#Sponsored: Mothers: A Conversation About Migraine - Part 2

Mothers: A Conversation About Migraine – Part 2

This is a continuation of my first blog post about my migraine interview with Khloè 

The Migraine Thief 

What Khloè described to me that day about losing time in her life is very true. We should not be taken away from our lives because of something we didn’t ask to have. I call my migraine a thief because, like Khloè said, it steals time away from our families, friends, and our goals. Between the time it steals from our businesses to the things we're trying to achieve on a daily basis, it's hard to show up in the way that we want to every day. Migraine can be so unpredictable – I feel like when you live with migraine, it's almost like it's lurking around the corner waiting to jump in and ruin your day. 

How would you describe any particular moments where you felt like migraine has been a thief in your life? 

Khloé: 

“Oh my goodness, how much time do you have? I'm just kidding! There have been so many scenarios. I mean, last Halloween, I was out trick or treating with my daughter and we had to go home because I could not [take] the lights. I couldn't trick or treat. Just seeing all these kids and the people, saying boo or trick or treat, every little thing was just gnawing on my brain, and I couldn't last and so I had to take her home. And, you know, I do have the bonus that she's young. But the mom guilt that I felt it was like, why is something that is happening to me affecting my daughter? And that wasn't fair. I've missed my sister's birthday parties. I've had to stop production. With all the lights that we have at photoshoots, sometimes I had to stop [them as well].” 

Migraine Stigma Does Not Discriminate 

We may naively think that because of Khloè’s status she is immune to stigma. That could NOT be any farther from the truth. Just like the rest of us, she has heard all of the same anecdotes and was on the receiving end of the most stigmatizing questions we have all experienced. And like the rest of us, Khloè has felt shame or has been made to feel ashamed due to a disease she has no control over. In her own words, this is her personal take on how stigma has affected her and how it’s empowered her to help others. 

Khloè: 

“...not everyone understands migraine. Not everyone understands how debilitating it is. And I think that's why so many people suffer in silence because they're almost ashamed, because people are shamed, and I've been shamed my whole life. Like, oh, it's just a headache. Get over it. What do you mean, you can't get out of bed? Or, what do you mean you can't do this? Like, you know, take something and move on or whatever. It's not that easy. And if it was, trust me we would. And so, I think that's why so many people don't talk about things, because they were kind of shamed their whole lives into thinking it's just a headache. When it's not. And so that's also why I want to use my platform to let people know they're not alone. They're not crazy. It's not just a headache. And yes, mainly, you know, migraine do affect women more than men. And they have every right to stand up for themselves. And to say that no, this is a migraine; something worse than a headache. And that there are solutions out there.” 

Connecting Through Pain 

I want to share the rest of our conversation without editing because Khloè deserves this much. Speaking with her, I saw her humanity and the real pain she has endured from a life of migraine. The love for her daughter was transparent and I could tell how painful it was for Khloè to miss out on moments with her lost to migraine. The years of silently dealing with the stigma of migraine, although unspoken for the most part, my entire being felt. My goal for this interview was to let her know that I see her, validate her, and welcome her to our community. We were able to connect with each other as two women and mothers. I hope that those of you reading this open your hearts and arms with a warm embrace because no one deserves to live with migraine. 

Jaime:

It's essential that people like ourselves who have found ways to improve our life with migraine get that knowledge out there for other people to know. You can still live a successful life, despite migraines. Because it can be over encompassing at times. Because it's so overwhelming. I do appreciate your candor. Having someone like you honestly share that this is your life really does help those of us that have been working in the background to say this is a true disease. It's truly debilitating. It completely wrecks your life on different levels. But we're here to do the work and we're here to empower people. There is power in your pain and you still have value. I think a lot of times when we live with something as debilitating as migraine, people will personify their symptoms and they feel as if they're not enough because of it. Like you said the mom-guilt just eats away at you. I think the more that moms like us get up and speak out and say, “hey, yeah, we have those moments, but it doesn't take away from the mom that I am,” or “the woman that I am,” or “the businesswoman that I am,” or “the sister that I am,” or “the friend that I am,” or “the daughter that I am.” The more we do that, the more empowered we can make each other. 

Khloé:

You're such a warrior! You are such a warrior and I applaud you. You're so powerful. So, thank you. 

Jaime: 

Well, no, well, no. I mean, honestly, Khloé, I've been through quite a bit. And it's taken me to a place where, despite this pain that I'm in, it's brought me to a place where I can use my platform to give people hope. And it's really an honor for me to talk to you. Just mom to mom, you are just another woman that I can relate to. And I know where you are because I've been there when my children were little. I just want to let you know that you’ve got this. You truly do and you are not alone. You are a part of a wonderful community of patients and patient advocates right now. So, I just want to personally welcome you to the fold. And we're here for you. I just want you to know that we're here for you. And you can always reach out to us. 

Khloé:

Bless you. You're going to make me cry. Not today! Oh, my goodness! 

Jaime: 

No, don't, don't! But you know what, honestly, that's what we are here for. We embrace each other. And I'm gonna cry because it just means so much to me to talk to you on a human level because I personally feel like you don't get that. And I want to give that to you. 

Khloé:

Well, thank you. I appreciate that. 

Jaime: 

And so I truly value the time you have given me today. And I just really hope that you feel welcomed into this community. And I hope that you know you are not alone in this fight and that I understand, many others understand, and you have so much support around you, Khloé you truly do. 

Khloé: 

Well, thank you. And I hope you feel the same way and it feels so good to feel understood and that you have people that, I don't want anyone to have migraine, but it feels good that there are like-minded people that are sufferers like you so you don't feel so isolated. And I want you to know you have my support. And I think you are, just from hearing your story and reading some of your bio, you are an incredible mother to all your children. And I am just honored to talk with you. Thank you. 

Jaime: 

Thank you so much and I wish you an amazing rest of your day. I hope it stays pain-free and the rest of your week stays pain-free. And if it does not, it's okay not to be okay. It truly is. 

Khloé: 

Yes, ma'am. And we have Nurtec ODT for that.

Jaime:

Yes, we do. Yes, we do. It's amazing to have that in our back pocket. 

Khloé:

Yes. Well, thank you so much.

Jaime:

Thank you. 

Important Safety Information: 

Do not take Nurtec ODT if you are allergic to Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) or any of its ingredients.

Before you take Nurtec ODT, tell your healthcare provider (HCP) about all your medical conditions, including if you: 

• have liver problems,

• have kidney problems,

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, 

• breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

Nurtec ODT may cause serious side effects including allergic reactions, including trouble breathing, and rash. This can happen days after you take Nurtec ODT. Call your HCP or get emergency help right away if you have swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat or trouble breathing. This occurred in less than 1% of patients treated with Nurtec ODT. 

The most common side effect of Nurtec ODT was nausea (2% of patients). This is not the only possible side effect of Nurtec ODT. Tell your HCP if you have any side effects. 

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800- FDA-1088 or report side effects to Biohaven at 1-833-4Nurtec. 

WHAT IS NURTEC ODT?

Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) orally disintegrating tablets is a prescription medicine for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. Nurtec ODT is not used as a preventive treatment of migraine. It is not known if Nurtec ODT is safe and effective in children. 

Please visit Nurtec.com for full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, and Important Safety Information. Link to first blog post