How to Live with Migraine, Depression, other mental/neuro illness, and care for those who do
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- Опубликовано: 24 авг 2024
- Don't beat yourself up because you're not as productive as someone healthy. This is a personal view of how I live with migraine, which echoes Depression and other mental/neurological illnesses. Coping strategies and tips for those who suffer, and tips and insight for those who care for those who suffer. This is an opinion piece and does not constitute medical advice. In case of any doubt, consult a qualified medical practitioner.
WARNING: Contains humour. I'm not belittling the excruciating and incapacitating pain felt by some sufferers. I am mocking rather than validating the attack I am getting over at the time.
Your closing remarks made a very good point. The political classes have for years now been trying to make out that mental health is being give equal parity to physical health. The counsellor who worked in the two local medical practices in our area was made redundant last year. Read into that what you will.
The more mental health is talked about in open fora such as this the better. Thank you for being so open with your experiences.
Never mind thanking you for you support, I'm just bowled over that someone knows the correct plural for 'forum'! ;@) As well as failing Biology, I also failed Latin... I have to admit that it is only through my own experiences with migraine that I am so mindful of those with depression. It's not the pain that causes me to stay in bed and loose all my will and 'oomph' - and what would you call that feeling without the pain? Yup, depression. Yet somehow some folks are more comfortable talking about migraine because there is a physical aspect to it (pain) - despite the fact you can't see the pain (although I do have a picture of a 'migraine' - the vein in the side of my head sticking out and throbbing)
Good video, with many interesting points. We are all different, and as you quite rightly said, what is good for one person, doesn't mean it will work for you. I don't suffer with any ongoing ailments, but am currently just getting over the flu. Just showed your video to my hubby, as he gets upset with my "I want to be alone" stance when I'm sick. By that, I mean I get fed up with the ongoing advice, no matter how well meaning it is. Hope you have got over your migraine. Take care.
I used to have terrible migraines. They lasted for three days sometimes, and I was completely bedridden. I would throw up if I tried to eat. It was awful. I have complete empathy. No cure ever worked for me..ever. Then I got beyond menopause and they stopped. Evidently they were hormonaly triggered. Now if I eat anything soy, which is estrogenic, I can start to feel pain in my head again. I avoid soy, and have since read that it isn't a food anyway. Anyway, I'm rambling but...really just wanted to say I empathize totally. In my case old age made them go away. The plus of having all of these wrinkles. Oh and thanks so much for saying what you did about those who tell you to just "Be more positive"! For god's sake, what's wrong with those people?!!! I don't know how many told me to "Just work through it anyway!" OMG! Where has empathy and compassion gone? ...Love your vlogs, Andrew. :)
Thank you! Glad you have found some relief now. I have a suspicion that soy is a trigger for me too... hence my migraines getting much worse when I gave up dairy (and my consumption of soya soared).
Yes, I'll take whole fat milk any day! In fact I prefer whole goats milk!
We're all poorly informed by the contemporary medical industry and too often poisoned by various toxins in food, air, water. That said, each of us are biologically unique so solutions to our health issues also need to be individual. That means...you're going to have to experiment until you find what works for you. I appreciate your humor and honesty in discussing these topics in your vlogs!
Thank you so much for describing migraines so very well, I suffer from migraines and also fibromyalgia both neurological. Along with arthritis and scoliosis with depression just to round the numbers up, I get “advice” from so many people most of whom are very well meaning 🙂. I am disabled because of my physical issues mainly, but it’s the fibromyalgia, migraine and depression that absolutely cripple me. I am so so blessed to have a wonderful, fantastic husband Gary and he is my carer and does everything in the house and cooks all the meals and in the nine years that we have been together he has never ever complained, I am very lucky. I find with the sumatriptan, that it only works if you can take it at the very, very beginning of the migraine starting. Take care Andrew
Thanks Amanda, sounds like you have a rock there in Gary.
Just LOVE your work. I had headaches for years. Then one day I started going blind. I work in a hospital, so I was admitted. The doctor looked at me and said "you are having a migraine". I was amazed.
Hot peppers work for me, usually, everyone is different. But it triggers your bodies natural pain relievers. For some-hot sauce is a trigger for a migraine. I have to have coffee, too. Love your furbaby, and your rant is spot on too!
Thanks Marcy! It seems that Caffeine is very popular to relieve symptoms, although others have sworn that giving it up helps.... so hard to know what to do for the best, eh? All the best.
