almost a year
Has it really been almost a year? Predictably, this doesn't mean I haven't had migraines; just that I haven't been tracking them. A big part of that has been that I haven't had health insurance so I know no doctor would be asking to see a migraing log anytime soon. But that may change soon because I'm going to start a new job on Monday, one with health insurance!
So let's see...migraines have been better since moving to Berkeley in August. I think some of the reasons are: I bike to work (previously 24-32 miles a week, now it'll be more like 40-50 miles a week); and there is less rain/clouds. I am starting to think there may be a link between the barometric pressure.
Right now I'm really sore from migraine. I am having to write my last article for my journalism job, a job I never liked, so I think that's part of it. I've also eaten lots of chocolate chip cookies lately cuz Will insisted on making some! (A batch of 4 dozen to be exact; I've probably eaten 20 since Thursday night...not good, also not typical for me.)
The humidity, according to weather.com, is 56 percent, and the barometric pressure is 30.33 in with a little "up" arrow next to it. When I look at weather related to "Aches and Pains" -- yes they have that -- it says that today and tomorrow are rated "3 Low." So that kinda sucks, maybe it blow a hole in my theory. The humidity is rising, it says, and the temp is falling. When I look at a national map of "aches and pains" weather for today, the Bay Area is rated the equivalent of a 2 out of 5 with 5 being worst. Interestingly, Olympia and Spokane have the same general rating as the Bay Area. Surprises me if it's based on humidity or pressure, but who knows.
According to the "Aches and Pains 101" section of weather.com, data is inconclusive on how weather affects our bodies, if at all. For many people decreasing barometric pressure brings on pains, though rising pressure can do it for some people. (Barometric pressure is the weight of the air around us, and dropping pressure signifies stormy weather coming.)
As far as humidity goes, it says: "Some research finds a correlation between dry, cold air and migraine headaches." Funny, as the dry is what I prefer. I wonder if it has more to do with what you're used to?
Here's some more information, directly from the site:
Migraines
Migraines are headaches caused by constriction or dilation of the blood vessels in the brain. Pain generally occurs on one side of the face or head. Sufferers sometimes feel nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Triggers include stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain types of food and weather.
According to research by the New England Center for Headache, as many as half of all migraines are triggered by weather. Many migraine sufferers single out cold, dry weather as the culprit, though almost any weather change can be a problem. Some doctors suggest that patients keep a detailed headache journal, so they can anticipate weather changes and take preventative medication, if necessary.
Reading on, I see that sinus headaches may describe more what I am feeling sometimes:
Sinus headaches
Sinuses are the air cavities in the bones around your nasal passages. When sinuses become clogged or infected, the resulting pressure can cause a headache. Symptoms include pain in the front of the head and around the eyes, yellow or green nasal discharge and perhaps a fever. It's believed that barometric pressure changes may bring on headaches, if the sinus cavities are slow to equalize air pressure. Damp, cold weather can intensify sinus pain.
A recent study suggests that most people who think they are suffering from sinus headaches may actually have migraines -- especially in cases where weather is an obvious trigger. Since symptoms of both types of headaches can vary, visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
I can't claim the nasty nasal discharge, but I know that tons of people in my family have excess mucus at all times in our throat, and I am definitely part of that camp. Interesting stuff to look into.
At any rate, the medicine I have usually works pretty well, though it renders me incapable of working.
(Drug is called Duradrin, and like Amidrine, another one I used to take, it's a generic version of Midrin.)
It is really CLOUDY out today, and maybe that's the best weather test of all when it comes to MY aches and pains.
So let's see...migraines have been better since moving to Berkeley in August. I think some of the reasons are: I bike to work (previously 24-32 miles a week, now it'll be more like 40-50 miles a week); and there is less rain/clouds. I am starting to think there may be a link between the barometric pressure.
Right now I'm really sore from migraine. I am having to write my last article for my journalism job, a job I never liked, so I think that's part of it. I've also eaten lots of chocolate chip cookies lately cuz Will insisted on making some! (A batch of 4 dozen to be exact; I've probably eaten 20 since Thursday night...not good, also not typical for me.)
The humidity, according to weather.com, is 56 percent, and the barometric pressure is 30.33 in with a little "up" arrow next to it. When I look at weather related to "Aches and Pains" -- yes they have that -- it says that today and tomorrow are rated "3 Low." So that kinda sucks, maybe it blow a hole in my theory. The humidity is rising, it says, and the temp is falling. When I look at a national map of "aches and pains" weather for today, the Bay Area is rated the equivalent of a 2 out of 5 with 5 being worst. Interestingly, Olympia and Spokane have the same general rating as the Bay Area. Surprises me if it's based on humidity or pressure, but who knows.
According to the "Aches and Pains 101" section of weather.com, data is inconclusive on how weather affects our bodies, if at all. For many people decreasing barometric pressure brings on pains, though rising pressure can do it for some people. (Barometric pressure is the weight of the air around us, and dropping pressure signifies stormy weather coming.)
As far as humidity goes, it says: "Some research finds a correlation between dry, cold air and migraine headaches." Funny, as the dry is what I prefer. I wonder if it has more to do with what you're used to?
Here's some more information, directly from the site:
Migraines
Migraines are headaches caused by constriction or dilation of the blood vessels in the brain. Pain generally occurs on one side of the face or head. Sufferers sometimes feel nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Triggers include stress, hormonal fluctuations, certain types of food and weather.
According to research by the New England Center for Headache, as many as half of all migraines are triggered by weather. Many migraine sufferers single out cold, dry weather as the culprit, though almost any weather change can be a problem. Some doctors suggest that patients keep a detailed headache journal, so they can anticipate weather changes and take preventative medication, if necessary.
Reading on, I see that sinus headaches may describe more what I am feeling sometimes:
Sinus headaches
Sinuses are the air cavities in the bones around your nasal passages. When sinuses become clogged or infected, the resulting pressure can cause a headache. Symptoms include pain in the front of the head and around the eyes, yellow or green nasal discharge and perhaps a fever. It's believed that barometric pressure changes may bring on headaches, if the sinus cavities are slow to equalize air pressure. Damp, cold weather can intensify sinus pain.
A recent study suggests that most people who think they are suffering from sinus headaches may actually have migraines -- especially in cases where weather is an obvious trigger. Since symptoms of both types of headaches can vary, visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
I can't claim the nasty nasal discharge, but I know that tons of people in my family have excess mucus at all times in our throat, and I am definitely part of that camp. Interesting stuff to look into.
At any rate, the medicine I have usually works pretty well, though it renders me incapable of working.
(Drug is called Duradrin, and like Amidrine, another one I used to take, it's a generic version of Midrin.)
It is really CLOUDY out today, and maybe that's the best weather test of all when it comes to MY aches and pains.