Friday, March 25, 2011

The Journey Continues

So, yes, life is getting better for me headache wise.

I say this, because its been a week since my week-long headache that made me sicker than sick and almost useless.  It was so bad I went into the doctor again to see what she could do(plus I needed to discuss some of my new meds she put me on).  She didn't give me the answer I wanted, but the answer she gave me is one I haven't tried.  So I will try that before I poo-poo it.

I am amused at several of my dear friends who when they ask me how I am feeling, and I answer good, they then ask me if I am lieing.  Apparently more of them read my blog than I realize.  Ha!  Those of you who ask me the second question are the ones I would be honest with in the first place.  I appreciate and love you.  Thank you for being you.

I am also amused at so many other people in my life, who definitely care about me and have heard me say my headaches are improving, who assume I am 'cured'. 

There is no cure to migraine and chronic headache.  I still experience a headache almost every day of my life.  I am coping better, I am treating the headaches and pain better, and communicating my needs better with my loved ones(mainly my husband a few close friends).  I am not judging myself as harshly as I did before for not getting things done or living life the way I think I should live it. 

I am grateful to be in the position I am in now.  I appreciate my pain free moments so very much.  I appreciate my husband and all he does for me.  I appreciate my children and their love and compassion for me.  I appreciate my friends who are simply there for me and are genuinely happy for my pain free moments as well.

I know I am not out of pain completely.  I know I have days that are very difficult to endure.  But I am grateful for what I do have.  My journey continues, but its not without hope and its not without the love of those who have proven their love to me.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

3 Minute Breathing Space

1. Awareness

Bring yourself into the present moment by deliberately adopting an erect and dignified posture.  If possible, close your eyes then ask:  "What is my experience right now...in thoughts...in feelings... and in bodily sensations?"  Acknowledge and register your experience, even if it is unwanted.

2. Gathering

Then, gently redirect full attention to breathing, to each in breath and to each out breath as they follow, one after the other.  Your breath can function as an anchor to bring you into the present and help you tun into a state of awareness and stillness.

3. Expanding

Expand the field of your awareness around your breathing, so that it includes a sense of the body as a whole, your posture, and facial expression.  The breathing space provides a way to step out of automatic pilot mode and reconnect with the present moment.  The key skill in using mindfulness is to maintain awareness in the moment.  Nothing else.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Some Links

I have a headache tonight-- its my typical PMS headache that will likely last for 3-5 days.  But I am expecting it and will try to treat it well, and take notes so I can go back to the Doctor next week and find out what she can do for these specific hormonal headaches.  My sweet husband took all three kids to the kids school to see a movie.  I was surprised he offered to take all three- the baby is now two and quite the the wild card.  I hope they don't come home early.

Here area few links I am subscribed to and am learning a lot from.  I am getting news and updates, as well as other people who are like me(migraine sufferers) who have been able to put their voice out there and bring comfort:

http://migraine.com/
http://migraine-ista.blogspot.com/
http://somebodyhealme.dianalee.net/