Migraines.
They’re like headaches on steroids.
SO bad.
For those of us poor fools who deal with migraines, we all have crazy stories to tell. The nausea. The shakes. The if-you-so-much-as-whisper-in-my-general-direction-I-will-go-wild-eyed-crazy-on-you.
And we all have different triggers.
My triggers seem to have evolved over the years.
When I was younger, I had migraines all the stinking time. Constantly. After talking with doctors, we decided to take me off the birth control pill to see if that might help. And it was as if the heavens opened up and the angels sang and I was cured!
Okay, not really cured. I still got migraines…just not as often.
Over the course of the following years, it seemed that I would get a migraine if I hadn’t eaten or slept enough.
And then I got pregnant with Henry…and holy. MOLY. My entire first trimester was basically a three month long migraine. It was baaaaaaad. Ohmyword, my stomach does flip flops just thinking about how awful that was. I basically walked around squinting and grimacing for 12 very, very long weeks.
After that…it seemed like I was getting migraines a lot again. In fact, the more I thought about it…hmmmm…they seemed to happen every month. Wait…monthly…like right before…
Dangit.
Stupid hormones. Seriously? Because childbirth wasn’t enough??? Thanks a lot, Eve.
But here’s the thing: all that figuring out what my triggers were took months, if not years to figure out. I didn’t write anything down. I didn’t jot down notes. I didn’t keep a log. I just kinda made the connections after months and months and months of the same thing happening. When I talked to doctors about it, I was like “ummm…well…yeah…I mean…” Not super helpful. In retrospect, I should have probably been more diligent in trying to pin point my triggers so that I could possibly avoid them from happening again. And have a more intelligent conversation about it.
The kind folks at Excedrin Migraine contacted me recently about being a Brand Ambassador for them. It took me 0.2 seconds to respond yes. I am a bona fide migraine sufferer. I have Excedrin Migraine in stock in my cupboards. Always. Forever. Seriously. I’m not just saying that because this is a sponsored post. I really do. I love that stuff.
Part of my ambassadorship (is that a word?), is to review their new mobile app called My Migraine Triggers that was developed with a leading neurologist (available for free on iTunes). I’m actually really excited about this new app.
My body is still all out of whack after having a baby four months ago, so I’m honestly a little on edge about what my migraine story will be now. With Owen being our caboose, will I go back to monthly migraines for the rest of my life? (Thereby guaranteeing that Excedrin Migraine will never go out of business for so long as I shall live.) Or will my body eventually “equalize” and get its act together and I’ll only have to deal with it when I eat more than PB&J crusts? Or will there be some new trigger like High School Prom that sets me off?
Either way, I’m glad to get a handle on what might be going on in this crazy head of mine. Having a migraine and having four kids to keep alive is a dangerous combination.
Oh, and hey, guess what?
You can enter for a chance to win one of two Excedrin Migraine Relief Kits! Because why the heck not?
Included is a sleep mask, noise cancelling ear buds, branded stress balls, herbal compress, and a branded water bottle. (you know, since common triggers are irregular sleeping habits, loud noises, and stress…anyone else think that pretty much sums up motherhood????!!!!)
To enter to win, leave a comment answering the following question (1 entry per person):
Do you get migraines? If so, what are your triggers? Do you have a tracking system to help you figure out your triggers?
(Actually, I’d love for you to leave a comment even if you don’t want to enter the giveaway…I want to know what your triggers are…that way I can have an idea of what else I might need to look out for. Seriously.)
Be sure and download the app at MigraineResource.com and check out the Excedrin Facebook page for more migraine relief info.
I’ll pull the two winners on Wednesday, November 21.
Disclosue: I am a paid Excedrin Migraine blog ambassador. Along with compensation, one iPod Touch to test the app was provided by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Excedrin Migraine; my journey for a migraine-free experience is my own.
Oh, and I was just clicking around their website and saw that there is a $1 off coupon if you’re running low. Boom. You’re welcome.