Very commendable of you, it just struck a nerve when I see my wife suffering terribly from this (in her case) debilitating condition. Its no reflection on your other work and informative videos. Humour very rarely goes hand in hand with, my perception of a severe migraine and should be treated with respect, thats just my opinion, but hat off to you for coming back with some realisation.
Hi Andrew, thank you for your latest vlog. Massive appreciation for discussing something that is personal to you. I have recently experienced a 6mth depression period where my GP discovered I wasn't sleeping well at night which was contributing to my depression. Whilst I was recovering, which I feel, did help was watching your vlog. So thank you and keep up the good work
Neil
You're welcome Neil, glad to be of help! Glad you're getting through it now. My favourite phrase about this (when I get mad or frustrated about it) is: When it rains, let it. In other words, stop beating yourself up about it and just manage it as best you can. All the best.
Thanks, Andrew. At the end there you said something that a therapist said to me once. It was that we shouldn't be ashamed of mental illness. People aren't ashamed of their physical illnesses. They take their medications or do their therapies and move on with it. But with mental illness so many people feel they have to hide it or get off the medication because it's a stigma. But it shouldn't be. It's as much a physical illness (as in caused by biology) as a broken leg. You do what you can to mend it. It might feel as good as new eventually, but it will never be "unbroken". You've just done what you could to mend it and live with it going forward.
+J Dyer Exactly. Which is why I don't understand why there has to be a distinction between neurological illness and mental illness - a view supported by the British Medical Journal in 2012. All the best.
Hi Andrew. As a recent subscriber, I am just now viewing this video. I make sure to always have a supply of Sumatriptan on hand, a few in my purse, etc. It usually does the trick for me. The side effect of the Sumatriptan is in about an hour after taking it, I feel very achy all over, like I had the flu. The side effect eventually subsides and I would rather deal with the "achy all over" feeling than the excruciating pain in my head. Take care and I will keep tuning in!
P.S. Sometimes a fall in the barometric pressure will trigger a migraine in me.
YES! The same symptoms of sumatriptan with me. Sometimes the euphoria of being pain-free helps carry me through those. But other times I just need to retire to my bed. I wish you increasing pain-free days!
I've made a commitment to being an *advice-free zone* unless asked. I am well-versed in nutrition and plant-based foods (I wrote a vegan/GF cookbook/ebook), herbalism, etc. Most has been in the effort to help me ameliorate the effects of my own chronic illnesses and constant pain.
I, too, find the "have you tried...????" people to be quite annoying--but, it's also annoying to hear one complain, often for years, about pain, etc. and they shove Big Macs down their gob and drink like a fiend or whatever. Humans, help yourself. Educate yourself. You can't constantly pollute your body and expect it to work optimally. Coping the victim role will not change your state. Anyway, mini-rant over (and screw those who are chipper/chirpy and full of life ALL THE BLOODY TIME)! :) Cheers to you Andrew!
Hello Andrew, I came across this video today. I sympathise totally with you.I worked for 30 years as a Psychiatric Charge Nurse and had to retire at the age of 49 following a severe meningism infection. I am now seventy. This illness has damaged my meninges and left me with a permanent, 24/7, headache with tinnitus and a general feeling of weakness.I have been prescribed virtually everything by a succession of doctors but nothing helps.Most medications I have tried makes me worse, often making me feel like a zombie with a headache.I have tried most alternative concoctions but again with no benefit.I was lucky in that I was born bloody minded. That has allowed me to get on with things despite my headache. My attitude is that I will not be defeated and I might as well do what I want to do even when I feel crap. The alternative is to stay home sucking my thumb and still feeling crap.I have a love of the great outdoors, especially the Scottish West Coast and islands. I would much rather get out in the hills or beaches than to be trapped at home feeling sorry for myself.The thumbnail photo of me was taken on my trek across Spain nine years ago when I walked the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route...great therapy in so many ways. In November I walked the Great Glen Way (Fort William to Inverness). I can see that you have the same approach to your condition. You have a very positive personality which enables you to take the bad times in your stride. I am pleased that you have found some medication that gives you some relief. Like you, I often find that when my headache is especially bad going for a walk with my dog helps more than anything. Take care and give Dougal a pat from me.
Thanks for your message Harry. So sorry to hear about your persistent pain, but hurrah for you for living your life regardless! It's the 'quiet ones' like you who are the true inspirational figures in life. I don't think people who have not lived with constant pain can quite understand the energy it saps from you, and how doing ANYTHING is a huge achievement. And yes, walking the dog ALWAYS helps. All the best.
