Chronic Migraine Through My Sister’s Eyes: A Conversation with Meghan McInerny

Summary

The Head Start: Embracing the Journey

Episode: Chronic Migraine Through My Sister’s Eyes: A Conversation with Meghan McInerny
Host: Nora McInerny
Release Date: July 1, 2025

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Introduction and Personal Connections

In the final episode of the season, host Nora McInerny delves deep into the personal and emotional facets of living with chronic migraine alongside her sister, Megan McInerny. Nora opens up about her childhood, sharing memories of her father's unpredictable migraine attacks and how they cast long shadows over the household. This backdrop sets the stage for a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and triumphs faced by those battling chronic migraine.

Notable Quote:

“Seeing my sister struggling has always broken my heart. I've always wanted a way to just wave a wand and make it better.” — Nora McInerny ([02:43])

Nora reflects on her sister Megan’s role not just as a sibling but as a caregiver and role model. Megan, eight years older, became a second mother figure during their upbringing in the 80s and 90s, a time when familial bonds often meant stepping into multiple roles.

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Understanding Chronic Migraine: Megan's Story

Bringing Megan into the conversation, Nora highlights the similarities and differences between them, emphasizing how chronic migraine has been a shared, yet uniquely personal experience. Megan's journey with migraine began in her youth, influenced by their father's own experiences with the condition.

Notable Quote:

“I have a lot of very supportive people in my life, including you, our mom, my kids, my husband, my ex-husband.” — Megan McInerny ([22:46])

Megan recounts her first migraine attack, marked by intense discomfort and sensitivity to light, leading her to seek medical help. Their father's recognition of migraine symptoms played a crucial role in Megan receiving timely medical attention, a luxury many migraine sufferers lack.

Notable Quote:

“I remember going into my room, laying down and just crying, just wanting whatever was happening to be over.” — Megan McInerny ([08:01])

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The Medical Journey: Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Ryan joins the conversation to shed light on the medical aspects of chronic migraine. She explains the often long and arduous path to diagnosis, highlighting that it can take up to five years for patients to receive an official chronic migraine diagnosis.

Notable Quote:

“It's unacceptable that only 5% of people living with chronic migraine actually find preventative and acute treatments.” — Dr. Ryan ([12:42])

Dr. Ryan discusses common triggers such as lack of sleep, dehydration, and rapid weather changes, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these early signs to manage and prevent migraine attacks effectively.

Notable Quote:

“Over time, I've developed this mental encyclopedia of these are the things that put me on alert.” — Dr. Ryan ([10:57])

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Impact on Personal and Professional Life

Megan shares poignant anecdotes illustrating how chronic migraine disrupts various aspects of her life. From missing important work conferences to navigating emotional turmoil during attacks, the unpredictability of migraines poses significant challenges.

Notable Quote:

“It creates a lot of intense emotional discomfort. I don't know if it's because it makes me feel so vulnerable.” — Megan McInerny ([15:41])

Nora empathizes, acknowledging the struggle of balancing multiple roles and the frustration of not feeling like oneself during an attack. Megan recounts a particularly difficult Thanksgiving when a migraine struck, leaving her isolated and reliant on her husband’s support.

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Hormones and Migraine: A Complex Interplay

The conversation shifts to the intricate relationship between hormones and migraine. Dr. Ryan elaborates on how hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can influence migraine frequency and severity.

Notable Quote:

“Perimenopause and menopause can set off other triggers like insomnia and irritability, making migraines more easily triggered.” — Dr. Ryan ([20:18])

She underscores the necessity of tailoring migraine therapies to accommodate hormonal fluctuations, ensuring that treatment plans remain effective across different life stages.

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Building a Support System

Megan highlights the importance of having a robust support system, including family, friends, and even coworkers who understand the debilitating nature of chronic migraine. Connecting with others who share similar experiences has been invaluable for her emotional well-being.

Notable Quote:

“Talking to someone who understands makes you feel seen and understood.” — Megan McInerny ([22:46])

Dr. Ryan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that empathy and connection are critical components in managing chronic migraine.

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Messages of Hope and Advocacy

As the season concludes, Dr. Ryan and Nora offer powerful messages to listeners. Dr. Ryan encourages self-advocacy, urging individuals to stand up for their health needs and seek out knowledgeable healthcare providers.

