Thoughts behind the artwork...

The Migraine Pattern. To those who are lucky enough to have never endured these debilitating headaches, it is difficult to describe their impact. For myself, I have always had a high tolerance for pain. Much of the time, I can "push through" a migraine. However, these headaches have a way of becoming so all-encompassing that even my high tolerance is of no match. These headaches can bring dizziness, equilibrium issues, problems with vision, motor skills thrown out of whack... and pain so bad that vomiting occurs. When a migraine reaches such peak levels, there is nothing to do but suffer it out.

These headaches cause chaos in the routines of our lives. Work is missed. Appointments are cancelled. Family gatherings are ruined. The aftermath of these headaches brings a helpless feeling, fueled by guilt. As if it weren't bad enough to suffer through such trauma, the burden of what has been disrupted is ever present. One major side effect is that work relations can become strained. Many who do not suffer migraines have absolutely no idea what it means to be wiped out by one. Often times, these people are coworkers who just assume the headaches are simply an excuse to get out of work. With no real understanding of what you are going through, they will speak ill of you.

All that to say... migraines are no fun. Not everyone has the same headaches. Not everyone can treat them the same way. Some things work for one person, but not at all for another. To just say "why don't you just take this if you have a headache" may seem logical to some. But not everyone can simply follow the same patterns of treatment.

If you suffer from the many problems associated with migraines, I feel your pain. Hang in there and do the best you can.

-John Alexander (aka SirJohn)