Migraine and Other Headache Disorders

February 2012 Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnvial

 

 

Welcome to the February 2012 Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival 

The Headache & Migraine Disease Blog Carnival has been created to provide both headache patients and people who blog about headaches with opportunities to share ideas on topics of particular interest and importance to us. To read all the wonderful entries this month, hope on over to Somebody Heal Me. 

February's theme is "Tales from the Trenches: Experiences (good and bad) on the Road to Finding the Right Migraine Doctor." Since the day I fell, I've seen at least six different doctors in Massachusetts including the emergency room doctor, two doctors in Vermont (who were purportedly "headache specialists") fourteen doctors and a true Migraine specialist in New York. That total comes to 22, and does not include all the nurse practitioners I've seen. I've had only a few appointments that turned out to be horror stories, the majority of them were fine. Seeing as many doctors as I have, there are only a few visits that jump out at me now.

I think one of the most memorable doctor's appointments I've had to date would be with the current neurologist I see. I could talk about the awful visit with the "headache specialist" I had when we first relocated here, instead, I'm going to use positive energy to discuss the first visit with the doctor I'll call "Dr. Who."

"Dr. Who" had a thriving neurology/pain practice when I first saw him ten years ago. I scheduled my first appointment and was told to expect a new patient packet in the mail. I was asked to complete it and bring it with me to my first appointment, which I did. When I arrived for my appointment at the scheduled time, the office appeared to be fairly busy. The staff seemed nice enough and I was given yet more paper work to fill out. There were a few other patients in the waiting room; some with canes, others with crutches, there were even patients in wheel chairs. 

When I was called into the exam room, I only had to wait a few minutes. In walked "Dr. Who" a very pleasant man with a thick European accent. He proceeded with his exam and asked me plenty of questions regarding my fall and headache history before it. That took some time. He then proceeded with his exam, which I must say was quite extensive. When he was done, he told me to meet him in his office and we would have a talk. One I'll never forget.

In addition to post-concussion syndrome, "Dr. Who" said I had Migraine and fibromyalgia. He could see my situation was very "desperate" (his exact words) and would help me to the best of his ability. During the ten years I've been seeing him; I've seen neurosurgeons, had a cervical spine fusion and visited other Migraine specialists with his blessing. He also helped diagnose me with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and has entertained almost every suggestion I've brought to him.

He validated me and my head. He understood what I was and continue to go through and knows how to help. I can't say that about every doctor I've seen.

 Thanks for reading and feel well,

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com   Migraine.com    

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk.  Last updated February 11, 2012.

 

 

 

 

Help Me Close the SEAMS in Migraine Disease and Headache Disorders

Welcome to the new look of my blog! Since I'm turning 50 this year, I thought I'd change things up a bit. It might be a bit bumpy for a while, but please hang in there with me, ok? 

You might be wondering what SEAMS has to do with Migraine disease? Well, one night when I couldn't sleep I was thinking of our vast Migraine community and the stigma that is attached to it. So, I came up with this name: 

• S  -  Support
• E  -  Educate
• A  - Alleviate
• M  - Migraine
• S  -  Stigma

      SEAMS like a good idea, yes?

So for starter, let's make sure we have all signed the petition that really, truly is being taken to Congress this spring. This is not a "fake" online petition as some have speculated, it is for real. It will be great for the advocates to present a petition to our elected officials showing them just how many people need and want more funding and education for Migraine and headache disorders. If we are able to have a hearing in Congress on the burden of  Migraine and headaches, this will be one baby step forward in trying to end the stigma.

If you haven't signed yet, please click on this link and it will take you just a few minutes, I promise!!

Urge Congressional hearing on the impact of Migraine and headache disorders. 

Thanks for reading and feel well,

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com   Migraine.com    

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk.  Last updated February 3, 2012.

