The Mindful Migraine

When discussing your migraines with the doctor, it is fairly standard to refer to your triggers at some point in the consultation. “Flashing lights definitely cause migraines,” you might say, and “I’m pretty certain fatigue, stress and dehydration are not good for me either”. And as you think back over the last few migraine attacks (or check your Trigger Tracker) you might add, “other people overdosing on perfume isn’t great, and come to think of it… maybe too much caffeine is an issue… or not enough…”

One of the not so fun moments from my chronic-pain-past was realizing that visiting the doctors was also one of my potential triggers.

I’ve written before about “doctors behaving badly” and the time my GP told me to pull myself together and stop crying (after she told me she had no further treatment options available (and I would just have to learn to live with the pain)).

But most doctors are “good” doctors, and even when good doctors have bad days – that’s not the triggering aspect of doctor visits I’m talking about.

What I’m referring to is any number of potential reasons that go beyond just the feeling of nervousness that you might not get the help you need.

For me, there’s the long train ride to get to the neurologist’s office, the dehydration caused from not drinking before the trip (because who knows where the bathrooms might be), maybe the noises in the street are too loud, or the lights too bright in the waiting room… and what if the train is running late given you already had to wait months to get this appointment… and… or…

[For my last trip to get preventative Botox injections, my husband drove me to the neurologist’s office. We almost made it, but became stuck in a traffic-jam caused by funeral cars. Eventually I realized I couldn’t wait any longer and had to jump out and fast-walk myself to the doctor’s appointment… Hubby finally got to reception at the same time I was coming out.]

I’ve also written before about my anxiety-pain-brain-train, and the relationship between pain and fear and how we can fall into a loop that leads to heightened pain and fear. I don’t doubt that I make things worse for myself!

BUT

It’s not unreasonable to imagine that a visit to the doctors could heighten anxiety which in turn heightens the pain.

It’s also fair to say that the whole endeavor (especially if you’ve been housebound for a while) could result in you feeling overstimulated… or if that word doesn’t sound right, then try overwhelmed.

A trip to the hospital can feel even WORSE. In one of my worst migraines ever, I was taken to hospital by my mother and husband on Christmas Day about 10 years ago. I mentioned the episode before (here) in terms of my symptoms and possible triggers on the day, but I also remember it as an almost out-of-body experience… I wanted help… I needed help… but I also remember whimpering in the back seat because the car trip was making me feel nauseas and the bright lights in the hospital were overwhelmingly painful. Hence the blanket over my head while they inserted an IV to rehydrate me:

So what can you do?

First up – always seek medical attention if you are unwell.

Don’t stay home to avoid the bright lights if you need help.

Secondly, be kind to yourself: self-awareness and acceptance are important – don’t let others tell you that a doctor’s visit is no big deal and can’t be a migraine trigger (ANY change in location can be stressful when you’re feeling unwell).

Thirdly, try to focus on the good things – concentrate on why a trip to the doctor is worthwhile and visualize what you stand to gain from the appointment. “Cheer up” and “be positive” sound like lame advice, I know, but there IS truth in it. If you fixate beforehand on all the things that can wrong during your visit to the doctor, is it really that surprising that the visit is going to feel like a stressful drama?

Lastly, try mindfulness. Practice calming yourself down by breathing better, reading affirmations, or meditating… almost anything I have posted under the tab of “strategies” is worth a try.

If you’re still struggling to get out of the house – don’t forget that telehealth appointments (or phone consultations) may be an option where you live.

[And at the risk of sounding rude, if your anxieties about visiting the doctor are turning into deep-seated fears or potential phobias you might also want to consider therapy so you can speak to a specialist about ways to recalibrate your relationship with medical appointments.]

Chin up lovelies – you got this.

Take care taking care my dears, Linda x

PS – Disclaimer – please remember that I am not a medical doctor or therapist – be sure to only seek health advice from a trained professional especially when it comes to making decisions about when, where and how often you should be seeing your doctor!