Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Migraines / Holiday Shopping Event

Not a romantic topic, I know.  I have suffered from migraines most of my life and, from the Promo Frenzy Team threads, I have learned that there are several people on the team that suffer also.  So, I thought I would take the opportunity to share some information.

In recent months my migraines have increased again - to 4 to 5 days a week.  For those who are blessed NOT to suffer from migraines, you should know that this makes for a miserable life.  The pain can be so intense that all you know is pain, and any light or sound or smells only serve to intensify the pain.  My doctors have tried different medications to help prevent them - like Verapamil and Pamelor and Topamax.

Over the years, different treatment plans have included anti-depressants, blood pressure medications and the current theory is to use anti-seizure medications.  Several years ago, my Neurologist had me try Topamax.  I don't recall if it really had any effect on my migraines.  All I know is that, while I was on it, I lived in a deep zombie-like fog.  I don't think that is the answer either - and it definitely effected my work, not to mention my driving ( no accidents, I just couldn't recall how I got from place to place). 

On a recent doctor visit, my doctor gave me a prescription for a new anti-seizure medication, zosnisamide.  Zonisamide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants.  It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.  For the first several days, I was so drowsy I could barely get out of bed.  Now I am getting used to it and I can function - the drowsy feelings have subsided.  AND, I have gone almost a week without a full-fledged migraine!  Hallelujah!  Still in the early stages of trying it out, but I wanted to share the info with other migraine sufferers out there that there are lots of options, so don't give up hope.  There may be a solution that could provide at least some relief.

For relief of a migraine -
Triptans - Zomig, Maxalt, Imitrex, Axert, Amerge, Relpax

Some migraine triggers -
Alcohol (especially red wine and beer).  Allergies.  Bright lights.  Certain odors or perfumes.  Missed meals.  Food related triggers may be processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, baked goods, chocolate, dairy, MSG, aged cheese, aspartame and foods containing tyramine.  Weather changes - especially pressure changes, such as when a cold front comes through.  Hormones, such as that time of the month.  Stress. Changes in sleep patterns - too much or too little sleep.  Overuse of caffeine.  Some medications.  Genetics.  (Sources: Mayo Clinic , migraine-triggers)

Some Resources:
Mayo Clinic
American Headache Society
National Headache Foundation
My Chronic Migraine
The National Migraine Association
Alliance for Headache Disorders

Finally, if you have recurring migraines, it is important to get treatment.  Talk to your primary care physician about a referral to a neurologist.  It may take several tries to find something that helps, but the odds are much better if you try - with the help of a neurologist or headache specialist.
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With the holidays fast approaching, most folks are getting started on their holiday shopping.  With that in mind, the Promo Frenzy Team on Etsy is having a special promotion during the month of November.  You can find detailed information about the event here: https://promotionalfrenzy.wordpress.com/category/promotional-frenzy-team-events/
The gist of it is that participating team members have hidden a picture among the items in their shop.  When you find the picture, you will also find the information about the discount being offered by that shop for the month.  The picture you are looking for is:

This picture can be found among the pictures for one item in a participating shop, but it will not be the first picture.  The Participating Shops, including my own RomanticThoughts, are -

1. Trinkets N Whatnots - www.galla15.etsy.com
Handmade Button, Crystal and Pearl Jewelry

2. Sewinggranny - www.etsy.com/shop/sewinggranny
Sewn items - baby, kitchen, home decor, holiday

3. CalliopeAZCreations - www.calliopeazcreations.etsy.com
Handmade Jewelry, Medicine Stones, Decorated Feathers

4. jQ jewelry designs - www.jQjewelrydesigns.etsy.com
Gemstone Jewelry that is Classic ... with an Edge

5. KrystalsJewelry - www.krystalsjewelry.etsy.com
Intricate Handmade Jewelry of all styles for all tastes

6. rooee - www.rooee.etsy.com
Quilts & quilted things, cloth dolls, fabric postcards

7. PaintedMemoriesByRos.etsy.com
Fine Art Note Cards and Prints

8. Peelirohini.etsy.com
Colorful and Unique Sterling silver , Gold fill Jewelry with Genuine Gemstones and/or Polymer Clay

9. www.etsy.com/shop/SunnyCrystals
Crystal Tumblestones, Natural Gemtone Jewellery & Decoupage Cards plus a bit of Vintage Jewellery

10. Symbolic Imports - www.SymbolicImports.etsy.com
Handmade Bath & Body - Lip balms, Sugar Scrubs, Handmade Soaps, Perfumes & more!

