms of pertussis are all but gone - fatigue being the main hold-out. Of course, modern life is an adequate cause of mega-fatigue, I'm well aware. But this is above and beyond.

Never mind exhaustion (though it is germane and I'll return to it), I've been managing some pretty whack headaches for the last couple of years, as some of you know. I first got migraines in puberty. Yoga resolved them. My next bout was around the time I had my daughter. I assumed they were a symptom of tension at that time (though I do realize that migraines are not caused by tension). Eventually they went away. Then, at about the age of 41, they returned anew with gusto. And let me tell you, they've been a motherfucking bitch.

My "original" migraines present with prodrome - namely ocular hallucinations - and I am often able to stave off serious pain because I take Advil and go to sleep immediately. Note that this sort of migraine produces a variety of responses. For me, my brain gets scrambled and the only thing I can do is go to sleep immediately. It's a reboot response. Fortunately, these do not occur often but they do leave me with a high degree of light and noise sensitivity.

In addition to these headaches, I often get what I have assumed to be very bad, days-long tension headaches. What I've recently learned - having gone to see a specialist about this - is that those headaches are migraines too. I didn't realize that because I assumed that, as a migraineur who experiences prodrome, all of my migraines would follow that pattern of symptomology. Apparently, one can experience classic (with prodrome) and common (without prodrome) migraines. Lucky me.

Why did I go to see a specialist? Well, recently, I got a migraine that presented differently than the usual. It affected my speech centre and my doc wanted to rule out anything serious. (Of course, there's a point to be made that, when you're dealing with life-altering pain on a semi-regular basis, you should probably see a specialist.)

We all sense that my latest bout of misery is being steered by the hormonal changes of peri-menopause, something that I started to experience in a variety of ways at the age of 40. Yeah, I know it's really early. Whatevs.

Anyway, the specialist sent me for an MRI (results will be back in a while and then the doc's on vacation till the end of July), something I wouldn't recommend for fun, but a very useful and necessary experience which docs expect will yield a normal, happy brain.

Now, here's where it gets fun...

There is a class of drugs for migraines called triptans. They're little miracle pills, from what I understand, and - while I've never considered them as a treatment option in the past, times call for measures, you know. These drugs aren't silly. One must not abuse them.

For better or worse, I won't have a chance to even try to abuse them, however, because I have a long-standing heart arrhythmia that contraindicates my being able to take them. So... My neurologist sent me for a consult with my cardiologist to discuss the matter. He concurred that the triptans are not in my future - but also scheduled a new battery of tests as part of my regular maintenance regime.

I had this really weird moment (while at the Cardiology wing at TGH on my 43rd birthday) when it occurred to me that, at the age of 43, I should not have a freakin' cardiologist - much less a neurologist?!?!

Needless to say, I've been called to meditate on this matter. Both doctors are against my managing my pain with ibuprofen because it doesn't target the right receptors and it's very bad for one's stomach lining. They both suggest the same treatment cocktail, however, quite progressively, IMO, for allopathic doctors: 600 mg of magnesium and 400 mg of B2 over 4 times throughout the day. It's prophylactic. One must do this every day and will not know if it works for 3 months. It does tend to produce response from hormonally-induced migraines, apparently. NOTE: Do not try this at home. These dosages are high and must be monitored.

Of course, while my stomach has never had the slightest bit of trouble with lots of ibuprofen, it can't handle the high dose of magnesium, so I'm struggling with this remedy. I'm like my own Alanis Morissette motif.

So, if you're still following this maze of ideas, I've got really bad, semi-regular headaches (they tend to come right after ovulation, in case you're interested, and can last a week in a bad cycle) and no option of pain medication. What's a girl to do?

Well, my friends, I think this is my friendly call to attention. You may know that I am a fairly compulsive person. I rarely stop moving and planning and working. I NEVER stop thinking and, you know, my brain is so tired. So, so tired. In any given week I work full-time, deal with a teenager who is truly pressing every button I have (that's a whole other story I don't intend to indulge in this blog), manage a household, blog @5 times, knit and sew and plan complex projects for both of these plus I document the activities.

