MY HEAD HURTS, Redux

This is a repeat post from May, 2008. I had (am still having) one of these crazy migraines starting around noon yesterday. I was trying to explain it to a colleague, this is easier.

I'm not kidding - it realio and trulio HURTS! I had another full blown migraine with aura today. I'm just now able to look into the computer screen and it started around noon. I won't look at this screen for long.

The last time after I had one, I collected these images to write about them. The following image describes it well. It starts in my eye like a black spot or wavy spot - like heat waves. Then it starts to spread like a backwards jagged bright C. It gets larger and larger until it completely blocks my field of vision. This is usually in my right eye and my right arm goes to sleep with the needle prick feeling. It lasts about 20 minutes. I know that I have those 20 minutes (which I can't see through it to walk or drive) plus 15 more before I get a brain crushing headache that is totally and completely debilitating.

This image shows the color of it better. It is like a bright light. Twice it has been very colorful like a rainbow.

My headaches can last from a few hours to three days. I never know. I must get to a quiet dark place. There are some days when this is impossible. Like TODAY!

If I take Imetrex (which I ALWAYS have with me) during the first onset of aura, I can cut the time drastically. After four hours, I take two Excedrin every six hours until it's gone.

I mostly know what my triggers are, but I don't have a clue what caused it today. Red wine, peanuts or peanut butter, too much chocolate will usually do it. I have NO IDEA what triggered this one - and I haven't had one in MONTHS~

I'm not writing this to get sympathy, but to explain how they look and feel. I know a lot of people with much worse illnesses or that get these more frequently than I do, so don't waste your sympathy on me. I'm thankful that I don't get them very often, maybe once every quarter or 90 days.

Another point that's new, my fifteen-year-old son inherited these from me. It makes me sad, I wouldn't wish these on anyone especially a young man trying so hard to be normal in the first place. I didn't have them as a child. His neurologist says that ours may be hormone triggered - mine shortly after my last child, his - at the onset of puberty. I hate this for him. He gets them much more often than I.

Here some really cool Migraine Art - Isn't it interesting how pain, sorrow and other strong feelings bring out the beauty in artists and musicians?

Migraine Art - The New York Times > Opinion > Slide Show > Slide 9 of 11

Stickin' like Velcro

Remember when our children were learning how to tie their shoes and we were all tempted to keep them in the Velcro ties because it was easy? Velcro is the easy way out, teaching them to do it themselves is hard work.

My friend who is an advisor for the honors college at Auburn posted an article on his Facebook that I shared. The NYT article is titled "Students, Welcome to College; Parents Go Home."

Not only did it get a lot of response on Facebook, but it also struck a cord with me. I've been struggling with the thoughts of Trey going to college next year, and how that will change the dynamics of our home. I know that we are going to miss him like crazy. I've got a great big 'ole lump in my throat while I am writing this. He is the noisiest, messiest, most time consuming, generous and loving member of our family. He will leave a big hole that will hurt.

I know that even though we are hurting, we will let him fly and that he will fly high with a suitcase full of life experiences that will help him succeed.

"Velcro Parents" (formerly known as Helicopter Parents), are the most influential factor in our life over the last ten years in regard to how we raise our boys.

After seeing the direct effects of such sticky parents on the immature and insecure students that walk the halls at Auburn University, usually with parents still attached, we know that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is also irresponsible for us to leave our children without the skills they need to succeed. The only way they learn those skills is by doing things for themselves.

I'm glad we make Trey and Foster responsible for their own actions, and responsible for their own work. We are here if they make mistakes, but only to guide them through with instructions on how to do things for themselves. The consequences for their actions belong to them.

I hope that responsibility sticks like Velcro.

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