Monday, September 14, 2009

u2 GooD NeWS; BaD NeWS

So, the good news of this "U2 Good News; Bad News" post is that I went to the opening Chicago show of U2's new tour. The bad news, I didn't see any of it.

Now before your minds start awandering, NO, I was not drunk and passed out. I got a migraine. A stupid migraine prevented me from seeing ANY BIT OF BONO. I spent the evening in the last bathroom stall fighting a migraine and puking.

Who manages to go to a U2 concert and ends up in the bathroom the whole night? Me, that's who.

We had the whole day planned, 30 of us were tailgating and there were to be margaritas and awesome food, and music in preparation for the big show. Mr. Manic and I took the train downtown. On the train I said, "I'm scared I'm going to get a migraine."

"Don't psyche yourself up. You're going to jinx it into happening."

It happened.

I don't know what triggered it, but now this is the third migraine in a month, the second of which there was vomiting. I wondered if it was because I hadn't had any caffeine the whole morning/day, but I've gone without many days. I wonder if I have a reaction to popcorn, cuz I had popcorn that morning (Don't ask. OK, ask: we went to the Farmer's Market and they had awesome kettle corn there.) I recall getting migraines sometimes after eating movie popcorn and wonder if I have a reaction to certain oils? I have no idea.

But, the headache starts creeping up, and that's when I should take my preventative meds, but did I have any with me? Of course not! That would have been too sensible for Manic to actually pack her migraine medicine. (For the record, I didn't pack a comb, brush, toothbrush for that matter - I was going waaaay casual obviously.)

I power through, and keep saying, "I'll feel better, I can do this. It's Bono for crying out loud." Now, I'm not a huge U2 fan, but I like the band a lot, and to be in the vicinity of the band but not see the performance, well, that just sucked.

At tailgating, I tried to push through, tried to drink a 1/2 margarita, did eat some food thinking that would help, but kept cringing at the noise levels and the smells of the grills and sausages and people smoking, and that was really getting to me. I asked my friend if I could lie down in her van. I should have stayed there the whole time. But did I? Nooooo. Because I don't know my limitations. Had my limitations been with me that morning, I would have given my ticket to another neighbor so someone could have enjoyed the show.

Finally, we go in to the venue, which is Soldier Field, huge venue, the Bears play there, I've NEVER been inside Soldier Field. Let me tell you, they do a real nice job keeping those bathrooms clean. And I would know. Because I spent from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m IN THE BATHROOM!

Previous to camping out in the bathroom, I did go to First Aid at one point because I thought there would be a gurney I could lie on but the guy said I could sit there for a while but then they'd have to transfer me. Transfer me? Where to? The stage? Maybe then I'd feel better. I did manage to see 3 songs by Snow Patrol, one of them Open Your Eyes and it was great, but I knew, I just knew that with a light show and all the drums, I would never make it through the night.

The worst part, I could hear the band, could hear every single note from every song they were playing, but just enough to kill my ears and make me wish I wasn't sick so I could be out there with the whole crowd singing Sunday BLoody Sunday, and Streets Have No Name, and Vertigo ... and, and yeah, missed it. But I didn't miss the shaking of the buidling while locked in my bathroom stall. Nope, I felt all that motion, and felt it even more every time people would come in to pee. I got relief when there was a really good song playing because then the bathroom door wouldn't keep opening and closing and I wouldn't have to listen to all the drunk girls talk about how much they loved Bono and how great the show was, and and and ...

And while I sat there, I puked and then tried to clean up the mess, and it was one of those toilet paper holders where it takes FREAKING FOREVER to get a square out, and the whole time I'm telling myself, "Just get me through the night. At least I'm alive. It's only music. I can get through this."

And I could have gotten Mr. and begged him to take me home and he would have in a heartbeat, but I wanted him to at least experience the show. We paid a shitload of money to go, and he should have seen the show. I am such a martyr, aren't I? For the record, he did come out and look for me, and tried to call my cell, but there wasn't coverage, and I was in the bathroom on the level above us because that's where I landed after visiting First Aid.

Finally, when I felt like I could stand and walk and function (which I had tried two or three times before and failed), I got out of the bathroom and ran to get him, and said, "We have to go."

And he followed. Hey! I WILL FOLLOW! That's a U2 song, and yep, they played that one too, and yep, I missed that one too.

We left ...

MAJOR SIDENOTE HERE: We got into the first cab we found and when he was about to pull away, we see police lights. The cab was parked in a no park zone and the cop was letting him have it. This poor cabbie was just trying to make a measley buck. I even rolled down the window and said, "Officer, I'm really sick, can we please just leave?" But the cop was an ass and told the cabbie to wait there because he was getting a $150 ticket. I felt so bad for the guy but we got out of the cab to find another. The next cab we found was the SWEETEST cab driver. I told him I was sick and he said, "Do you want me to go slow or fast?" I said fast. I had the window rolled all the way down and I know he was going SHITLOAD FAST, but I didn't care if I died or not I felt so horrible, but at the same time, that was the best I felt, feeling that cool air whip through me. He even asked if I wanted a Tylenol! I hope Mr. Manic tipped that guy good, cuz he got me back to our friends's place, and I crashed hard, not even peeing or brushing my teeth (I know, ewwww. Believe me, I had been puking ... definite EWWWW). But all I wanted was to be in that bed with a cool pillow over my head and be unconscious. That was relief.