11. Beautifulswagstore - www.etsy.com/shop/beautifulswagstore
hair accessories, dog toys, baby gift sets, home decor, gift wrapping

12. Bijibijoux- www.etsy.com/shop/bijibijoux
Handmade jewelry/ beads/ supplies -

13. Newcreationz - www.etsy.com/shop/NewCreatioNZ
Fine art and photography craft

14. BountyOfBeads - www.etsy.com/shop/bountyofbeads
Handmade Bead Dangle Drop Charm Sets and Trinity Brass Findings
Jewelry Making Supplies

15. Fair Lady Boutique - www.etsy.com/shop/fairladyboutique
A Beading Boutique with vintage beads + components, Czech glass, gemstones, and custom made bead mixes

16. HollysFollyGlass - www.etsy.com/shop/HollysFollyGlass
Fine and fun Lampwork Glass Beads by artist Holly Dare.

17. Glitterbird Glass - www.etsy.com/shop/GlitterbirdGlass
Home decor and jewelry made from beautiful fused glass.

18. CrochetedbyCharlene - www.etsy.com/shop/CrochetedbyCharlene
Beautiful crocheted afghans, accessories, and much more.

19. Camillescloset- www.etsy.com/shop/Camillescloset
Handmade jewelery items.

20. Prittify - www.etsy.com/shop/Prittyfy
Handmade Jewelry, Modern, Altered Art, Steampunk

21. Crystalphotography - www.etsy.com/shop/crystalphotography
Fine Art Photography Prints and Greeting Cards

22. iaFlowerPower - www.etsy.com/shop/iaFlowerPower
Whimsical Crocheted and Knitted Baby Hats and more

23. Gabby's Quilts - www.etsy.com/shop/GabbysQuilts
Handcrafted Quilts, Tablerunners, Wallhangings and Embroidered Gifts

24. CNJ Ceramics - www.etsy.com/shop/CNJCeramics
Contemporary Clay Jewelry and Home Decor

25. LostLemonade - www.etsy.com/shop/LostLemonade
Body Care Products made to cleanse, moisturize and soothe

26. RomanticThoughts - RomanticThoughts.etsy.com
Handcrafted Jewelry, PreMade Scrapbook Pages, Vintage Items and More

27. Ooh Leela! - isabelafelix.etsy.com
Handmade dish towels and trendy accessories

28. KatersAcres - katersacres.etsy.com
Polymer Clay Creations, Trinkets, & Treasures with a Whimsical Feel

29. Magda - magdamagdaFashion.etsy.com
custom clothing, accessories and supplies

30. Ugly Duckling Beads - www.etsy.com/shop/uglyducklingbeads
Handmade glass beads, digital collage sheets, tutorials, and jewelry

31. BellaTheBead - www.bellathebead.etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry and supplies with vintage soul

32.IdeasBloom - www.ideasbloom.etsy.com
Handcrafted decorative wreaths

33. Greenhouse Glassworks - www.greenhouseglassworks.etsy.com
Fused Glass Jewelry, Stained Glass Home Decor, and Handmade Cards and Tags

34. Five Supplies - Five0101.etsy.com
All the supplies you need to create

35. TheMayFlower Fashions - themayflower.etsy.com
Fun & Stylish Fashion Designs for Women

36. Something Wyrd- www.SomethingWyrd.Etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry and beaded charms

37. iluvmarin - iluvmarin.etsy.com
Greeting cards, scrapbooks, cupcake toppers, & festive banners

38. Lexilouflowers - www.etsy.com/shop/LexiLouFlowers?ref=si_shop
Hair Accessories, Feather headbands, and Hair ties

39. Mt Baldy Glassworks www.mtbaldyglass.etsy.com
fused glass jewelry and home decore

40. LexiekinPrints - www.etsy.com/shop/LexiekinPrints
Personalized, customized and Printable Invitations, tags, cards and more!

41. Turtlexiii- www.turtlexiii.etsy.com
Sterling Silver Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals and Pearls, Gemstones & more.

42. IsabellesAttic- www.isabellesattic.etsy.com
aprons, accessories, baby items and more

43. AshlynDesign - www.ashlyndesign.etsy.com
Artisan handmade lampwork beads, metal charms, and finished jewelry

44. eveyinorbitshop - www.eveyinorbitshop.etsy.com
Mixed media art, original aceo and zines.

45. Suzie Tenzer - www.susietenzer.etsy.com
Original fine art paintings and prints

46. LindaB - www.lindab142.etsy.com
Artisan crafted beaded and wire wrapped jewelry, Jewish jewelry and accessories, wire beaded kippot

47. DellCoveSpices - dellcovespices.etsy.com
hand mixed spices, magnetic spice kits, cocktail sugars & margarita salts, organic popcorn, popcorn toppings & other treats

48. OverTheMoonGifts - overthemoongifts.etsy.com
personalized gifts, accessories, and home decor

49. craftycreations81 - www.etsy.com/shop/craftycreations81
Peacock feather items, wedding items and items for newborns/children

50. nan gates designs - www.nangatesdesigns.etsy.com
Fabric handbags, totes and accessories

51. ProdigyCrafts - www.prodigycrafts.etsy.com
Crocheted Clothing, Accessories and Gifts

52. Cigarboxbeads - www.cigarboxbeads.etsy.com
beadweaving, beadwork, jewelry

53. VintageByRachel - www.vintagebyrachel.etsy.com
Romantic,Vintage style handmade jewelry

54. potsdamelf - www.potsdamelf.etsy.com
crazy handmade ceramics, paintings, and jewlery

55. TrinketsByLeah - TrinketsByLeah.etsy.com
Hand sculpted whimsical Jewelry, wacky trinkets, miniatures and more
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Enjoy some shopping and have a wonderful day!