Eyes tearing, I wear a large ice pack covered in a dish towel. It is folded over my head so that it can cool forehead and both the left and right temples. Though this migraine’s tentacles are striking everything today, the left side in particular is throwing off an extra pounding.
I confess to bitter disappointment at the way these migraines are stacking up like airplanes on a busy runway. One takes off and is gone only to be followed by another. They have been in the worst zone since 2009. Because my menstrual cycles afforded only a ten day respite between strikes, I believe I pinned many hopes that the migraines were fueled by hormones.
So when I had a hysterectomy two weeks ago, I was certainly not expecting the mad barrage of migraines that I have been experiencing. Not only am I disappointed, but I am having to explain to well intentioned friends and family that no, instant menopause did not buy me miracle relief for these beasts. It makes me feel a bit like a failure, though I am really trying to ditch the pity party.
Several years ago, my sisters were both urging me to undergo a hysterectomy strictly as a migraine prevention method. One sister is an RN and the other a psychologist, so I weighed their advice with more than a grain of salt. However, the notion didn’t seem right somehow. Estrogen is good for some things. And what if the hysterectomy didn’t help my migraines? Should I invite major surgery where complications could arise? Even though my sister’s friend had it done and was now migraine free, I decided no. My regular physician advocated against such a notion as well. But I did make a promise to myself and my sisters that should a physical reason for a hysterectomy ever present itself, then I would have the surgery done.
Flash forward to now. Surgery complete. Migraines still take up residence in my head. I made sure the doctor knew this today when I went in for my followup. Not because I wanted his sympathy, but because I felt it important for him to know should another woman come in believing menopause will eradicate migraines. If she is lucky, it will, but there’s a good chance it may not.
Disclaimer: This post is my opinion only and should not be construed as medical advice for anyone. Always confer with your medical provider before trying any remedy.
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