The Struggles of Being a New Migraineur
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing incredibly severe stomach pain (as if my body felt migraines weren’t enough!). Last week, I met with a gastroenterologist who prescribed an ultrasound and endoscopy for me.
How does this relate to migraines?
When I met with the gastroenterologist, I was reminded of the first time I ever met with my neurologist. Both times the doctors asked me to describe what the pain felt like (shooting, stabbing, throbbing, cramping, bloating, pressure). Both times the doctors asked me if the pain came on sudden or gradually, when it came on, and how often during the day. My experience as a migraineur taught me to be a better patient, but I still couldn’t answer the gastroenterologist’s questions. It is so tough to notice and trace your pain symptoms when you are in the early stages of a disease. You are so confused and scared of what’s happening in your body. Once my migraines got more familiar, I was able to notice if they were related to various triggers or if they happened at certain times of the day. I need to apply the “skills” I’ve gained as a migraineur to my new stomach pain.
My Personal Update:
The ultrasound showed no problems with my gall bladder, kidney, liver, and pancreas. The endoscopy showed no ulcers or inflammation in my stomach. However, the doctor tested for Celiac disease, and I will get the results next week. I am still experiencing horrible stomach pains that leave me immobilized. My guess is Celiac or IBS, but I have no medical training and absolutely no clue. If any of you have experienced mystery stomach pain I’d love to talk about it!
It was also such a relief to be diagnosed with migraines, merely because once I had a name with my symptoms, I could begin treating them. I am in that same stage now, just waiting for a diagnosis and getting flashbacks to the early-migraine-Emily from several years ago.
Do you remember what it was like to be a new migraineur? What advice would you give to newly diagnosed migraineurs out there?
