Excedrin Post #2, Review of My Migraine Triggers App

As you all know, I'm an Excedrin Blogger Ambassador.  This means I get to share my thoughts with other blogger ambassadors about Excedrin and how we handle our headaches. It's really nice to connect with others about this subject and know that you're not alone.

As part of the ambassador program, we were told to record our migraines on a special app called "My Migraine Triggers. This app is on a iPod touch that we were given.  About a week after receiving the iPod, I was able to use it for the first time. I can always tell when a migraine is coming on, usually when I'm stressed, or tired.  I feel lightheaded, nauseous, and pain starts to surround my head.  Yeah, it's not a fun combination. 

The app is very easy to use and it is certainly user-friendly. It records all of your migraines and your triggers too through a special migraine diary. Having this information at your disposal is essential, in my opinion.  The best part is that you can share the information with your doctor, for a further look into your migraines. You can discuss the symptoms and feelings with him/her and talk about your options and what you can do to alleviate the pain.  The tool has information about headaches and can you give you an in depth look into what causes them, how to cope with migraines, and even what triggers them.  The information was vitally important to me and I learned a lot from it. I like to learn more about migraines and educate myself as much as possible.

I immediately took out the iPod when I had the migraine.  I filled out an entry in the diary on the app.  You can answer questions which help you to form an entry.  The app asks you questions such as did you have a headache today? How long did it last? What were the triggers? When did it start? On what side of your head did you have pain? These questions are important for knowing why you received a migraine and what triggered it.  Did you not get enough sleep or are you stressed? Those are key migraine triggers to me. If I'm feeling those two emotions, you can guarantee I'll have a migraine. 

I've used this app 3 times so far since owning the iPod. Luckily the migraines were all when I was home and I was able to lie in a dark room and sleep.  I like to go back and read my previous entries to see what caused the migraine for that day or what I was feeling when I had them. That way I can try to prevent them in the future.  This app takes the guesswork out of trying to figure out what causes those pesky migraines.  Now you'll have proof and it helps you to seek closure for that day. I think this is a wonderful tool that makes life easier and my migraines more manageable.  I am very thankful for it.

If you suffer from migraines, it's never too late to download the free My Migraine Triggers App on iTunes for your iPhone or iPad.  You can find it here. Of course follow Excedrin on Twitter and Facebook too!  

*DISCLOSURE* I am an Excedrin Migraine Brand Ambassador. One iPod Touch to test the app was provided by Novartis Consumer Health Inc.  My journey for a migraine-free experience is my own.