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Páramo

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I was actually just about to ask you how you got your diagnosis. I've experienced migraines at different points in my life, but I imagine my experience can't really be compared to yours.

I hope you don't mind me asking, but how do you manage your work life while living with a chronic illness? And how can a service dog help with your condition?

Are you seeing a psychologist as well? Living with a chronic illness often involves grieving the loss of the life you had before, so having mental health support can be really important.

I'm sending you a big hug ☹💖, and I truly, truly hope your situation improves in the future.



Hi! Thank you for the questions. 

I got my diagnosis after being referred to a neurologist, and for me it was pretty straightforward just because of the severity. I know that "migraine" itself is a diagnosis given to people with <14 migraines per month, or people who are just more susceptible to migraines without having the chronic illness- if that fits you more, you could talk to a doctor about it!

I am unfortunately not seeing a psychologist. I can't afford one at the moment and I am on medicaid which does not cover any around me. I know it would help me immensely, but for now I am just trying to get by with what I've learned from hospitalizations and previous therapy experiences. 

I'm extremely lucky to have a job that is understanding of my situation, but it is still not very flexible. Most of the time I'm just forced to deal with my migraines, but they are good about letting me stay home if it's really debilitating. I have a device that makes them more bearable while I have it on, but it definitely doesn't take them away (maybe takes them down 20-30% in intensity)

As for how a service dog would help, half of the reason I would be getting one is psychological, which would indirectly help with my migraines as that is my biggest trigger. Though I'm not exactly comfortable sharing all my diagnoses and that is necessary to explaining how it would specifically help </3. My neurologist is the one who recommended a service dog for migraines initially, and some of the tasks he mentioned were alerting oncoming migraines (very helpful for me to take preventative medications in time, because I cannot tell at all), item retrieval, guidance, balance/stability, deep pressure therapy, alerting other people, and behavior interruption.

Thank you so much for your well-wishes :) 

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