When I created this blog I didn't know what to call it. Because I had allowed my health to become the center of my universe I thought about a name like My Migraine Journey, but something wouldn't allow me to give such recognition to the very term that had already become such a negative part of my life. After deciding on jasmine's blog I realized jasmine's cove better depicted the escape I often longed for when the beast broke in.
Migraines can strike any time, any place, but I always feel comforted when they occur at home. In my cove, my nook, my bed, I'm able to create the escape I need to get me through an attack. Rest is just too important, so creating the best environment in your bedroom is vital. What sense would it make to work on your kitchen, garage or bathroom when the bedroom is the first place you'll seek when a Migraine hits?
My arsenal consists of a heating pad, a supportive pillow, soft sheets and a warm down comforter. My bedroom is clutter-free; less stuff equals less to manage and focus on when all I need to be concerned with is getting rest. (So if you have piles of clothing, or stacks of magazines or books, find a home for them before your next attack!) And notice I said rest because there are times the pain will be too intense to fall asleep.
If photophobia keeps me from watching television (in the living room), I listen to soothing music or National Public Radio. Migraines can sometimes last for days so NPR keeps me entertained and up on current events. Because of phonophobia the telephone ringer is usually off, or at least on the lowest setting. My brain just doesn't need the added stimuli. Speaking of which I never keep scented products like candles or plug in air fresheners in the bedroom.
Is your home prepared for your next Migraine attack? If not, I hope this post gave you some ideas. And if you have any tips you'd like to share I would love to hear them.
9 comments:
This is a great idea having a migraine haven! I know what you mean about the pain being too intense to sleep!
Great post!
I keep my bed buddy near my bed, ready to pop in the microwave and provide some mild moist heat. I find heating pads too irritating when I'm in that hypersensitive state.
I also keep one of those travel neck pillows nearby - sometimes I just need my head to be supported, but the effort hurts too much!
I have opaque shades, instead of blinds, on the bedroom windows. Like you, I have a down comforter. And while I don't like my husband's heavy feather pillow most of the time, when the pain is really bad the weight of it feels good over my eyes.
I have a playlist of very quiet, calming music (I got it when I was taking a Hypnobirthing class while pregnant) that I turn on, very very low volume, when the pain is really bad. I lie in bed, calming music playing, pillow on my head, and practice self-hypnosis (really just deep, deep concentration/meditation.)
I have a migraine playlist too :D
a "fake" down comfortable (due to dust mite allergies)
one of those neck support pillows - the one where they are rounded differently on each side, and you us one side if you are on your back and the other side if you are on your side so your neck is supported correctly - fav pillow ever
have a body pillow so when i lay on my side i can put it between my knees and/or put it over my face
i am in an appartment so they have so cloth draps and wont let me change them -.- so I have resorted to using those chips bag clips to hold a folded sheet over the close draps to try to make it dark enough, basicly works
have a heater blanket (and a pad incase I am out of the bedroom)
have slipper-socks
have a water bottle always ready in the fridge to grab and put by the bed
also have a thing of rescue meds in the nightstand by the bed
haha I am over prepared :P
Thanks Chick.
Thank you, Becki. The bed buddy sounds good. How long does it remain hot? And how could I forget to mention blocking out the outdoor light?!?! Thanks for the reminder.
Tallis that pillow you mentioned sounds interesting. What's the brand name? And yes having water and rescue meds at the ready is an excellent tip. In my opinion there's no such thing as over-prepared when it comes to creating a Migraine-friendly environment :)
I include a shoulder triggerpoint pillow from MotherEarthPillows.com. I prefer an unscented flax pillow(the flax itself has a very subtle soothing scent).
Thanks for tip, and link Andy.
The one I have is "Contour dream Rx by Homedics", I bought it from Costco a few years ago.
It doesn't look like they have it any more - here is the Homedics site: http://www.homedics.com/products/
If you hit sleep-pillows it brings what they have up, the one I have is no longer there, but they have a bunch of types now :D
Jasmine,
I hear you about the naming business. My unoriginal blog name came about when I began my blog at about 1:00 am one night on an insomnia night/all-nighter.
Soon, I will switch to Wordpress and will have a new domain name and blog name. So I hear what you're saying. :)
It's great that you are sharing your coping tips with people. :)
I had a very interesting exchange with Susie Collins of The Canary Report this week... regarding the toxins in candles. As far as plug-ins... I wish they'd be pulled off the market. They are so unhealthy.
Great post!
Jeanne
Thanks Tallis for sharing that info.
Thanks Jeanne for the compliments. I look forward to seeing your new site on Wordpress. And I agree, scented plug-ins need to go!
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