Name: Sarah
Location: Austin,
Texas
Diagnoses: Intractable
chronic migraine with aura, migraine-associated vertigo, panic disorder, MTHFR
mutation
Age at Diagnoses: 25
How are you currently
treating your conditions?
I
treat my conditions using a variety of methods, depending on my symptoms and
their severity at any given moment. I practice yoga, own (and wear) a wearable
ice hat, use tinted glasses designed for those of us with migraine, make sure
to walk daily, take magnesium and B-12 supplements, and avoid enriched flour
products. (The added folic acid is a big no-no for me.) I also use prescription
medication when needed.
What are the biggest
challenges you have faced since your diagnosis?
Figuring
out a way to earn a decent living while living with symptoms that make
traditional work and a traditional work environment nearly impossible.
What are your
favorite tips and tricks for managing everyday tasks?
The
one thing I can do that has the biggest impact on my quality of life is to
respect my body's limitations, especially when it comes to time
management. I understand that if I push myself too hard on one day, I will have
to use the next day (or two!) to recover. I try to remember that and allow
myself the time to rest when I need it.
How do you manage to
keep facing forward every day?
I
have a wonderful support system in my husband. He's my best friend and an
absolute joy to be around. Between him and my kids, I'm incredibly grateful for
each moment. Loving them helps me focus on the positive.
If you could go back
to diagnosis day and tell your past self one thing, what would it be?
You're
going to have to make some changes. Big changes. That isn't necessarily a bad
thing.
Do you have a blog
you would like to share?
I'm also active on FB, where I just launched a group
for people with chronic illness who want to share practical tips and
collaborate on ways to live well with whatever illnesses we're facing. Find me
at https://www.facebook.com/
Would you like to be featured on Facing Forward? If
so, please send an email to mariah@fromthispointforward.com.
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