Migraine Journey Wednesdays (Vol.30 – Gelcys)

 I’m a 36 year old mom living in Orlando, FL with my Army veteran husband and my medical alert dog.

My Migraine History 

I’ve been having migraines since before I could even read and write. Then at 13, I had a spinal fusion to “correct” my Scoliosis and the migraines increased a million times due to complications during surgery. Since then, I’ve had them nonstop. I get sick to my stomach, smells, sounds, and lights bother me. I go blind and my face goes numb. My freezer has more ice packs than it does food. I’ve had more MRIs than I can count and a small tumor was discovered and I have 3 to 4 migraines a week and it’s hard to keep them under control. 

The People Around Me

Everyone is super supportive. Especially my dog. Her name is Lyssa. We rescued her and found out that she was picking up on my migraines and had her evaluated and trained. And she became my medical alert dog. She alerts me to migraines, headaches, and seizures.

The Effect of Migraines on My Life

Migraines have completely changed my life. I can’t work or have a “normal” life. Migraines are debilitating and weaken me. Sometimes I can’t eat, walk, or stand up because the pain is so intense and I can’t handle it. 

Treatments I’ve Tried

I am on 2 preventative migraine medications that I’m being switched out of because obviously they don’t work. I’ve tried botox injections and they didn’t work. I’m currently on Emgality self injectors and it has lessened my migraines to where I’m at now. 

Days Things Get Unbearable

It’s hard to cope on bad days. I count on my medical alert dog to help me. She calms my anxiety and give me some deep pressure therapy. She sleeps with me the whole time I’m out. And if it’s really bad, I end up in the hospital for a few days. 

Everyone’s migraines are different. Don’t think that what worked for someone else will work for you or vice versa. We are all on our own journey fighting this tough battle. Stay strong and keep trying to find something that will help ease your pain. Doctors keep trying new meds and ways to help us. Don’t be afraid to share your story as that helps others cope, and bring awareness to this invisible illness that many think is “just a headache.”

Thank you, Gelcys for stepping forward to share your migraine journey with the community. When you share your stories, it not only helps others but you heal in the process too. If you would like to share your story and let your voice be heard like Gelcys, you may do so here: bit.ly/2rJcpMR 

With love, the Migraine Buddy Team