alexavecchione
The way we discuss and describe migraine can be so personal. For example, some feel very comfortable identifying as a "migraineur" while others prefer more person-first language, like "person with migraine".
What language do you use to describe your experiences with migraine? Are there any terms associated with migraine that you either resonate with or find stigmatizing? All perspectives are welcome here!
amy6 Member
I cringe when someone says “Oh you have a headache?”
I reply “No I am having a migraine attack” I want to be as transparent as possible, there’s so much more to a migraine than head pain. Some people are open to hearing about it & others aren’t so you have to read the room. But I am firm on correcting the fact that I am having a migraine attack, not a headache. Even when I’m dealing with medical professionals.
dgt2 Member
Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
Jilllessa Member
After years of not going to regular doctors for my migraines because they had nothing to offer me finally hearing about new medication‘s. Went to my PCP to ask her about them and the first thing she said was you just have headaches you should get a massage. It wasn’t until my next doctor asked me why my kidneys were so bad and how much Advil I took That I mentioned that I take hundred of Advil a month because I had migraines and she listened and gave me some medication
Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Hi
Having a doctor tell you "you have headaches and need a massage" is the epitome of medical gaslighting. I'm sorry you went through that and I'd like to thank you for sharing this with us. You're not alone - many of us deal with medical gaslighting.
Migraine is a neurological disease that falls on a spectrum from mild to severely debilitating. Some of us live with episodic migraine while other live with chronic migraine. Are you finding the medication beneficial in reducing attack frequency and severity?
We hope to hear more from you and I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team Member
migrainessavedmylife Member
Nancy Harris Bonk Moderator
Hi
Thank you for joining the conversation and sharing your experience with us! I use Cefaly each night as well and find it beneficial.
I love that you are an empowered, educated patient. It's vital to understand our disease as it will allow us to better manage it.
I hope you're having a good day and I'm sending you pain free wishes, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator Migraine.com Team Member
Cody Leach Community Admin
Thank you so much for taking the time to post,
valdeench Member
I know this is crazy but I tell my family what color my migraines are. The colors from best to worst are: blue, green, gray, red and black. They know if it's red or black I'm off to bed.
Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor