Flare Magazine, Mini Issue 3 is out!
Flare Magazine has a new special mini-issue about medication and my creative nonfiction piece entitled “Shedding” is included! I love this magazine and what editor Kelly Esparza is doing to raise awareness about chronic illness. I’ve tried so many different medications for chronic migraine and although I still get migraines (fighting one today, in fact!) I’m nowhere near as bad as I used to be. “Shedding” details my journey trying CGRP drugs for the first time, specifically Aimovig, for chronic migraine. The side effects weren’t fun, to put it mildly. Check it out here! Flare Magazine, Issue 3: Medication
“Taking Space” is a Finalist!
My creative nonfiction piece, “Taking Space,” which discusses living with chronic migraine was a finalist in Genrepunk Magazine‘s Editors’ Choice Awards! Thank you to editor, Kelly Esparza, for nominating my piece! I wrote “Taking Space” after returning from a trip with a friend. Traveling with friends triggers anxiety about managing migraines. I don’t want to be the one to ruin the fun so I downplay my disease and the stress that accompanies it. I’m definitely still a work in progress, but I have come really far when it comes to advocating for myself and avoiding my triggers. You can read “Taking Space” here!
Flare Magazine, Issue 1 is out!
A new chronic illness / disability literary magazine has released its inaugural issue online, and I’m thrilled my creative nonfiction piece about living with chronic migraine is included. Check out the flash fiction stories and poems as well as the other personal essays at this link: Flare Magazine, Issue 1 Thank you to editor, Kelly Esparza, for accepting my essay about navigating chronic migraine during travel and how it tests personal relationships and friendships.
Healing From Within
How I managed my migraines naturally My essay is up today at Exploring Wellness. I talk about how I decided my life needed a change when I was suffering from 15-20 migraine days a month. I was miserable and stressed out. I was tired of taking so many drugs. Reiki came to my rescue and from there I learned how to maintain a consistent meditation and yoga practice. My migraine days were reduced significantly. You can read the entire article here: Healing from Within: How I Managed my Migraines Naturally
Acupressure for Migraine Relief
When I first read about this migraine aid, I was skeptical. But this acupressure pillow makes a difference for me as long as I catch the migraine in time. It’s all by accessing acupressure points in my neck and the base of my head. I first heard about it on Migraine.com. If you have migraines and you don’t check out Migraine.com on a regular basis, you’re missing out. I am not affiliated with them. I’ve found their site and community to be immensely helpful. There are stories and chat forums with topics ranging from the latest CGRPs to all natural treatments. They also have a Facebook group where you can…
My Yearlong Journey on Aimovig
In October 2018, I signed up for the Bridge to Commercial Coverage program for Aimovig. It offered twelve free doses until my insurance carrier approved. My neurologist started me off with one 70mg dose. The program even offered a nurse to come to my home to help me with the injection. Even though I’m a wimp when it comes to shots, it wasn’t that bad. I also continued with yoga, acupuncture, and meditation, something that had already been reducing my migraines from 15 a month to 6. That first month, I didn’t notice much difference. But by the second dose in November, my migraines reduced from 6 to 2. My last…
5 Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
I have always had anxiety and negative thinking ever since I can remember. I worry about what happened in the past, what will happen, and what I just did. I blame myself when a migraine strikes. What did I do? It’s my fault! For those of you who suffer from migraines or chronic pain, I’m sure you have similar stories. It’s hard not to worry about when the next migraine will strike or you chastise yourself for feeling worse than you did yesterday. If you already have anxiety, then being a chronic pain sufferer is debilitating! The summer of 2018 I was desperate. I had more migraine days than not.…
A Little Self Care
We all need a reminder to be good to ourselves… Published on Migraine.com July 13, 2019 I always dread sending that text or email with the familiar words “I’m not going to be able to make it. I have a migraine.” I can already picture the rolling eyes. Feel their scorn or disappointment. Hear the conversation among my friends, co-workers, family, or boss. “She always has a migraine.” “That’s the third one this month.” “How bad could it be?” “Do you really think she has a migraine?” “Why doesn’t she just take her meds?” “How convenient.” Of course, I don’t know if any of this is said or not. But…
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