My Migraine Cave

The idea behind the migraine cave did not come from me. In fact I used this blog post:  Migraine Cave. Her list was very complete and it made sense to me so I went with it!!!!

1. Room-darkening thermal drapes block out light even on the brightest days.  Check!

So far so good. But the real test will be during my next migraine. 

2. Dimmers on your lights help you gradually adjust to light as you begin to recover.  Check!

I just use a small and dim light 15watt

3. A wide variety of pillows help to prop you up when you are tired of lying flat but not ready to sit up on your own yet. Check!

I have lots of pillows. In fact I got two new body pillows for Christmas. 

4. A small refrigerator with freezer can store ice packs, water bottles, healthy snacks, and medications that require refrigeration. Check!

 I bought the mini fridge on a virtual sale on FB for $30. Very excited that it fit so perfectly under the table. The Fridge is stocked with water, Ensure and cheese sticks for now.  

5. A small microwave allows you to warm hot packs quickly, heat water for ginger or peppermint tea, etc. Check!

 I got the microwave on a virtual sale for $15 and the table for $9 at Goodwill.  

6. Fill the top drawer of your nightstand with abortive and rescue medicines so you can find them quickly in the middle of the night. Check!

 Flashlights, abortive a, TV controllers and iPad with headphones.  

7. Keep non-perishable, easy to digest snacks in your nightstand, too. Check!!

 Crackers, ramen noodle cups, meat sticks, sour candy and a new minion Tervis mug that fits in the microwave 

Sweet snacks: Hershey Kisses and Gheradeli chocolates and the oh so important Oyster crackers in the Tupperware container. 

Popcorn, pop tarts, lunch on the run chicken and tuna salad

I also have some perishable stuff like fruit 🙂

8. Sunglasses or FL-41 tinted glasses can be stored nearby, too.  Wearing them now!

 Just got my new Theraspecs and so far they seem to really be helping.  But I think I need to bedazzle them. They are not cute!! 

9. Ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones help to block out those loud noises that make the pain worse.  Check!!

 I have worn ear plugs every night for bed since shortly after I got married. Someone snores!!  I always have ear plugs nearby; by my bed, by the couch, in my purse, and in the car.  

10. Fill a basket or box with comfort items and keep it near your bed.  Check!

Rice bags, head scratcher, ear plugs, my monkey, eye mask and neck rest

11. Keep a small flashlight nearby to help you find what you need in the dark. Check!

I have Flashlights, abortive a, TV controllers and iPad with headphones in the drawer in my end table. 
12. A TV tray or lap desk is nice when you get hungry but are too weak to sit at the kitchen table. Check!

 It hides right under the table. Almost a perfect fit!! 

13. A power strip is handy to keep your cell phone charged in case you need to call for help.  Check!

Gotta have all my electronics plugged in!! 

14. A fan can be helpful if you tend to get overheated during an attack. Check!

 I’ve had a fan running in my bedroom since I was in college. 

Oh and one cannot forget back up supplies!! 

Still gathering a few things but for the most part my Migraine cave is ready.  I just need a sign which I am hoping to get back from the USGS today. And the sign is perfect!!  The cave is complete 🙂

 

All this means that I will feel a little more prepared for the next migraine when it comes and that brings me great comfort.