My trigger

OMG where to start.

My advice for trying to find a trigger is to keep a diary. Look for links with food, weather, stress etc - it is not easy.

My classical migraines where hormonal for sure - but I grew out of those. My hemiplegic migraines are stress.

But since I had the twins and have gone chronic - its everything - strong smells (even a new sofa we bought would kick it off when I sat on it), lights (Tesco's is really bad for this), stress (even just thinking can do it) lol weather, too many people, too much sound the list goes on and on.

Trying to eliminate all this is not easy - smells where the easiest - I have binned all chemical cleaners and now only use old fashioned ways ie vinegar and bi-carbonate of soda.

I order food on line - no supermarket lights.

And if I know that we are going to do anything, I rest the day before and carry a triptan with me at all times. I am also not sorry to say NO any more and have turned down loads of social events, because I just cannot do it.

Yes I agree with T here. Avoid all the things it is possible to..like supermarkets. I swear by online shopping these days as 5 mins in Tesco or Morrisons and I am on my knees. IKEA, much as I am addicted to their products is a living hell for me these days. Alcohol...sigh Any sort of light flicker, driving, especially on roads with more than one carriage way.The school run is hard as a whiff of too much perfume or hairspray can send the pain levels up, as can a cranky set of twins but i can't live without them

Loud alarms and sirens are tough as is a change in temp or humidity..but that's life. HAirdressers..arrrgghhh..noise lights, chatter, chemical smells..arrrhhhh...Imagine me running out screaming with my overly long fringe and spit ends still intact. It's a question of injection packed, codine taken on entry of premises and get out as quick as I can..I am looking for a good mobile person to help with this particular follicle debacle.

Lie ins are a trigger for me as is napping in the daytime..so I have to keep a very strict and boring routine.

My neuro once asked me about my triggers and I made him roar by saying 'breathing tends to do it for me'. Sadly this is the case but I can laugh at my ineptly functioning brain now...it's a very mature way of coping



Oh and annoying people who make innane remarks about 'well when I have a migraine I can't function so you can't possible have one all the time, you'd be flat on your back'....but I smile serenely and think they were just put there to make me feel superior. ..then go home and pummel the pillows.

whizendjane your comment about people telling us we can't possible have a mirgraine all the time is familiar to me...they then go on to tell me what I should try...Oh you shouldn't drink diet coke you know as I sip from my can...well meaning I am sure but my pillow gets a beating too!
x

LOL - I have thought about having a leaflet printed to give to the 'Oh migraine only last a day, or the oh migraine that's just a headache, or the you should not eat cheese and red wine'

It just shows how ill informed the general public are.

Yes come up against the silly remarks a lot ,just try to grin and bear it but walk away muttering expletives lol .
A leaflet would be a damn good idea lol or even better a documentary ,then the" i`m sure if you did this" brigade could have their eyes opened to a few facts lol xx

hmmmm that does sound like a good idea...... a really good documentary on migraine for Migraine Awareness Week would be a very good idea - I might just mention that to the Migraine Trust.