Hey everyone! It’s Friday, and I’m chilling in my bathrobe drinking coffee and celebrating because my one year old has finally started sleeping through the night. Sleep is so important for all of my chronic illnesses, but most importantly for my migraines. Why am I telling you all this? Because today at Chronic Coffee Chat, we’re featuring a migraine blogger who is also a mom– like me! Let’s find out more and let her introduce herself:
My name is Sarah. I write My Migraine Life. I am a mom of 2 small children, teacher and chronic migraine sufferer. My blog is filled with the emotions that come with living with a chronic illness. It’s about not only surviving but thriving with a positive attitude and self care practices. I review products, shed light on what migraine really is (stigma aside), talk about traveling, child care, treatment, holistic help, fundraisers, giveaways and more. It’s meant to be shared with migraine sufferers and those in their lives. (parents, friends, spouses, children, co workers, bosses etc.)
You can find me:
Q: You’ve had migraines basically your whole life. I’ve also had chronic migraines since childhood, and I know that a lot of people think “it’s just a headache.” What do you wish the general public knew about chronic migraine?
A: Bottom line, migraines dictate how, when and where I live my life. It effects how I eat, hear, see, smell, sleep, my body temperature, my moods, my emotions, my physical strength, my stomach, and more. My life is consumed with decreasing my pain, symptoms, triggers, and recovering. I see many doctors and try endless natural remedies. No event is untouched by my migraines and no holiday is painless. It is a financial and relationship strain. The stigma is defeating and the funding for treatments is ignored.
Q: You’re also a Mom. I have a lot of readers who are parents or who are planning on becoming parents. What would be your best advice for chronically ill parents?
A: I do best with having things prepared. I have drinks and snacks prepared, meals frozen, back up child care in place and crafts on hand. I have a strong support system that love my children and understand my life with migraine. I don’t overschedule play dates or make promises I don’t know that I can keep. Although my children are young, they are growing up to be compassionate and helpful people who care and understand that mom can’t always do everything. They see me work and fight hard.
I don’t talk about migraine a lot in fear that they “want to be like mommy” when in fact I’m constantly monitoring them for signs of me passing migraine on to them. I teach the importance of eating healthy, sleep schedule and being active.
My children motivate me and trigger me at the same time. I’ve learned how to deal with a tantrum when I’m in screaming pain. It’s hard, really hard!!!! But they are my life. I see them and I search for more answers or treatments because I want to be better for them. Their hugs and kisses fuel me.
I try to keep my guilt in check. I’m doing my best like every other mom. I am positive and teach my kids to look at the bright side of things. Perspective for us all is important. Instead of focusing on what I’m missing I am extra grateful for what I get to do with them. We make the most of moments and I try to be present with them knowing I may not be able to later. It’s a balance.
Q: You do a lot of reviews about products marketed at chronically ill people, and specifically migraine sufferers. Do you have a favorite product you’ve reviewed on your blog?
A: I have a bunch. I truly know that these things help me and love to recommend them to people who may be looking.
Q: What is the main message you hope people take away from your blog?
A: Life can be good even when you suffer. Beauty can be found in little things. Small steps can be giant leaps. You aren’t alone and reach out to those when you need help. It’s a marathon and treatments are specific to the individual. Support is crucial and emotional highs and lows are expected. Giving up is not an option and super heroes come out of those fighting their own battles.
Thanks again to Sarah for being with us today at Chronic Coffee Chat. As you know, I track the #chroniccoffeechat hashtag on both Twitter and Instagram, where I occasionally post special bonus content, and you can email me for info on being featured! Have a happy Friday, everyone!
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