Getting Through Big Events With Migraine
My daughter’s wedding is set for this summer. Since they set the date, my health and migraines have cast a shadow of worry about how I will handle all the celebratory chaos leading up to it. I want to be in a blissful planning mode, like other mothers, but I am afraid of what may happen if a migraine strikes me down on that amazing day.
What if I am in so much pain I cannot get out of bed, or if I do, I am dragging myself around in agony and barely able to think, speak — or even worse, what if I am also throwing up?
I can try and push through — I have done it before — but what if people look at me and just know? Some mother-of-the-bride I will make.
Then there is these months leading up to the big day. I have many extra tasks I have taken on — what if I can’t do them?
So far, I have done well in my role as event planner and decorator. I am pacing myself (I have done this before with my other daughter) making things to decorate the ceremony site and am slowly creating the centerpieces. Nothing has taxed my health too much and so far the stress is minimal.
But this spring we will begin having dress alteration appointments, as my daughter is using my old wedding dress and it needs to be sized to her shorter frame. I know I may wear down as I make the hour drive to meet with her and then rush back home in time for the school bus dropping off her younger brothers.
With four kids, two grown and two young, being there for all of them can be a challenge. Preparing for a big wedding just complicates the schedules and takes away my down-time. All of that can lead to a migraine — or several — over the next few months.
Focus on What Matters
I know no matter what happens I will deal with it. But I don’t want an amazing celebration to be tainted by my migraines. Most important, I want to be there, fully present; not sick or in horrible pain, but doing all that I want to do to make this day perfect for my daughter and everyone who attends.
I have started to plan my precautions to ward off any major migraine attacks. Some will work, some may not. Here are a few you can borrow, along with my sincere wishes for you that your next big celebration is memorable for all the right reasons, not for a migraine stealing the moment from you.
Nurture Your Body
I am tempted to eat poorly when I am busy or overwhelmed. Don’t do it. Eat healthy and drink lots of water.
Take your medications on time, even if it means when you are doing errands. Staying hydrated is vital to keeping migraines at bay. Avoid or limit wine and alcohol (if they are triggers for you) to de-stress from a big day or even to celebrate.
Nitrates found in certain foods, like bacon, sandwich meats and hot dogs, is also a trigger for me, so I avoid processed meats and fast food of any kind.
