The last several years have seen huge changes in my professional life. My "migraine headaches" were out of control, and none of the doctors I consulted here or in Charleston were any help at all. Mostly, they told me to "put up with them" or keep taking medications that had such horrible cognitive side effects that I couldn't concentrate enough to accomplish anything.

In desperation, I turned to the Internet to research, and that was the beginning of a huge change. I soon learned that Migraines aren't headaches, but attacks or episodes of Migraine, a genetic neurological disease. John and I started making trips to Philadelphia so I could get treatment at the Jefferson Headache Center, where I did get help and wonderful treatment.

At roughly the same time, I had the opportunity to begin working for the About, Inc. (which has now become a division of the New York Times), doing the web site About Headaches / Migraine. This is a site for education, support, and patient advocacy related to headaches and Migraine disease.

It's been quite a ride from there! My first book, "Living Well with Migraine Disease and Headaches: What your doctor doesn't tell you... that you need to know," published by Harper Collins, came out on November 1. It has been selected as an alternate selection for December by the One Spirit, Quality Paperback, American Compass, and Book of the Month Clubs. You can read more about the book at my site Help for Headaches and Migraine!