Migraines

I’m feeling sick to the stomach as I prepare myself (mentally) to have more Botox treatment for my migraines tomorrow (read more about my first treatment here).

12 weeks ago I had Botox injected into my head, neck & shoulders – 41 times! and for someone who HATES needles it was torture!

I have been so desperate to get my migraines under control that I was willing to try anything. I might even consider giving up shopping if that would make them go away (YES, I am that desperate!)

Thankfully, I’m happy to say that the number of migraines I have suffered since then has been reduced, unfortunately not as much as I had hoped but still an improvement.

During the past 92 days I have had migraines for 20 days. That may still sound like alot, but believe me that’s a big improvement for someone who would normally suffer 40-50 migraine days in 3 months. The injections have also help a little bit with the pain in my neck and shoulder.

I’m often asked by people (especially other mums) how I cope with so many migraines and how I manage to work and look after my family.

I usually put on a brave face and tell them that I manage ok but in truth I don’t. It’s REALLY REALLY hard taking care of little ones and going to work and managing everything else (when all I want to do is lock myself away in a quite darkened room and sleep) but I’m alive and lucky to have been able to have kids and work and all the rest, so I’ll put up with pain as a trade off for everything else that’s wonderful in my life.

After my injections tomorrow, I will also recommence taking my daily preventative medication, so hopefully the two will work even better together.

Fingers crosses that my next migraine update will be a positive one.

Until next time

Four weeks ago, I had Botox! Not for my wrinkles (although I could probably do with some for those too) but for my migraines!

They say desperate times call for desperate measures and believe me, I was desperate.

I HATE needles and sat there anxiously as my neurologist injected me 41 times in the head, neck and shoulders – ouch!

9 1/2 years ago I was in a really bad car accident. Luckily, I survived but unfortunately one of my ongoing issues from that day is migraines. For anyone who has never had a migraine, it’s hard to know what it’s like (just think about the worst headache or hangover you’ve ever had, then multiply it by 1000) but those of you who do suffer, I know you feel my pain.

I have migraines between 2-5 days every week. Since my accident I have kept a diary of when I have them and as I look back through the records it saddens me to see how much of my life has been effected.

For the past 9 years, I have had a migraine (on average) 127 days of the year, which basically means, during the last 9 year I’ve had a migraine for THREE YEARS. That’s three years of my life that I cannot get back, but I’m lucky to be alive so I must not complain (that’s what I tell myself). It’s just VERY frustrating!

Before I became a mum, I spent A LOT of time in bed unable to do even everyday tasks. Since becoming a mum, I no longer have the luxury of just “going for a lie down” until the worst of it passes. It’s hard explaining to a 3 year old and an 18 month old that mummy is sick and that they need to try and be quiet (as if).

In fact, Imy migraines are so frequent, that my three year old daughter is actually surprised when I don’t have one.

I have tried every treatment and medication around but unfortunately have not had much success in keeping them under control (the migraines that is, not the kids).

Since having the injections four weeks ago I am happy to say that I have had fewer migraines! I’ve even managed to go for seven days without one. They are still there but not as frequent or as painful as usual, so for me that is wonderful, I feel like a different person.

We’re hoping that the Botox injections will help with the pain in my neck and right shoulder, both of which were also injured in the accident.

I’m not sure why people would choose to have Botox injected in their face (for wrinkles) – the procedure is painful and the feeling afterwards is uncomfortable. My whole head feels tight, kinda like when you get sunburnt and the skin feels like it might split. My eyebrows are pretty much frozen in place too but I can put up with that though as it sure beats having the pain.

I’m going back for more injections in 8 weeks but this time my doctor will also put me on a daily preventative, so hopefully that will work even better (fingers crossed).

It’s still early days but I’ll keep you posted on my progress over the coming months.