 

Your Posture and Migraine - WNY Migraine and Headache Support Group Meeting

The Western New York Migraine and Headache Disorder Support Group is holding its next meeting on Monday January 23, 2012 at 6095 Transit Road, in the All Care for Women building, East Amherst, New  York starting at 7 pm.

The topic for the evening is Posture and Migraine, with Laura Favaro, PT, MS, FAAOMPT, Cert. MDT., New York State licensed Physical Therapist and owner of Phoenix Physical Therapy. Laura  will be showing how important good posture is in our Migraine and headache disorder health. 

The Western New York Migraine and Headache Disorder Support group's mission is simple: to support, educate and alleviate the stigma that surrounds Migraine disease and headache disorders. More than 37 million Americans suffer from Migraine. Headache disorders are the most widespread neurological disorders affecting more than 90% of Americans. It is blatantly apparent that there is "disconnect" between patients, doctors and the community at large. 

To accomplish our mission, we will hold monthly meetings for Migraine and headache disorder patients, their families, friends and those who care for them. We will discuss the issues, difficulties and triumphs that encompass the daily lives of Migraineurs and headache sufferers with compassion, accuracy and support.

 The office is handicap accessible and there is ample parking. For more information contact nhb@wnymigrainesupport.com or (716)512-3983.

Thanks for reading and feel well,

 

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2012.

Last updated January 17, 2012. 

 

January 2012 Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival

 

The January 2012 Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival is posted!

The Headache & Migraine Disease Blog Carnival has been created to provide both headache patients and people who blog about headaches with opportunities to share ideas on topics of particular interest and importance to us.

The theme of the January carnival is "What will you do differently to better manage your migraines in 2012?" 

Kelly Wahle shared her thoughts on brainstorming for signing the AHDA petition.  Jamie Valendy wrote I Will...In 2012. Gretchen Rautman posted 2012's Migraine Resolutions. Teri Robert wrote Migraines or Not - Best Wishes For 2012; and I shared  What is Your Migraine Plan for 2012?

You can read the posts at Migraine Management in 2012: January  Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival.

Thanks for reading and feel well, 

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2012. 

  Last updated January 17, 2012.

 

 

 

 

What is Your Migraine Plan for 2012?

Do you have a Migraine managment plan for 2012?

Now that the New Year is in full swing, have you thought about some Migraine management goals you'd like to achieve this year? Are they attainable or unrealistic? And what exactly are attainable goals vs. unrealistic goals when it comes to Migraine and headache disorder management?

I think an attainable goal this year, for me, is to walk three times a week with my friend Christine. In fact, we've already started. We walk inside a mall, so there really are very few excuses not to do it. It is slow going now because we are both out of shape, but we are eager to continue and maintain our walking schedule. Walking will help improve our overall health, moods, outlook on life, and hopefully help with pain. However, I have noticed that once we start walking more quickly, I feel pressure in my head. So I slow down, and it seems to diminish. This may or may not be related to post-traumatic headache, but after all these years, I'm not so sure.

Another attainable goal for me will be to continue to watch my portion size and say no to second helpings. Portion control for me, is a big player in my weight control. Eating the correct amount of healthy food is very important, as is eating small portions of foods that aren't so healthy. This goal will help me manage my weight.

Having one less Migraine a month may be an attainable goal now that I've stopped consuming caffeine. It really has made a difference. Because Migraineurs brains are overly sensitive, some of us are more susceptible to everyday triggers that we NEVER THINK ABOUT. Are you only drinking one cup of coffee every morning? You may have caffeine dependence, really. And since caffeine is a drug, you may also have some form of medication overuse headache. I 'm pretty sure I did. If you think you've tried everything, and I mean everything under the sun to treat your Migraines, but still consume caffeine, in any form, you may be kidding yourself. Take a look at this article, you may be amazed, Caffeine and Migraine.

One unrealistic goal would be to not have any more Migraine attacks. No one wants to have Migraine disease, but at the moment there is no cure. We can certainly work to reduce the number and severity of our Migraines, but as far as eliminating the disease, it just isn't possible right now. But that doesn't mean we have to lose hope.

