Two weeks after welcoming my second son into the world, I experienced my first migraine. At the time, I brushed it off as nothing more than a headache—probably caused by exhaustion or hormonal changes. I never imagined it would be the beginning of this journey i have been on since.As the months and years went by, no two migraines were ever the same. Some were mild, just about manageable, while others left me completely debilitated. For six years, I found myself going back and forth to my GP, searching for answers.
The Turning Point: A Hemiplegic Migraine Diagnosis
When I was eight months pregnant with my daughter, everything changed. I had a severe episode that left the nurse panicking, thinking I was having a stroke. My left side was weak, my speech was muddled, and I couldn’t think clearly. Then, a doctor calmly said, “Don’t worry. It’s a Hemiplegic migraine.”
He whispered to my husband, “Write that down.”
For the first time, we had a name—Hemiplegic migraine. It didn’t end the migraines, but it brought clarity and understanding, the first step in learning how to manage my condition.
A Journey of Trial and Error
Hemiplegic migraines are unpredictable, with no two attacks the same. I can have what i call mini episodes, I start with nausea, then headache, after headache the Hemi. These don’t last as long as normal. Whats normal? Prodrome phase: nausea, hyperactive or moody, ear ringing, confusion, left arm can start to pain. Aura phase: Speech loss,swallow loss, face droop, full left side paralysis ,this can last a few days. Postdrome, the aura takes longer to lift, weakness, tiredness is indescribable . Each attack is frightening, mostly for others .My husband and family are so used to them, that they tell me before i get one!! Should i be away when i get one, my hubby sometimes gets looks because he does be so chill , during the episode and others panic !!
For Anyone on a Similar Path
If you’re living with migraines—whether it’s Hemiplegic migraine like mine or another type—just know you’re not alone. The path might feel uncertain, and it might take time to find answers, but keep going. Be patient with yourself. Take things one step at a time. And don’t stop asking questions. You deserve to be heard, understood, and supported. Always seek medical advice, you are your best advocate.
Moving Forward
My journey with migraines hasn’t ended—it’s something I’ll live with, adapt to, and navigate for years to come. But I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t define me. It’s a part of my story, yes, but not the whole story.
To anyone who’s on a similar path, I hope my story reminds you that you’re not alone in this. Whether you’ve just started your journey or have been living with migraines for years, there is always hope, even on the hardest days. And sometimes, just knowing someone else understands can make all the difference.
This post is short,however, my story is long and complicated.My health has always been a challenge. That is why i want to be a voice for people that can’t find the answers, maybe by reading this website it will give them the insight to ask for help . Migraine , all types, are so misunderstood, the biases in the workplace and in life is causing so much distress . If had a euro for every time i mentioned I had a migraine, and that judgemental look. The look of annoyance, questioning your ‘story’, i walked away so many times, and reminded myself to just stay quite and just go through the pain.
Not anymore. I want my brand to also educate and allow migraine sufferers the validation, that it is a disability, a daily one for so many. We need to stand up and be counted.
Take Care and Take Control
Catherine x