UHAM044

WHAT DO TH EY FEEL LIKE? * 27

In my thirties I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which, together with the migraines, was apparently due to stress. For a few years I was treated periodically with tranquillisers and beta-blockers. Though this did reduce the frequency and severity of both the migraines and the stornach cramps associated with the irritable bowel syndrome,

I was very dissatisfied with the side-effects these drugs caused, so was determined not to rely on them permanently.

The breakthrough in determimng the triggers of my migraines came only three-and-a-half years ago, in my mid-forties, when I suffered severe food poisonmg. For over two weeks I was unable to eat anything without the symptoms recurring and it seemed that I would never get better. In desperation I visited an a Ile rgy-test i n g clinic. Though frowned upon by the medical profession this really was the turning point in my Life. I was found to be intolerant to a wide rangę of food products, each of which was responsible for numerous ailments that I had been suffering for a number of years. After embarking on a diet which totally excluded all of these food products, not only did I Lose the migraines and irritable bowel syndrome, but I also stopped suffering with hay fever and asthma. Unfortunately, it was too restrictive to stick to such an exclusive diet for too long a period and I still periodically suffer some of these symptoms now if I overdo the problem foods, but I have generally been a great deal better.

In the past, I have found that my migraines have been triggered by: artificial lights, dairy foods, sunlight, lack of sleep, dehydration, alcohol, menstruation, prolonged exposure to Computer screens, food colourings [particu la rly tartrazine] and caffeine.

I have actually found that chocolate can help¹ This is perhaps the most controversial remedy, sińce it is generally considered a trigger.

I sometimes get a real craving for chocolate during the early signs of a migraine. I don't believe it is just coincidence that the symptoms have disappeared on several occasions after eating a smali bar of chocolate.^??

Hannah, 4-9

In the foliowing case, we learn that migraines can run in families, and that oversleeping can also be involved. Take notę that the causes or triggers seem to have changed over the years for Charlotte. Something that seems to cause migraines today may not necessarily do so tomorrow. Keep track of your