About

I’m Natalie. I started this blog when I was 27 years old, because of migraine headaches.

Migraines are common-ish, but mine started out worse than most, and I’m still trying to convince them to pack their bags and move out, or at least take an extended vacation.

This blog begins shortly after my first and longest hospital stay. If you’d like to start at the beginning, click here.

I’d like to use the rest of this page for a poem, dedicated to the UCSF Neurology Department.

Neurology Exam #837
What is today’s date?
What is your full name?
Where are we?
Who is the president of the United States?

Do you have a family history of headaches?
How many headaches have you had before?
Were you headachey as a child?
Do you get ice cream headaches?

Can you squeeze my fingers?
Can you touch your nose?
Can you follow my pen with your eyes?
Any changes in vision?
Can you walk?
Any weakness on one side of your body?
Does this feel the same on both sides?
Can I shine this INSANELY BRIGHT light into your eyes?

Shrug your shoulders.
Put your arms out, close your eyes.
Smile really big.
Push me away with your arms.
Tap your foot on my hand.
Raise your eyebrows.