The first time it happened, I was around 20 years old, lounging on the couch while watching TV. Suddenly, my vision became blurry, and I assumed it was just the heat of a sweltering summer day. I decided to lie down for a bit.
Then, the strangest thing unfolded: from the corner of my right eye, I noticed a flicker of flashing lights. Within minutes, this band of light expanded, blocking my entire right field of vision. I tried shutting my eyes, but the lights persisted. My heart raced, and I was torn between calling for emergency help (which in hindsight, I probably should have) and worrying about my situation. Just as I began to convince myself that I was not experiencing a stroke or anything life-threatening, the lights vanished, leaving me with a pounding headache on the same side and feeling as if I had just run a marathon.
While many people would rush to the doctor, I hesitated. Back then, as a young woman with a fear of doctors, I opted to reach out to a friend who had faced a similar ordeal. She recounted her own “flashing light” experience, which her doctor attributed to dehydration and an imbalance in electrolytes. Considering the heat that day, I figured that must be it and stocked up on electrolyte powder like it was my job.
Over the next few years, I experienced these “flashing lights” intermittently, convinced they were due to dehydration. However, when I became pregnant with my first child, these episodes increased in frequency. With another life in my hands, I thought it was wise to consult a medical professional.
My midwife suggested it sounded like a migraine, something not uncommon in pregnancy. Later, my optometrist confirmed that it appeared to be the aura associated with migraines. She explained that many of her patients experienced auras, and unless accompanied by concerning symptoms like memory loss or other cognitive impairments, the focus should be on management. Every migraine sufferer has unique triggers, making relief a sometimes frustrating journey.
She recommended making a list of potential migraine triggers, but the task felt overwhelming. The list seemed to include everything I enjoyed (coffee, chocolate, cheese) and every aspect of life (stress, lack of sleep). It felt impossible to eliminate those triggers without isolating myself entirely.
I resigned myself to living with these auras, relieved they were just a migraine symptom and not something more dire. At that time, I only experienced mild headaches afterward, so I thought it was something I could manage.
But after giving birth, I was hit with a harsh reality—severe migraine attacks that left me reeling. Whether it was the sleepless nights or the hormonal shifts of new motherhood, my migraines escalated, overshadowing the auras that had once been my main concern.
The silver lining? Now when I get an aura, I’m more annoyed than frightened. Thankfully, they don’t happen often, but when they do, it’s a clear signal that a debilitating migraine is on the horizon.
If you’ve ever experienced an aura, you know how bewildering it can be, especially the first few times when you’re unsure if something terrible is happening.
A word of advice: if you suddenly experience partial blindness followed by flashing lights obscuring your vision, seek medical attention immediately. It’s essential to rule out more serious conditions before concluding it’s a migraine.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, you might find this resource from IVF Babble helpful. And for those exploring self-insemination options, consider checking out Make a Mom for authoritative information. Additionally, you can read about my experiences with migraines and more on this blog.
Summary:
This article recounts the author’s initial experience with ocular migraines, mistaken for a stroke, and the evolution of her migraine journey through pregnancy and motherhood. It emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice when experiencing unusual symptoms and offers resources for readers interested in home insemination and pregnancy-related topics.