Migraine Study

About a day after my trip to the emergency room to treat a bad Migraine, I received a phone call inviting me to participate in a study for a Migraine preventative created by Merck. And because I experience at least three Migraines per month the doctor was eager to set up an appointment.

When I arrived at the clinic this morning a receptionist handed me a thick packet to review before seeing the doctor. It described what the study entailed, and it included a list of reasons to disqualify participants from the study. About half way down the list I saw it: patient cannot have more than 15 headaches per month. All I could think was "&#%@!" This is the same reason I didn't qualify for the MIST II Clinical Trial for PFO. Sometimes I think I should lie because I don't feel it's fair to be left out, but I know it could be a dangerous idea.

I have an appointment with my Neuro tomorrow. I need to ask him what I can take, before I work out, to prevent exertion headaches. And I need to get serious about rescue meds. I don't want to rely on the emergency room or my pain specialist when I experience a full blown Migraine.
Migraine

The Pursuit of Painlessness

Maybe you've been there: you hear a friend say, "I had the worst headache last night and I thought of you...I don't know how you do it." On the one hand you're grateful someone has walked in your shoes for a few hours. But then there's that sense of envy because you know their experience had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Where's our end?

If you're like me there never really is one. There's a lessening of pain for which I'm always grateful. But there is never a true end to it. So how does one go on, with a positive outlook, when they're faced with pain every day?

It isn't easy. You almost have to adopt a Pollyanna approach - finding the good in life, no matter the hardships. But thankfully there's something called empathy that sees you through. A friend, family member or co-worker can have sympathy for your situation, but it will always take someone who's truly been there to reassure you that you're going to be alright. They keep you going.

Sharing my experience with others, and learning from others who have been there inspires me to face every challenge life brings. And counting my blessings puts things in perspective. No matter how much I hurt, I know there's someone out there dealing with worse. Having a great sense of humor also helps. The ability to laugh at myself and my situation not only sees me through difficult times, it actually eases my pain.

Finding a hobby or something you're passionate about helps pass the time as well as get your mind off pain. I know people in pain who write, garden, volunteer, teach, sing, paint, create jewelery, show horses, etc. For some faith gets them through, for others it's music.

In the pursuit of painlessness I've learned the best thing is to stop pursuing. If I'm always striving to get to that place I'll miss out on the life that is happening right now.
Migraine

Excellent ER visit!

It's not often I go to the emergency room when I have a killer Migraine. After having a terrible experience some years ago I vowed never to return. But last night's pain was so bad it scared me. I asked the hubby to take me to a different ER and I'm happy to write it was a wonderful experience.

We went to Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and within 20 minutes I was laying down in a dark, private room. The staff was understanding, knowledgeable and treated me with respect. They were able to bring my pain from a 10 down to a 4. And an added bonus: no one was wearing perfume or cologne.

Give

The One-Minute Writer: Today's Writing Prompt: Give
If you had $100,000 to give away, to what person(s) or organization(s) would you give it?

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) for their continued efforts to protect wildlife and wild places around our world. I first heard of this organization in Robert F. Kennedy, Jr's book "Crimes Against Nature: How George W. Bush and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the Country and Hijacking Our Democracy."

Maximizing Your Enjoyment of the Holiday Season

We all know how much pressure the holiday season can put on us, especially those who deal with pain. What helps me maximize enjoyment during the holidays? I sing along to Christmas music, I make plenty of hot chocolate and comforting soups, my husband and I go for walks or drives through areas in the city known for their Christmas light displays, and if I can afford it I donate to charities in someone's name.

It's best to choose a charity that fits their personality and/or interests. For example, if your cousin plays the flute in school you can donate to VH1 Save the Music Foundation in their name. You're helping out a great cause and teaching the valuable lesson of giving. And the added bonus: it doesn't involve wrapping paper or shipping fees.

Judge says perfume lawsuit can proceed

Thursday, November 27, 2008

A Detroit city planner says co-worker's scent interferes with job performance, breathing.

Paul Egan / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- A city of Detroit planner can proceed with her lawsuit alleging a co-worker's perfume made it difficult for her to breathe and impossible to do her job, a federal judge has ruled.
In an opinion released late Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff rejected the city's attempt to have Susan McBride's lawsuit, filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act, dismissed.
McBride "has produced evidence that her breathing is significantly restricted" by a co-worker's perfume, and she has a potential claim, Zatkoff ruled.
Both McBride's Detroit attorney and the chairwoman of the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation said Wednesday that Zatkoff's decision to allow the lawsuit to proceed is significant.
"He recognizes that this is the type of claim that's viable," said attorney Ann Curry Thompson, who represents McBride. "These are types of claims that in many jurisdictions ... are sort of pooh-poohed and are not taken seriously."
Grant Ha, the attorney representing the city in the lawsuit, did not return a phone call Wednesday. Ha said in a June court filing that "there is no medical diagnosis of the alleged condition," and McBride "is not disabled because she is not substantially impaired in a major life activity."
But Zatkoff, who sits in Port Huron, found that McBride's difficulty breathing as a result of her co-worker's perfume does present a potential claim under the federal law designed to protect the disabled from discrimination in public places and the workplace. He dismissed McBride's claims that her chemical sensitivity also impairs her ability to shop for detergents, speak, interact with others, and reproduce.
It's not clear that the city took reasonable steps to accommodate McBride's condition, the judge ruled.
Alison Johnson, chairwoman of the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation in Topsham, Maine, said she welcomes Zatkoff's decision to let the lawsuit proceed.
"These perfume sensitivities are very real, and I can't tell you how many lives they are ruining," Johnson said. "Maybe there's beginning to be recognition that these things are serious."
McBride is seeking unspecified damages. Thompson said the major goal of the lawsuit is not monetary damages but "to educate people about the issue and seek voluntary compliance, where possible."
The city is continuing to fight the lawsuit, which could be headed to trial next year.
You can reach Paul Egan at (313) 222-2069 or pegan@detnews.com.

Environmental Illness