New Stuff

My last batch of migraine haikus were chosen to be part of the Pain-Blog Carnival, April 2009 at How To Cope With Pain. The format is a little different this month. Instead of blogs sending in their own posts, she chose some of her favorite blogs and articles.

Also, Amy Rabinovitz at the San Jose Fitness Examiner used one of my collages "Migraine On My Mind" to illustrate her article New study reveals safe exercise for migraine sufferers.

Migraine Barbie on Ice!

Migraine Barbie would do anything to diminish her migraine pain. Even tying an ice cube to her head with a ribbon seemed reasonable at the time.

Looking for my mind

Here is a collage that I made to go with a haiku that I wrote. I've been feeling a lot like this lately!

Crazy Co-Workers

I know that not all co-workers are created equal, and there are some truly nice ones out there, but the crazy ones have been getting on my migraine nerves lately, especially with that toxic lady, so that's why I made this collage.

Which crazy co-worker do you work with?

Migraine Chick Round Up

Here's a round up of some of things going on with me right now.

I finally spoke to my supervisor about the toxic co-worker. He said they maybe realigning the teams soon so she may be moving anyway. Apparently, he has gotten a few other complaints from other employees about her, so it's not just me having problems with her. I've been not engaging with her at all, but I have been listening to her talk with other people. I think she maybe the most negative person on the planet.

I've been using gingersnap cookies for migraine related nausea and it works for me, just like ginger ale. I found some organic ones at a health food store. They are made with real ginger and I've been keeping a few in a plastic bag in my purse. It helps when ginger ale isn't available.

I'm considering trying Botox for my migraines. After a lot of research on line, I have made an appointment with a new neurologist to discuss the procedure, the cost, etc...My new internal medicine doc was a bit of a dud, but I may try another one as a primary care doctor.

You Write The Caption

While I was making this collage, I was trying to come up with a caption story for it. To me, this screams "migraine" story with the man with the big head and the dejected looking wife. What caption would you write for it?

New Migraine Barbie

After a three day migraine attack, Migraine Barbie still can't face the daylight, even with her sunglasses on.

Updated Migraine Twitters List

It's been a month since the Migraine Twitters List was started and look how many people are out there twittering for migraine support! This is a great group of people! If you want me to add your name to list, leave a comment with your twitter link or email me.

Migraine Twitters

Migraine Chickie

EGray

holycowirock

jasminepw

MaxJerz

danabaker

Tallis33

free my brain

baldsue

My_Graine

TamingtheWolf

historianrja

migrainestorms

Yofia

gkimmie

CaseyLeeFierce

stephintoronto

stormlaughter

sylstrawbridge

lilmellie71

amelia77

4ahonaker

BetsyBlondin

InfiniteKnot

TDHblog

amigraineur

thestolenolive

Eschnak

KimmyDarling

stonetree

drummerheather

SimoneGrant

namralkeeg

2MuchPerfection

TRobert

pinkpurlgurl

trialia

Happy Easter

These are my paint chip sample collages that I am calling "Chirps."

Toxic Co-Workers and Migraines

I am coming to the conclusion that working with a toxic co-worker actually does make your migraines worse. Just when I thought it was safe to go back into the water, the evil June Cleaver lady has been seated by me again. Now my stress levels are elevated, thus giving me a lot more pain at work. I think the stress of dealing with her is not helping my head one bit, and it makes for a tense atmosphere for the entire day. I can actually feel the negative energy radiating off her.

I feel like I have to defend myself against her comments when all I want to do is just sit there and do my job. Chronic pain vs a difficult work personality do not mix. Also, I'm not sure if the chronic pain makes me more sensitive as well. Here are some examples of the things she has said to me lately:

1)“Why don’t you just quit work?" she asked. "You’re never here anyway. What’s the difference?”

2)"How was your day off? Did you go shopping or the movies?” she asked in front of everyone. I replied “No. I was home puking all day.”

3)“I never see you drinking any water. You are always drinking that ginger ale. Do you know how many chemicals are in there?” she asked.

“I’m aware of the chemicals, but I have to drink the ginger ale to keep from throwing up during the day,” I replied.

“Oh my God. Why did you have to say ‘throw up’?” she exclaimed. “Couldn't you say something more lady like?”


I'm trying to come up with a list of strategies in dealing with her again. Does anyone have any tips on dealing with this kind of person.

More Migraine Haikus

A King Kong meegrain
Has sat itself on my head
I can’t even breathe

My brain burns brightly
Even the slightest touch
Butterflies of pain

Big bad migraine pain
Rears its ugly monstrous head
Tries to eat me whole

My off kilter world
Tilts to the side due to pain
Rocks don’t even help

Alien lasers
Blast my brain, a molten mess
Clean up on aisle four

My brain craves control
Holding me hostage in pain
Loves to turn the screws

how stuff wants to come out of my brain.

I've been having the week from hell with PMS and over the top migraine pain so I haven't felt much like writing. My words escape me, but the visual part of my brain seems to be overstimulated. It makes me wonder sometimes what is going on in my noodle. Why have migraines rewired how stuff wants to come out of my brain. Is it the constant pain that dissolves the words and flashes images instead when I want to express myself.

Anyway, I'm so intrigued with the flickr photos in the Migraine Group. On one hand, I find them upsetting because so many people are suffering from migraines and on the other hand, I find it comforting because it makes me feel not so alone.

Also, I've been trying to think of other photos to take during a migraine to express it. The other morning, it was raining and my crocuses were closed up tight with rain drops on them, so I took some photos. For some reason, they reminded me of a migraine, that closed up feeling from the world when you are down and out. Does this make sense?