Introducing: MIGRAINEUR OF THE MONTH!

I am very excited to introduce the lovely, crafty Claire (of www.claireabellemakes.com)  as the very first ever Migraineur Of The Month! Isn't she lovely? I asked Claire some questions about her migraines and what she'd do if she was Queen for a Year.... 

CAN YOU REMEMBER AND DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST MIGRAINE?

I’ve had migraines for more than 15 years so I can’t remember the first time I had one. However, I do know what my migraines felt like in the early days (and still do now); searing pain on the left side of my head, like someone is pushing my left eye into my face (gross I know!), sickness, tiredness, dizziness, irritability…...I could go on. Unpleasant and relentless.

BEST MIGRAINE TOP TIP ANYONE’S EVER GIVEN YOU?

Research them! I’ve recently learnt that knowing what is happening to you when you have a migraine is vital. I don’t know why I didn’t read up on them more, I guess I just put up with them. Being able to recognise your symptoms and triggers and knowing how to treat them is key to managing them and living a close to normal life. Having other migraineurs to talk to is especially important to me too.

WORST TRIGGER?

Lack of sleep and dehydration. If I can feel myself yawning and rubbing my eyes I know one is on the way. I try to sleep and rise at the same times each day and avoid super late nights. I’m lame anyway, I can’t stay out later than midnight and I love my bed so I don’t mind this too much. I also find extreme exercise (I used to take intense 90 minute circuits classes) triggered them and wiped me out. I tend to take less strenuous activities these days such as aerobics and cycling.

FAVOURITE MIGRAINE COMFORT?

Chocolate and a cold wet press on my head.

WHAT’S THE WORST ASSUMPTION THAT’S BEEN MADE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR MIGRAINES?

I think I’ve been quite lucky, as I haven’t really had anyone make any bad assumptions. The only thing people say is that “you probably need glasses”, but I regularly have my eyes tested as I use a computer all day at work. Generally people have been supportive and willing to listen.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF DOING DESPITE LIVING WITH MIGRAINES?

Setting up my handmade accessories store! The last 6 months have been chronic with migraines including a killer 6 day one with immense pain and a hugely droopy eye which I couldn’t open. Amongst that, I’ve managed to get my Etsy shop and blog off the ground with success and enjoyment. I also managed to complete my Masters last year which I’m so proud of.

  

IF YOU COULD BE THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND FOR A YEAR WHAT WOULD YOU DO!?

I would make it compulsory for work places to serve afternoon tea and I’d have the corgis adopted to nice homes and replace with many Persian cats (sorry I’m a crazy cat lady). I’d also have permanent outdoor pianos put all over the country for the public to play. We recently had some on a temporary basis in Cambridge for a festival and it instantly lifted my mood every time one was played. It honestly left such an impact on me and no doubt it would brighten the streets. It has left a lasting effect for some odd reason. Probably because I was all emotional with migraine at the time I heard them being played haha!

All very selfish, but it’s a fantasy question right?!

Claire lives in Cambridge and writes a craft blog at www.claireabellemakes.com. She sells handmade accessories via her Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/claireabellemakes.

Thank you Claire for being Migraine Monologues first ever Migraineur Of The Month! She's given some incredible top tips of her own here and I'm sure readers will agree, she'd make a fabulous Queen! Fingers crossed this next month is kind to your migraines, and there are no more 6 day affairs! x

If you would like to nominate someone to be Migrainuer Of The Month please give me their details! 
The next Migraineur will appear in the first week of December...