Jen is a writer here on Substack, a chronic migraine warrior and advocate. She has progressed from episodic migraine, having excruciating attacks discounted as “just a migraine” to experiencing one that didn’t go away.
After pursuing a second opinion, she was diagnosed with hemiplegic migraine and felt heard for the first time. Since then, there have been two strokes and at the time of sharing this, Jen is currently in the throws of status migrainosis (a severe attack that continues beyond 72 hours and doesn’t respond at all to rescue meds).
She shares with us in here what holds her during the darkest days, how she keeps going and not just advocating for herself but for those of us in the migraine community.
Warrior Within is a sanctuary for the holistic migraine warrior. To receive future episodes and articles, subscribe here. Consider upgrading to join us for some gentle Healing Through Writing Mondays & Wednesdays.
I was introduced to Jen by
Claire Venus ✨
author of Sparkle on Substack and I am glad to have met her and call her my across the water friend.
I meant to encourage Jen to share the story behind Ida, her dog who makes an appearance at the beginning of our talk. Ida frequently appears on Jen’s posts and is a service dog. Home-trained! As in Jen trained Ida to support her as a service dog herself! Ida helps her identify when a severe attack is coming and keeps her company during the long hard days.
Holistic migraine warrior,
It can be enormously challenging to show up as you are at the best of times. To speak your truth and voice aspects of your story even more so. So here is a reminder that not only do you matter, it really is true - every element of it:
Connect with Migraine Girl
Jen is here on Substack! Her page is called Beyond Migraine as yes, migraine is a big and debilitating part of her life but she also connects to being so much more than her pain and suffering. Here, she shares her incredible ordeal of adventures, insight, research, top tips and humour. Recently broaching the topic of not just navigating migraine pain but also the pain of estrangement in an incredibly open and vulnerable way.
In what way do you connect to Jen’s story? What would you want to find out more about?
Catch up on previous episodes
Bringing in the support with Eva Lydon
Moving beyond migraine with Lisa Bolin
Blending happiness and migraine with Erin Peterson
Tears and truths with Kerry Spalding
The deep end of the healing journey with Chanel Riggle
Overcoming Guilt & Shame with Linda X
Keto for Migraine with Angela Mohn
Send me a message if you want to get in on the action - come aboard and let’s tell your story, your way.
Share this post