I seem to have spent the winter watching and enjoying your videos. Time and again I find myself agreeing with your views on life. I believe that you would have made a first class mental health professional. I would certainly have given you a job. All the best to you also and to the wee fella.
Loved the way Dougal perked up when you mentioned a walk. I am lucky I suppose my Migraine are few and far between, when I have one I crave coffee and drugs! (Legal ones) and you are right when you a suffering one you couldn't give a monkies about anyone else's problems. My MiL believes headaches are all in the mind..no pun intended. Please accept this virtual hug. 🤗
Cheers Dawn! And yes, when editing I noticed Dougal's reaction too! ;@)
Wow this was fantastic. You really helped me. So nice to know someone else understands. I don't get migraines but I just see everything half empty. I take antidepressants but it is still an effort every day to cope. So many self doubts. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you. One of my favourite sayings is: 'If it rains, let it.' No good beating ourselves up.
No one tells you to throw your crutches away and get on with it. What an excellent point you raised! All the best.
Exactly Edward, yet 'everyone is an expert' when the health issue involves the brain.
Thank you for stating the fact that the small things that you can get done go along way with getting along when you have depression. Changing up what to do that day that accommodate what you can get done is sometimes all you can do. We don't need to be"fixed",we have tried the most obvious things. People can't see a depressed person. Offering a helping hand is the one thing that can really help.
Absolutely. Sometimes it can just be the simplest things that help.
Thanks for the help! My son has Migraines I now
know when or when not offer help!
hi Andrew. I have been a migraine sufferer since childhood. kept me laid up for days at a time and often came back one after the other just as I started to recover. My Dr finally listened and prescribed me a preventive tablet and it has made a huge difference for me. I take it every night but it's worth it. good luck mate and keep it up
+Simulation Gaming Thank you. I've had a bad 6 weeks and am losing about 3 days a week at the minute which is no good. I might go talk to my Quack again, but I'd really like to find a way to identify and address the root cause, which means consulting independent healers, which involves a lot of expensive experimentation. Might give the preventative tablet a go, cheers!
Good on you for producing this Andrew. Hope it reaches a wide audience - it deserves to.
Thanks Christopher! I know you raised this a while back, and while this was never planned it just seemed like a way of 'getting back' at my migraine yesterday - to turn it around and put it to some good.
Excellent video Andrew. As a depression sufferer I am always being told that 'there are others out there worse off than you' or 'just snap out of it'. You hit the nail on the head and people that don't understand should not try and 'fix' others. I will leave it at that and put my soap box away for now. Thanks again for raising this important subject that no-one ever wants to talk about (especially my doctor!!). Hope the meds work eventually and I am sure Dougal makes a good Florence Nightingale :o)
I would say 'chin up mate' but I know that should someone say that to me, it makes me want to punch them in the face!
Cheers Al! Yeah, as my analogy went, nobody told me to 'snap out of' having a damaged meniscus or tell me there were others worse off - which there are - but that doesn't exactly assist the healing process, eh? And that's the thing... just like we know that it can't rain forever, we know that tomorrow or next week or next month might bring some relief. Cheers.
Andrew I really enjoyed this vlog. Thank you for your insightful thoughts, comments and views. I suffer with serve PTSD, depression and anxiety. I retire soon and am planning to buy a caravan and just tour. Camping is my joy at the moment and trips out on my motorbike, ( A triumph of course) but when I get down into that dark abyss, I fantasise about the caravan I will have and the trips I will no doubt take.
Cheers Jon. Caravanning, camping...anything that gets you out and connected with nature helps in my humble opinion. Good luck with everything and remember to be as kind to yourself as you would be your fellow sufferer :)
Well done wonderful insight. As someone who worked as Physical Therapist for close to 30 years before chronic migraines caused me to end up on SSDI the stigma and beliefs is often the unspoken side of the condition .
I'm suffering with mental health to and it seems hit and miss what works and what doesn't. its different for each person. Another great video!
Simon 8-)
Tech Nomad UK Cheers Simon! Wishing you all the best with managing your health.
Thank you so much for making this video Andrew! I can't tell you how much it means to me along with you saying, "don't beat yourself up." I struggle with PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. I totally understand what you are saying about what others think I should do. I give them a look and walk away. I'm not always full of energy either because some days my body hurts terribly. So, I do what I can each day just to get through. I get judged every day. Those who have no clue should not judge. That could one day be them. Thanks again for making this video. We all suffer from something. Right? Some just don't talk about it.