I have woefully little time, between all of this, to do the amount of serious and restorative yoga I sense I need to do to get a grip on a health concern that, while it won't kill me, is making my life intermittently miserable. If the headaches are being caused by hormones, I could be in for 7 more years of this. That's not gonna fly. As it is, pain makes me mean because it comes between me and everything else. It's a hazy filter that complicates everything.

I've decided to make some lifestyle changes, not ones that I look forward to, in an effort to restore some much needed equilibrium. The first of these is to take a break from blogging for a couple of weeks. I truly don't know how I'm going to do this. I love you all, no word of a lie, and communicating with you is my joy. But writing takes lots of thinking and, you may recall, I've got to rev down where I can.

I've also got to stop sewing and knitting like a nut. I know I can make 5 garments in 5 weeks, and a suit in 7 weeks. I know I can adhere to any schedule I set because that's who I am. Maybe you know this about me now too. I've got to stop competing with myself to construct and to meet the obligations of the next cool series I fabricate on a whim. Many blogs we read and love are written by people with more time and energy than currently I have. While I might say I wish I had more time, I also have a rich, full life and I do not want to overthrow work or family and friends. With only so much energy, I must prioritize.

Prioritization sucks.

So, I have decided, as of this time, a) not to make a suit in the fall b) only to knit on the train to and from Quebec - all other holiday time is reserved for other activities and c) to make the Cherry Bomb lingerie set, the Guernsey shawl and to complete the Boucle Jacket in whatever time it takes me over the next 8 weeks. (Lord, this time management shit - it's like a sickness...)

I don't know how all of this is going to work. I'm not exactly looking forward to these lifestyle adjustments but I'm at an impasse. So please, bear with me. I'll be back - hopefully with a considered plan of action - in mid-July.

Or, maybe the point is, this time the plan has to find me for a change.

78 comments:

  1. Good grief -- by all means do what you need to do to take care of yourself. I don't get headaches but they sound like a nightmare. Hopefully easing things bit will help. Enjoy the break and looking forward to hear about your progress!

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  2. Sorry about all you're going through. I suffer from migraines occasionally, often to the point of vomiting and I just have to sleep them off. Though, they are much rarer these days. I seemed to get them more often as a child and teenager. I'm 45, and now scared about what hormones might do to me (vis-a-vis your experience). Your post was informative as I didn't know that tension headaches are often migraines as well. I sometimes get these types of headaches that last for days... Hope your break does you some good!

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    1. OK, there's some potential good news for you. During perimenopause, peeps who've suffered from migraines previously tend either to get them full on worse than ever OR they completely go away. You probably fall into the latter category!

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  3. We'll be here when you get back, Kristin :-) Take care of yourself. Lots of yoga and as little pushing yourself as you can get away with.

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  4. So sorry to hear this! I hope you find some relief soon!

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    1. Thanks - I sense I will. Staying positive and playing the odds!

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  5. Get yourself well! My husband suffers from severe migraines so I know how important pain management is. I wish you pain free success over the next few months with your program.

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    1. Thanks Beverly! Hope your husband is doing well...

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  6. Take care of yourself! I'm a huge believer in letting real life come first - blogging is very much a 'when-I-have-time activity'.

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    1. We have to prioritize real life - that's hard to remember sometimes! :-)

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  7. Kristin, Take it easy on yourself! You have too much going on.

    Is trying a chiropractor an option? I used to be a chronic migrainer and ciropractic helped big time. I still get it, but the frequency and severity are way down. I can recommend a really good Chiropractor in the Beaches/East york area.

    I was surprised too, to see your allopathic docs recommend Magnesium.. (There's a book 'Magnesium cure' if you are interested.) I had to take it as I severely deficient in Mg.. My ND prescribed it. And because of the side effects, I was advised to split the pill into half if I found that my body resisted large dosages.. and then gradually take the halves twice a day.

