Seems like everyone has advice....

Yes, I have an invisible illness. You can't see it, and if I didn't tell you I had it, you would probably never know.

Even with Migraine Disease, I have managed to still work and have a somewhat normal lifestyle. This is not to say that I don't end up in pain at work, or have to cancel plans last minute, but I still consider myself one of the lucky ones. Migraines have not totally disabled me.

For the times people do see me in pain, I get a lot of "have you tried this?" comments thrown my way. Maybe it's because the average person does not really understand that Migraine is "not just a bad headache".

Migraine is a genetic neurological disease affecting close to 36 million Americans. Migraine affects more people the Diabetes, and is the 12th most disabling disorder in the US.

You would think with those numbers, more people would know what it is. I guess because with Diabetes, people know it's watching your diet or insulin that is used to control it.

It just seems odd to me that there are so many people out there with misconceptions or no knowledge about Migraine at all! That's probably part of why it's under diagnosed and an individual waits till their attacks are very chronic before getting treatment.

The "can't they do anything for you" comments get old. I get tired of answering them. I am doing everything I can, trust me. If you felt anything like I feel on a daily basis, you would be on the computer researching Migraine, talking to people, looking for the best specialist in the world, no matter what the cost.

Granted, I am happy when I see a news report on Migraine make the evening news, but still, the information given to the general public is information Migraineurs have had for over two years. The news acts like it's a new fangled test, drug or device, when it's been on the market for years!

I wish for the day when invisible illnesses like Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalga, and many others are hitting the main stream publications and radio waves.

So many of us suffer alone, trapped inside our pain. But having support groups out there make life a little easier. Knowing that "oh she feels that way too!" is comforting. Sharing pain is a powerful bond, yet I don't wish it on anyone.

There are a lot of great organisations and support out there if you suffer from Migraine:

My Migraine Connection

The Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy

MAGNUM

The Migraine Research Foundation

The National Headache Foundation

Oh, and I can't pass by this little tid bit either.

If you have someone that is a "can't they help you" person or just doesn't understand, give them a copy of Teri Robert's Friends and Family Letter and help educate them!


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I just wish for those who don't understand to maybe think before they make comments.

And the winners are....

The winners of the 2008 My Migraine Connection Poetry contest were announced today. The winners were selected by MAGNUM. Please check it out!

Oh and big kudo's to my friend MJ who took third place Congrats MJ! (you can visit her blog at Rhymes with Migraine ) and you can read her poem and the rest of the winners by checking out My Migraine connection at this link right here!

2008 Putting our Heads Together Poetry Contest!!

What a great way to express yourself and raise awareness!! Brought to you by Help for Headaches and My Migraine Connection, and judged by MAGNUM: The National Migraine Association.

Lead MMC expert, Teri Robert has helped put together this great event, sponsored by her site, Help for headaches and the Health Central site, My Migraine Connection.

Entries need not be long, I was looking over past entries today and got inspired to write my own! Even if this would be your first poem or written word, feel free to enter it!!! It would be a wonderful way to express yourself and get your thoughts out there!!

The deadline for entries is April 21st, and winners will be announced on April 30th.

You can enter the poetry contest by going to MMC at this direct link Here.

Please show your support and enter!! It will be fun!!