4 (Not So Obvious) Differences Between Episodic and Chronic Migraine

Chronic Illness

  1. Alexis says:

    I have high frequency episodic migraines. And a lot of these things ring true. The fear when you go to the ER and they say “we can’t help you beyond an IV of meds” and send you back to your neurologist for pain management. It’s a frightening reality to know that the pain isn’t going away, but instead you are forced to live with it. And often I don’t know when my episodes start or end, because they happen so frequently, and without warning or cause – it’s awfully hard to say “yes I’m feeling better” or “no I’m not feeling better” because when you’ve been in pain for two weeks straight, those definitions become hazy. Wonderful article.

    • Natalie Sayre says:

      Yes that blurring of attacks makes answering those questions SO hazy and difficult. Sending you endless love and understanding. Thanks for reading xx

  2. Alex B. says:

    Hey Natalie. First off I want to say thanks for sharing your experiences so eloquently. It seems there is a lot of information out there on the internet that is more based on research and information but not much written by individuals chronicling their experiences.

    I’m in the early stages of realizing that I may suffer from migraines. For as long as I can remember I’ve been prone to headaches, and it often didn’t take more than walking for a few minutes in the heat or freezing cold weather to trigger it. I love hiking, but I dread uphill hikes because it gives me headaches. I always figured I just wasn’t drinking enough water and was dehydrated, but I’m beginning to suspect it’s a lot more.

About a year ago I began to suffer from extreme light sensitivity. As a person who LOVES being in the sun and on the beach and natural light streaming into my room, this has been really tough. While it doesn’t ALWAYS set off a headache right away (or at all), it feels like I’m having bricks thrown at me and my vision is constantly filled with dark flashes. I don’t really know how to describe it other than this: when you look at a bright light, look away and see the outline of whatever was in your field of vision when the light was there, this is what I experience almost all the time when I’m in any amount of light. Even when it’s cloudy sometimes.

    The other day, ironically not long after speaking on the phone to a doctor who confirmed it may be migraine related, I looked in the general direction of the sun for just one moment and it ruined the rest of my day. My vision was all wonky and I even began to feel disoriented. I had to drive home 20 mins and near the end of the drive my fingertips started tingling. As I write this sitting in a cafe with bright lights, I’m feeling my vision starting to get messed up again.

    Anyway, hoping to get a little insight on others’ experiences on here by reading your blog so thanks again for sharing.

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