How long have you had migraine and what type of migraine do you have?
I have been living with constant chronic migraine for the past four years. My migraines are largely hormonally driven. Occasionally, I also experience episodic migraine attacks with aura which started when I was 22 years old.
How does migraine disease impact your life?
Migraine disease has a significant impact on my daily life. It affects my ability to be fully present for my family, and I often miss out on engaging with my children and contributing at home in the way I would like to. Because of the pain and fatigue, I frequently have no choice but to lie down and rest.
After work and on weekends, times that should be spent enjoying family time or catching up with friends, I am often on the couch trying to recover enough strength to face another week of constant pain.
What medications, treatments or lifestyle changes have you tried to help manage your migraine disease?
I have tried many funded medications to manage my migraine disease, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, anti-seizure medications, Botox injections, triptans, and various over-the-counter combinations. Many of these treatments come with difficult side effects and require long waiting periods to determine whether they will work. It can take weeks or even months before any potential benefit becomes clear, and during that time the pain remains overwhelming. When a medication doesn’t work, the process starts again — tapering off the previous drug, trialling the next option, and hoping for relief, often with little or no improvement. It can be an exhausting and discouraging cycle.
After a short period using Aquipta, I am now taking Emgality, Pregabalin, and Zoladex, and this overall approach has been life-changing for me. Ovary suppression with Zoladex has been particularly important in helping manage my migraine spikes, as controlling my hormone fluctuations has made a significant difference.
In terms of lifestyle changes, good quality sleep makes all the difference for me. I can no longer run or do high-intensity cardio exercise because the increased blood flow to my head can increase my symptoms, so I now focus on walking and weight training instead. Staying well hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and prioritising good nutrition are also important. I also find that getting a good massage can provide meaningful relief too.
What are your biggest migraine triggers?
Hormones! My migraines first began on the first day of my menstrual cycle, when I woke up with a migraine that never went away. That moment marked the beginning of constant chronic migraine for me.
How do you manage during a migraine attack?
When my migraine flares, I really struggle to cope as the pain is overwhelming. I usually lie down on the couch and try to keep my head as still as possible. My husband and children will sometimes give me a gentle head rub, which helps a little. I don’t usually take pain relief at that point because it doesn’t seem to work when the migraine is at its worst.
How do you stay positive living with migraine disease?
Staying positive while living with migraine disease can be challenging, especially during difficult periods. I try to focus on the good days and make the most of the times when I feel well. My family is also a big source of support and encouragement, which helps me stay hopeful. I remind myself that the bad days will pass, and I try to be kind to myself when I need to rest. Finding small moments of comfort and appreciating the support around me helps me maintain a positive mindset.
How can migraine care improve in New Zealand?
Migraine care in New Zealand could be improved in several ways. One of the most significant changes would be for Pharmac to approve and fund anti-CGRP migraine medications.
Funding these medications would allow people living with chronic and severe migraine to access treatments that could significantly reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks. This would improve quality of life, reduce time off work and school, and lessen the burden on the healthcare system.
Overall, recognising migraine as a serious and disabling condition, and ensuring equitable access to modern migraine treatments, would make a significant difference for people living with migraine in New Zealand.
What advice do you have for other people in New Zealand living with migraine?
My advice for other people in New Zealand living with migraine is to take the small wins where you can. Migraine can be unpredictable and difficult to live with, so it’s important to celebrate the good moments and the days when things feel a little easier. Be kind to yourself and listen to your body when you need to rest. You are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals. Taking things one day at a time and focusing on the small positives can make a big difference.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to say thank you to the Migraine Foundation for the work they do supporting people living with migraine in New Zealand. Having organisations that raise awareness, provide information, and advocate for better treatment and care makes a real difference for those of us living with this disease. Their support helps people feel less alone and gives hope that migraine care will continue to improve in the future.