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    1. I know. I do have too much going on. Just cuz I like it all doesn't mean it isn't too much...

      I have gone for chiro and it did actually help more than any of the other things I've done. I'm considering returning to it. The woman I like isn't as convenient as I need at the moment. (I'm west so your person is unfortunately too far away). I should totally get that book! Going to look for it now.

      My arrhythmia makes me deficient in magnesium (or is implicated in my magnesium deficiency) so for me, high doses are necessary. Gotta be careful though cuz too much can cause arrhythmia!

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    2. So weirdly, Kay, the Magnesium Miracle (I think that's what it's called) was written by my childhood doctor (Carolyn Dean).

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  8. I'm sorry, this sucks for you. I took a year off mostly from blogging and sewing last year because of a giant life change. It made me sad, I missed the blogging and sewing, etc. But in the long run, your health and well being are so much more important. I've just started blogging and sewing a bit lately, nearly one year later, and it's just as fun now as then. Sometimes we need breaks from things, even though we love them. I have some health issues too, Fibromyalgia, which can knock me out for days at a time. I also suffer from severe week long tension headaches so I know how debilitating it can be. Be careful with the ibuprofen as well. I took it like candy for years with no problems but last fall I ended up at the gastroenterologist for horrible continuous stomach problems from taking too many nsaids. Now, I'm taking herbs and vitamins myself. The Magnesium may take awhile to get used to ;-)

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    1. Kim - I notice you are back. So nice to see you and I'm sorry you've been dealing with tough life events. I hope things are much happier now.

      And thanks so much for saying that you enjoy your blogging as much now as you did before. It's great to know that there are other ways of doing things and that time away doesn't diminish all gains.

      Also, I really appreciate your feedback on the nsaids. I was a bit: You have to be kidding me (to the docs) but they're all flippy about me stepping away from the Advil.

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  9. I get terrible migraines around the time I ovulate, too. I believe (whether I'm correct, I can't say) that mine were brought on by the epidural I needed for my c-section. Since then (my twins are 6 1/2) I have had terrible migraines almost every month. Sometimes my head hurts so bad I throw up, sometimes I burst into tears, while others I have the chance to sleep it off.

    I've reached the point where days, like today for instance, I feel that throbbing tension behind my left eye ALL DAMN DAY! I did the MRI, neurologist and eye doctor thing years ago and they found nothing...I'm at a loss since over the counter pills don't always work and I was reluctant to take the hard stuff. I haven't tried yoga. Maybe I will. Something has to give.

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    1. Oh, Nettie - that is hideous! Nausea with pain is awful, I concur. If you opt to try yoga, look for a method called Iyengar. It's very structural in nature and tend to work well for migraine prevention / relief. (Of course I could write a book on yoga so that's just a little suggestion.)

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  10. Kristin -
    Take care of yourself. I shall miss your frequent blog posts and look forward to your return when you are up to it.

    Lois K

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  11. So sorry that you are having these issues! I have suffered from headaches and migraines all my life, so I can certainly sympathize with how much of a drag on your life they can be.

    I've explored a lot of things, and I've been mostly headache-free for the past couple of years. I eat what seems to be a really low-inflammatory diet for me (basically paleo: no grains, no legumes, no dairy, and also no eggs or nightshades with limited fruit). I take supplemental iodine. I also take calcium di-glucurate, which is actually derived from broccoli. One of its effects is clearing excess estrogen from your body. I think that has been really valuable for me. Finally, I don't regularly take Mg, but did you know you can take it topically rather than orally? Check out Magnesium Oil on Amazon. So much better than the horrible stomach upset with oral supplements, in my opinion. Dosing would have to be worked out with your doctor, of course, if you are interested in trying that route.

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    1. What useful info, RD. Thanks very much! I know a huge change in diet is around the corner and I'm trying to come to terms with it (and to be equanimous about it). I'm going to revisit my naturopath for the first time in a couple of years and discuss your suggestions. I had no idea one could use magnesium topically.

