Monday, August 15, 2016

Migraine Must Haves

I used to get migraines every so often and I would just go in a dark room, sleep for a few hours, and wake up feeling good as new.  Unfortunately over the last few months my migraines have become a frequent, almost daily, occurrence.  Since I've been getting them so often I have a few essentials that make getting through a migraine (slightly) more bearable.  A few of these are recommendations from my (new) migraine doctor (who I love!) and some of them are just things that make me more comfortable.  I know that migraines are not uncommon -  I even have a few friends who suffer from them, so I thought that I would share my Migraine Must Haves for anyone else who's riding the migraine struggle bus with me.

Sound doesn't always bother my migraines, but when it does earplugs are a necessity to block out noise.  I also like to wear them when I'm trying to "sleep off" a migraine so I don't get woken up by anything and can get as much peaceful sleep as I need to feel better.  I've tried a lot of different brands of earplugs (thanks to five years living on a college campus) and the Mack's brand is my favorite.

I'm pretty much always sensitive to light when I have a migraine so a good eye mask can be super helpful.  My room has great natural light, which is amazing when I don't have a headache, but when I do it's the worst thing ever until I cover my eyes.  I haven't tried this sleep mask yet, but I hear that they're supposed to be the best so I really want to get one!

Usually when I get a migraine the number one thing I want is ice on my face and head.  I'm not sure if this is something everyone likes, but if you do an ice face mask like this one is a must.  The first really, really bad migraine I had (that wouldn't go away) my sister brought one of these to my apartment at school and it's been a lifesaver ever since!

4. Medication
At first I was trying to deal with the migraines on my own, but the medication my doctor gave me really helps!  I've also heard good things about a few over the counter medications, like Excedrin Migraine, but I can't take them because of other health problems I have.  I am not a huge fan of taking medication (hence me trying to deal with the migraines on my own), however my Dad always tells me you don't get a medal for being in pain so you might as well take the medication, and I have to admit that he's right.

This one might seem kind of silly, but I love spritzing my face when I have a migraine because it feels so refreshing.  I usually leave it by the bathroom sink and use it when I get up to go to the bathroom.  It may just be me, but I find it soothing when I have a headache!

6. Sorbet
Whenever I get a migraine I crave something cold and sweet.  I usually want ice cream, but dairy makes me sick to my stomach (which I definitely don't want!) so I love having sorbet.  I'm kind of obsessed with the Roman Raspberry Sorbetto from Talenti.  Migraine or no migraine it is so good and only has few ingredients - which is something I love!  Sorbet also has way less calories than ice cream, which makes it a healthier option and makes me feel way less guilty when I eat as much as I want (aka almost the entire thing!).

7. Vitamins
The doctor I've been going to for migraines is awesome because he's all about using non medication remedies for headaches when you can.  He gave me a list of foods that are known to cause migraines and another list of vitamins that are known to help with migraines.  Since I don't love taking medication (see #4) I do love having these alternatives!  He has me taking CoQ10, Fish Oil, Magnesium, and Vitamin B2.*
*I am (obviously) not a doctor so make sure to check with your (real) doctor before adding any vitamins or supplements to your regimen!

8. Caffeine
I found this surprising, but caffeine is actually proven to help migraines.  I have a bit of a problem with this one because I hate coffee and tea! I've been trying to drink Mexican Coke when I get a migraine even though it doesn't have as much caffeine as coffee or tea.  Yesterday I picked up a powdered green tea though that you add to a smoothie or flavored drink and I am looking forward to giving that a try!

9. Cold water
In case you haven't figured it out I want all things cold when I have a migraine.  It's always important to stay hydrated, but I think it's especially important to drink a lot when you have a headache.  I recommend keeping lots of cold water on hand for when you get a migraine!


I hope that my essentials can be helpful for my fellow migraine sufferers!  Do you like anything else when you have a migraine that I haven't mentioned?  Please leave any and all tips below, I would love to hear them!

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowISummerHello MondayLet It ShineWeekending, and MIMM.

23 comments:

  1. Migranes are the worst :(. That rose water spray is one of my all tiem faves!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  2. I'm passing this on to my good friend - she suffers from migraines on a daily basis, sometimes even more than once a day. Thanks for sharing these! #1 and #2 are definitely my go to for bad headaches.

    http://thealwaysblog.com

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  3. migraines are the WORST. Coffee always helps when I have one!

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  4. I was so surprised when I learned caffeine was good for migraines too! The few times I've had one I try to chug a cup of coffee right when it starts to come on followed by lots of water and Advil for migraines. Migraines are the absolute worst!

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  5. Girl you are speaking my language! I get migraines so often, it kills me! I use lavendar oil too which helps sometimes or makes it worse sometimes. I need a new eye mask, thanks for the reminder!!

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  6. I've only had a few migraines in my life, but they are the absolute worst!! I'll definitely be saving this post for when I need it.

    xo
    Sami
    www.theclassicbrunette.com

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  7. I thankfully have never gotten a migraine but a few of my family members get them so I'll be sure to send this to them!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

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  8. Migraines are the worst! Glad to see you found good remedies to cope!

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  9. These tips are great! I'm definitely going to save this the next time I have one of these come around!

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  10. Migraines are awful. I take medicine with caffeine in it and it helps!

    Greta | www.gretahollar.com

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  11. Glad you had some tools to make yourself feel better! I don't get migraines but I often get headaches. My cousin showed me some essential oils that are supposed to help with headaches or migraines too, if you ever want to add something else into your routine.

    Michelle | www.landofstyleandsass.blogspot.com

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  12. I am all about the ice too. I also really need to invest in a good eye mask. I always find that when I am dehydrated I am just asking for a migraine. This list is perfect!

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  13. You bring the fab out of migrants! I hope you feel better!

    xoxo, Candice
    http://www.candicenikeia.com

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  14. So sorry to hear you're getting migraines so frequently. They are the worst!

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  15. Knock on wood - but I've never gotten a migraine .. I hope yours subside soon!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

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  16. Migraines are the absolute worst, my fiancé suffers from them almost daily and he is actually looking into botox. Apparently injecting botox into pressure points can really help.

    La Belle Sirene 

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  17. Love the idea of the ice mask. My hubby usually will put a cold,wet facecloth on my forehead for me but a mask would be nice.

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  18. I'm lucky enough to not get migraines, but my mom does and she loves her ice mask!

    Kayla | kaylablogs.com

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  19. I've never had a migraine but know they can be brutal-- I have a friend that gets them often. For her, sniffing peppermint essential oil has helped.

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  20. Most days I start to get a migraine, it's because I haven't had my normal intake of coffee... Scary, but true!

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  21. I absolutely love this because I get migraines too SO MUCH! Too much actually - cold water helps me so much! And Excedrin, couldn't live without it!

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  22. Great list! This is the first year I've ever suffered from migraines. My kids have been playing softball and baseball. The heat and sun have been killing me this summer. I'm hoping the worst is over, for this year at least.

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  23. while first was taking over by the soft drinks. So now you can analyse how much one consumes soft drink over natural full of nutrition water. Please do not let the man made drinks spoil your body while you waste the gift of God. CBD & Migraines

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