Notable Quote:

“Stand up for yourself and find somebody who will listen to you while you're doing it. That's the message.” — Dr. Ryan ([26:28])

Nora adds that the resilience of those living with chronic migraine is truly inspiring, highlighting the strength and kindness displayed by sufferers who continue to lead fulfilling lives despite their invisible battles.

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Conclusion

Nora wraps up the episode by celebrating the stories of perseverance and community within the chronic migraine community. She underscores the importance of open conversations and continued support, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding among listeners.

Final Thought:

“I'm just in awe of all these people who are just still going, still doing so much, still being kind, lovely people out in the world, even while they're carrying this thing that nobody else can see.” — Nora McInerny ([27:44])

As the episode closes, listeners are left with a sense of hope and the encouragement to continue advocating for themselves and each other.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Personal Stories Illuminate the Struggle: Shared experiences between siblings underscore the emotional and physical toll of chronic migraine.
2. Medical Delays are Prevalent: Many sufferers face significant delays in diagnosis and treatment, highlighting a critical area for improvement.
3. Triggers are Diverse and Recognized Over Time: Understanding and identifying personal migraine triggers can aid in better management and prevention.
4. Hormonal Changes Play a Significant Role: Life stages involving hormonal shifts can exacerbate migraine symptoms, necessitating tailored treatment approaches.
5. Support Systems are Crucial: Emotional and practical support from loved ones and peers enhances the ability to cope with chronic migraine.
6. Advocacy and Self-Advocacy are Empowering: Standing up for one's health needs and seeking appropriate care can lead to better management and improved quality of life.

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For those navigating chronic migraine or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights, heartfelt stories, and empowering messages of resilience and community.

Transcript

[Ruby]

Ruby.

[Nora McInerney]

Life sometimes has a way of blindsiding you with a feeling of being overwhelmed at the worst possible time. That's why you have your self care, your coping strategies. That's why you have us. I'm Nora McInerney and this is the Head Start Embracing the Journey, a podcast where we'll be taking all those things you usually save for your friend group out into the open so we can all find a bit of optimism for those battling chronic migraine. These conversations are going to be even more helpful and relatable, so definitely stick around. This show is brought to you in partnership with AbbVie. So first let's hear some important safety information and stay tuned to the end of the podcast for more Foreign.

[Megan McInerney]

Botoxin A is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to prevent headaches in adults with chronic migraine who have 15 or more days each month with headache lasting four or more hours each day in people 18 years and older. It is not known whether Botox is safe and effective to prevent headaches in patients with migraine who have 14 or fewer headache days each month or or episodic migraine. Important Safety Information Botox may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Get medical help right away if you have any of these problems. Anytime hours to weeks after injection of Botox, problems swallowing, speaking or breathing due to weakening of associated muscles can be severe and result in loss of life. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre existing before injection. Swallowing problems may last for several months. Spread of Toxin Effects the effect of Botulinum toxin may affect areas away from the injection site and cause serious symptoms including loss of strength, an all over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing and trouble swallowing. Please stay tuned for additional important safety information within this podcast. Today's guest, Megan McInerney is not a Botox patient. Megan was not compensated by Abbvie for sharing her story. Poor portions of this podcast are sponsored by AbbVie.

[Nora McInerney]

Hi everyone, welcome back. Today is actually the final episode of the season that went very quickly. I know that a lot of our audience are people who are a part of the chronic migraine community and I know that another part of this community are people who love those that they know in their life who are living with migraine, who want to show up for them, understand them and support them. It's hard to have a chronic illness and it's hard to watch someone you love struggle with One. In season one, I talked a little bit about my father's migraine attacks when I was growing up, how they seem to come out of nowhere and cast a whole cloud on the house. What I didn't mention was that my big sister, Megan has had very similar experiences. All the stories I've heard and conversations I've had in this show have given me a new understanding of what each of them go through. Megan is eight years older than me, which, growing up, might as well have been 30 years. This was the 80s and the 90s, where you know a person eight years older than you could be your full time caregiver. Okay, the 80s were a wild time. I saw Megan as an adult. I saw her as a second mom. I was obsessed with Megan. I loved going through her things when she wasn't home. I loved sitting on her bed and watching her tease her bangs and spray a cloud of hairspray around her head. I loved everything she wore and everything she did. And in a lot of ways, I am just a copy of Megan. Anything I have done, Megan did first, including podcasting, writing a book, having kids. She is still the person I look up to the most, even though I am, I believe, five inches taller than her. And while Megan and I both inherited our father's nose, only she got his nice thick hair and his not as nice migraine attacks. If seeing my dad struggling was scary, seeing my sister struggling has always broken my heart. I've always wanted a way to just wave a wand and make it better, to be able to reach into her head and pull out whatever is hurting her. But instead, we just have to settle for love, compassion, and a conversation on a public podcast. So here it is, a conversation with me and my big sister, Megan McInerney. And yes, we know that we sound alike. Yes, we know that our laughs are quite loud. You will hear my Minnesota accent activate the longer we talk. I simply cannot help it. Before we meet Megan, I'm going to check in with Dr. Ryan. Hi, Dr. Ryan.

