As I write this article, I carefully step into this all-too-familiar territory: the beginnings of a migraine, a complex neurological condition that is much more than a headache. For the sufferer, migraines attack your life with a range of disabling symptoms that interfere with anything from travel adventures to day-to-day responsibilities in the corporate world.
Discover the whole story of migraine
In fact, migraines are really the manifestation of a constellation of symptoms far beyond the classic severe headache. Picture trying to cope with severe throbbing pain, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, vertigo, numbness, and a fuzzy fog that invades your cognitive faculties. The symptoms don’t wait in line for work deadlines or travel plans; they need to be taken care of now and shake up the functioning of the individual’s normal life.
Rimegepant and Its Role
I resorted to using Rimegepant, a CGRP receptor antagonist, to take care of the condition that was my migraines. This is one peptide that mediates the pathways of a migraine. However, the effectiveness that the medicine had on me made me stop using it due to the side effects it would eventually have on my kidneys. My migraines were as potent on withdrawal of the medicine as the condition itself.
This experience underlined the delicate balance that is required in the management of migraine; that fine line between appropriate treatment and the occurrence of potential side effects.
How to Navigate Triggers in an Ever-Changing World
Migraines require a constant alert about potential triggers. A change in weather, especially the heat, can easily trigger it off, just like strong smells, skipping of meals, or getting dehydrated. The job of managing them becomes even more challenging when someone works full-time in the corporate accommodation industry, like me. The need to maintain high service standards and constant interaction with clients while problem-solving could only make it worse for me in terms of my symptoms.
Managing a job while suffering from migraines means planning and communication. I came to understand that it was necessary to make sure I was practicing self-advocacy, making sure my workspace was always suitable if, for any reason, I needed a slightly lower lighting level or a quiet environment. This way, one gets to take a proactive stance not only in the management of symptoms but also in educating other employees and clients on the realities of living with migraines.
A Double-headed Conundrum
My career ambition and passion for travel run parallel. Every trip, either for work or leisure, has to be planned to the last detail to manage the triggers of a migraine: it could be about ensuring there is a quiet, dark place at the accommodations, or planning travel in such a manner that there is downtime. Similarly, in professional life, I classify my workload into priorities and delegate to ensure that I can perform at the best level even on challenging days.
Widening Horizons
Talking about these experiences raises awareness and empathy in both personal and professional environments. Migraines are definitely not just headaches; they are one of the main neurological conditions on earth and very debilitating. Awareness may help create better support systems within the workspace and socially, which eventually enhances the quality of life for the individuals.
Migraines have, indeed, proven to be a hard nut to crack. They are instilling in me the values of resilience and adaptability, character traits that are very important when globetrotting or working for a large corporation. It’s my hope that my story will inspire other people who are suffering from migraines to meet their challenges with courage and promote the wider social recognition of this debilitating state of being.
All in all, we must advocate for life circumstances in which every one of us can reach our potential through a focus on neurodiversity.
Hilary Travels 