Wow, it is amazing how life can take a turn on you when you least expect it. For the past five and a half years I have been living in frustration and anger that I had to be the one to suffer in this way, with these headaches. I've kept it a private matter for the most part, really only talking about it with my closest friends and family, and even then I tried to keep things to myself. I never wanted to be looked on as a Wendy Whiner, one who complaines and is always "woa is me." But I've realized it was wrong. By doing this I wasn't being honest. I wasn't opening up myself to those who love and care for me- and for those I may be able to help along the way. Honestly I have probably made my road a much more difficult one.
If you have been following me here you know that since the beginning this blog was created as a way for me to come to terms with my chronic illness. I wanted to not hate that part of me, because I knew that this did absolutely no good. Sure it sucks! But I needed acceptance on my part so I could move forward on this journey. Until I did this, I couldn't truly allow others inside- I was critical enough of myself as it was. So along my way I have also found myself getting closer to God. Prayer isn't just reserved for Sunday mornings at church or laying in bed at the end of the day. I pretty much have an inner constant dialog with Him. I ask for strength, for healing of course and also for me to become brave enough to let others inside. I couldn't do it alone anymore.
Little by little I opened up about my illness. I would allow it to come out in conversation. Well guess what? More and more people would say "You too?!" So many others out there also were struggling with migraines, daily headaches, or maybe even another chronic illness of their own but felt very much the same as I did. It felt so good to know I wasn't alone and to be able to share some of the amazing resources I have found along the way.
The more I opened up the more I found that things were opening up for me as well. You may have noticed that little badge on the right hand side announcing that I am now an Excedrin Migraine Ambassador! Excedrin® Migraine is the #1 neurologist recommended over-the-counter brand for migraine relief. It offers convenient and effective relief for migraines and was the first non-prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat all the symptoms of a migraine. And they wanted me!!
When they contacted me and asked if this was something I would like to be a part of, without even needing to spend anytime in thought my answer was a huge YES! Here was my opportunity to share with all other sufferers out there that they aren't alone and that there is a new tool out there to help them reach a healthy and headache free life. Holy Moly! Talk about an answer to my prayers!
The makers of Excedrin® Migraine developed a new app, My Migraine TriggersTM, with a leading neurologist that is available for free on iTunes. With this app, migraine sufferers can track their migraine triggers and gather the data put into reports and charts that can be easily shared with physicians.
How cool is that?! Pretty much one of my other main reasons for writing this blog was a way for me to track my symptoms and triggers to be able to better discuss my treatments with my doctors. Even though I was trying to be concise, I wasn't ever being as thorough as I needed to be. I tend to vent here more then "track". According to a recent survey from the makers of Excedrin® Migraine, a large majority of women who suffer from migraines agree that with a better understanding of their triggers (90%) and the right tools to track their triggers and symptoms (83%), they can better manage an attack. That is definitely true for me! I was never good at keeping a handwritten headache journal- I didn't always have it accessible when I really needed it. But I always have my phone on me! That is where this app is even more helpful. It is always there when I need it. I have only just begun using it and already I know it will prove to be an awesome tool. I am excited to share with you all of my follow up feelings on the app at time goes by.
Do you keep a "headache journal" or have a way to keep track of your triggers or how often you are getting your migraines? Does it work for you? I would love to hear your ways of coping so please share them with me in the Comments section!
If you would like to give this app a try, please visit MigraineResource.com to download it. Also please visit the Migraine Center at the Excedrin Facebook page for great information, share tips, and to connect with other Migrainers just like us.
I have some other awesome news! The wonderful people of Excedrin Migraine have provided an Excedrin Migraine Relief Kit for TWO LUCKY WINNERS! This kit contains items that will help us manage some of our common migraine triggers (i.e., irregular sleep habits, loud noises and stress).
To enter Leave me a comment below telling me how you cope with your own migraines.
Get a free second entry by publicly following me, Racing Through my Brain in your Google Reader. Be sure to leave me a second comment telling me you did so.
IMPORTANT! I need to have a name in the comment field and if you don't have an email attached to your name, please leave that for me in your comment as well. Remember, I have to be able to find you if you win! I am sorry, but No Name, No Entry.
Giveaway ends December 8 at 10:00 pm. Winners will be selected randomly.
Enter for a chance to win the
Excedrin Migraine Relief Kit!
Sleep Mask
Noise cancelling ear buds
Branded Stress Balls
Herbal Compress
Branded Water bottle
$15 iTunes gift card
You are all seriously going to love this stuff!!!!
You are all seriously going to love this stuff!!!!
This journey has already been such an exciting one, and I have SO much more to tell you about! This past Tuesday and Wednesday I had an opportunity to fly out to New York City to meet with the entire Excedrin Migraine Ambassador Team. This was a once and a lifetime media event that I will never ever forget. I have tons of pictures to look back on the wonderful memories and the great new friendships made there as well. Lots, lots more to come.....
I am a paid Excedrin® Migraine blog ambassador. Along with compensation, one iPod Touch to test the app was provided by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Excedrin® Migraine. Along with compensation, the Excedrin Migraine® Relief kit and travel and accommodations to attend the Jordin Sparks media event was provided by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Excedrin® Migraine; my journey for a migraine-free experience is my own.
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