I'm so happy to have found this site!

Hello everyone,

As the topic title suggests, I've been feeling rather alone with my migraines and all that comes with them. I've been 'struggling with life' since I was 13 - and was diagnosed with depression and psychosis. I would hide in my room, curtains shut. Couldn't bear sound, crowds felt like I was caught in a raging sea. I didn't eat as I constantly felt sick. I complained of pains and tiredness the doctors could find no cause of. I saw neurologists, ENT specialists, cardiologists.... This carried on, and on, I left education at 16, and spent the next 5 years on the booze.

At 21, I picked up somewhat - studied with the Open University, got a part-time job as a cleaner and put down the bottle. (What a difference that made!) Soon, I was offered a decent full time job, working in an office. That was just over a year ago.

Suddenly, 5 months ago I had a huge drop in vision, lost the use of my right arm and ended up in a&e. The ophthalmology department referred me to the neurologist - who told me he suspected I was suffering from hemiplegic migraines. In fact, it was likely to have been them all those years ago when I was stuffed full of anti-psychotics for being so withdrawn.

I had an MRI a few weeks back, and get the results later in October. I'd never heard of a hemiplegic migraine, to be honest I still know very little about migraines. But I've felt so confused and alone since that neurology appointment. Everyday has felt like a struggle for so long, pain, tiredness, disorientation that is tricky to describe.

From this forum, I really hope I can get some tips and advice on how to live the best I can, find ways to keep smiling, retain my job, while meeting new people. Just finding this forum has made my week, thank you!

Hi and welcome!

I don't have the hemiplegic sort of migraines myself, but if you have a read around the forum, hopefully you'll find some helpful information. I think just having a diagnosis can be helpful in itself, after so much uncertainty. I really hope you get this soon.

Thank you Sarah