Migraine Explained: Aura
One of the things that makes a Migraine different than an ordinary headache is that a Migraine has phases. Over the next few weeks, I want to take an indepth look at each phase of a Migraine. Today we will be looking at the Aura phase of a Migraine. What is an Aura? A Migraine Aura is a set symptoms that include the most common visual symptoms but can also include sensory and language disturbances. According to the American Migraine Foundation, “Up to one-third of people with migraine experience aura as a distinct phase in the progression of their migraine attack.” What is a Visual Aura? According to Mayo.com, the visual symptoms are:…
What I Like to Eat on Migraine Days
I will be the first to admit that what I eat on Migraine days isn’t that healthy. I just let my cravings guide me and honestly, it usually works to settle my stomach and make me feel a bit better. What I Like to Eat on Migraine Days Keep in mind that this is not a list of healthy foods. This is a list of the things my body craves on my worst days. My best advice is to drink plenty of water on the migraine days and let your body guide you for the rest! Snacks The first thing I want the eat on Migraine days is salty snacks!…
Chronic Illness Spotlight: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis & Fibromyalgia
Chronic Illness Spotlight is a series in which different illnesses are highlighted and a Chronic Illness Warrior that lives with the illness is featured. Today’s post will spotlight a Chronic Illness called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis causes extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, severe headaches and more. Fibromyalgia is an illness that causes widespread chronic pain, joint stiffness and insomnia. Meet Shan! Today’s Chronic Illness Warrior is Shan Ellis. She is a mom, blogger and she lives in Wales. I have a passion for Wales, my home, my kids, stationary and books, Slimming World meals, cheap weekends out, beer and craft gin, renovating my dilapidated house, and…
8 Traits of a Toxic Person
Most of us have come in contact with a person that just sucks the life out of a room. This person may act like the life of the party and “joke” at other peoples expense. There are many traits that indicate someone may be a toxic person, so let’s take a look at some of the them. Common Traits of a Toxic Person 1. They take more than they give…always! A toxic person is always concerned with what someone can do for them. They may constantly ask for favors or “need” your help. Someone like this may only call you if they need something or might need something later. 2.…
Migraine Explained: Prodrome
One of the things that makes a migraine different than an ordinary headache is that a migraine has phases. Over the next few weeks, I want to take an indepth look at each phase of a migraine. Today we will be looking at the Prodrome. What is Prodrome? Prodrome is derived from the Greek word, prodromos which means running before. The medical definition of prodrome is, a symptom or group of symptoms that appears shortly before an acute attack of illness. Therefore, when discussing migraine, prodrome means symptoms that occur before the actual migraine begins. The prodrome phase of a migraine can occur a few hours or even a few…
Chronic Illness Spotlight: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Chronic Illness Spotlight is a series in which different illnesses are highlighted and a Chronic Illness Warrior that lives with the illness is featured. Today’s post will spotlight a Chronic Illness called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Dysautonomia. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome causes hypermobility of joints as well as other problems. Dysautonomia is an illness that impacts the Autonomic Nervous System. Today’s featured Chronic Illness Warrior is Fern. She has a Masters Degree in Anthropology and she lives in Scotland. Just by reading her social media profiles you can tell that she has a great personality as she has named her wheelchair Rollo! She is also an avid bookworm and loves…
Making an Action Plan for 2019
As 2019 gets started, I decided not to make a resolution for the year. For some reason it just seems that I never keep them. I decided instead to set the standard for my year. These are not really goals but it is more like an action plan. Developing an Action Plan I was thinking about making an action plan for the year when the monthly prompts from A Chronic Voice came out yesterday. These prompts were the perfect way to develop the plan for my year! I love it when something you are looking for just comes right when you need it. If you are not familiar with the…
Migraine Explained: The Stress Connection
Stress is a controversial topic because there is a misconception that all stress is bad or comes from bad things. The truth is that some of the happiest moments in life are stressful. Our bodies were also made to use stress to keep us safe from harm. Not all stress is bad but sometimes the way our bodies react to it is. The Stress Connection My Doctor tells me all the time that my “migraine brain” is very sensitive. Things that do not impact other people will wreak havoc on my body. Things like weather changes, lack of sleep, sickness and other “normal” events will trigger severe migraines. Basically, my…
2018 – A Year in Review
This is my last blog post for 2018! This year has been an amazing year and I want to thank all of my readers. With this post, I want to review my first year of blogging. This blog will be 1 year old in January and that is so hard to believe. So, let’s review some of my blog stats and then I will list five of my most popular posts. A Year in Review Total Views: 49,860 Total Blog Posts: 213 When doing a review of the year, these numbers blew me away. I never could have imagined on the day that I wrote that first post that I…
Chronic Illness Spotlight: Rare Bone Disease & More
Chronic Illness Spotlight is a series in which different illnesses are highlighted and a person that lives with the illness is featured. Today’s post will spotlight a rare Bone Disease. It is so rare that it hasn’t been given a name! Meet Sam Moss of My Medical Musings, Sam has several Chronic Illnesses, one that is so rare that it hasn’t been named yet. She also has Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogrens Syndrome, Trigeminal Neuralgia, a permanent Colostomy due to a severe rectal prolapse and a few other bits and pieces. Sam is an advocate for others that have Chronic Illness and runs an active Chronic Illness Facebook Group. This Group is…