[Ruby]

What's up, Nora?

[Nora McInerney]

Are you ready to talk about my sister?

[Ruby]

I sure am. So the story that I hear is that you guys have really similar energy.

[Nora McInerney]

Yeah, we do.

[Ruby]

But you're kind of the wild hippie, and she's, like, the more buttoned up.

[Nora McInerney]

She's always had it together. And she also has chronic migraine, so.

[Ruby]

There'S this quiet, like, hope that anytime that we have somebody that, you know, who's dealing with chronic migraine, that the stuff we talk about here gets to them specifically.

[Nora McInerney]

Yes.

[Ruby]

You know what I mean, so. So the way that I'm going to see our conversation today is really like. It's just trying to help out your.

[Nora McInerney]

Sister I really love. Okay, guys, today is extra special and will be extra fun because today we are talking with one of my favorite people who is extra special and extra fun. My big sister, Megan. Megan, to kick things off, who is your favorite sister?

[Dr. Ryan]

I haven't thought about this question. Can I get back to you? Oh, wait. You're my only sister. That puts you in the coveted number one position forever.

[Nora McInerney]

Number one spot. And I will take it because as you know, I've won very few awards. And the ones that I kept, I've been told, are not awards, including most improved for nearly every sport.

[Dr. Ryan]

Oh, that's just such a pity award.

[Nora McInerney]

They were like, you're still here.

[Dr. Ryan]

Thanks for showing up.

[Nora McInerney]

Hey. Hey, you're here. You're not good, but you haven't gotten worse. Okay, Megan. I have told listeners about dad's migraine attacks. I remember him going into our parents room with a cold washcloth on his eyes and how he would lay on top of his covers like a corpse.

[Dr. Ryan]

Yeah, like a vampire. Just arms crossed, arms crossed, fully clothed.

[Nora McInerney]

Fully clothed above the covers. And then he would yell at us for talking or laughing. Bless him. So, and I have witnessed your migraine attacks, but we've never really talked about them. And I thought it would be the best if we did this on a podcast for thousands of people. So I couldn't agree more.

[Dr. Ryan]

I did, I did think about that when I was getting ready for this conversation. Like we, you and I have. You know, I have them, but I don't think we've ever talked about them.

[Nora McInerney]

So all of these questions are questions that I do not know the answer to, including, when did this start? Like, what were your migraine attacks? Like, how would you describe them to someone who didn't experience them? Like your favorite sister?

[Dr. Ryan]

Yes. The first one that I clearly remember getting was when we lived in La Crescent and I was at our neighbor's house. And I remember this distinctly because I started to get what now I know is an aura. But at the time I didn't know what it was. I just knew that something was really wrong. And so I went home. And then all of a sudden, this intense discomfort. And I was very sensitive to light. I got very sick. So I remember going into my room, laying down and just crying, just wanting whatever was happening to be over.

[Nora McInerney]

I wonder if, because dad had migraine attacks, do you think he kind of understood, like, the Seriousness of what you were experiencing?

[Dr. Ryan]

Yeah. And he was the person who really started to recognize what they were. It's extremely difficult to understand if you've never experienced one. So I think it was helpful that dad had them and could recognize what they were and they could get me some help.

[Nora McInerney]

Did you see a neurologist or what kind of help did they get you?