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  12. Do take care of yourself! The plan you're setting out sounds admirably sane and, you know, sanity is a great goal. I do hope something makes a difference with the headaches. . . xoxo

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    1. Sanity is a worth goal. But it's so boring (and often tedious). And maybe lonely.

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  13. I hear you on the headaches. Mine--which I've had on and off but recently got much worse--also associated with early perimenopause--are the tension kind but present more like migraines. What has worked for me is amitriptyline at low doses a night. Mostly a miracle with the occasional need to supplement with ibuprofen once in a long while. Tylenol PM also helped--probably b/c sleep deprivation exacerbated things--but wasn't the miracle the amitriptyline has been.

    I second the stay away from NSAIDs as much as possible. A colleague ended up in the hospital with massive blood loss from an ulcer from too much "vitamin I".

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    1. Amitriptyline is also contraindicated with my arrhythmia - which is just as well, I suppose, cuz it sounds as scary as the triptans :-) I'm glad, of course, that it is working well for you. For sure, when it's hitting hard, I'd do just about anything in the moment to get rid of the pain. Thanks for your corroboration on the nsaids. I guess I just have to hear it from enough people that I realize it's true - those drugs should not be abused just cuz you can buy them over the counter (and you're desperate.)

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    2. I agree, not happy with the choices but definitely better than the headaches for now. Before the Amitriptyline, Tylenol PM really helped me sleep deeply enough which in turn lessened the severity of the headaches. Not sure if the active ingredient benedryl--besides the acetaminophen that is--is contraindicated though.

      I hope you find something that works soon. Headaches are the worst. )-:

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  14. Hi, I would second the suggestions made by Ripple Dandelion, I've done similar things too. I would add that going grain free made a huge difference to my headaches, except the one that shows up around ovulation. For that, I use a doTerra oil blend: Solace, plus I always keep the Past Tense oil blend around for neck tension/headaches. I really hope this helps! The Solace oil blend also works on ovary pain, just rub it over, and for any pimples caused by hormones.
    Heather from Alberta

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    1. Heather - the idea of changing my diet, though I know it's looming, is not thrilling me. Of course, my diet has been increasingly off the rails for the last year, so I sense it's time to get a grip. And that grip should probably forego flour. I'm going to look up info on those oils. Thank you!

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  15. Kristin,
    I will miss your posts, but you need to take care of yourself. I suffer from tension headaches and while the pain is not great, it can last for days and take much of the joy from life. Have you considered acupuncture or biofeedback? I have not tried either, but have heard reports of their success. I recently went on an anti-inflammatory diet as Rigpple Dandelion mentioned. I feel more healthy and lost some weight, but it really didn't decrease my headaches. Best wishes for your improved health

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    1. These headaches suck, yes?! I have a post lined up for when I return (well, I haven't written it but it's in my mind) to discuss the various alternative modalities I've tried. My parents are actually acupuncturists (believe it or not) so I have much familiarity with that - alas they live in North Carolina. My in-town acupuncturist has not been successful in helping me to treat these so I'm considering new options.

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  16. How awful! Obviously, take care of yourself and we'll cheer whenever you pop in with an update. The stress of not feeling like you are well is draining on top of pain already being draining. I hope you can find a treatment that helps and works with your life. I think it's good that you are telling your internal taskmaster to take the summer off.

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    1. T: True story - the night I had dinner with you I noticed my speech slurring (did you?) I didn't want to call attention to it but I think the reason my food tasted like a salt lick was because I was having a migraine. So sorry I wasn't at my whipper-snapper-est with you (though I loved our visit). Next time I'll be the picture of brain health.

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    2. No, I didn't notice at all! Yes, hear hear for next time!

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  17. Ok, so I just want to say I'm pretty blown away by your blog-productivity generally, especially this past year when it seems like I'm doing well if I can pull together a post a week. (And it's not like I'm not thinking about sewing all the time either, though admittedly I've steered clear of the knitting.)

