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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13 comments:
I actually used to use Excedrin Extra Strength to cope with mine. I thought it was just a normal part of life. I finally went to a neurologist and they prescribed me some heavy duty meds. Luckily I haven't had to take them in awhile and now when that headache starts I'm in bed!
I hope I win , I can give the stuff to my mommy :)
melissallama@bak.rr.com
I used to live on Excedrin, but had to cut back due to the amount of acetaminophen I was consuming each day. I would say, if you are living on Excedrin, get to headache specialist and get on a preventive! Now, I get weekly massages, keep my heating pad and cold packs close and rely on the heavy duty stuff when I have breakthrough pain after my normal abortives.
I have had status migraine since August of last year. I have tried everything I know to try and even had the trial implant- this was the only thing that even touched my pain. I was supposed to have the Permanent Implant last week, but my insurance company decided they would not pay for it. Now I don't know WHAT I'm going to do.
My daughter is 12 and she suffers from CDH & Migraines. She is taking preventive meds, but Excedrin Migraine is the only pain relief that helps... so she takes that, gets a icey pack of peas & sleeps it off. I pray for the day when we can find answers & she can be Migraine free!
Amy - I'm so proud of you!!! It's so hard to keep up a positive attitude when you are in pain. I'm glad something GOOD is finally coming to you after all your suffering!!!!!
I had a headache for a year and finally used acupuncture to get rid of it. Now I use Excedrin, do neck stretches, and use a heated neck wrap when I get one.
I follow your blog too.
I am 43, have had migraines since age 15. Further complicated by 3 neck injuries adding Cervical Facet Syndrome and Occipital Neuralgia to my chronic pain list. I have pain every day.
I think I have tied just about every therapy in the world!!
I use ice, heat, theracane, get injections from pain doc, Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin, all in addition to Rx meds. I try to rotate meds so my body doesn't get too used to anything.
Thanks....I enjoy your blog.
Mindy Utz
mindy.utz@gmail.com
The way I control my Migraines, bilateral Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia (ATN), bilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), & Occipital Neuralgia (ON) is by using two different sizes of microwavable heating pads - one for over my eyes and one for the back of my neck & base of skull. I also use what I call my "M & M Combo" for abortive attacks of any of the above mentioned diagnosis. It consists of Maxalt MLT 10 mg. PRN and Morphine Sulfate IR 30 mg. either three times a day at a total of 90 mg. or twice a day at 45 mg. each totalling 90 mg.. My regular meds consist of Trileptal, Topamax, & Inderal LA. I've been doing this for 2.5 years now. For 23.5 years prior to that I was treated by ER visits and all sorts of OTC meds hoping to even minimize the pain a little bit.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to enter my name in your drawing.
Unfortunately. This medicine does'nt touch the headaches i live with daily. Wish you all the best.
My little sister, Nikki, gets extremely bad headaches to the point where she can't get out of bed at times. I have a ton of sympathy for people that are struggling with this. I am not sure if she is aware of this blog but I will be sure to share this with her. Thanks Amie!!
My girlfriend Christine gets migraines to the point of not getting out of bed as well. It put her life on hold, personally, emotionally, and on a professional level because you can't control when it comesand takes ovver your head, so there are times she can't make into work. I did her about you, so I am writing on her behalf. Congrats to you Amie! And much thanks from Christine & myself.
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