Sunday, January 13, 2013

Living with Chronic Migraines (By Logan Lentini)

When most people hear the term “migraine” they just think of a simple headache; what they don't know is how much they can affect you. Living with chronic migraines is a constant struggle.  Now I'm not referring to those who can take a pill at the onset of the headache and it magically goes away, but rather the people like me who have to endure and attempt to overcome the pain after multiple medical treatments (pills, shots, infusions, and biofeedback). It is these people who are most affected by chronic migraines. Not only do they affect your ability to function, but they also affect your social life and you're disposition on just about everything. I personally was diagnosed with chronic migraine at the age of five years old.  I have been able to manage them fairly well up until the last few years. I am now sixteen years old and these migraines have been becoming harder and harder to manage.  We do not know why I am getting them, but we do know that they are limiting my life immensely.

Hypersensitivity, this word solely explains why functioning with a migraine is such an arduous task. By definition, hypersensitivity is described as being "abnormally or excessively sensitive, either psychologically or in physical response." Though it is difficult for a migraine to cause someone to be psychologically hypersensitive it is possible, and we will get back to this later on, as this concept of hypersensitivity is why migraines are so debilitating. It is this hypersensitive nature that makes every task difficult, due to the fact that every one of your five senses becomes about one thousand times stronger. Take reading for instance, this simple activity becomes harder not only because your eyes hurt to the point of even closing them isn't easy, but also because you need light to read and light can make your migraine even worse. And forget about trying to do something that involves noise because this noise will make your head begin pounding to the point where you can feel your pulse inside your head. On top of that smells can often make a headache worse, and laying your head down may be difficult as well due to the pressure being applied to your skull. Even eating can be unpleasant at times, just because the taste in combination with the smell and the chewing motion your jaw makes could easily elevate you pain.

This hypersensitivity can also dictate your social life. As previously stated, when one has a migraine normal tasks become extremely difficult and not worth doing. Taking this into consideration, you can understand how these migraines can control your social life, especially in my case where they can last months at a time. When I have migraines, the last thing I want is to be around people. I know this sounds bad, but think about it, what if they're wearing really strong perfume or cologne? What if they're excessively loud? Then my migraine will elevate, and potentially put me out of commission for even longer. In addition, social activity is generally in a well-lit setting, where there is noise anyway and various smells in the air, all things that make a headache worse. Due to this, I literally isolate myself in my bedroom where it is pitch black and dead silent. Here I can control all headache-inducing-factors, and potentially relieve my pain. Though this is unlikely under many circumstances, it is still possible.

Here is where the psychological hypersensitivity comes in play.  In my personal situation, where I have these chronic migraines for up to several months, my moral begins to fall. Now I'm generally an optimistic person, I have my bad days just like the rest of us, but I tend to have a very positive outlook. However after having to endure the pain that comes along with migraines for weeks at a time, I become pretty negative. The simplest problems that are easily fixed I might add, set me off. And after a while I just become apathetic; I don't even care anymore and just suffer, trying to accept that it may be a long time before I get to experience a headache free lifestyle. This was when I was at my lowest point though, like I previously said I am a very optimistic person.

The purpose for me writing this is not to ask for your pity, that's the last thing I want. I just want people to understand what I go through and to raise awareness for migraines being what they are, instead of their mislabeled definition as a really bad headache. Migraines are far more than this and that is what I want people to know.

8 comments:

  1. It's so difficult for anyone to understand the impact chronic pain has until they've experienced it. You expressed it in way that will enable others to better understand what you & those with chronic pain endure. And, hopefully, that understanding will bring about empathy. Thank you for leading the way.

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  2. I'm so sorry Logan. Migraine's are the worst. I hope that they find something to help control yours. Your blog was very informative and well written.

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  3. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with migraines. I've had some myself and they are some of the most horrible pain I've ever dealt with...and I've had three kids! I'm glad to hear that you are doing better now. I hope that your doctors are able to find a good solution for you so you won't have as many in the future.

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  4. Honestly, I cannot even imagine how you handle your migraines for such a long time, and as severe as they are. I used to get a LOT of migraines- but I could sleep through them and they would usually be gone when I woke up. I would get the aura, so I knew it was coming, but I couldn't lessen it. Mine were terrible to me- but I never had to go through half of what you go through. Even now, if I get a bad sinus headache I have trouble thinking. You have endured a LOT. I really hope that the cause of yours gets figured out quickly. Hopefully it's just a hormonal thing and it will get better as you get older. Keep the HOPE!

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  5. Great post, Logan. It breaks my heart that you have suffered so. You are such a wonderful son, brother and advocate for kids with arthritis. It is great to see you advocating for migraine sufferers (of which I am one). I pray they find something soon that will help you prevent your migraines.

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  6. Logan - Thank you so much for sharing. My sister-in-law has suffered from migraines for the past several years, and I don't think I really understood what that has been like for her until I read your words. You really described it clearly - and I am much more empathetic now. What is more though - is that your optimism is inspirational to those who suffer from chronic illness. I knew part of your story, but I did not know you had been having headaches for so many years. To live shrouded in chronic pain and still have the grace, strength and tenacity for optimism is very amazing. I believe in Hope, and therefore must believe that an answer to your journey will come. I send my very best hopes and prayers that the good days fuel you more than the bad could every possibly drain you, that the pain is short, and that your optimism beats all. You and your family write the rule book on how to overcome... and I'm so glad to know you.

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  7. Everyone has headaches now and then. After reading what you wrote everyone can now understand the difference between an average headache and a migraine. It has to be a monster always looming over your shoulder threatening to take over your life...once again. Your migraines seem to run in the family, regrettably. I pray that someday medicine will come up with a magic pill so powerful it will take away all pain of a migraine the minute you take it...no matter how severe. I love you and continue to pray for you and Parker every day.

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