I didn't sleep last night and I won't sleep until late tonight. My irritable bowel syndrome is flaring up. Next likely suspect will be Migraine disease: inconsistent sleep is my most consistent trigger. I fully expect to have a bad Migraine tomorrow, and hope I don't have an attack today. My chronic fatigue syndrome will be heard from next and I'm likely to be fatigued for a week. And it will all be worth it!
I have multiple chronic illnesses and I am a chronic illness coach. I help others manage their lives with chronic illness to aid recovery and stay as productive as possible. One key to managing many of these illnesses is a life of moderation and balance, with careful energy regulation, regular sleep, regular exercise, careful diet, avoidance of over-stimulation. Most of that is out the window at a time like this. For today I am happily giving myself over to an acute illness - election fever!
Health Central's My Migraine Connection posted their weekly poll this morning on the topic "Do you plan to vote regardless of a Migraine?". 95% of respondents said yes.
This may or may not seem like a big deal to you. Although 12% of the population suffers from Migraine disease, it's not well known or understood. It's high on the World Health Organization's list of the most disabling conditions world-wide. Most of the people who frequent the Health Central Site are chronic migraineurs, who have Migraine more than 15 days per month. While in the midst of a Migraine attack, light, noise and movement make the pain and nausea worse. Standing on a line at the polls can be no picnic in those conditions.
I'm really moved to think of all these chronically ill people getting out and voting. Yeah, Health Central didn't ask them which way they were voting, but somehow I don't think many are going to drag their aching heads out to vote for more of the same. We are a group very hard hit by the healthcare crisis. We are an under-funded, under-researched, under-insured, misunderstood, frequently disabled group. Maybe there are some with Migraines people out there on line to vote for McPain but I doubt there are many.
I blog on life with Migraine and other chronic illnesses at Free my Brain and posted this morning about election fever, and how sometimes it's worth the pain! Like many here I've been a lifelong progressive Democrat and I can cry at a moments notice over what this election means to me, to my whole family, to our nation. I can cry at a moment's notice but I'm kind of trying not to because that's another Migraine trigger!
I cast my vote for Obama this morning. I always love voting, but it's a little anticlimactic. Where are the heavenly trumpets? Why aren't there fireworks when I cast my vote? I guess I have to wait til tonight for the trumpets and fireworks, when I'm up past my bedtime, by which time the trumpets and fireworks may trigger a Migraine. Oh well. This time it's worth it. Tomorrow I expect to be in pain but very very happy. Right now I've got a GOTV shift to go put in.
Happy Obama Day to you!