Sorry to hear about your issues. Quite often, similar symptoms can occur as the result of migraine etc... so I empathise. The day I stopped trying to power through and try to carry on as 'normal' and beat myself up about it, and instead started to 'manage' it as a damage limitation exercise was a revelation. The irony? By being kinder to myself and putting off creative and non-essential tasks when I'm having a migraine/migraine hangover means that I now achieve more than I ever did before. Wishing you an abundance of good days and minimal bad days.
Wishing you the same Andrew. Tell Dougal hello from me. Thank you as well. ☺
Great vlog Mr Ditton. Important and worthwhile advice, well imparted too. Thanks for all you do.
Dear Andrew, I will not give any advice to you since I am in no position to do so. I am a trigeminus patient. So I feel with you. My migraines were quite frequently. Until after almost 7 years of pain somebody asked me if I am histamine intolerant. Like if I do get headaches from coffee or red wine. Well I dont drink any alcohol. But one cappuccino and I am bedridden for at least one day. I managed to get a list with 500 entries of medications, groceries and such for testing the histamine intolerance. And every histamine intolerance is as different as we all look.That helped me a great deal. I was at work with 4 weeks of trigeminus migraine after a dentists treatment. He had hit a branch of the trigeminus when numbing my teeth for treatment. I had only a sight of white on the right eye nor was I able to think straight. When I started living vegan about a year ago due to renal fatigue these attacks got better and less frequent. But they still do come and put me to bed in a very dark and very quiet room, cuddling the right half of my face into the pillow. And no medication helps. Nor can I then stand anybody around me - despite our dog.
Wow, that sounds harsh. Moving to a plant-based diet definitely helped, but very recently I have noticed that there MIGHT be a connection with straightforward hypoglycaemia. Something very high in sugar like a chocolate brownie can put me to bed for days. Giving up high-sugar stuff like Coke seems to be helping me. Hope you get some relief.
unfortunately people can only see broken legs/arms but they can't see any kind of mental illness. my sympathy to you and so glad you have Dougal for therapeutic support
.
Thanks Poppy!
As a retired nurse of thirty five years service,,,,, keep a bottle of oxygen handy,, and at the first aura, snort at least five good inhales,,,,it may not end the attack, but it WILL prevent a full attack, ,,, This works,,, seen it work for years,,,,,, give it a try,,,,, god bless,,,,
I send you many hugs from cyberspace, love the video , you addressed so many things that rang true to me , many thanks
Thank you.
You have my utmost sympathies for the reality of living with migraines, depression, anxiety & panic disorder. When I first developed migraines, my first headache lasted for about three months. Sumatriptin was first developed in an auto injectible at that time. It was a god send & took the headache away immediately! I have not had that great of experience since though. I guess that I've had migraines since about 1992.
Interesting experience Ken, thanks for letting us know. I think that is the 'problem' with triptans, and that is the law of diminishing returns. I remember the first time I had one, it was like a miracle cure. It didn't take too long to get too used to them and ended up with a 9 day episode. My only way out was to go Cold Turkey (the next two attacks were excruciating) and now I only take a triptan if it is absolutely essential (e.g. if I have something very important to do and lying low for a few days is not an option.) Hope you're getting more good days now. Cheers, Andrew
This is an amazing vlog. And spot on.
Like you commented in a post, everyone is an expert, but they can't really feel how it is for you or how things work for you because it's your head, not theirs.
I don't know how it is to live with migraine but I do know how it is to get all the 'good' advice at times you really don't want to because I am a hyper sensitive person and therefore always tired.
Wish you well and hope that by now you are a little bit less affected by the migraine
Thank you! Touch wood the attacks have halved since I stopped my shiftwork job. All the best.
Thank you for the blog Andrew. I'm bipolar and have struggled for years understanding it and dealing with well meaning advice. I chose to work from home so that I can structure my days and to be away from toxic people. One of the best pieces of advice I did get was to stop fighting it and just give up. I did that and immediately began to get control of my life which I still find strangely amusing. I also say to people that they wouldn't tell a blind person that they're not trying hard enough to see so why are they telling me I'm not trying hard enough to not be depressed. A dog is a good thing and worth more than it's weight in gold :)
+Irene Ewens Absolutely Irene, it's all about stopping banging your head against a wall and starting to take control of your life by managing whatever it is. Love the 'blind' analogy - so true! Here's wishing you plenty of good days - and the strength and humour to handle the bad.
Much appreciated Andrew. If you don't laugh you cry so I laugh. I'm sad though when I'm with people who are trapped by their beliefs about themselves and never gather the courage to change even the littlest thing to make life better.
