Migraine Disease Is Not FUNny

                    
via GIPHY

Suffering from Migraine Disease will never be fun. I guess I'm stating the obvious, for anyone who is suffering with this invisible disease. I've suffered with the disease since the early '80's and it has never been fun. With this said, I have always tried to find the funny in the world.

I spend too much time in the dark confines of my bedroom. Blackout shades, no lights, no odors, no noise, and really no human contact. What does your brain do in this kind of environment? You either focus on the negative, or turn to thinking about, imagining, or questioning the world that exists outside of your cave. I choose the latter. I last had the ability to work at a professional career in 2008. Since then, I have experienced an average of 16 migraine days per month. So, when I'm in my carefully constructed migraine environment friendly cave, with an eye mask, icepack, and pillow on my head; I dream of the good 'ol days, and I think of the interesting, odd or funny things in life.

I have to do something to keep my mind distracted between the pain and sleep. I choose to analyze the world and attempt to find the funny. As I'm able, and remember, I keep notes on my phone of the strange things my brain comes up with. It can be scary, for the uninitiated and myself, to see the weird and funny things that pop into my mind. I have been a clown my whole life and I have no problem with people laughing with or at me.

When I'm down for the count, I push myself to think about things and not pain. I don't think, Why me? I think about the why's of the world. I put square pegs in round holes, solve world hunger, and cure cancer. Don't I wish. The funny is there if you allow yourself to think about it. I like to make myself and others laugh. When I'm stuck in my own head, I seek the funny. I make up jokes. They're not all great, not all laughable, or even something I can share with others. But, I try to remember the good stuff and write it down at my next opportunity.

When the "Monster" isn't on my back, I make the most of every moment. Trying to stay active is https://giphy.com/gifs/car-head-window-aBfSGPDRDSdqw
difficult at best. Between Aura, Prodrome, Migraine, and Postdrome, it can be very hard to be any kind of active. There are times when those around you up and moving and assume that your '100%. Having 16+ migraine days a month also means that you can have 3x that, while suffering the other three phases of migraine disease. Just believe me that the math works according to my limited knowledge of 'new math'. With the time that is available to me, I try to have fun.

Active days mean that my body and my brain are alert enough to participate in life, and when I do, MY PEOPLE know about it! You can hear my joy for miles! I have a bounce in my step, laugh at the stupid, joke around, and hang my head out of the car window and howl at the fresh air. Most times I'm even more gangster than that.

I've recently found stand-up comedy open mic nights. When my non-communicable disease (put smiley face here) allows me to get out of the house and there's a show, I go laugh. I laugh with others and I laugh at myself. I laugh at the absurd and the sublime. I make new friends and we laugh together, at least on the inside.

I urge my fellow migraine and invisible illness sufferers to take the opportunities they have to get out and live, when you can. Take chances. Don't be afraid or embarrassed. YOLO, You Only Live Once, so howl at the wind!

Pardon my rambling,

Migraine And Keeping Your Sanity

Migraine makes keeping your sanity feel almost impossible.  We work so hard to keep our sanity and migraine works just as hard to keep us from it. Here are some ways that might help in keeping your sanity while dealing with migraine. This list is not all inclusive. They are just the beginning in 'keeping sanity' despite your invisible illness. See "Migraine And Living Life", and "Migraine And Work" for other ideas you may use in your struggle.

• Find a treatment plan that works for you and stick with it. Even if this plan does not keep you migraine free, finding a way to decrease or lessen them is a must. Work hard to find some kind of relief, if only for a short while. This is important for you and your life, your job, and your sanity. Finding one can be tough, but don't give up.

• Exercise daily:  The advantages of exercise are  undeniable but many of us continue to ignore this.  Remember that exercise strengthens our bodies and our minds and helps improve our endurance.  This translates into everything we do, whether it is the work environment, or the activities of daily living.  It also helps us feel in control and healthy, and reduces stress.  

• Schedule time for yourself:  Even if it is only for 30 minutes, schedule some renewal time for yourself. Everyday bathroom time does not count. Take a nap, meditate, read. Do something that you feel is relaxing and enjoyable to you. You might find that when you take a few minutes for yourself, it feels that you have more time for other things.

• Be grateful:  The world is a wonderful place and we have been given many gifts.  I feel that every day I wake up is another gift and that everything that follows throughout the day becomes a bonus.

• Try finding hobbies or other jobs that can be worked on in small segments and are easier to pick up and lay down.

• Find activities that you can stick with. Activities become habits. Habits become your character. Your character becomes your destiny. Become a slave to good habits. Doing the right things right develops strength of character that leads to success.

• Cultivate relationships with family and friends. Make it a planned habit to communicate with them face to face, through the phone, email, texting, and attending church activities. I find that using Facebook is also a good way to keep up with the lives of friends and family.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously:  I will leave you with this last idea; Infuse humor in your life and do not to take yourself too seriously.  Lose your ego and liberate yourself. Life is for growing and learning. Try to enjoy all the little moments of your day and stay happy.