    I think it's obvious that you do need to take care of yourself, and taking stock and stepping back is probably a big part of that. I also hope you can find a way to indulge your hobbies, over the longer run, that is easier on you than making everything into a contest against yourself ;). Although, I'm pretty lackadaisical in this regard... in any case, I really, really hope you and the docs can get a handle on these headaches. Chronic pain sucks, whatever the cause. (I'm struggling a bit in the headache department myself, and probably need to acknowledge that caffeine is the issue, which I really don't want to, because c'mon, I just drink tea.)

    Anyway, we'll miss you, but you need to look after you (and you don't need to blog five times a week, either ;) ) And we'll be waiting when you get back. :)

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    1. Thank you, T. Of course - you're at school and you have 2 kids, plus you just moved, so I think you more than have your hands full! I appreciate your corroborating my new-found (ahem, maybe slightly forced) perspective. I have to take this seriously. xo

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  18. Hi Kristin,

    I too suffer from migraines. I wake up with them, and they are full blown, so no warning whatsoever.

    They were getting so bad (for me) that I was having an episode about every six weeks. I would usually miss two days at work, because I would wake up with them two days in a row.

    I asked my physio whether he did accupuncture for migraines; he said he didn't, but that the receptionist was a Licensed Accupuncturist, and to talk with her about it. I did, and started treatment in April 2011.

    I now get migraines a couple times a year, and they are less severe in the pain department (although still two-day episodes).

    My suggestion would be to seek out an experienced Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The needles don't hurt (honest!), and the relief is wonderful. Of course, everyone is different, and YMMV, but it's an option.

    Take care of yourself! :-)

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    1. Pearl: waking with a migraine is hideous! See my comment above to VictoriaR. My parents are acupuncturists, believe it or not, but they live very far away. When I see them they treat me. I just don't see them often enough. I've had tons of acupuncture over the years and I completely agree that it's an excellent modality. Thanks for your comment!

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  19. Dear Kristin, I'm so sorry you are feeling so grim, and I'll be sorry not to hear so much of your exploits and achievements and fascinating discussion of making & fit. But I'll be very happy to hear (in due course) that you are feeling better... MM xxx

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    1. I will be very happy to relate (in due course) that I am feeling better :-) Thanks Mxo

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  20. Sounds like you need a big ass holiday, and not just from the blogging! Get a REST, girl, and feel better...everything will still be there/here when you want to come back.

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    1. Oh, big ass does not adequately describe the degree of holiday I need. I'm counting down the days.

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  21. clearly you need to take care of yourself--your blog and readers will be here when you're feeling better! i haven't had a migraine in over five years, but still suffer terrible headaches (and no, they're not caused by my kiddos... haha!). of course now i'm wondering if my headaches are migraines after reading this... hmmm. i hope things start to improve for you!

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    1. You may want to check in on those headaches - especially if they last a long time. I was surprised to learn that my "regular" headaches are often migraines (the ones that last days). Now that I'm attuned, however, it's fairly obvious. Thanks for you comment Lisa. xo

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  22. My migraines have also gotten horrible in the last few years. Changing my diet has helped. Paleo AIP (paleo minus nuts and dried fruit and some other things) is the best for my head, but it's really restrictive for everyday life. We eat Whole 30 now, and it helps.

    I've tried several preventatives. They're so hard - what works well for one doesn't work for another... Magnesium + Bcomplex helps me. One of the best things I've tried is 5HTP, an amino acid. I'm still getting migraines, but less often, and they're less debilitating.

    I hope you're able to find a solution that works. I understand.

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    1. I think I may be moving in this direction though, for me, I think nuts and seeds may be helpful as they are high in magnesium.

      Thanks for your info and I hope that you will continue to feel better.