Another unrealistic goal is to think our doctor can "fix it" for us. No one can "fix" anything for us. We need to take an active role in our health care, not sit around and wait for someone else to do it for us. Do you keep a Migraine diary as your Migraine specialist suggested? Or are you blowing it off? Diabetics certainly can't blow off keeping their daily insulin levels, so why should Migraineurs not be held to the same standard? I think we can and should. Here is an easy to use Migraine diary from Migraine.com or the Migraine diary at HealthCentral Network's Migraine Community Migraine Diary or the diary at Ubiqi.com

Living with Migraine disease is not an easy venture, but we can take steps to help ourselves become a well educated patient and partner in our health care. What are some of your Migraine management goals for 2012? Do you have any you'd like to share with me?

Thanks for reading and feel well,

 

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2012. 

  Last updated January 11, 2012.

 

WEGO First Ever Health Activist Awards

Health Activist Awards 2011

Is there a Health Activist that inspires you with their commitment to the online health community you are a part of? If so why not nominate them for the first ever Health Activist Award?

What better way to commemorate their milestones than bringing everyone in the Health Activist community together to share what they love.  We've created an interactive Health Activist Awards program to get you and your communities excited to share what has moved you, inspired you, and made a real difference in how you think about healthcare and living well.

Check out the awards (and the Prize Pack!) and start nominating your favorite Health Activists for their best work in 2011.

 

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2011. 

  Last updated December 28,  2011.

 

 

 

First Rewrite Your Day Chronic Migraine Winner Announced

First Winner Announced For Chronic Migraine Awareness Campaign

Patrice Johnson is the first winner of the "Rewrite Your Day" educational campaign for Chronic Migraine sponsored by Allergan Inc., The National Headache Foundation and HealthyWomen. This is a national promotion hoping to bring awareness to the disabling and burdensome issue of Chronic Migraine. There will be 15 winners selected to represent the number of Migraines as defined for Chronic Migraine; 15 or more days a month with headache lasting four hours or longer a day. The project is a wonderful opportunity to bring attention to Migraine and Chronic Migraine.

Mrs. Johnson of Prairieville, Louisiana has been experiencing Chronic Migraine for the last 15 years. She is an executive assistant and former member of the Louisiana National Guard, suffering from Chronic Migraine more than 15 days a month. She has missed out on numerous activities, but was devastated when the wedding she carefully planned was ruined by yet another Chronic Migraine.

• “Chronic Migraine has forced me to miss out on so many things, big and small, but nothing more important than my wedding day,” said Ms. Johnson, a former member of the Louisiana National Guard who is active in nonprofit and community youth activities in her area. “I spent months perfecting every detail - from the original centerpieces to the homemade food - so not being able to enjoy my wedding day was beyond disappointing. I even wrote personal vows, but I rushed through them at the altar since the migraine made it uncomfortable to read.  I am so excited to be a “Rewrite Your Day” winner and have the opportunity to recreate this special day with my husband orchestrated by an event planner like Mindy Weiss – I will have the chance to live the fairytale moments I had always dreamed of.”

Patrice Johnson will be able to "rewrite" her day, why don't you? Are you a Chronic Migraineur who missed out 0n a special day or event? Let's hear about it! Maybe you don't have an event but rather, Chronic Migraine has prevented you from completing a project, like re-doing your bathroom?   Can't finish the landscaping because of Chronic Migraine? Why not share these stories and enter the contest. Any event, job or celebration that Chronic Migraine has prevented can be rewritten! You have till the end of the year to enter, and you can do so at Rewrite Your Day.

Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 2nd edition. Cephalalgia. 2004;24(suppl 1):9-160.

Happy Holidays

 

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2011. 

  Last updated December 19,  2011.

 

Traumatic Brain Injury: Helmets for Player Safety

When anyone suffers a traumatic brain injury it is not uncommon for him or her to have Migraines and or headaches. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) according to the Brain Injury Association of America “is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. 

