Migraine Study

A day or so ago I registered for the MIST II Clinical Trial, answered a few questions to see if I qualify, and actually got a telephone call today. The gal calling from PA ran me through some more questions and made sure I was close enough to La Jolla (damn, the luck!) to begin the process. The next step is hearing from the doctor's office.

I was born with a heart murmur, but for some time now doctors haven't been able to detect it. A PFO is different than a murmur, but when I heard about it a year or so ago I wondered, "what if I have a hole in my heart?" It would probably explain why performing any type of activity that gets my heart pumping harder brings on awful, pounding exertion headaches. So wouldn't it be amazing to get that baby sealed off - if I have one. Of course, I could be in the placebo group which would royally suck - going through all the procedures and headache diaries for nothing! But let's see what happens, and if I even qualify.

Remembering the good in people

The hubby was driving us home from the bank today, and while we listened to Nat King Cole's "O Holy Night" I flashed to my stepfather and I singing in the church choir. I've talked negatively about my stepdad for as long as I can remember but while the song played I could hear his deep, rich voice and it brought a smile to my face (lots of tears too). Then I remembered all the times he had helped me with my essays - not write them for me like my mom used to do, but actually critique and send me back to my room until it was done correctly.

As much as my stepfather struggled with alcoholism and self-hatred I know he genuinely loved me and my mother. And I know I didn't make it easy for him at times.

Happy Holidays!