Love your vlogs. They are interesting & enjoyable. Your dog is adorable. In regards to health & the human body, it's important to remember, each person is different. Some people are hypersensitive to peanuts, others....nothing. Regarding migraines, my GP's plan was for me to avoid the 3 C's, drink plenty of water, &, writing a food diary, before I tried taking migraine medication. He was right. I discovered lemon juice was one of my triggers, as well as cheese, caffeine & chocolate. Everybody is different. I read with great interest someone above talking about the impact of work stress on their body. I look forward to more of your vlogs.
Thanks Susan. Yes, we are all different which is why 'One size fits all' just isn't appropriate. So pleased that you managed to find your triggers - or at least some of them. Fortunately since stopping shift work and a better sleep pattern, mine have improved too :) All the best.
I find it amazing that, after your thorough and brave and honest video, someone is daft enough to tell you your illness is not 'legitimate'. I've been a headacheur all of my life. Luckily decreasing substantially as I age. But I've had only 2 that were 'textbook' migraines. It felt like the nausea originated in my bone marrow. Take good care. Best... Jon
Jon Howard Thanks Jon - and lucky you that they have become more bearable. I find as I've got older they last longer and are more frequent - and slow me down far more than they used to. But like I say, my management of them has improved and I try my hardest not to let them define me or spoil my life. All the best.
Have you tried doing yoga on a bed of hamster fur at 7:26 AM facing Stonehenge? I hear that works wonders. Grin.
Jon Howard BA-HAHAHA! Or the ones who say to put your feet in hot water and an ice pack to your head. Yup, that relieves the pain while you're doing it. But you try going to the supermarket with your feet in a bucket... ;@)
Massive respect to you for making this video! I suffer from Migraines and they aren't easy. We also use a caravan for a base for filming. Thanks Andrew :)
RailAdvent Cheers! :)
Andrew Ditton You are most welcome! :)
Hello again Andrew. Another thing that I have tried is cold packs & going to bed. A good try is to take is bagged dry beans & freezing them. Take them & wrap them in a light weight towel & drape them over your head at bedtime or whenever you lay down. They help you to get to sleep & they ease the pain. I understand that epsom salts in a warm bath can help too. My only goal is to assist you during your next migraine. Hugs my friend!
Cheers Ken!
Hi Andrew, this is a great video and I love your outlook of what works for you. I have chronic fatigue syndrome and I have started to look at the little tasks in my day as achievements rather than just part of my day and it helps so much as I can focus on all of the things I have achieved rather than being negative about the things I haven't done. A cup of tea and a hug solves a multitude of ailments, I crave tea and drink lots of it and I find without it I feel a million times worse. Interesting about the milk too as I started drinking raw milk from the farm opposite and found that it helped me feel more awake and alert each morning instead of waking up each morning feeling like I have my head in a vice, Ive had loads of comments and the best one for me is 'I get tired too, just go to bed earlier' grrrrr
Oh dear, that 'go to bed' advice must get your goat! Glad you enjoyed the vid. Even though we have different ailments, remember we are never alone with them. Good luck and all the best.
Very interesting video and comments. I come from a long line of migraine sufferers. Grandmother, Mother, Brother. We all suffer with them differently with different triggers! I am always very sick with them which is normally a welcome relief as mostly it brings an end to the crippling pain and let's me sleep. But not always... And I think that's the key. We are all different and we all handle pain and emotions uniquely. We just need to try to understand what we can do to minimize them, not always possible I know! Also how we can help. My husband says he feels useless when I have a migraine, but as I'm head in toilet vomiting, a glass of water arrives next to me and a rub on my back from the man who feels useless is the nicest gesture he could possibly make. There's currently no cure, but some understanding from others goes a long way. Off the soapbox now! Sorry Andrew! Hope you are feeling better x
Naomi Tinker Hi Naomi, thanks for your comment - and you're so right, we're all different, even in my family. However, none of us vomit and we often wish we could because, like you say, if often brings relief. My mum loves dark chocolate, yet one after eight and I'm done. I love oranges, yet they're a trigger for mum. Go figure! This vid has triggered some very interesting and informative comments and stories. Wishing you all the best and as many pain free days as you could wish for!