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I’ve been suffering from Migraine attacks since 6th grade. A bright light, or someone talking too close to me fairly liud usually triggers it. I also keep my medicine cabinet fully stocked with Excedrin. Its a life saver!
This has pulled me out of lurkerdom! My triggers are caffeine (ironic b/c Excedrin Migraine has caffeine, but apparently the “right” amount) and too much chocolate (sadface) and not enough sleep too many nights in a row. I also seem to have more problems when the seasons change from winter to spring and from summer to fall…yay barometric pressure! :P
I so feel your pain – and I had no idea there’s an app for that!
I’ve suffered from migraines for the last ten years or so. I know they are stress/exhaustion induced, but I also quit caffeine (!) six years ago and found some relief. This past summer, I did Whole30 (a 30 day dietary cleanse – no grains, [added] sugars, dairy, or legumes) and was amazed to realize sugar and wheat (gluten, maybe?) are also two triggers. I’ve tried to cut [added] sugar and wheat from my diet – but that’s been much more difficult than quitting caffeine.
Definitely going to check out the app and really track things to see if I can identify any other triggers. Thank you for sharing!!
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I also get migraines and they seem to be hormonal. I’m supposed to keep a headache diary but it just seems like so much work; the app seems like it might be easier. Thank you for sharing.
I’d love to win the migraine giveaway and I’m going to download the app ASAP! My triggers are definitely stress and not eating/sleeping enough. My most consistent one is hormones. How the heck can you fix or prevent that one???
Had a horribly debilitating migraine the other day. So glad to see this app, as I have been trying to figure out how to track them. I think my trigger somehow involves my stomach and whether or not I am hungry or thirsty, but have not been able to pin it.
I get migraines. They are the heredetairy type. I lived life thinking I just got a lot of headaches and sometimes they turn into migraines until I was 25. Then I learned that all my headaches are migraines, just not so bad. For me my triggers are; dehydration, lack of sleep, stress, day two of my cycle, and artificial sweeteners. Those are the major ones for me. Also things as simple as being uncomfortable, think wearing my long hair a new way, or limited motion, (constricting clothing). When I went to a neurologist they gave me a list of migraine causing foods , which of corse includes all the good stuff …. Chocolate, coffee … But I find just the sweeteners tend to effect me. I avoid diet, and zero, everything. I always sucked at keeping a pain diary, which is why it took so long to be seen by a neurologist, so an app is a great idea. I’m sure I will need one to be seen by a doctor now that I am no longer pregnant, and have new insurance.
Gwendolyn T´s last blog post ..I Have A Headache
I have daily migraines, that every couple of months become unbearable. I don’t keep track with anything, but I’ve had them long enough to know the pattern. Things that trigger a worse attack? Strong smells, but especially cigarette smoke and perfumes. Bright lights. Loud, booming type noises (like loud bass or exhaust systems on cars). All these things will make a migraine worse of course, but if I’m in the middle of one my bad times and I’ve gotten it “under control”, one of these things will bring it right back out again. In general, my daily headache will get worse if I’m not eating correctly, or if I have not gotten enough sleep. I used to take Midrin which worked wonders for my migraines, but now that it’s off the market, I’m trying daily Topamax, which has helped. And I was not one of the lucky people that a change in hormones helped. I have gone through the change, and if anything, they have actually gotten worse. :(
Dawn´s last blog post ..Standing Rock Reservation
Oh, and I also have stock in generic Excedrin Migraine ever since I messed my stomach up taking too much ibuprofen, which worked wonders if I would take 12 at the start of one.
Dawn´s last blog post ..Standing Rock Reservation
I get headaches often but i don’t think they are migraines please don’t hate me because I do feel Cleo anyone hat does get them. My sister in law gets gnarly ones & if I win I would give her the gift & I will be telling her about the app. Thank you!!!.
*should read- I do feel for anyone that does get them. Silly auto guess!
