January 9, 2019

MIGRAINE

It is so difficult to show what a migraine looks like. I turned my bedroom light on so I could take this picture, otherwise you would see a blacked-out photo with an outline of a person. My room has to be dark because I have a sensitivity to light with all my migraines. Along with this symptom is a sensitivity to noise and smells. I usually put a pillow on my head that covers my ears, eyes, and nose to help with these sensitivities. I also become extremely nauseous with my migraines. Luckily I have prescription medication that helps enough so I don’t vomit. Due to having chronic migraines for years, I have a mild loss of sensation on the right side of my face. This is a permanent loss and is something that I have to keep a close eye on.

This specific migraine lasted 30 hours. Additional symptoms were: anxiety, blurred vision, ear pain, fatigue, insomnia, ringing in ears, sore throat, and shakiness. I had a hard time concentrating and a difficult time falling asleep; I also woke up frequently after falling asleep. Sleep is so important in helping a migraine dissipate.

LUNGS

In addition to the migraine, my lungs were giving me a difficult time. Again, not something you can really see from a picture. My chest felt tight and I had greater shortness of breath. I was so tired and had a lack of energy. My body was also slightly swollen. It was so uncomfortable to move my fingers and my ankles. These are the two most common places where the swelling is greater. Despite this swelling, which has been documented by several of my doctors, my cardiologist still says that my heart is fine. It is quite frustrating to not have answers for everything my body is going through.

MENTALLY

Experiencing all my chronic illnesses takes a toll on my mental health. This day was a very difficult day. It was one of those days where I wondered if it was worth sticking around. I wonder how much more my body can take. I had to keep reminding myself that I was thinking these thoughts because my body felt like crap. I had to focus on the future hoping that tomorrow would be better. Luckily, it was. My therapist has really helped me to get to this point. It is such a difference from the darkness that I was in a few months ago.