Oh really. Care to say that to this woman's face?????
I'm pretty sure it wouldn't go down very well. Not only is Serena Williams this years Wimbledon Champion she is a Migraine Champion (cheesy I know but get some crackers and deal with it!) It's a little known fact that she's suffered with severe menstrual migraines since she was 18. If ever there was a person who debunked nearly all of the myths and misconceptions that surround migraineurs, it surely must be Miss Williams. I mean, let's be honest, not only does she wear rocking tennis outfits but I'm willing to bet she could beat most chaps at an arm wrestle. Spindly and lacking in motivation she is not.
As is sadly all too typical for many migraine sufferers it was years (5 to be exact) before Serena was correctly diagnosed and got the help she needed. If only she'd come to me with her problems I could have told her instantly what was going on, but we're not besties yet. Serena we'd get along so well, do get in touch! But this highlights once again the lack of awareness and education out there, amongst the public and even more frighteningly: the medical profession. Just read this quote to see some of the comments made to her by ignorant Doctors (I'm almost impressed they dare say these things to such a world class athlete.)
Serena Williams is doing her bit to raise awareness but I wish she'd do more. If she's still in the UK I think she should stop by The Migraine Trust and the National Migraine Centre and become their Sports Personality Of The Year.
There are many other famous faces, from actors, athletes and writers, who suffer with migraine which may surprise you and I will be talking about them in due course.
p.s I'm off for my second session with the Healer today, wish me luck!
More information on Serena Williams & her Migraines & Menstrual Migraines:
http://www.migrainetrust.org/factsheet-menstruation-and-migraine-10883
http://www.migraineclinic.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Factsheet-Menstrual-Migraine-12.1.122.pdf
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2005/05/09/it-s-one-of-the-worst-things.html
http://thatmword.com/post/24808298997/a-spokesperson-for-migraine
http://conditions.healthguru.com/slideshow/mvps-with-migraines/serena-williams
Coming up on Migraine Monologues:
Topamax Trials and Tribulations: Is it starting to work?
The Healer Part II
The Dietician and the FODMAP Diet
The TENS Unit
Nerve Blocks
Migraine Rituals and Comforts
Hi Victoria, I'm a nurse doing a masters in pain management and I found your blog while writing a case study on migraine. I'm giving a talk to some pain link nurses in a couple of months - any key messages you would like me to emphasise? Will reference this blog of course :)
ReplyDeleteHi Painpoppy, oh yes indeed! I'd love to chat more - do you want to email me - at victoria@migrainemonologues.com? I promise I won't give you my whole thesis on pain management! Just a key message or two!! :)
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