I don’t get migraines (thankfully) but my husband does. I do get sinus and stress related headaches. In fact I have one right now (stress related). I have a lot of work to get done (blogging), plus last minute holiday shopping, a sick cat I need to get better and we’re still waiting for the test results from our daughter’s blood work. Right now my headache is so bad I feel like it could take an Elephant down. Ugh!
Some might argue that I should go lie down. In a perfect world I would but I can’t. I have too much work to do so I just have to work through it until the Excedrin kicks in.
If you suffer from migraines, do you know if they are stress related or not? I’m sure those of you who do suffer from stress related migraines must find that they occur a lot around the holiday season. Between all the shopping, fretting about bills, entertaining guests, finishing up end of the year projects and a million other things I’m sure stress levels are at an all time high.
I have noticed that my husband has been getting more migraines then usual the past couple of weeks. I also know he is stressing about gifts for the kids, $$$$ (or lack there of), finishing up things at work and a few other things. I keep telling him not to stress out about these things but it’s hard for him not to.
We know that stress can trigger his migraines. We also know that certain scents trigger them too. Oddly enough not all scents do. I can burn some candles and they give him an instant headache. Other times he’s fine. Certain perfumes and body sprays do the same thing. So we know scent is a trigger. We just have to narrow down specifically which scents. I’m kind of a dork because when he says a candle triggers his migraine I don’t write down the fragrance, I just toss it away or put it back in the closet. I really need to jot these things down so I know not to pick up scents that bother him and trigger those nasty migraines.
Believe it or not dehydration seems to trigger his migraines too. My husband is really busy at work sometimes that he doesn’t even stop to eat lunch. He also neglects to drink water throughout the day (or not enough). On those days he seems to get migraines too, although we’re not sure if it’s strictly due to dehydration or a combination of dehydration and stress from running around.
It’s crazy trying to figure out all of his triggers. Thankfully Excedrin has an app you can download for FREE on your phone or tablet that helps you to narrow down your triggers to see what things you can avoid to help prevent or reduce migraines.
The app is called My Migraine Triggers. You can find it at the iTunes app store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-migraine-triggers/id560516772) or by doing a search for it within the app store. My husband’s phone doesn’t use apps but he does have an iPod Touch which he carries in his laptop bag to keep track of his triggers. That way he has it handy at work and at home. Sometimes he forgets to use the app but I make sure to remind him.
I even downloaded the app on my phone. I don’t suffer from migraines (thankfully). I do get stress and sinus headaches but every now and then I get “mystery” headaches which can be severe. I thought maybe the app might help me pinpoint what triggers then too (other than my teenagers – ha ha).
I like that there is a section on the app where you can go to learn more about migraines. It truly is a great resource for those who suffer from this often debilitation condition.
My husband is so happy that Excedrin Migraine is returning to store shelves. Sadly we haven’t found it locally (yet) but we both look for it every time we’re out shopping. For Christmas I want to pick up a few bottles for him (one for home, one for work, one for his car). I bought him a pair of sneakers he REALLY wanted for Christmas but I have a strong feeling the Excedrin Migraine bottles will be his most favorite presents (I’m NOT exaggerating either!).
Did you know that Excedrin Migraine is FDA-approved to treat migraines, including pain, nausea, photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) and phonophobia (extreme sensitivity to sound). My husband suffers from all of these ailments when he’s experiencing a migraine. I feel horrible for him when it happens to because aside from rushing to get him some Excedrin Migraine and some water there is not much else I can do except turn the lights off and ask the kids to be quiet. 🙁
Even though migraines typically happen to women, men suffer from them too (approx. 6%). Statics show that one in four households has a family member who suffers from migraines.
Migraines can strike at any time. Most typically occur in the AM but for people like my husband they can hit any time – morning, noon or night.
Some people have several migraine attacks per week. Other people might only experience them a few times per year. Each person is different. That is why the My Migraine Triggers app is so helpful for doctors. You are able to e-mail your personal migraine “diary” to your doctor who can use that information to help you figure out your triggers. Although there is no cure for migraines, knowing the information can help your doctor come up with the best course of action to help you deal with your migraines.
Excedrin has a wealth of information on their site in regards to migraines. If you or a loved one suffers from migraines it would be helpful if you checked out the site to learn more about migraines, their causes, possible triggers and even how to tell the difference between a migraine and a regular headache. I consider the site a great resource for migraine sufferers. Visit MigraineResource.com.
You can also check out Excedrin’s Facebook page. There you can connect with other migraine sufferers and well as learn more about migraines. You can even follow Excedrin on Twitter (@Excedrin).
Don’t forget to download the free My Migraine Triggers app too.
Look for Excedrin Migraine, which should be returning to a store shelf near you any day now.
Kimberly
*I am a paid Excedrin ® Migraine blog ambassador. Along with compensation, the Excedrin Migraine® Relief kit and travel to attend the Jordin Sparks media event was provided by Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., the makers of Excedrin® Migraine.
Mike Smith says
For years I suffered with Migraines, the worse time had to visit the local hospital for injections. Over time the migraines got less and less. I think partly due to being able to control my stress level helped a lot. Also the food we eat or as you say about your husband with candle scent people are affected in different ways. My sister suffers from migraine and I shall mention Excedrin to her.
Thank you for sharing