David Wright, the third baseman for the NY Mets, suffered a concussion (a type of TBI) in August 2009 when he was hit on the head with a pitch traveling 94 miles an hour. As he lay motionless on the ground, team trainers ran out to help him. He was finally able to sit up after several scary moments and then helped off the field.

To continue reading about Wright's TBI, see Safety Helmets for Athletes to Protect from Concussion and TBI.   

Happy Holidays

 

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2011. 

  Last updated December 13,  2011.

 

December 2011 Headache & Migraine Blog Carnival at Fly With Hope

The Headache and Migraine Blog Carnival is a monthly venue that's been created to provide Migraineurs, people with headache disorders and those who blog about, them an opportunity to share ideas on topics that are of particular interest and importance to them.

This month the entries are posted at Kelly's Fly With Hope. The theme is "Reducing Holiday-Related Migraine Triggers: Share your best advice, tips & tricks for minimizing triggers while still fully enjoying the holiday season."     

Why not take a minute during this busy holiday season, grab a warm beverage, sit down and read how some of us are managing our Migraine triggers.

Click here to read: Kelly Fly With Hope

As always thanks for reading and Happy Holidays!

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2011.
Last updated December 13, 2011.

 

December 2011 Headache and Migraine Blog Carnival

 December 2011 Headache and Migraine Disease Blog Carnival

The Headache & Migraine Disease Blog Carnival has been created to provide both headache patients and people who blog about headaches with opportunities to share ideas on topics of particular interest and importance to us.

The topic for the blog carnival this month is "Reducing Holiday-Related Migraine Triggers: Share your best advice, tips & tricks for minimizing triggers while still fully enjoying the holiday season."

Migraine triggers. Ugh. We all have them, even though some of us don’t want to admit it, we have them. They may hide under the surface of our daily life, under our skin, or in our homes. But be assured, they are there. Now the holidays are in full swing, do you know where are your triggers hiding?  

Most of us are knowledgable about what our triggers are and try to avoid them. These can include dehydration, certain foods and alterations in our sleeping patterns, among others. But how about those triggers we can’t avoid? What on earth are we supposed to do with these? We can’t make the barometric pressure stay even. What about hormonal fluctuations? It would be nice for some of us not to ride the hormone rollercoaster every month. What is your plan to avoid your triggers during the holidays?

I’ll tell you mine - I’m going to try meditation. I don’t mean full-blown meditation -- doing it in lotus position and candles kind of meditation. Yet. I’m going to take a few seconds a couple times a day to become self aware of my body and listen to it. Something I rarely do. For just a few seconds at a time I will focus on me. Perhaps when I stop at a red light, and my mind starts to wander and worry, instead of letting my mind go with those thoughts, I’m going to stop them. Then concentrate on one small part of my body for as long as the light is red, which should be only a few short seconds.

I did it today. I was idling at a red light this morning, my mind immediately started to wander and worry. I put an end to the worries and thought about what my head felt like. It felt heavy. Not my entire head, just a narrow band below my hairline that extended all the way around my head. It had a throbbing, pressure like feel to it. By the time I figured that out, the light was turning green. Feeling the pain and really noticing what, where and how my head hurt was interesting. Practicing this sort of mediation everyday for just a few seconds a day can help me become aware of my body, something I desperately need to do.

 I’ve taken care of people for 25 years, but now I think it’s time to take care of me.  I seem to be programmed to help and care for others. This doesn’t benefit me in any way. The worst part is,  I hardly know how to practice self-care. This holiday season I’m starting to meditate in hopes it will make me more self aware. Hopefully, this will allow me to become more mindful of my self-care and become better at it.  It may even help reduce some Migraine triggers. 

Happy Holidays

 

Follow me on  or 

MyMigraineConnection.com    WNYMigrainsupport.com

 

© Nancy Harris Bonk, 2011. 

  Last updated December 9, 2011.