Pain Beyond Imagination: Surviving a Basilar Stroke and Migraines
As I reflect on my experiences, what comes to mind is the relentless pain and struggle of enduring a basilar stroke. At the tender age of 16, I battled through a breast tumor surgery, a pain that is hard to describe but not exactly an injury. However, the memory of that pain does not compare to the intensity of the basilar stroke incidents I faced in a span of three weeks in 2013. I was a mere .01 survivor, leaving many others in unfortunate circumstances.
Unfathomable Pain of a Basilar Stroke
The basilar stroke left me in agony, the throbbing in my head akin to the explosive energy released from multiple volcanic eruptions combined. The pain felt like molten lava assaulting my right side, severely impacting my quality of sleep. Even the act of laying on that side was impossible due to the intensity of this fiery sensation.
Visual and Sensory Disturbances
Imagine the cruelest form of torture where migraines without respite are thrown at you. My migraines ranged from 1 to 10 on the pain scale, with a 10 being so excruciating that it made me want to end my suffering immediately. Flares in my eyes, an unbearable throbbing, and the sensation of my limbs being torn apart by invisible forces were just some of the horrors I faced.
Key Sensory Triggers
The daily suffering culminated in a series of agonizing episodes, with the sheer intensity being unbearable at times. The pain was so intense that it felt like a volcano was erupting in my head, and at other times, it felt like my brain was being pierced by javelins. I wore TheraSpecs, a pair of glasses designed to block UVA/UVB and fluorescent lights, to manage some of the flare-ups.
Post-Stroke Recovery and Migraines
After 90 days of relentless pain, the volcanic sensation in my head gradually subsided. However, the stroke left me with a series of lasting effects, including migraines, vision impairment, and an inoperable blood clot in my brain. In addition to these physical challenges, I had to relearn various aspects of my life.
Migraines: The Ever-Changing Enemy
Migraines can manifest in countless forms, much like the myriad of horse breeds. They hit me randomly, often without warning. The only sign I have of an impending migraine is when my left eye starts tearing uncontrollably. Upon noticing this, I rush to a dark and quiet space to avoid the intensity of the migraine.
TheraSpecs: A Migraine Slayer
Since 2013, these specially designed glasses have been my lifeline. TheraSpecs block out UVA/UVB and fluorescent lights, which significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of my migraines. Prior to using these glasses, I would either stay in bed hoping the migraine would pass or cry out in pain, longing for it to alleviate itself. Thanks to TheraSpecs, I can now experience life without the fear of triggering a migraine.
Battles Beyond Physical Pain
The mental and emotional toll of a basilar stroke is no less severe than the physical. It forced me to rethink my mortality and reevaluate my life. Childbirth and broken bones are certainly painful ordeals, but the aftermath of a basilar stroke is far more ominous. Each day is a new adventure, a journey with no guarantee of a positive outcome. However, I survived, and it only strengthened my resolve to continue.