In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by chronic migraine patient Taylor, to explore the intricacies of living with chronic migraine and navigating the health care system. They discuss the evolution of emergency care for migraine patients, the shifting landscape of migraine treatment, and how living in pain can affect our mental health. The episode also touches on the critical role of patients in treatment decisions, the stigma surrounding migraine, and how just being fine, is not fine when it comes to patient health.

Join Sarah and Taylor for a heartfelt conversation that underscores the importance of support, understanding, and advocacy in the migraine community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:33: Taylor discusses her worst migraine attack, detailing the intensity and confusion between a migraine and a stroke, emphasizing the severity of her condition and the challenges of seeking ER treatment

03:30: Sarah and Taylor discuss the stigma around migraine and the importance of education and understanding in both medical treatment and social acceptance

04:27: Taylor shares her approach to living authentically with chronic migraine, highlighting the importance of transparency in personal and professional relationships to manage expectations and foster understanding

06:44: Sarah reflects on her experience disclosing her chronic illness at work, contrasting negative and positive employer responses, underscoring the importance of supportive work environments

08:59: Taylor details her journey through the health care system, illustrating the trial and error process of finding effective migraine care

13:43: Taylor discusses her proactive role in her treatment journey, including tracking symptoms, educating herself, and advocating for better care, highlighting the importance of patient involvement in health care decisions

17:00: Taylor shares her experience with new migraine treatments and the significant improvement in her condition, emphasizing the impact of advancements in migraine medication and the importance of persistence in seeking effective treatment

20:29: The episode closes with a discussion on the interplay between chronic pain, mental health, and the importance of advocacy and education in improving outcomes for those living with migraine

Contact Our Hosts:

Joe Coe, Director, Therapeutic Area Growth and Integration at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org

Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs & Special Projects at GHLF.

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