Anyone who’s visited my blog for more than a few weeks knows that I absolutely LOVE doing mid-monthly shout-outs for other blogs that I’ve read and enjoyed. I’ll do that again on the 17th of July (my blog-anniversary), but today’s blog post is a bit different; it’s a shout-out to one blog in particular – Jennifer Barraclough – AND the ebook which she just published (wow!): “Migraine and Me – a doctor’s experience of understanding and coping with migraine”.
The ebook’s introduction explains that the book is a mixture of lived experience anecdotes as well as evidence from published research. Jennifer trained and practiced as a medical doctor, so when she reviews her life with migraine in the first chapter, you get an understanding of migraine from both a professional and a personal perspective, which makes it very engaging.
The next few chapters clearly explain what migraine is, its symptomology and prognosis, as well as what makes people with migraine potentially more vulnerable to them. Triggers, treatments and methods of prevention are each covered, as well as a look at the psychosocial aspect of migraines.
Jennifer reiterates my ‘Goldilocks’ take on migraines – in which migraine-pain-brains like things to be not too this, and not too that, but juuuuust right; they don’t like too much caffeine, or not enough… too much sleep, or not enough… and for some people, they don’t like electromagnetic devices (such as mobile phones) but can gain relief from other electromagnetic devices (such as neuromodulation). She also raises another of the confusing paradoxes regarding migraine – stress creates migraines and migraines create stress – BUT, not always in a way you would anticipate. You can work hard all week in a stressful role, for example, without pain and then get a migraine on the weekend when it’s finally time to relax (page 22).
I really resonated with her frustration regarding the often rude and inconsiderate reactions she has received due to her migraines, and how it stands in direct contrast to the sympathy and support she received when she slipped over on wet rocks or fell whilst playing with exuberant dogs – activities where she was potentially more ‘reckless’ or ‘at fault’ (page 25).
My favorite chapters were Chapter 9 “Creativity and achievement” and 10 “Silver lining” which both act as reminders that migraine need not be ‘all bad’… people still go on to live creative and purposeful lives – so remember – never give up – your diagnosis isn’t all that you are.
[By coincidence, the creativity chapter referenced Vincent van Gogh and his ‘Starry Night’ painting, drawing a similar conclusion to my recent post which mentioned that his images have a sense of migraine-visual-aura about them.]
At $4.99 (AUD) the value of the book far exceeds the cost – so help a fellow blogger out and consider having a look.
The ebook appears to be available in lots of different locations, but I found a couple of links which include a sneak-peak inside:
Now, to keep the spirit of mutual blog-loving alive, I mentioned a few posts ago that I had a dream about all of us bloggers getting together in a virtual zoom meeting. Then I had a go at picking a time, only to discover that my geography wasn’t great, and half my invitees would have to get up at 4am in the morning to attend!
I’m now proposing 2 virtual get-togethers… soooo… SAVE THE DATE for what suits you best and I’ll post a zoom address this time next week:
[If the picture glitches: the meeting dates are Saturday 9pm (Sydney time) on the 20th of July & Sunday 9am (Sydney time) on the 21st of July.]
Lastly, an update on the poll that I did the other day about whether a positive mindset can help overcome chronic pain – I was interested to see that the majority of you voted “yes & no” rather than ‘absolutely’ or ‘nope’:
And because I just LOVE the constant reminders of how global this blog is – here’s where the voters came from – thank you to everyone who cast a vote:
Take care taking care my blog-friends, and I hope to see you soon online… actually see you – how exciting!
Linda x
The Mindful Migraine 
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