[Dr. Ryan]

I think initially I went to just our regular doctor, and then I was pretty quickly referred to a neurologist. And I tried a lot of different medications, most of which I would take at the onset of the migraine attack. At that time, there wasn't much that I could take that was trying to prevent them. Now there's a lot more options for preventing. At that time, it was like, listen, if one hits you, these are the ways that we can help you with the discomfort, the nausea, whatever it is that you're experiencing.

[Nora McInerney]

What do you think triggered those earlier migraine attacks, and have your triggers changed over time?

[Dr. Ryan]

No, I don't know what started them. I've never known what has caused them. For me, it's a lot of different things. I do know if I don't get enough sleep, I'm more likely to get one. Doesn't mean I'm always going to get one. If I didn't get enough sleep, if I haven't eaten in a long time, if I'm dehydrated, if the weather changes quickly. So in the summertime, if a thunderstorm comes in really fast, much more likely to get a migraine attack. So over time, I've developed this mental encyclopedia of these are the things that put me on alert that I might be kind of in the danger zone. And I've started to notice signs inside of my body that tell me, like, ooh, I think I'm kind of in the zone where I could possibly get one.

[Nora McInerney]

Yeah. How long were you experiencing migraine attacks before you got an official diagnosis of chronic migraine?

[Dr. Ryan]

I would say probably five years. It's difficult, too, because they're so. They can be so unpredictable. So even thinking about something like chronic migraine, which is a certain number of headache days you have within a certain time window, you can go through periods of time where you're getting them quite frequently and frequently enough that it is really disrupting your work life, your personal life, your social life, it's really. When I think about the things that I've missed because I just couldn't do it, I physically couldn't do it, it makes me really Sad. So I'm 50 now. I've also heard that during menopause, chronic migraine can get worse or get better. It just feels like such a. It's kind of a crapshoot, like, what's going to happen?

[Nora McInerney]

Okay, I want to bring you back into the conversation here, Dr. Ryan. So we're talking today about the same thing we always talk about, but today it's different because we're also talking about my sister. And I think pretty much every guest that we've had on this show says that they wish that they had found a headache specialist sooner. My sister considers herself lucky because my dad had migraine attacks and he recognized in her what was happening and got her help pretty quickly, all things considered. But I want to talk more about that sort of gap between the experience that people are having with migraine attacks or chronic migraine and how long it takes them to find or even reach out to a headache specialist.

[Ruby]

Yeah, this is for sure one of the most common responses that we see from patients, that they wish they'd found somebody sooner. So there's a recent study that shows only 5% of people living with chronic migraine actually find preventative and acute treatments. After going through the process of talking to doctors, getting the diagnosis, and trying various different types of treatment options, this is unacceptable. There's another one that I like. National Headache foundation did a survey on migraine. It was called preventing migraine attacks A Current Perspective. And they found that in treating their disease. Overall, about 62% of those respondents that wrote back wish that they had seen a headache provider sooner. This is something that I literally hear every single day.

[Nora McInerney]

Yeah. You have to imagine that a delay in finding care, seeking care, is gonna have a pretty big effect on someone's treatment journey.

[Ruby]

It does. It definitely has an impact on their journey. Another study on migraine disease that in general shows that it takes five years before patients can get the diagnosis and move towards that treatment therapy. And so we need to get started as quick as we can. And that's really kind of the big takeaway when we think about diagnosis.

[Nora McInerney]

All right, thanks, Dr. Ryan. After the break, we'll get back to the conversation with Megan McInerney.

[Megan McInerney]

Can Botox onobotulinum toxin a help if I have chronic migraine 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting four hours or more, Botox prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It's not approved for adults with migraine who have 14 or fewer headache days a month. It's the number one prescribed branded cross chronic migraine treatment.

[Botox Advertisement]

Prescription Botox is injected by your Doctor effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions including als, Lou Gehrig's disease, myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eaton syndrome and medications including botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.

[Megan McInerney]

Ask your doctor and visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-800-44-BOTOX to learn.

[Nora McInerney]

Megan, you mentioned, like missing out on things or it being disruptive to your life, your work life, your personal life. What are some of the ways that chronic migraine has disrupted your life?

