MIGRAINE AND THE FAMILY
Migraines affect the family and friends of the sufferer as well as the
individual afflicted with the migraine. A typical migraine lasts from 4 to 72
hours. During this time the sufferer can be totally incapacitated. Activities
which would normally include the migrainer often stop. Where these activities
include children, disappointment is sure to follow, possibly resulting in
permanent damage to the relationship. "I have a headache" takes on
all meanings to the partner of a migraine sufferer.
With three times as many women as men suffering from migraines,
"mothers" duties must be taken over by other family members. When a
husband is required to perform his wife's home and child care responsibilities
as well as his normal responsibilities, his career may be affected. (This could
work in reverse as well, with the wife taking over the husband's duties as he
is incapacitated with migraine pain, but the statistics speak in favor of the
first situation because of the three to one ration of female sufferers.)
Coping with migraine requires more than taking medication. Medications do
not always work and even when they do, there can be a long wait for relief.
There several things that can be done to make coping easier for family, friends
and sufferers.
Begin by recognizing what the triggers are. Once these are identified, avoid
them if possible. If some triggers cannot be avoided be prepared to treat the
migraine as soon as symptoms present themselves.
Control diet
Many triggers are foods and food additives. Avoid these items.
Take medications as prescribed
Preventative medications must be taken regularly, as prescribed, in order to
be effective. Prescription medications taken as needed are often most effective
if taken early.
Second hand smoke can be a trigger which can be avoided.
Maintain a regular schedule
Eat meals at the same time daily. Get the same amount of sleep each night.
Missed meals and either too much or too little sleep can trigger migraines.
Avoid stress
Easier to say than to do, recognizing that stress can lead to migraine pain
may make avoiding stressful situations easier. Take breaks from tasks or
activities which are intense or difficult.
Plan ahead
This assumes that migraines will happen, and anyone who suffers from
migraines knows they will. Be prepared for these times:
- Prepare meals ahead and freeze for later use.
- Mark the calendar with all events the family is involved in so that others
can take charge if you are incapacitated.
- Plan for outside help when necessary by discussing the problem with friends
or close relatives.
- Have options for emergencies. Make sure family has your doctor's number and
knows where to find your medication. Make sure children know all emergency
numbers, including your spouse's work number. Make sure there is somewhere
children can go if you are incapacitated and can't care for them.
Gain as much knowledge of your condition as you can. Keep a diary and chart
when migraines strike, what your triggers are, and symptoms. Early intervention
can be your best defense. Find a doctor who will be patient and work with you.
Research the drugs prescribed for you and their side effects. Everyone is
different and their migraines are unique. Go with what works for you. Don't be
afraid to ask for support from friends and family. Inform those close to you of
your condition. Let them know what triggers your attacks, which things in the
environment you are sensitive to. Encourage others to follow through with
activities even when you cannot. Take responsibility for your own illness.
If these guidelines sound extreme, then you are one of the lucky sufferers
who have mild migraines or infrequent attacks.
|