My triggers are onions, flashing lights (think police cars, strobes, etc), not enough sleep, not enough exercise, not eating healthy, and caffeine (which makes me unable to use Excedrin). Very excited to try this app though!
Angie´s last blog post ..Words From Today
My worst trigger is Excessive HEAT: It’s a guaranteed migraine starter! Next up would be stress, and sometimes red wine will do it too.
My trigger used to be hormones until menopause. Now it is stress mostly, but red wine and citrus fruits can also be triggers for me. I love Excedrin Migraine and have been a user for years.
I have suffered from migraines for 20 years so I really sympathize with you. They really ramped up after I had my second baby 5 years ago. I have finally figured out a few things that have helped. First of all, try taking a high quality magnesium supplement every day. Also try to cut gluten out of your diet and really concentrate on eating more “real” food, I try to eat as little sugar (especially artificial sweeteners) as possible. You don’t have to be 100% on this because that can be hard, but as much as you can. I also try to avoid cheese and anything with heavy cream in it. Be good about getting some exercise 3 or 4 days a week and make sure you drink a good amount of water each day. I still get smacked with a bad one about twice a year, which seem to be due to seasonal changes, but it’s better than when I used to get them 10-12 times a month. If you haven’t tried any of these and you give them a try, I pray they help. God’s blessings to you!
I suffer with them. Seems mine are stress related or lack of sleep. Would be nice to know for sure. I shall try the ap!
I do suffer from migraines. My trigger was “monthy” also. My doc suggested a large glass of milk during that time. My son also suffers from migraines. His triggers were hot dogs and chocolate. We don’t have a tracking system, but I will check out the app. Thanks for the coupon link also!
I have been getting migraines since I was in FIRST GRADE. I come from a long line of migraine sufferers. Both maternal grandparents as well as my mother, and all of her siblings have migraines. My 18-year-old cousin gets them also. My trigger shave changed over the years too. Used to be food dyes (no orange soda), any hot dog not all-beef, or not one of three brands (Ballpark, Schwan, Or Smiths), and chocolate. Now, they tend to be my monthly, irregular sleep, dehydration, tension in my neck… Sometimes they seemingly come completely out of nowhere – which leads me to believe there are song food triggers that I’m unaware of, or some other triggers. I also know that both my Grandmother and cousin read food labels like crazy b/c they are super sensitive to food additives. I also got them from the pill when I was on it.
With my second pregnancy I got horrible…knock me on the couch-with a 1 1/2 year old who didn’t under stand- headachs. Finally went to my ob..her response was “those are called migranes.” H.O.R.RI.B.L.E. It took me a few mi ths to realize that getting my braces adjusted was a trigger. As soon as I realized this, I called the ortho and told them they had to come off…like yesterday! I still got then throughout my pregnancy-but not nearly as often. If I went to bed immediately they were much more mild..but with a 1 1/2 year old that didn’t always happen. Before that, I had never had a migraine. As for headaches, mi e are ALWAYS caused from lack of sleep, water, or protein….but they are certenly not the dreaded migranes.
Migraine sufferer…lifelong.. My mom gets them…so do 3 of my kids. Triggers for me, chocolate, red wine, lack of sleep and stress. The last time I had one was during my son’s chemotherapy. He was throwing up from the chemo and I’m throwing up from the migraine. Loads of fun.
I was misdiagnosed with a brain tumor when I was just 13. Turns out, I really had chronic migraines. After, I found the BEST neurologist around and he really helped me get control of my migraines. He got me off crazy meds and then I went through a 4 week trial period where I tried out all the possible triggers and noted the ones that triggered for me. I kept a diary, where I wrote everything I ate and if I had a headache or not. This was super helpful!Today, I take a daily med for my migraines and avoid foods and triggers. I also was taught biofeedback. I highly recommend this! It is seriously amazing what your own body can do, and once you learn biofeedback, your body will never forget it! How cool!
