Why Doing All the “Right Things” Still Didn’t Work for Marie

Marie’s Story

"Before joining the Freedom From Migraines Method, I found everything about my migraines so confusing; I couldn't settle with the idea that I was experiencing pain with no real reason.

I felt I was healthy and had a good diet, yet I was in pain for about 4 days each week.

I was amazed that there didn't seem to be anyone out there who knew much about migraine. I felt so isolated and alone.

I realise now, I was quite depressed. I was just pulling myself through life, always playing catch-up.

In desperation I would try one therapy after another with no success, spending all the spare money I had. Each time I would get my hopes up, and then nothing would change.

I kept beating myself up, blaming myself, and generally being quite horrible to myself. I felt like I must be doing something wrong to be in this situation.

After my initial call with Debbie, I actually decided not to do the FFMM program.

Then I had a 9-day migraine and was on my knees. Debbie and I chatted again, and I just decided it was meant to be.

I like that the programme isn't one size fits all. It made me feel less isolated and alone. It made me feel heard, seen, and supported. It changed my mindset and made me realise I am stronger than I thought I was.

The FFMM program is completely different. It brings everything together in a really simple way.

It is specific rather than guessing what may help.

In seeing therapists before, it was always, try this and then this and then this, with no results.

I got the feeling that the therapist was also just hoping something would suddenly work as well.

In this programme, everything is so tailored to migraine, you just really know that there will be a difference in time. It was also so supportive to have coaches who have been through the programme, so you can hear all the different experiences and have the reassurance that things just need time.

When I think about that initial time I turned down the program... Gosh, I felt a sense of dread in my body. I hate to think about that, really. Without FFMM, I'd be very depressed, worried, and lost, to be honest.

I no longer feel like I can't function. In the past, I couldn't get my words out properly, and I felt spacey. I think the mindset shift has been the most helpful here. I now think it is just a migraine, you are not incapable, and that really helps me to trust in myself.

I feel more in control, so I will not feel fearful of booking something in for fear of a migraine. I will also go hiking again without the fear that I am not strong enough - it was a game-changer to learn that exercise can shift a migraine!

To feel so supported and receive so much amazing information is so worth it.

Everything makes more sense also, and you feel like all the things about your health that you questioned are answered.

For me, I have been able to look back and now understand that inflammation has been building for so long. This means that my migraines now make sense, which has helped me accept my situation. This is the first step in taking true responsibility for it and then changing it.

Before discovering the FFMM program, I was experiencing 1-2 migraines each week, each lasting 4-5 days, with my cycle often bringing about a severe migraine that could last up to 9 days.

Now, thanks to the program, the weekly migraines have ceased, and on the rare occasion I do get one around my cycle, it's significantly less severe."

— Marie D., UK