The Helpless Feeling With Migraine Pain
Over the decades I’ve had headaches and migraines, I’ve been very good at spotting them from a distance and cutting them off at the pass before the pain sets in. But every now and then, one flies in under the radar. Just such a one hit me this morning. I was lucky it only lasted a few hours, and I’ve now gotten to the point where I can eat dry toast and sit up without risk of throwing up. Thank God for small favors, huh?
That Helpless Feeling
The problem with migraine pain is that it efects your entire body. My senses, my sense of balance, my coordination even my taste buds are all knocked for a painful loop. Although I like researching alternative and natural methods to deal with pain, they do all have one major disadvantage — I have to move in order to get the alternative remedy together. At least with a pill, all I have to worry about is crawling to the medicine cabinet and then try to keep it down. That’s about all you can ask of me when I have a full-on migraine.
The worst part for me and for many others is not the physical pain, but the feeling of utter helplessness that comes over you at these times. That can lead to panic attacks, but fortunately I did not get one today. Here I am, in my late 30’s with two college degrees and in business for myself as a freelance writer, and I’m curled up in bed crying for my Mommy because I can’t get myself a glass of water.
Fortunately, I live with my Mom, who has medical problems of her own. I’M the one who is suppossed to be taking care of HER. It’s her time to rest and goof off — and I do get a sense of well being knowing I can help my Mom out. I like helping Mom out and taking care of her. She shouldn’t have to be doting on me like I was three years old.
But, Mom did take care of me and made me dry toast and tea and took care of my dog and here I am at work (albeit a few hours late). Perhaps the best alternative medicine is to have Mom take care of you when you are sick.
It Could Be Worse
Here are some things I do in the midst of migraine pain that serves to keep me from that helpless feeling:
- Listen to very quiet instrumental music, like Bach or New Age.
- Pet my dog or even a stuffed animal or smooth rock or something to give me a reasurring touch
- Realise that I could have it a lot worse. At least I have a head connected to my body!
Hope this helps.
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