I still get terrible migraines about twice a month, but they are also way better controlled. I avoid any citrus and limit caffeine. I also have to be really careful with scents. It’s all about learning what your body can tolerate! I’m 19 now and in so much better health than I was 6 years ago. I cant wait to download this app and I am so excited about this giveaway!
I get migraines all the time. My triggers are 90% of the time lack of food or lack of water. The other 10% is inexplicable. just spontaneous. I don’t have any kids now, but I’m terrified of labor because they deprive you of food. I just know that I’ll get a terrible migraine during labor (as if it won’t be bad enough). I really hope I can find a practice that will at least let me eat crackers or bread crumbs or something during labor given the migraines that ail me ever month. I hope yours get better soon! thanks for this awesome giveaway. I know it will help a lot of people.
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I never had headaches…then every once in awhile I would have minor headaches. I felt pretty fortunate that I didn’t suffer these things like my husband does. But this year, for some reason, I started having headaches. The doctor called them “mini-graines” since they weren’t full-fledged migraines, but they were annoying. So these happen everyday, left side only, throbbing continuously and for anywhere from 10-45 minutes, several times a day. Then he puts me on meds and they start to slow down to maybe once a day and he says I could have cluster headaches, even though I don’t have the pain associated with them. Still having them and I really feel for people who have suffered these for most of their lives, like my friend’s son and my husband. I haven’t really kept good track of these, but will definitely try to now. I feel like my triggers could be lack of food, which for a diabetic is not a good thing, and maybe lack of sleep…I constantly get up at night to go to the bathroom, up to 5 times a night. Not such restful sleep, obviously. Hope all goes well for you, Jeannett. It’s been fun seeing how you’ve gone from just a cute little blogger to this “STAR” of product ambassadorship. :) love and hugs
Robbin´s last blog post ..Sunday Hope
Thank you for sharing this post, my first trimester was loaded me the worst migraines I had ever experienced until I suffered a mole pregnancy and was subjected to a high HGH count. I find that my migranes are triggered by sudden changes in smell (perfumed environments), when my body is out of alignment for too long and I have not had enough sleep.
I’m in the middle of one now. Waiting on my aunt to get my boys so they can be taken care of. I’ve had them about 20 years. Started out having them 2-3 times a month. Saw neurologist andtook meds for several years then they just disappeared. I only had about 1 or 2 a year. They started back really bad about 6 months ago. Not sure what the triggers are. Will definitely be downloading the app. I use to take Excedrin Migraine and loved it, but lately it has been setting my stomach on fire.
I’ve figured out my triggers are lack of food, stinky perfume and non-decaffeinated iced tea. Lack of sleep doesn’t help but I’ve found that interrupted sleep is an even bigger cause. About 4 yeas ago I was in an accident that resulted in a head and neck injury and surprisingly I have had fewer migraines since then.
i do get migraines. i think some of my triggers are computer screens, menstrual cycle, weather, seasons, dust, stress and STRESS.
:)
the app sounds really cool.
i want it.
meg duerksen´s last blog post ..friday.
I do not get migraines, fortunately, but I know lots of people who do and they are down and out for a long time! Chiropractic care has helped my sister a lot… As a mom of littles though, I am sure I am in for my share of headachey days, I just hope they never turn into migraines!
I ALWAYS know far ahead of time when it is going to rain…definitely an unfortunate trigger. and typically, the headache won’t go away until it actually rains.
I don’t personally get migraines (thank GOD!) but my dad and my brother do and I can tell you their triggers. My dad seems to get them when he doesn’t drink enough water or get enough sleep. My brother gets them when he eats anything with MSG or too many nitrates. Good luck mama, what a horrible thing to deal with :(
Kirsten´s last blog post ..Halloween
My migraines are usually triggered by the sun shining directly into my eyes. I don’t get them often, but when I do, it’s off to the dark bedroom with a bad headache and upset stomach.
