The Migraine Diva: #MHAMBC Day 23

John Lennon
(Photo credit: KelseyyBarbara)

Our challenge prompt today is:

Consider this quote by John Lennon, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” Now write about this in terms of your dreams.

Dreams. Had by many and realized by few. Yes, we all sit and daydream about what we would rather be doing or of a better life. Some are just fantasies while others are achievable. There may be goals that can be reached alone, but for the most part dreams are typically realized through the help and assistance of others. Having people in your corner, rallying for you, and guiding you makes a lot of things possible. I have a goal to have a much better quality of life and a healthier body. I know that I can not achieve this goal alone. It would be much more difficult for me to be successful than it is currently with the team of supporters that I have.

First, my naturopath has helped me become practically medication free. I no longer take any daily preventatives for Migraine or fibromyalgia and I haven't been on any antidepressant or anxiety medication in over two years. I no longer have chronic daily headache and the number of Migraine attacks have lowered from over 20 a month to about 10. I still use a rescue medication occasionally, am I am okay with that. She has encouraged and supported me through the difficult lifestyle changes I had to make in order to achieve this. Never has she doubted my ability to commit to the challenges and work my way through them. Choosing to go this route can be expensive but through the grace of God, she is able to work with me financially so that I can afford the treatments and protocols.

Gluten Free Aisle
(Photo credit: Whatsername?)

Second, my husband has been very supportive and is extremely happy that I have chosen to forego all the pills and try something much more natural and easier on my body. The most difficult part of this journey has been some of the diet changes. I already don't drink soda and only drank 100% juice sparingly. I don't consume dairy or eat processed foods. My biggest challenge has been giving up the gluten. I grew up eating and loving bread, pastas, cakes and cookies. I am a food-aholic who had the privilege of enjoying authentic Jamaican food, pastries, breads and beef patties thanks to my Jamaican father and his cooking. Going to Jamaica and eating my grandmother's cooking and stopping at roadside restaurants to indulge in delicious delicacies has spoiled my stomach and my palate. Bread is a huge staple there and so it was with me. Giving it was was hard! Not to mention how expensive going gluten-free is. Thank the Lord that Aldi now carries an awesome and very tasty gluten-free line of products that is way more affordable. My husband has made making these changes easier for me by joining in. My entire household eats gluten-free with me for the most part as I cook entirely gluten-free meals now. It helps tremendously to have everyone on your side food wise.

Third, my medical team are all supportive of my choice to treat my illnesses with my naturopath and have never tried to push medications on me. They give me the final say in whether or not I choose to take a pain or preventive medication or not and never force it on me. I am very grateful for that. I still need to occasionally see my rheumatologist, podiatrist, neurologist and PCP and unless I am getting nowhere with natural pain relief, then I will ask for pain medication. They know that I will use my new tools first and my naturopath isn't against having to use pain medication when it is called for. We just do a colonic to cleanse my system of it when I am no longer taking it and continue on our merry way. So, it all works out.

I could not see myself getting this far alone. I had dreamed of getting better for a long time and I was trying to do it alone for most of that time. Now, with the right team of people behind me I am actually moving forward in a positive way. It is still very hard and at times I feel like giving up. But there are people who want the best for me who won't let me and will help make the journey less difficult for me at any time. I am extremely grateful for that because we all have the same dream, which is for me to be in less pain and to gain more happiness.