Suzanne Kohler

I've had chronic migraine for years. But at the beginning of 2021, for the first time in 25 years or so, I was down to only three or four substantial headaches/brain malfunctionings in a month! I was positive and hopeful and felt pretty sharp. I believe my relief was due to intermittent fasting and drastically lowering my sugar intake, which takes a mountain of willpower, but I was feeling cautiously optimistic. In the past, I've tried almost every preventative except the newest CGRP drugs (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, botox, nerve blocks, and an array of heavy-duty anti-convulsants/anti-seizure drugs) and have had various results. However, since I no longer have sufficient insurance to cover expensive treatments, I'd finally given up on the medical establishment to solve my issue. Early in 2021, I was planning to take a class as soon as we got back from visiting family hoping to get back in the workforce and be able to drive regularly again!

My headaches only relent with a fairly significant dosing of anti-inflammatories or aspirin/caffeine meds like Excedrin, along with magnesium and beta-blockers. I am very aware and careful not to provoke either medication or caffeine "rebound headaches", but it has become harder with the persistence/recurrence of these headaches. The headaches don't respond well when pressure changes roll in with the weather (historically my old worst trigger). On days like that, I will approach 6 or 7 doses (around every 3 hours) and afternoon coffee, but normally I live with 2-3 doses of medication on regular days (and only morning coffee). Unfortunately, I never feel what I think of as "sharp" and learning, which I love to do, is a huge struggle. I don't have the confidence or energy to apply for a job.

I have not had luck with intermittent fasting as before. I need to give it another shot in a prolonged fashion (as before) and see if I can reduce the frequency of the headaches. I also have had bad experiences sharing my experiences so I generally am quiet and try not to commit to anything that would reveal my dysfunction. I also find this sad and un-empowering.