Name: Katie
Residence: Burlington, VT
Conditions: Chronic Migraine
First Diagnosed: 1988
Q: What is the most frustrating thing about your life?
A: The unpredictability and feeling of being unreliable as a result of the migraines.
Q: What are you most thankful for?
A: Having supportive parents
Q: How do you manage your condition?
A: I am often referred to as "highly functioning" by my providers, in spite of the Chronic Migraine; I guess that means I appear to manage relatively well. I stay informed, read something almost every day about Migraine. I follow my doctors orders - take medications as prescribed, don't over utilize the abortives. I give my self permission to step out of my normal activities when necessary. I cry when I hit my threshold. I try to educate others so that more people understand this disease.
Q: Where do you get the greatest support?
A: Family (parents and brother) and a close friend
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: A migraine free day spent doing the things I love to do - being with friends, hiking, kayaking, boating, skiing, walking the dog, eating good food and feeling like I can handle this life!
