While I’m feeling better today, I’m still not 100 percent. I seem to have entered the postdrome phase of my migraine—often called a “migraine hangover.” The symptoms usually include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, head tenderness, and mood changes.

For me, I think of it as a shadow headache. The headache is still there, just not as intense—like it’s hiding in the background. I also tend to get brain fog during this phase, when thoughts and movements feel slower than usual, as if everything is happening a half-step behind.

That being said, I’m going to skip a poetry post this week. I’m just not up to writing one right now. I have class preparations and meetings today, and while I wish I could stay home another day to recover, tomorrow I’m out for my first appointment with my new neurologist at the Headache Clinic. Then it’s right back into things with a class first thing Friday morning.

Sometimes listening to your body means easing up where you can—and this week, poetry will have to wait.

Tomorrow is not exactly shaping up to be my favorite day.

I have a root canal scheduled at 10 a.m., and I’ve been dreading it ever since it was put on the calendar. I know—modern dentistry, numbing, skilled professionals, all of that. I believe the reassurances. I still don’t like the idea.

As if that weren’t enough, we’re also under a Winter Weather Advisory and an Ice Storm Warning. The heaviest ice accumulation is expected between midnight and 10 a.m., which means I’ll be heading out right in the thick of it. Temperatures are supposed to drop quickly behind freezing, with gusty winds that could cause additional power outages into Tuesday. Honestly, I’m not thrilled about any part of that.

That said, I do have one small thing working in my favor: I’ve actually fallen asleep during a root canal before. Apparently, once I’m numb and reclined, my body just decides it’s nap time. So maybe that’s the plan tomorrow—carefully make it through the icy roads, close my eyes in the dentist’s chair, drift off, and wake up wondering when it’s all over. 😂

I’m hoping for a smooth procedure, minimal discomfort, safe travel, and maybe a well-earned afternoon of staying put afterward. If nothing else, I’ll remind myself that this is one of those days that’s unpleasant anticipating it, but usually manageable once you’re actually in it.

Here’s hoping tomorrow goes quickly—and quietly.

Wish me luck.

Update – 7:10 a.m.: My dentist appointment has been rescheduled due to the weather. The office will call me tomorrow to set a new date. I’m honestly very relieved that I don’t have to get out in this mess—driving in these conditions had me genuinely worried. Dental appointments can be difficult to reschedule, so we’ll see what happens next, but thankfully this root canal isn’t an emergency.

Everything seemed to go fine yesterday. I spent most of the day sleeping, which was probably exactly what my body needed. The endoscopy showed no esophageal varices, which was a huge relief. The doctor did take a few biopsies of some discoloration in my throat, but that was purely precautionary and nothing to worry about—most likely just irritation from acid reflux. Today I’m left with a sore throat, but that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

This afternoon I head to the dentist to get the permanent crown for the tooth I had worked on last month. After that, I’m officially away from the office until January 5. I’ll work from home tomorrow, but otherwise things are slowing down a bit.

The weekend will be spent packing and getting ready for my trip to Alabama. My plane leaves at the painfully early hour of 5:30 a.m. Monday morning, so Sunday night will be an early one. For now, I’m just taking things one step at a time and grateful that yesterday brought mostly good news.

I hope your week is treating you gently.

I woke up this morning with a migraine and am currently sitting here with my coffee, trying to decide whether I’m going to call in sick or if this will be one of those migraines that eventually eases up. Right now, it’s a waiting game.

I’ll admit, part of me simply doesn’t want to go to work today—but I also hate calling in sick, especially on a Monday. Mondays already feel heavy enough without adding guilt to the mix.

So for now, I’m sipping coffee, giving my head a little time, and seeing how things go. I hope your Monday is starting out better than mine, and I hope the week ahead is a good one for all of us.

☕️

Update: I did go in to work. The migraine isn’t gone, but it’s manageable for now. If it gets worse, I’ll head home.

I really don’t have much to say today. I’m feeling a bit low — just a little sad and worn down — and I’m not up to writing much this morning. Some days are like that: quiet, heavy, and a little gray around the edges.

I’m giving myself permission to keep things simple today, and I hope you’ll do the same if you need it. Be kind to yourselves, and I’ll be back when my spirits lift a bit.