I have been living with migraines since I was 12 years old. Recently within the past couple of years, they transformed into a constant, daily headache. Two years of having a constant throbbing, whether minimal or intense, really help build up your tolerance for pain.
1. I Have a Much Higher Tolerance for Pain Than Most People
I rate my headaches 1 out of 10, and I haven’t had a 0/10 day in over two years. With my chronic headaches come even more health-related issues that I’ve faced over the past couple of years. I’ve been in ERs more often than the average person and have had needles stuck in me every which way.
I don’t necessarily enjoy going through the painful tests, prodding, or experiencing the throbbing and pounding that I do. Still, I appreciate and am proud of the fact that I am physically able to endure much more than some might.
2. I Have Real Friends, and I Have Friends Who are Conveniently My Friends
When you have a chronic illness as I do, it’s hard to make and stick to plans. Your illness and symptoms dictate whether or not you end up going out on Friday night as you hoped to. Having a chronic disease consequentially has me flaking out on a lot of plans last minute because my head is screaming at me to calm it down and rest.
I always feel guilty backing out of plans, and I know it can be frustrating for the person on the other end as well. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been able to find out who my true friends are. I’ve learned who will be there for me through everything and won’t get angry when I don’t feel well enough to follow through with plans. I’ve learned who is just around for the times that it’s convenient for them.
3. I Have a Passion for the Healthcare Industry
Before these past few months, I thought I wanted to work in the events and entertainment industry. However, after visiting countless doctors and, more recently, seeing how my advocating for others with illnesses like mine can positively affect other people, I’ve fallen in love with the idea of working in the healthcare industry as an advocate for people like myself. If I hadn’t been given this chronic illness, I wouldn’t have found this passion of mine.
4. How to Effectively Communicate My Feelings of Distress and Pain to Someone Close to Me
Living with migraines puts a strain on any relationship, whether it’s a family member, friend, or significant other. At times, I shut people out when I’m in a bad spell, and my headaches are worse than usual because my emotions are low and mentally.
I’m not in a great place. I know that I get frustrated and snap at people without thinking about it, of course. I also know how frustrating it is for the people who care about me to see me suffer as I do. But after all the ups and downs my relationships have faced, I’ve learned that I have to try to be as open about my illness as
I can with the people that I’m close with. I’ve learned how to effectively communicate how I’m feeling to help them understand. They are my chronic pain support groups.
5. Picking Myself Up After Falling Over And Over Again
I’ve tried so many treatments that I’ve lost count and only a couple of them proved worthy. I’ve hit so many speed bumps and roadblocks along the way of trying to find relief.
It gets exhausting and frustrating. My chronic headaches have had me convinced that I will never see relief ever in my life. I’ve fallen so many times that I feel like my perseverance and endurance have been heavily bruised.
Final Thoughts
But what I’ve learned throughout this entire health journey of living with migraines, is that no matter how hard or how many times you fall, you have to pick yourself back up. No one else is going to pick you up and force you to keep going.
You have to pick yourself up off the floor and keep fighting for progress. Even if it takes me a while to do it, I know I’ve taught myself how to stand up and keep going even after the hardest fall of them all.
