Does it feel like you are in a haze? Do you suffer from migraines? Do you have chronic migraines? Is traveling a HUGE hassle?
Traveling can be extremely stressful from time to time, now imagine having a migraine right as you are walking out of the door and ready to take on the day, in the middle of your trip, or even as you are leaving to head back home. This can make for an extremely difficult and frustrating time. Take it from someone who has suffered from migraines for over 12 years, it can quite literally be a pain in the ass!
I was diagnosed at the young age of 14 from what the doctor had told me at the time was a “classic migraine with aura”. For those who also suffer from migraines, you may know what aura is, or you may not. For me, aura looks like blurry vision forming, my face going numb, one arm going numb, difficulty thinking and sometimes nausea. Then… OH JOY… here comes the migraine pain. Let me just say that my first experience with having a migraine was absolutely terrifying! Sitting in class, never having any experience or knowledge of what a migraine was then having the aura hit followed by a piercing migraine. I had to have someone come pick me up from school and I stayed in bed the rest of that day. Then, after awhile when this never resolved and kept getting worse I finally was able to go to the doctor. The doctor finally put a diagnosis and answered my many questions to what I was experiencing (almost daily).
After suffering from migraines for 12 years, I’ve learned what my triggers are and how to calm/prevent them. Hopefully you have also been able to acknowledge and pinpoint yours as well, but if you haven’t or even if you are looking for more ideas keep reading!
Here are some tips that I’ve found to be extremely helpful for myself, and hopefully they can help you too!
Tips on Traveling with Migraines: From a Fellow Sufferer
- Stay Hydrated
I can’t stress the importance of staying hydrated enough! Did you know that many people who suffer from migraines often have a trigger of “dehydration”? For me, I can reduce the amount, and intensity of my migraines just by staying hydrated! It’s also clinically proven that those who suffer from migraines become dehydrated quicker than those who do not suffer. Remember to stay hydrated while traveling because dehydration can occur much faster in those dry climates, in the vehicle driving, on your flight, in the great outdoors. I know for me, I often “forget” to drink plenty of water when I am having a good time but when that happens I am often faced with reality “the on-set of a migraine”. Try to make it a habit to pack water with you wherever you go. Going on a hike? Going to the beach? Taking a flight? Going on a road trip? Pack a small cooler in your car, bring along water in your backpack, whatever works for you! Well… you get the point. Just make sure to pack water with you, and make sure you are consuming it!
- Try to Eat Healthy
Those donuts for breakfast just won’t cut it! Ensure while traveling you are eating as nutritious as you are able to. Remember how sluggish you have felt after vacation or even during vacation? I can guarantee it is in part to what we put in our bodies while we are on vacation [I am guilty myself]. No, I’m not saying not to indulge every now and then but if you eat like crap, it tends to make you feel like crap.
- Avoid Foods that Trigger the Onset of Your Migraines
For migraine sufferers, certain foods can really trigger the onset of a migraine. It is VERY important to figure out your triggers and avoid those foods. For me, anything sugary in the morning can trigger the onset of a migraine. So, therefore, I avoid any sugary items first thing in the morning- no cakes, donuts, pastries, etc. Instead, I opt for healthier alternatives such as an omelet, breakfast sandwiches, toast, non-sugar based cereals, and many other foods. If you are staying at a hotel that offers a meal plan, do some research in advance to see what they offer.
- Medication
So, the medication piece is totally up to you. Some prefer only over the counter pain medication [OTC], while some prefer prescription medication, and some prefer no medication at all. However, it can mean the difference in “being in a lot of pain”, and minimalizing the pain during travel. If you side with the medication piece, always remember to bring extra medication “just in-case” as well. Weigh the pros and cons of taking either OTC or prescription medication first, and if you feel you can make it without medication please do so. The risks are there and can have long lasting effects overtime so make sure to do your research and figure out what is best for you! Personally, I have resulted to OTC medication versus a daily prescription medication.
Who else suffers from migraines? When did you have your experience with having a migraine?
If you have any stories, or tips that you want to share please do so. I would absolutely love to hear about your experiences and connect with fellow migraine sufferers as we all know how difficult it can be to travel and well, enjoy life at times with the nuisance of having a migraine.
Let me know in the comments below! -xoxo Lisa