Drugs are a wonderful thing

Sumatriptan, when taken at the proper time, is a wonder. I can go from knowing the 24 hours ahead will be hell to feeling perfectly normal, all in about 45 minutes. 

I resisted meds for migraines for many years. I had friends who liked the pain relief but not the side effects. I’ve never been big on taking pills anyway. They affect your entire body — not just the one area you targeting. 

I tried lots of things. Herbs. Supplements. Home remedies. I’d sit on the bathroom counter with ice on my neck and my hands and feet in water as hot as I could stand. I tried massage. Chiropractic. Lavender. I even tried a special tea that’s a natural painkiller (and you can’t order it in Wisconsin). Unfortunately, it took the pain away but left all the other migraine symptoms — aura, anxiety, hypersensitivity, light sensitivity, feeling like I had all sorts of energy o had to shake off — literally. It was really weird. 

So, I resisted prescription drugs. Looking back, I know it doesn’t make sense. We don’t always make sense. I’ve got no excuse. 

And I lived with a monthly migraine that would knock me out for 24 hours.

If only it had knocked me out. No, I had vomit-inducing pain for 24 hours, spectacular aura the likes you’ve never dreamed of, so much pressure I thought my head would burst and more pain. The only saving grace is I usually could time it to 24 hours, and it would come in waves, so I could sleep when it wasn’t as bad. 

As I’ve reached perimenopause, I’ve had fewer migraines. And I finally gave in and got the prescription for the generic Imitrex. 

It hasn’t always worked, but when it does, it’s like magic. I know it’s affecting me in other ways, but if I only take it occasionally, I’m hopeful it will offset. After all, every migraine messed with my entire body — throwing everything out of whack for a couple of days. 

I recall a coworker who disliked the 1980s “war on drugs.” Drugs aren’t bad, she would say. Illegal drugs are. 

I guess I’m glad Sumatriptan is legal, because it’s a wonderful thing.