How do you cope with the way Migraine/Headache Disorders can impact our memories?
This prompt led me to look at this question in two different ways. I have included my thoughts on both......
One:
With Migraines and Headache Disorders comes treatments- LOTS OF TREATMENTS! With the treatments comes side-effects. Forgetfulness, fumbling of words and straight out memory loss are some big ones. When I was working I would struggle with this due to having to keep track of appointments, session notes and conversations. Initially, it seemed pretty easy to keep track of things; I just had to make sure I was diligent in keeping notes. While this added time to my day, in the end it was a huge help, so I didn't mind. But after a year of trying different meds and piling one medication on top of another, I got to the point that I did not know which way was up or down. There was a period when I first got out of the hospital after 4 days of constant IV meds that I knew I was about to hit my brick wall. My father was driving me to work, I would dose off without notice and I could barely see straight. It was at this point I knew something had to change; I couldn't live like this.
I would like to say that all of the medication were helping me. But they weren't. Instead I was just so discombobulated by the medication that I didn't care what I was going through. Four months later I made a decision to stop taking all of my medication and at least live in the real world. This soon meant leaving work due to the amount of pain I was suffering with. At that point I thought it would be easier to go forward in life, even if there were some long-term memory loss due to previous medications I had tried. While it is a bit more "acceptable" to suffer from my memory loss since I am not working, it is not any less annoying. So The best way I know to deal with it is to write everything down!!!!!!
Two:
Since my attacks hit what I consider my catastrophic level, my memories have been greatly impacted. Right before I started suffering from Chronic Cluster Headaches I celebrated two accomplishments in my life; graduating with my Masters Degree and getting married. In July 2009, I was in the clouds with all of my excitement. The life I had always dreamed about was finally beginning. Three months later I was hit with what felt like a semi truck and all of my memories changed. I have worked very hard to try to accept who I am, at this moment, and not spend 24/7 dreaming of what I thought life would be like. But I have to admit that more times than not, I am stuck in the quicksand of 'what if''. My memories are now sad reminders of the person I used to be and they make me jealous for what I no longer have. Believe me when I say that everyday I work to be patient and understand that while I may not be who I always wanted to be; I am the best me that I can be today.
June 2013, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The 2013 Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is a project of FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
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