[Dr. Ryan]

Last year I was supposed to go to this three day work conference and it was my first year in this new role and I was trying to make a good depression and I was there the first day and then the next two days I was out with a migraine attack. And I just felt so embarrassed because it was people that didn't know me that well yet, people that I didn't feel like I had that history of trust and like, oh, that's like, Megan's super reliable. Don't worry about it. I don't know if other people you've talked to have also expressed this, but it is not just physical discomfort for me. It creates a, a lot of intense emotional discomfort. And I don't know if it's because it makes me feel so vulnerable to just feel so knocked down by something when I am experiencing a migraine attack. I am very tender emotionally and very. Yeah, I'll just, I'll cry about anything. I, I just feel, I just feel so bad. My feelings hurt. My head hurts.

[Nora McInerney]

Yes. And like, no one wants to feel bad. The work trip is important to you because your work is important to you. Work is a core part of everybody's identity. You just don't want to feel like you're not yourself. And it's hard to feel like yourself when you don't physically feel like yourself. I hate this for you.

[Dr. Ryan]

Yeah. And there were years where I was a single parent where the kids just had to get used to the fact that if I, if I said the word migraine, they were like, okay, all hands on deck. Dinner's on us tonight. Like, we'll figure out. They just knew that I couldn't function.

[Nora McInerney]

You wear a lot of hats. You are a mom, a friend, a wife, a hell of a professional. You are literally everything to everyone. It is hard to feel like you cannot fit, fill everybody's needs all the time and also somehow find the time to take care of yourself. Even without chronic migraine or a migraine attack. That is just a lot to balance. That is a lot to juggle. How has chronic migraine made all of that harder?

[Dr. Ryan]

It basically just takes you out of your life for some period of time that is unknown to you. So I could say, okay, having a migraine attack today, so I'll catch you tomorrow. And that may or may not be true. I may not be catching you for another four days. Like, I really have no idea. So it just. It just throws a wrench in whatever it is that you're doing. Whether it is is personal, work, vacation, doesn't matter. Can I tell you one other thing I just remembered?

[Nora McInerney]

Yeah.

[Dr. Ryan]

So when I got married three years ago, the very first time I went to visit my in laws for Thanksgiving, it was the first time I was meeting a lot of them. The minute I walked in their door, I got a migraine attack. So I am in a guest room of a house I've never been in before, in a state I've never been in before during a holiday where the whole point is everyone is trying to be around each other and everyone's excited to be meet me because I'm this new member of the family. And I ended up, yeah, just stuck in this guest room for like 18 hours. And then finally my husband had to take me to the er. And so again, it's like, do I believe that they understood and felt very empathetic toward me? Yes. Did I feel weird? And again, it's so hard to explain because a lot of people are like, oh, yeah, you have a headache. I've had those.

[Nora McInerney]

Like, whoa.

[Dr. Ryan]

Yeah, it's not exactly what you're thinking.

[Nora McInerney]

It's not like that. Which also it's. And then you're in a. You're in a new place that you've never been. And Thanksgiving is the time of noises and smells.

[Dr. Ryan]

Yes. Yes.

[Nora McInerney]

I'm going to check in with Dr. Rhine. Okay, Dr. Ryan, I am bringing you back in to dive into something we've actually never covered. Hormones and migraine, how they may affect each other. And before getting into some of the menopause specifics that Megan started talking about. How do hormones and migraine affect each other on a higher level?

[Ruby]

Yeah, I mean, this is really, I think, critical to understand, and I think your sister really illustrates this so well. Right. There is an overall link between hormones and migraine. So when women in particular go through big changes in their hormones during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, it can change their migraine symptoms, it can change their triggers and the severity. This is something that I try to really closely monitor with my patients so that we can adjust our approach as we go.

[Nora McInerney]

And then there's perimenopause and menopause, specifically. How are those a factor in how you approach management for patients who are at those stages in life?

[Ruby]

Yeah, this is super important. And along with their changing hormone levels, perimenopause and menopause can also also set off other triggers. For example, like, you know, getting a good night's sleep. You know, for many people, living with chronic migraine is super important. Being well rested helps them be at their best each day. But with hot flashes, night sweats, the insomnia that can sometimes come along with perimenopause, it can be a lot more difficult for them to get their full eight hours. So the baseline from which they're operating on, on a daily basis is, you know, not as high. They can also deal with things like irritability. It can create an environment where migraine attacks are just more easily triggered. In perimenopausal, menopausal place, the fun never stops. Right? This is. This is super important. I think that when patients want to talk about the experience that they're having with chronic migraine, if your particular hormonal situation, it's really important if you're breastfeeding, if you're pursuing pregnancy, if you are pregnant, if you are dealing with perimenopausal symptoms or menopause, talk to your provider about that piece of the picture, too, and we can tailor therapies towards what your particular experience is. And so sometimes thinking, well, he doesn't want to hear about my night, he doesn't want to hear about my insomnia, of course I do. And it's going to change the way that we work towards your therapy.

