Hi, my name is Audrey. I am a photographer and business owner in Northville, Michigan. I have been diagnosed with Vestibular Migraine, which is a neurological disease that causes vertigo. Most think of “headaches” when they think of migraines. I get those too, unfortunately, but this is a separate issue and diagnosis.
The best way to explain Vestibular Migraine is that my brain does not properly process the input that my eyes and ears are providing. I am overly sensitive to lights and sounds and it causes vertigo along with many other symptoms.
5 Invisible Symptoms
- Balance issues and vertigo-examples include false perception that the floor is uneven, pulling to one side, swaying, spinning, or that I’m going to fall. Another crazy one is when the floor feels like it drops out from under me! It makes me feel like I am drunk, although I don’t drink alcohol.
- Aura and visual disturbances, loss of vision. I now have rescue meds for when I get an attack, but it typically triggers vertigo as well.
- Alice and Wonderland Syndrome or Todd’s Syndrome–a rare condition causing temporary, distorted perceptions of the self and the surrounding world, including visual, sensory, and time-related distortions. This would happen to me in stores with bright fluorescent lighting and rows of shelving. My brain couldn’t process the visual input and all of the sudden I would feel like the store was shrinking around me and I was disproportionately larger than my surroundings. So scary the first time because what the heck?
- Derealization manifests as a feeling that one’s surroundings or self is unreal, dream-like, or disconnected. The connection between the two is thought to stem from sensory conflicts between the vestibular system (balance) and other senses, which can be exacerbated by migraine-related factors like visual and vestibular hypersensitivity, anxiety, and motion sickness. This feels like I am floating or not inside of my body.
- Fatigue- I am not nearly as active as I used to be and when I am, I require more rest for recovery. I get tired so easily and I have a much quieter lifestyle now. Sleep and routine are so crucial for me to function like a human. I sleep 8-9 hours a night. If I don’t, I need a nap usually to finish the day.
4 Things That Help Me Manage Pain
- Medication-after a lot of trial and error the last few years, weight gain, and terrible side effects, I finally found the right type of medication for me!
- Sleep, rest, and relaxation.
- Hydration is also very important for me.
- My support system! My family, friends, my man, and my cat!
3 Ways My Life Has Changed
- If I overexert myself in any way, go to a concert, or attend a gathering where it’s loud and I am talking a lot, I typically sleep a lot the next day. It feels like a hangover, but again, I don’t drink alcohol.
- I made the decision to give up the wedding photography part of my business because my body couldn’t handle the long days. I also couldn’t predict if and when I would get an attack and there were times, I was not well but still had a job to do. That was very difficult.
- Sometimes I physically cannot do much. I have had to cancel plans, miss out on events, and call in to work. This is frustrating and depressing, when your body betrays you
2 People Who Inspire Me
- My best friend Lisa. She has Multiple Sclerosis but doesn’t let it stop her. She works very hard to keep her body healthy and shows up even when she doesn’t feel good!
- My sister-in-law, Katie. She has POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, but it doesn’t prevent her from being a great momma to my nieces. She has to keep a delicate balance between pushing herself and resting, and she does it so well!
1 Thing You Want People to Know
It is true that you don’t know what another person is going through mentally, physically or spiritually. It costs nothing to show empathy or compassion. Be the light you need in the world and always be kind!
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