Take Care of Her
Medications
Does she have her pills nearby? Part of being a good migraine caretaker is being aware of her prescriptions, when they are given and when they need to be refilled. The medication can do no good if it’s not available.
Know the difference between the ones that prevent migraines and the ones that lessen the symptoms after they have begun. Be sure that you can recognize them out of their bottle and by feel in a dark room.
Ice and Heat
What does your wife like when she is in the midst of a migraine? Does she like an ice-cold compress or a hot water bottle? Have a variety of temperature changes ready for her as she may find benefit from one initially before needing to change to the other. Even brief periods of comfort can be a welcome change from hours of discomfort.
Environmental
Many different elements help many different people with their migraines. Lighting can be a major factor so black out the windows if that is part of the routine. Work to keep the house noise down if sounds exacerbate her symptoms.
Other times music, white noise, temperature in the room, comfortable clothes and certain blankets and pillows provide a bit of relief to someone that is in intense pain. Build options before her next migraine to prepare yourself. Taking care of her sensory needs can reduce the duration and intensity of the migraine.
Take Care of You
Now that she has been checked on, check on yourself. Being any kind of caretaker is extremely taxing on someone’s physical and mental wellbeing. If you cannot manage your own needs, you will never be able to help hers.
Refocus on yourself to help both of you. Here’s how:
Have Fun
The best remedy for stress is having fun. When your wife is well, be sure to reconnect on dates or family nights at home to strengthen the relationship. Try new things and go to new places to deepen your emotional bond. Remind yourself that she is still vibrant and healthy much of the time. This will recharge your batteries making it easier to fight the next migraine.
Stay Holistic
In this case, holistic means paying attention to your life in its entirety. If the only focus you have is your wife and her migraines, the other aspects of your will suffer.
Similarly, if you only focus on yourself, her needs will go neglected. Balance work with home life by communicating well at your place of employment. Letting work know about your home life can pay off as your boss will have more understanding regarding your needs to be at home and your level of stress.
Spend time maintaining friendships for another appropriate outlet.