Hi Andrew, I too am late to the party but am finding your blogs really great with some fab advice. Now to the Migraine problem. I was informed by a neurologist that mine were genetic therefore everything and nothing triggers mine. I have now been on Beta Blockers for about 8 years (long time I know). However, I was having a migraine a day and now I only get about 3 a month sometimes none!! I do find if I miss 3 doses (forgetting to get my prescription ....dummy) then bang I get 3 in a row. So, thing is, this seems to work for me, so just may be an idea for anyone else to try. I am still trying to pluck up the courage to buy my caravan and go touring. I know I am a scardy cat. Your blogs help though. Keep up the great work. Liz
Hi Liz, thanks for that! Very interesting. It really is a case of just trying stuff and seeing what works. Right now I've decided that Vitamin B (bread), Vitamin D (esp dairy), magnesium, and eating about 10 portions of fruit and veg a day and zero alcohol is really, really helping me. Fingers crossed for you that the Beta Blockers continue to give you relief. All the best.
You hit it on the head Andy.... As an ex Nhs worker , suffering with degrees of mental illness ,depression ,ocd and migraine.. Yup health service is crap with help... All I got from my gp was a list of self referral help lines, and told I had my 10 minute slot with the dr , and go away...but if I'd got anything physical....wow the wheels of referral to hospital would be put into gear.... I fear if u have something that can't be physically seen ,it's easily dismissed.... By friends and a lot of health professionals....
Andy M I must admit to frustration with this obsession for treating the symptom and not the cause. So far this month I've had to take three triptans and have had only about 10 out of 22 days free of migraine symptoms. That's a lot of lost life!
Interesting video Andrew, particularly the depression topic...as a former sufferer I was disappointed to find that all my GP could do was to throw tablets at me (not literally I hasten to add)
A&SB Sadly, a similar thing with my heads, then I had a spate of Medication Overuse Headaches before getting the balance right and accepting that not all of us can be this 'always happy' that media portrays. Cheers.
Well said - do whatever works for you
I've also been a long-term sufferer of migraines, even requiring hospital visits. I have been prescribed painkillers and have found that if I feel it coming on, I have to knock it out quickly with a serious dose or it will get worse and worse until nothing I can take will touch it. It still lasts a few days, but not nearly as horribly. I have a prescription for butalbital, a benzodiazepene, that is formulated with caffeine, and it's the only thing I have that helps. I can't leave the house after taking it, but that isn't happening anyway. I never tried botox. Sorry you have to go through this. I can't imagine why people think you should give up caffeine when caffeine actually helps. I got a lot of useless advice too from people who never suffered even one migraine, like the people who sent me affirmations or wanted to "heal" me over the phone. Sorry, but I have no patience for affirmations or healing phone calls when my head is splitting open. You know better than anyone what helps and what doesn't!
Thanks for your message Lori. It can be really testing sometimes - especially when you are suffering - but we just have to remind ourselves that most people just want to help. The main issue is those who only want to be SEEN to help but not actually do anything - don't get me started! Giving up my job of irregular hours (shift work) and also a couple of sessions of Reki healing have really helped me recently. All the best and good luck in managing everything.
I'm grateful to people who genuinely wish to help, although mostly my husband is the one who is charming when I'm in pain and only want to be left alone in a dark room with a comforting cat. Not having to go to a job every day must make it less hard for you when a migraine comes on, less pressure. Good luck to you managing it all. You certainly are very charming on camera with something unique to offer. I'm glad to see your subscribers growing!
Big respect for your vid, I love watching your channel.
Thomas Staples Thanks Thomas. Hoping to keep adding new content as frequently as possible now, at least weekly. Eep! :-/
When people tell me they have a 'migraine' to gain sympathy for a bad headache, I tell them it's a completely different animal (e.g. blood veins in head are too wide w migraine whilst constricted w headache) and I wouldn't wish my migraines on my worst enemy: as if my brains rolled out on the street and a truck driving over them again and again ... if I manage to get up, I walk and talk like I'm drunk etc ... I tend to summarise it as an inherited 'construction fault' and get them from time to time whatever my mood ... I do note certain things affect frequency, e.g. sleep shortage. I now understand it's due to an oversensitive something in my brain (like a fuse box that is very sensitive to tripping) and I just have to live with it (like some ancesters). BTW re
sumatriptan: I used to take those but they are highly addictive and lead to a 'rebound' attack in my experience, so would only take them to 'postpone'/ mitigate it in case of something unmoveable like an exam. What works (to some extent): drink some of those overcaffenieted energy drinks at a first tinge to 'rebalance' the size of veins (this is not medical advice but something that I found that worked somewhat for me).
To all fellow sufferers: you're not alone and an attack will pass (eventually!)
Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experiences. I do find that caffeine works for me - a bit. Yes, the tripans... I've kind of worked out that they only postpone the attack... it's as if you are going to suffer the pain come what may! One thing I have noticed is that I seem to produce a lot of 'static' electricity so I am now standing outside barefoot every evening before bed (the things we do to try and minimise the attacks!) And yes, not beating yourself up is important - we're not as lucky as some, but we're a lot luckier than some others. I have to be grateful that my attacks - while all too frequent - generally do not put me to bed for days as they used to my grandmother. Normally i just plough on through, albeit doing just the 'mechanical' stuff and taking naps when I can. All the best.
I know about these things my friend,i have a few T shirts and i feel for you and others in the same boat.
I never put my mobile to my ear as it causes headaches. I always use loud speaker. I also don't have caffeine now. These things work so well for me. Nice vid Andrew
Buddy's Insight Cheers Buddy. Yeah, if it's a bad one I can't use a phone either. My strangest trigger is dark chocolate - even just one After Eight can set me off for days. Good luck with it.
You might know this already Andrew but all chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine. For what you have you should avoid at all costs. I have IBS due to stress from the last few years so I have to avoid this completely. This comes from one of the countries leading dieticians (author) who I went to for weeks to deal with things. She was amazing. Anyway I hope this helps in some small way and good luck with it
Buddy's Insight Cheers for that! Very interesting.
Hi Andrew, I just found you and am binge watching all your videos!! Thanks for all your fantastic content, you have lowered the threshold to living in an RV considerably (and I have recently gone Airstream browsing!). I will admit that one of the concerns holding me back, has been my diagnosis of Endometriosis (a chronic, inflammatory, auto-immune disease with pain symptoms that come in "flares"). Clearly you have not let your migraines hold you back from touring in a caravan full-time (and moving every 14(?) days), and I was wondering how you cope with all the hassle when all you want to do is lay down. I would highly value your perspective on the matter, as i can very much relate to how you feel in this video. I hope you are doing well... regardless... we deserve a cup of tea :) All the best!!
Thanks for that AD, I am one of the fortunates that grew out of migraines, lucky me, but my lady wife isn't and since a recent TIA, she's off the pills that kept her stable. I confess that at times I can be less than understanding because she appears normal so how can she be so negative. Dougal has the answer if you ask him.
It's a tough call Andy, giving space but also being 'there' and not looking like you don't care. Top tip: just ask your wife what she wants you to do, simples! Good luck both of you.
I appreciate your response, the tipping point for me was 58 seconds in, just let yourself down a little 🤔
Point taken. I was trying to inject a little humour and make it a little more watchable than just a monologue. A part of me also wanted to make fun of the pain, rather than let it beat me. Not debilitating pain, but still pain. Almost a way of NOT validating it. Anyway Phil, I appreciate you taking the trouble to comment and be honest as I do want to improve the quality and 'watchability' of my videos. Part of that is tackling different subject ands trying new techniques, and it's only with feedback I can improve. Cheers.
Andrew Ditton I thought it was very amusing. I think it's an amazing human trait that there's still laughter in serious topics
Gratitude moment: Thank you for being transparent on such a stigmatized topic! 1 in 5 experience a mental health condition / illness in the course of the year here in the US (#NAMI). I am forever grateful for your contribution to my day.
+Carol Gasses Thank YOU Carol. I still don't 'get' why something wrong with the brain is stigmatised and something wrong with any other organ is not. I fully support the removal of the distinction between 'neural' and 'psychological.' Have a lovely day :)
excellent, nothing more interesting than the truth.
I do get this!! It’s so depressing!! People don’t get it!! I live half my life in bed!! And then trying to catch up! I can never make commitments 😢and people don’t understand!! Thank you for your video!!
Thank you Jennifer. Wishing you more pain-free days. Just remember - we all have to be kind to ourselves!
I really don't think you needed a disclaimer of any type in your video . The medical "profession" (industry is a much better word) is still in the dark ages . There is not a doctor anywhere that can do anything about headaches other than issue painkillers which rarely work . Unfortunately this is true of almost all serious illness. Nothing can be done except to attack the symptoms , as the cause is beyond their expertise or lack thereof .
Ah, you and I both know the kind of world we live in, so I have to be careful. Indeed, it is so frustrating that so many look at treating the symptom rather than the cause.
Good advice - pain makes us grumpy fucks , and everyone thinks they have been there . I totally agree with you about listening to your bodies cravings - you apear to manage it well .
Cheers chap!
Marmalade triggers my migraine,,,I suffer from all you said,its not good,!! Just came across your Chanel, I admire your life stile, great,
Marmalade is a trigger for my mum, too. I am suffering after making a vegan chocolate/banana milkshake yesterday. I have just chucked the cocoa powder in the bin. Welcome aboard!