I got my first migraine last Friday. I went to the ER, thinking I was losing my vision. Scared me witless!! So, I don’t yet have triggers that I know of, nor do I log – this is incredibly new. They called it an Opthalmic Migraine? All I know is now I can relate to all the explanations of LSD users!! Lol!
I am a migraine sufferer. My triggers are stress and pulsating or glaring lights.
I’m 30 years old and have been having migraines since I was about 14. They vary in intensity, but often send me to bed with extreme light sensitivity and nausea. My triggers have also evolved over the years, but the past few years they have mainly hormone and stress related. Also flashing or strobing lights. The flashing lights get me every time. I’ve tried several prescription meds over the years but seriously, Excedrin Migraine is my favorite and most used product. I always have it on hand. Excedrin and sleeping it off are usually my best hopes for relief.
Lindsay´s last blog post ..Wordless(ish) Wednesday: One Day
Ugh, I hate headaches and am wishing the beginnings of one this morning will go away. Idk what always triggers my migraines, but I do know that certain things exacerbate them…like wearing earrings or having my hair in a pony tail. I think sometimes the earrings trigger them as well. I think they’re mainly stress/lack of sleep related though.
Linda´s last blog post ..December Daily: Foundation Pages 1-10
Thankfully I don’t suffer from migraines! But my husband does. The trigger for him really seems to be stress. He only gets a few each year – I can’t imagine those who have to deal with them on such a regular basis.
Mandy´s last blog post ..My not-so-little boy
My triggers:lack of sleep, rainy days and that time of the month. oh and lack of caffeine. just to name a few.
I get migraine ALL the time… some bad, some not so bad. I’m so thankful that I learned quite a few tips and tricks and triggers that have helped them become few and far between. My biggest triggers are: Aspartame, Sodium Nitrate, Sulfites, Light, too much activity, Stress and not enough sleep. Excedrin Migraine is my go too during the day but if it’s time for bed, I heavy dose on my prescription cocktail: anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and a compound medication which includes caffine. They knock me on my butt but I wake up in the morning headache free and ready to start the day!
Flashing lights get me bad! : ( I have succeeded in identifying my food triggers: fried chicken (yeah, that sucks), tart apples, and tuna. I don’t know what these have in common, but they all give me a migraine within a few days of eating them! I’ve only had 2 this year … both after having some variation of fried chicken! Love the app idea-will check it out!
I had no idea there was an app for this! I’m downloading it right now! Migraines are in my family and I started getting them in my early 20’s. I get them when I don’t get enough sleep too many nights in a row, certain smells (Tommy Hilfiger perfume about kills me!), bright lights reflecting in my eyes, and the hormone changes that come with my period each month. Stress can do it to me too. My grandma used to always get migraines from steam (something to do with old washing machines putting off steam). Thanks for sharing this! It’s been interesting and very informative reading all the comments!
I do also get migraines! Always with my period and then usually and extra one during the month just for fun. I am on Seasonelle so I only get my period 4 times a year, so that cuts them down a little. I cannot make any connection other that stress that causes my migraines. My body has this awful reaction to caffine so I cannot take excedrine migraine. I gave it up completely a year and a half ago, and I so miss my coke! But I had to. I now take maxalt 10 mg for my migraines. It takes the edge off of the really bad ones and it stops the little ones. I suffered for about 10 years before I even realized what the headaches were and spoke to my doctor about it. I used to just self medicate with ridiculous amounts of coke and dr. pepper. This app seem like a great idea, although I cannot use excedrine I will check out the app!
I get migraines but not as often as you do. I generally get them when I haven’t gotten enough sleep for multiple days in a row or if I am stressed and therefore not eating. The one’s I get from not eating go away if I eat a solid meal and drink lots of water, the sleep related ones are only taken care of with meds or sleep and then I have to get a special pillow to cradle my head. I generally think I get them from stress that builds up, real original right?
I’ve been getting headaches since I was 16. I thought I had all my triggers figured out, sleep, sweets, not eating, but the older I get them more random they get. You have actually inspired me to start tracking them to try and figure this out!
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