Fighting the Migraine Monster: Tried and True Tips from 25 Years in the Trenches

Migraine Tips For Helping To Understand Managing Migraines: Everyone’s migraine journey differs. We all have unique triggers; while some experience those trippy auras, others don’t.

That’s why it’s paramount to have a migraine specialist by your side. Mine has been my compass through this labyrinth.

I’ve had years that are more successful than others, but the doctor is always just a call away when and if trouble sets in.

Remember, migraines don’t know the gender, nor do they care; they attack and take your ass down.

Today, I’ll share my personal description and fight against migraines, accompanied by my migraine tips and what I use for migraine hydration.

Migraine: An Unwanted Houseguest

Picture this: You’re home alone, enjoying a calm evening. Suddenly, there’s a knock on your door. Who could it be?

You weren’t expecting company. You cautiously open the door, and there stands Migraine, an uninvited guest wearing flashy neon clothes, blasting techno music, and armed with a strobe light.

“Surprise!” it shouts, pushing past you.

Migraine makes itself comfortable, turning your cozy living room into a rave. The bright lights pierce through your eyes, and the thumping bass mimics a drummer performing a solo on your brain.

Every sound is amplified, every scent intensified. It’s like being trapped in a disco gone wrong; you’re the unwilling star.

You try everything to send Migraine packing.

Dimming the lights, drowning out the noise, but it clings on, laughing hysterically, reminding you of its unwanted presence with every throb and pulse.

But as with all terrible parties, this has to end, too. After what feels like an eternity, Migraine starts to tire out.

The music fades, the lights dim, and just like that, it’s gone, leaving behind a mess of nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity.

You’re left standing there, a mix of relief and exhaustion. And as you slowly start to pick up the pieces, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy.

It’s like the morning after a wild storm – the air is fresh, the sun shines a little brighter, and the world seems full of possibilities again.

In that post-Migraine euphoria, you promise: The next time that pesky intruder comes knocking, you’ll be ready.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a way to keep that door firmly shut.

Ah, the joys of migraines. The only thing better than the grand entrance is the even grander exit. Cheers to the calm after the storm! 🍻

Here Are My Migraine Tips That Help Me The Most

I follow These essential migraine tips when I fall victim to a migraine.

Now, you want to check with your doctor to set up your own regime, but these work well for me.

Migranol Magic

When I sense a migraine gearing up, I reach for my trusty nose drops, Migranol.

It’s a game-changer for me. Yes, it is by prescription only, but it’s a powerhouse of help, and within an hour, my life returns if I follow the rest of these steps.

Migraine Hydrate

I sip 16 ounces of water and mix in a Liquid IV. It’s my secret sauce to staying hydrated.

So, I hydrate by drinking more than normal and adding in a little ‘something something.’

Caffeine Kick

When in doubt, I dash to Starbucks for a double espresso shot. It’s not just about the caffeine; it’s my ritual, my little ray of hope.

Screen Savvy

Overbearing lighting? No thanks. My phone? On standby. If I do need it, I dim that screen so my eyes get a breather.

Walk it Off

I try to walk at least a mile on a good day. But, let’s be honest, sometimes it’s not in the cards.

If I can step without feeling like my head is made of cement and about to drop off, I do it, but if I can’t, I give up and lay down.

Plus, often, the outdoors, lights, barking dogs, and screaming kids are not what a migraine needs to be added to it.

Ice Pack Comfort

I go to bed armed with my ice packs wrapped in towels. One for the forehead and one for the back of the neck. It’s like a chilly hug for my aching head.

These are the times when the migraine attacks me at night; then, I use the ice packs; otherwise, this step is not happening.

Gingerale & Crackers

A glass of Gingerale (diet or regular) waits by my bedside, paired with dry crackers. Perfect for those queasy moments.

If I need to go to bed, it depends on when the migraine attacks.

Sleep Boost

If possible, I aim for an extra two hours of sleep. Trust me; it does wonders. Plus in the darkest of dark, I can create.

Migraine Diary

Every migraine gets its own entry in my book so I can update my neurologist.

It’s like a diary, but less “dear diary” and more “symptoms before migraine, treatment, water intake, symptoms, length of migraine.”

Food Choices For my Migraine Journey

Spicy foods? They’re off my menu, especially during a migraine.

Additional Migraine Tips & Tricks To Try

Your migraine journey can be derailed if you don’t have a plan or a migraine diary to show a pattern, so those are the most important things to focus on first.

Migraine hydration is also essential.

However, you do it. We hope these migraine tips help you through the darkness and quickly get you into the light of day!

• Darkness & Silence: It’s a blissful combo. A pitch-black and utterly quiet room is sometimes all the therapy I need.
• Ponytail Warning: Ladies (and some gents), if you’re like me, avoid ponytails the day of and after a migraine. It might look chic, but it adds to the pain!
• Essential Oils: A dab of lavender or peppermint on the temples? It’s like a mini spa session amidst the chaos.
• Temperature Shifts: Beyond the ice packs, a warm bath can be soothing, especially if muscle tension joins the migraine party.
• Gentle Massage: It’s simple. Massaging the temples or neck? Absolute relief.
• Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing and meditation have been lifesavers on more occasions than I can count.
• Magnesium Boost: With my doctor’s nod, I tried magnesium supplements. They’ve been quite the ally.
• Trigger Alert: Identify and steer clear of your triggers. For me, it’s certain scents and weather shifts.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter meds have been handy for me on those particularly rough days.
• Consulting the Pros: And, of course, always have a chat with your healthcare professional. They might introduce you to treatments you’ve never even considered.

What Didn’t Work For Me…

A Word on Treatments: Here’s the thing – not every treatment will be your savior. I’ve tried injections, pills, etc.

For instance, I tried Nurtec-ODT, and instead of relief, it felt like it was hosting its own party of headaches, complete with nausea and stomach issues.

But hey, that’s just me! After using it, on 2 separate occasions, I called my migraine specialist, and we decided to DUMP that med. I went back to straight out Migranol. Migrainol can be expensive, but it is well worth the relief.

Maxalt made me feel paralyzed after one try that was never used again. I have never felt so unable to move or function, which didn’t help the headache or my anxiety.

Imitrex worked until it didn’t. It seemed like, after a while, Imitrex was not helping, so I stopped using it.

I was also given Metoprolol, which seemed to create lethargy, and after using it for six months, the decision was made to cease using it as there was no difference in how I felt.

Topomax was the devil for kidney stones and other issues, so that got taken off my profile.

So, as you can tell, I worked through many different meds, and this is the shortlist, until I found that a combination of Migranol and Promethezane (as needed) is my holy grail to hydrate well each day.

I use magnesium without fail. I refer to those in my migraine tips above.

Your Migraine Journey And Migraine Tips

Always remember that treatments affect everyone differently, so keeping those lines of communication open with your specialist is vital.

That’s my journey and the tips that have come with it. I share this not as a definitive guide but as a hand reaching out, saying, “Hey, I’ve been there. Let’s navigate this maze together.” ~ Dana XO