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  23. Headaches suck. Period. I can handle pain fairly well, but when I get even a normal headache, I want heroin. For a migraine I want an overdose of heroin, fortunately they don't happen often. I hesitate to offer advice, but have you ever tried acupuncture? I have had it a few times and it has worked well every time, with the incredible benefit of zero side effects. YMMV. Take care. Read you soon. ♥

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    1. You know, I have a high pain threshold. I had a kid with no drugs (that consisted of 37 stitches, I might add - I'll leave you to consider this). But a few of the migraines have been so bad that I can't even move.

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  24. Health problems suck!!! You do so much, I honestly don't know how you manage. So while it may be rough to take time out, I'm sure it will be healthy for you. Gosh, I hope you feel better soon. I really do! Everyone will be here waiting when you get back to us! :)

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    1. Thanks so much, J. I know you can really relate to the yucky health moments. xo

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  25. I'm so sorry to hear that! Please do take care of yourself and get back to us when you can. I really enjoy your posts and your voice will be missed while away!

    By the way, your schedule is insane. Can I follow you around for a week and see how you do it???

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    1. You would probably find it very boring :-)

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  26. Kristen, just adding my best wishes to you to figure out your health issues. I'm doing the same with several issues, decided it was time, just as you have. I had to rethink my need for constant activity, and am slowly learning to calm my brain that wants to solve every problem there is ?!! Had to have some drug help for that, but I'm getting better. You've certainly given me insight on my 3-day headaches, though! Best to you, I've told you before that I love your writing, and you have done a great job describing your issues.

    Cherie in Phoenix

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    1. It's quite a brain-state, yes? Drug help can be invaluable. Thanks for your lovely comment. xo

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  27. Hi Kristin, well that all sucks but it's good to hear you are scaling back the pressure a bit. It's so hard.. and migraines are SO time consuming. I find I resent having to give up things I like doing when migraines take up my "leisure" allocation and the have-to jobs just wait for you. I also had what I thought were sinus headaches, different from my usual migraine, so I agree it's very helpful to work this out rather than wondering why everyone else can cope with them and you can't.
    I take magnesium and think it has helped... low magnesium seems to be implicated in both pms and hormonal migraine, which is interesting. I've also started on beta blockers, which are probably out for you, but they seem to help a bit too. Unfortunately the dose that is supposed to be therapeutic turns me into a vegetable with a pulse rate of 40 and a tendency to faint, so it has taken a bit of tweaking. If you do try them, be prepared to persevere until you find a dose that works for you.

    I know what you mean about needing all these medics in your 40s - but if you get it all sorted out now you might be the one in the marathon at 90. (ha!)
    best wishes!

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    1. Beta blockers are actually indicated for both of my issues but I'm very worried about the mental slowness that you describe. I'd really prefer not to go there unless I absolutely have to. Some of the corollary side effects of beta blockers are concerning. Of course, everyone weighs the benefits and makes an informed choice - I'm sure they are the right drug for you!

      And I do hope that getting a head start on the medical system will keep me ahead of the game. I'm always the first one of my friends to try the new things :-)

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  28. Dear Kirstin, I read your blog relatively often but rarely post. I too have hormonally-related migraines. I come from a migrainy family, but have never had the regular sort. I either get the vision stuff and immediately go to sleep, or (since the birth of my daughter) every month, I get the eye-popping OMG so much pain for a day or two. I understand the not-fun-thing. While pregnant with my son, my headaches shifted back to vision-only. During the first nursing period with him, I had an ENORMOUS headache every day for 7 or 8 hours. Nice. I haven't been to a doctor though. I appreciate you taking the time to post this. Do take care.

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    1. ejvc: Oh, I feel for you! Please go to see the doctor. There will be treatments that can help you, I'm sure. A naturopath might also be such a key resource. BTW, get the book referred to above by Carolyn Dean called The Magnesium Miracle. I'm not suggesting it's well-written (because it's not), but the info is quite interesting. Even if you haven't the opportunity to get to a doctor soon, it may provide some useful ideas.

