Life Update: August 2019
The past few months have been a bit up and down, to say the least. For the past few years since I started working, I have been getting worse and worse migraines (coincidence, I think not!) My doctor suggested that I get an MRI scan of my brain just to check if anything looked abnormal. When the results came back, they found a little abnormality. It turns out I have something called Arnold Chiari Malformation - a condition that means my skull is a little bit misshapen, and some of my cerebellum is being pushed down onto my spinal cord. Fortunately this is not a life-threatening disease, but I will have to live with and learn how to manage my headaches, dizziness, and neck pain.
I saw a neurologist, and in addition to keeping a migraine tracker and watching my diet, she also gave me a natural supplement and a prescription drug. My parents, wary of the possible side effects of the prescription, are pushing for me to try acupuncture instead.
I’ve also begun to take steps to reduce some of the stressors and generally live a healthier lifestyle. I am now able to work from home on Friday’s, which saves me a 4-hour/day commute and allows me to get more sleep and get some fresh air and exercise in the mornings. I’ve been trying to cut out processed foods and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables instead. What I’m still not great at is remembering to drink enough water and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Yesterday, I went to go see an allergist (recommended by my doctor, as allergies can sometimes be triggers for headaches as well) and had two tests done: one skin prick test, and one patch test that I wear on my back for 48 hours. The skin prick test told me that I was highly allergic to grass mix pollen, most trees, and some weeds. So I’m basically going to stay indoors for the rest of my life LOL. The patch test, which I will get the results for tomorrow, is supposed to tell me which substances and chemicals (which can be found in makeup, shampoos, detergents, clothing material, and even medications) cause reactions when contacting my skin. (Update: It turns out I am allergic to Nickel, which is usually found in earrings and other jewelry. I guess my caviar taste extends to my body not accepting fake jewelry too! LOL)
All my life, I avoided going to the doctor. But now, I am striving to be more proactive about my health and finding myself trying to see as many doctors as possible. (Next stop: the endocrinologist!) I think what this small experience has taught me was:
Work-life balance is really really important, especially as you get older and/or have families of your own.
You cannot and should not avoid getting frequent check-ups. If there is something wrong, the sooner it is recognized, the sooner you can find treatment for it.
Take care of your body! - what you put on it, in it, and around it.