When you first find out you have an illness that has “triggers,” it can be really overwhelming. Whether it’s IBS, chronic migraines, asthma, or something else altogether, the first thing you do after being diagnosed- if you’re anything like me- is start googling all the things that can trigger you. It gets overwhelming fast. At first glance, it looks like anything can trigger a migraine, or a fibro flare. But that’s not exactly true.
The truth is, you have to find what works for you. Maybe you do have some common triggers, like wheat or stress. But you might also have some off-the-wall triggers. For example, two of my triggers are wearing scarves and having long hair!
If you’re newly diagnosed, don’t get stressed out trying to avoid everything on a list you’ve found. Take it one step at a time. Remember that some triggers won’t always cause the same reaction, and sometimes may not cause a reaction at all. Remember that your triggers can change. And most importantly, remember that you know your body better than anyone else. If you think that your purple tie-dye bed sheets are the problem, try finding out!
If you’re not newly diagnosed, then this still might be a pertinent reminder. It’s easy for me to get frustrated when something that has never caused a migraine or a flare before suddenly starts giving me horrible vertigo and hives. It’s easy to get frustrated when I can’t pin down what’s caused a constant migraine for three months. In times like these, I have to remind myself that I will take my illness one step at a time. I will find out my new trigger. I will get past this flare. I will continue tracking my symptoms in relation to white cherry powerade consumption and pray that my favorite source of hydration isn’t causing my misery. Being chronically ill is tough, but I am tougher.
How do you feel about trigger lists? Do you have any weird triggers? Do you use a migraine tracking app?
A Southern Celiac 