      The time with young children can be crushingly difficult. I hope you find a way to manage the challenges without the addition of constant pain. xo

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  29. Migraines are pretty brutal. I get auras before my migraines and like you, assume any headache without an aura is just a headache. Once I had double vision as an aura and it totally freaked me out. I didn't realize it could change either.

    You are the priority and you have to do what is best for yourself. There is no rush on sewing or knitting. It should be fun and it seems that some of the scheduling and working through pain is not fun. Step away, it (and we) will all be here when you are ready to return.

    Can you ease into the magnesium? Build up to the full dose?

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    1. I think, in lots of peeps, a "regular" headache is a tension headache. It's when the headaches last days and are very intense that one has to consider whether they're migraines presenting differently than the classic type. I am building up to the full dose and exploring some other ways to use magnesium (i.e. topically).

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  30. Whoa - this is crazy, K! But it sounds like your head is in the right place ... and our hearts are with you <3

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  31. Kristin, it makes so much sense to slow down a bit and focus on taking care of yourself. I know it sounds boring when there is so much you want to accomplish, but you may find you actually like a less intense, goal-driving schedule. Give it some time and see what happens. I really hope there will be fewer headaches in the coming months. xoxo

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    1. It's the drive to accomplish that I'm struggling so much with. But it's not healthy just because I enjoy the process or the outcome. Too much, alas, is too much. I wish it weren't the way. xo

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  32. Oh Kristin, I really do feel for you. I've suffered from migraines in the past so have a small idea of what hell it must be for you, but certainly not on the scale you describe.
    Please look after yourself, we'll miss you, but as you say, you have to prioritise. Lots of love. xx

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  33. I get the fuzzy vision migraines once every blue moon, and that's more than enough for me. How you've been coping with all of this is beyond me. Especially as you're not sat at home on your butt doing nothing.
    You are doing the right thing prioritising your health...without it the rest of the stuff isn't going to happen anyway. And you are way more important than the other stuff (loved ones are obviously excluded from that sweeping generalisation, but they also need you at full capacity).
    Go. Relax. Get well and strong. We'll be here waiting.
    Big hugs.x

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    1. Well, for the last 2 weeks I've been sat on my butt and I have to say it's a good strategy for keeping those headaches at bay! :-) xo

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  34. I'm sorry to hear all this, especially the blogging. I love reading about your projects and life but I think you should hunker down and do what you have to do... because those headaches/migraines sound evil. We all want you better and happy. :)

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    1. Thanks Liz. And I hope you're managing ok these days given your recent loss. xo

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  35. Wow, that sounds dreadful in the extreme. I hope you start to feel better soon! Don't worry about your blog readers; we'll wait!

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  36. Take care of yourself! Yours is such an enjoyable blog but you can't write it when you're suffering. I used to have migraines that were hormonal. Menopause fixed that (but caused other problems). Best of luck.

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    1. You see, I've got this idea that, once menopause happens, all of my problems are going to entirely disappear! Don't disabuse me of that likelihood :-)

      Hope you sort out whatever weirdnesses persist and that it's easier to do so without the complication of all of those wavering hormones...

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  37. I suffer from migraines as well. I'm trying out a ketogenic diet, they can sometimes help migraines. It might be worth it to check it out.

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    1. Krista - I'm going to look more into this (though, it seems a bit unsuited to me given my nature). Mind you, one must consider all the options. I know bread's gotta go.

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  38. Just this year as i turned 43 My ocular migraines at work were becoming a real problem! I gotta see to do my job you know? I begged my doc for another preventative, I was already on two, she added topamax. AND my gyn doc d/c my estrogens saying it was contraindicated with ocular migraines. Since these changes I've been better. I give this info to help you and anyone reading, if in pain, or blind from ocular migraines seek help! 40 something maybe a magic number!
    I hope you are feeling better by now, I see you are posting again about bras! Love the rants.

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    1. What is it about 43?! Hope you are doing well anon. As you can see, I keep ranting - headaches or no.

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