Hi Andrew, thank you for your courage and bravery in sharing some of your life struggles with us, have you ever checked out the spiritual reasons for migraines?? you seem like an opened minded kind of chap.....So just tell me to get stuffed, all good. I checked it out, so let me know if you want to know what it said, but totes okay to tell me to go and jam my head in a gas oven and turn it on..... .lol...
Far from it Stella, I tried some Reki healing in the Hebrides this year and it helped massively - more so than osteopathy, reflexology, acupuncture etc. I am sure that migraines are something to do with 'bad energy' as there is no real physical cause, despite what the scientists tell us. The Reki healer said that I responded very well, and we both see me learning it and practicing, hopefully helping others, when the time is right and the teacher appears. So no, stay away from that gas oven! ;@)
Well said.
+Sam Osteen Cheers Mr O!
Well done for havin the cahoonas to talk about it.al
Cheers Al, it just seemed right rather than bold, and was a good way to get my revenge on the migraine. Sap my creativity? Knickers to that - I'll USE the damned migraine rather than let it stop me! :)
How is all this now, Andrew? I see this is 6 years old and you don't seem to be on caffeine or milk now, currently a vegan trip? Sounded like the fat was doing you good there, in the whole milk, vit D etc. Seems like you are very focused, however many hours you got. Seems with all the videos over some years, we see changes in your lifestyle, same with jogging, in an earlier video I thought you ruled it out but now you seem to do it al the time... I've been working with health challenges, definitely great to have these sort of vids about focusing on the basics and bering flexible, it's that sort of constancy that adds up to great things in the end. I'm finding different points on the health journey, different things are needed or tolerated by the body.
Much better now than I was then Mary. It's funny, running only 'clicked' a couple of years ago when I stopped listening to music. One thing I have got used to is that nothing stays the same, and never say 'never'! ;)
another good vlog Andrew and keep it to yourself but the link I sent to you was sent to me by someone else so thanks for the mention on this vlog but I can't take all the credit.
ray aka homer Simpson
doh now everybody knows.
It matters not that it wasn't your link Ray, what matters is that you
were good enough to think of sending it on. Cheers! It really did make a
difference.
Migraine sufferer (use almotriptan) great vid Andrew. Ray/Homer/Andrew would you be able to share with me the link on electrolytes new news to me and would be interested to read. Different things work for different people totally agree but interested to know more on that. I guess a google search would come up with more too but this link may be a good starting place.
Raymond Lindley-Reynolds Hi Raymond, forgotten the link but the drink was the juice of 1 lemon, water, and a teaspoon of Himalayan Sea Salts. Tastes disgusting but helps replace the salts you loose by 'over' re-hydrating which then exacerbates the problem. It wasn't an instant fix for me but helped clear up a 9 day attack. I'm sure you'll find more info using key words on 'tinterweb. Good luck!
Cheers some drink for thought for sure!
Raymond Lindley-Reynolds try this link twitter.com/homerhsi/status/779267991657713664
I can spell, but predictive text , alters things, and am a bugger for not checking before I send ... Sorry
Oh me, I've suffered from migraines many years. Men'al alright. Whew, it's a mess. "Have you tried giving up nuts?" Yes, all nuts except you!
Ha ha! Nice one ;@)
I agree... Well am here of u ever need a friend.... U could text me, and f u waned my number, but how do I not give that to the world on here ,,,,
Buy a ukulele !!
Ernie Halls Ha ha! Something to bash people with ;@) You do brighten my day, Ernie!
OMG!! I cant listen to this nonsense!! Clearly you do not suffer from a true migraine. Talking about it in sensitive daylight, the fact that you're mobile and actually chatting on camera and adding humour to it, please, and for the people that have "liked" it. Probably a bad headache from the dry heat in your outfit.
Sorry you feel that way. As far as I understand, migraine takes many forms and relates to cluster headaches too. Did you know that some migraineurs don't get the headache at all? Yet it is still a migraine. I last had an aura in November 2014, had two in one month, and have had none since. I have never vomited with migraine. While I get photosensitivity it's not as bad as many people. Same with audiosensitivity. Some people suffer so badly they are registered disabled with migraine. Some are not. Sometimes a migraine will put me to bed for days. Sometimes they don't. There is no 'off' and 'on', it's a sliding scale. On this day, I had taken a triptan and hours later was able to function, albeit on a reduced level. I knew that not everybody would agree with what I was saying - hence I stress that this is an opinion piece. Thank you for your comment.
excellent, nothing more interesting than the truth.