[Nora McInerney]

All right, thanks, Dr. Ryan. Let's get back to my sister, Megan McInerney. So our dad was a source of support for you early on, which I love to hear. What is your support system like now? Who are the supportive and understanding people in your life who fully grasp what it is like for you to live with chronic migraine that is a good question.

[Dr. Ryan]

I do feel like I have a lot of very supportive people in my life, including you, our mom, my kids, my husband, my ex husband. Like, I have a lot of people around me who know, who have seen what I go through and who are very supportive of it, but almost no one else I know actually goes through it. So actually, this year at work, I met a coworker. He suffers from migraine attacks, and we stumbled across it, like, almost accidentally. And so it's been great to talk to him because his are very similar to mine, and he travels a lot for work. He's got kids. Like, he's just gone through so many of the same experiences that I have. And I think until I talked to him, I didn't really realize how much I needed that. That feeling of talking to someone and describing something and you can just see on their face, I know exactly what you're talking about, and it just makes you feel seen and understood. And so I have felt very supported by a lot of people, but it's really hard for a lot of people to understand. I will say that being really open about the fact that I have chronic migraine has opened up me getting messages from other people, sometimes years later, who will say, I think I just got that thing you told me about, and now I understand. It was like, the worst day of my life.

[Nora McInerney]

Yeah.

[Dr. Ryan]

And while I'm sad that they experienced it, it. I am happy to be that person for other people who says, yes, I know that was a really bad day. And I'm sure your family had a hard time understanding what you were going through and why you couldn't get out of bed.

[Nora McInerney]

Yeah. Every time I've done an interview for this show, I really. I always think of you. Like, I think every time I interview somebody that I'm somehow understanding more of your experience. Do you have a message to share with listeners who are experiencing chronic migraine or listeners who just love someone with chronic migraine?

[Dr. Ryan]

The first thing I would say is, I think it's really beautiful that you're listening to something that affects someone that you care about. That in and of itself, I think, is such a strong signal to the person you care about that, like, you want to understand their experience and what they're going through, even though you don't go through it yourselves. And the more stories you hear, the fuller picture you get. Like what you said, you can listen to my experience of chronic migraine, but it might be very different from someone else's. And you have to listen to a Lot of different experiences to start to understand what's unique and what's common. And so I think that's really important. But ultimately, I think anytime someone takes time to understand something that doesn't directly affect them, I think that's a beautiful thing. It builds empathy and connection and relationships, and that's ultimately what's gonna get us all through.

[Nora McInerney]

Megan, that's beautiful. Thank you. Now let's check in with Dr. Ryan one last time. Yay. So this is our season finale, and I want to hand the floor over to you and ask if there is a message that you would like to leave with our chronic migraine community as we wrap up this season.

[Ruby]

Wow. For everybody that's listening, man. And particularly for those folks who've gone along this ride with us as we've come through here. Be an advocate for yourself is the first one. Nobody else is gonna do it for you. Every study that we've talked about on here, every parent, every patient that we've talked with on here through the course of the podcast, that is the one sort of message is that they had to stand up for themselves to get what they needed. And so I really just encourage anybody to come forward, find somebody who will listen to you, and then don't stop telling them what's going on until you get what you want, and then there's hope. This is probably the second message, is that there are people out there who know how to do this. There are people out there who know how to help you go find them. And that might not be easy. I wish it was. But there are wonderful, wonderful physicians, There are wonderful, wonderful advanced practice folks who can find that diagnosis and start working towards treatment. And so stand up for yourself and find somebody who will listen to you while you're doing it. That's the message, man.

[Nora McInerney]

Yeah, because you deserve that. And I feel like every time I speak to somebody on this podcast, I just cannot believe how many people go through this world with chronic migraine or migraine attacks or any kind of chronic illness and still do all of the life things.

[Ruby]

That's. That's been the story, right? Hasn't it been?

