Name: Kathy K.
Residence: Portland, OR
Conditions: migraines, ankylosing spondylitis
First Diagnosed: age 19
Q: What is the most frustrating thing about your life?
A: Getting imitrex refills through the pharmacy -- it's hell. They take weeks, make many mistakes, make me spend hours on the phone getting the prescription right, and it costs an arm & a leg. I don't have this problem with ANY other medication.
Q: What are you most thankful for?
A: For my family, the beautiful state I live in, my gardens, my friends
Q: What’s your greatest achievement?
A: Raising 3 children who have become wonderful, productive, happy young men, women, parents and spouses
Q: How do you manage your condition?
A: A day at a time. I try to live as much as possible in the moment on good days. I try not to overdo, though knowing what constitutes overdoing isn't always obvious. I try to avoid taking triptans unless necessary, but not give myself a hard time when it is necessary. I try to get through the bad days by finding something in that day to focus on outside the pain, most often in my garden.
Q: Where do you get the greatest support?
A: My family and a woman with SA who I sponsor
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Migraine-free days!!!
