by Kristine Hatak
This is a book Migraineurs have been waiting for. This is a book we want our families, doctors, friends -- everyone with whom we come in contact -- to read.
This is a book Migraineurs have been waiting for. This is a book we want our families, doctors, friends -- everyone with whom we come in contact -- to read.
The comment most frequently made when Migraineurs get together to talk is that we wish people who think Migraines are just a bad headache would have a Migraine so they'd know how mistaken they are. We wish just one migraine on every doctor who will ever treat a Migraine patient. This book is the next best thing. It is a compilation of descriptive quotes from Migraineurs -- frustrated, desperate, humorous, frightened, hopeful Migraineurs.
Ms. Hatak approaches the topic of migraines with dedication, compassion and humor. She recognizes that Migraine has profound effects on the families and friends of Migraineurs as well.
Some Chapters In "A Guided Tour of HellP
- Who We Are
"...mothers and fathers, sons and daughters... teachers and truck drivers... young and old... rich and poor... We are anyone... We are everywhere... We are Migraineurs."
- What Does a Migraine Really Feel Like
"Most people, when hearing the word "Migraine" think "headache." But Migraineurs know that these are not ordinary headaches. The pain associated with Migraine can be debilitating, even disabling -- yet many people, including healthcare professionals, still believe that Migraineurs only imagine the pain -- that it's all in their heads.
- Doctors
"Headache sufferers make more than 8 million visits a year to doctors' office. Many Migraineurs are stunned by the uncaring attitudes of some healthcare professionals..."
- The Lighter Side
"...Many Migraineurs believe that, to survive with their sanity intact, they must look for the humor in their situation..."
- If You've Never Had a Migraine
"Migraineurs have a message for the non-sufferers of the world."
- Fears About the Future
"We don't know what the future may hold, and fear of the unknown is only natural. Migraineurs, perhaps, may fear a little more.
- Hopes
"Migraineurs, for all their pain, have not yet given up. They still have hope."
Each chapter includes aptly selected quotes from Migraineurs of all ages and from all walks of life. These people have been through endless medical appointments, a never-ending list of tried and failed treatments, and countless times when they thought their "head would explode."
Summary
If you have Migraine Disease, and have trouble explaining them to people, "A Guided Tour of Hell" should be in your library. As you read this book, you'll know you're reading about yourself. If you care about someone else who has Migraine, this book is for you, too. If you're a medical professional who has never felt what Migraine patients feel, this book can help share your patients' experiences. It offers "word pictures" of Migraine, what it is, and what it's like to live with that will take you there without your having to experience the pain and frustration yourself.