[Megan McInerney]

It really is.

[Nora McInerney]

I'm like, I'm just in awe of all these people who are just still going. Still doing so much, still like, being kind, lovely people out in the world, even while they're carrying this thing that nobody else can see. Thank you, Dr. Ryan. It has been such a pleasure. All right. That's my big sister. That's Megan. Aren't you obsessed with her now? If you're a person with chronic migraine or any chronic illness, or someone who loves someone with chronic migraine or chronic illness. I hope you'll have your own conversations like this because we do need each other, all of us. So thank you to Megan for being here, to Dr. Ryan as always, and to all of you. This has been season three of the Head Start Embracing the Journey. If you like what you heard, tell a friend. Tell five friends. Tell between five and ten friends. Thanks for listening to the Head Start Embracing the Journey. We hope you found something worthwhile here with us today. A new coping strategy, a relatable story, the comfort of knowing you're not alone. I'm so happy to be a part of creating this community for all of us and especially for people living with chronic migraine. If you haven't found a treatment plan that is working for you, please do reach out to your head a specialist to explore your options. I truly hope this has helped you find a bit of comfort and maybe a smile. Maybe. See you next episode and stay tuned for more important safety information. The Head Start Embracing the Journey is hosted by myself, Nora McInerney, executive produced by Yvonne Sheehan. Our Head of Post Production is James Foster, our researcher is Sierra Kaiser and our writer is John Irwin. The show is mixed by Michael Hardman, original music by Soundcat Productions and Artlist.

[Megan McInerney]

Important safety information continued There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect away from the injection site when Botox has been used at the recommended dose to treat chronic migraine. Botox may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness, vision problems or dizziness within hours to weeks of receiving Botox. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery or do other dangerous activities. Do not receive Botox if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox. See Medication Guide for ingredients. Had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such Myobloc Rima Botulinum toxin B B Dysportulinum toxin A Zeomin Jeuveau Probotulinum toxin A XVFS Daxify Daxibotulinum toxin A LANM or Latibo Ledibotulinum toxin awlbg this may not be a complete list of all botulinum toxin products have a skin infection at the planned injection site. The dose of Botox is not the same as or comparable to another Botulinum toxin product. Serious and or immediate allergic reactions have been reported including itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, dizziness or feeling faint. Get medical help right away. If you experience symptoms, further injection of Botox should be discontinued. Tell your doctor about all your muscle or nerve conditions such as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, Myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eaton Syndrome as you may be at increased risk of serious side effects including difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing from typical doses of Botox. Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have or have had bleeding problems, have plans to have surgery, had surgery on your face, have weakness of forehead muscles, trouble raising your eyebrows, drooping eyelids and any other abnormal facial change. Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Botox can harm your unborn baby, are breastfeeding or plan to it is not known if Botox passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over the counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Using Botox with certain other medicines may cause serious side effects. Do not start any new medicines until you have told your doctor that you have received Botox detox in the past. Tell your doctor if you received any other botulinum toxin product in the last four months. Have received injections of botulinum toxin such as Myobloc, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Daxify or Letibo in the past. This may not be a complete list of all botulinum toxin products. Tell your doctor exactly which product you received have recently received an antibiotic by injection take muscle relaxants, take an allergy or cold medicine, take a sleep medicine, take aspirin like products or blood thinner. Other side effects of Botox include dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, eye problems such as double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids and dry eyes, drooping eyebrows and upper respiratory tract infection. For more information, refer to the Medication Guide or talk with your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Botox full product information including boxed warning and medication guide by clicking the link provided in the podcast description or by visiting www.rxab abvie.com PDF botoxpi.PDF. if you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit abbvie.com Patient Access Support to learn more. Botox is a trademark of Allergan Inc. An Abbvie company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Can Botox onobotulinum toxin a help if I have chronic migraine 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting four hours or more. Botox prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It's not approved for adults with migraine.

[Nora McInerney]

Who have 14 or fewer headache days a month.

[Megan McInerney]

It's the number one prescribed branded chronic.

[Botox Advertisement]

Migraine treatment prescription Botox is injected by your doctor. Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions including als, Lou Gehrig's disease, Myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eaton syndrome and medications including botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.

[Megan McInerney]

Ask your doctor and visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-800-44- for Botox to learn more. This is an iHeart podcast.