Got up the next morning feeling like only a huge boulder was on my head instead of all of Mount Rushmore, and we got home via the train and I slept some more. The thing about migraines this bad is that it takes another day and a half to recover. They're violent and they suck. And when they start preventing you from doing things in your life that you enjoy, well, that becomes a big problem.

I had a follow-up ENT appointment today from when I busted my eardrum about six weeks ago and mentioned the migraines to my doc. He did a nose-scope all the way down through my nostrils into my throat and vocal chords, and yeah, I watched that on the monitor and GROOOOOSSSSSSSS! But cool. It was gross in a cool way. I could see my nose hairs and he showed me my vocal chords and throat (which very oddly look practically just like a vagina!) Everything was good in that department, and next we're going to do an MRI, which I'm not worried about because I've had a couple before on my head for headaches, and we're also going to do allergy testing. He thinks they're allergy-related. So do I. That or hormonal, or food triggers. We'll figure it out.

When the doc removed the tube from my nose, I made a comment about it and he said, "Up your nose with a rubber hose."

My reply: "Twice as far with a chocolate bar."

He and his assistant cracked up and I was laughing feeling like a complete idiot, like this ENT must think I'm a total nutcase, and that I should really get out more if I'm having THIS much fun going to see the ENT.

So, bottom line, no Bono for moi. And my friends we went to the concert with have sworn to me that I didn't miss much. I told them they can tell me how great the show was in a week or two.

And I keep telling myself things could have been much worse there, and that it's just music. It's only music ...

26 comments:

The Stiletto Mom said...

Oh NO!!!!! I am so sorry, such a bummer. I've been sick in public venues (not with a migraine tho) and there is nothing worse!

Hope you are now feeling better!

Denise said...

AAAWWWW!!!! :( I'm sorry! I've thrown up at concerts before and not even due to drunkeness! I absolutely understand your migraine pains... it happpens to me too! Sucks you missed the concert. :(

Dani In Chicago said...

That sucks! I had one migrain in my life when I was 17 and my mom took me to the ER and I was admitted to the hospital for three days! I feel for people who suffer from migrains on a regular basis. Feel better!

Dani

shopgirl said...

Awww... I'm sorry you missed the show - I'd say at least you got the HEAR it, but with a migraine - I know that doesn't really matter and it really probably made it worse.

I too have been sick (violently sick) at a concert - but it was by my own doings (too many margarita's at a Jimmy Buffett concert out in the sun? yeah, not a good idea). But to be sick from something you had no control of - that just stinks. I get migraines too - but not nearly as bad as the one described. Hope you're feeling better and figure out how to control them...

As Cape Cod Turns said...

OMG, that is horrible!!!! I kinda want to cry a little imagining you in that stall for 2 hrs. You poor thing. No more popcorn for you!

Amanda said...

So now you check - money, keys, MEDS, phone.

Sorry your trip was ruined, you were so looking forward to it and I was looking forward to hearing about it. Maybe next time...

Amanda said...

So now you check - money, keys, MEDS, phone.

Sorry your trip was ruined, you were so looking forward to it and I was looking forward to hearing about it. Maybe next time...

Heidi said...

Stef, I am so sorry you missed it. I know the gals in the 'hood' were very excited about it. I get migraines, too and am amazed you were even able to stand staying in Soldier Field during a concert. Sadly, T has started getting them this past year and we are trying to figure out what is causing them. She had to leave school at lunch on Thursday. Ped thinks hormones...yikes! She's nine!

Kate said...

Oh no! Migraines are the WORST! I had one Thurs-Sat of last week. In bed, wracked with pain and nausea, eyes bundled to shut out the light--the whole nine yards. All I missed, though, was a day of school and a 10-mile run. Nothing as fun as a concert! I hope that the docs can figure out what is causing them. I can relate--you just can't shut down your life without warning for a few days. I hope you're feeling better now and are through that post-period of just being drained.

morninglight mama said...

Holy crap, Manic. I'm so sorry that you had that sucky experience! My hubby gets migraines, but hardly ever with vomiting- that's just hard core migraining right there. I hope you find your solution soon!

March2theSea said...

that sucks out loud. I hope you are feeling better. Also I sent you a note on FB re: Twitter (haha..fb/twit/blog etc) i can't DM you on Twit..you need to follow me so I can do that..and why are you not following me again? RUDE!

Be well

Crystal Peterson said...

You should ask your Dr. about Imitrex. I get really bad migraines and I used to get them to the point of throwing up too. Now I take the Imitrex injection and they are gone within 5-10 minutes after I take it.

Crystal Peterson said...

Oh, and the concert was really good - sorry you missed it. Though I was somewhat disappointed because their set list was exactly the same as the ones they played in Europe.

My Two Army Brats said...

Poor Manic!

MaBunny said...

oh Stephanie, that SUCKS!!! My hubby suffers from migraines and we know one of his big triggers is coconut - even smelling it will set him off. I can usually tell he is getting one before he does - he doesn't like that either ! Anyway, sorry you missed your concert, and hope you MRI turns out ok:)

Michelle said...

Ugh so sorry to hear. BUT corn is a major trigger of migraines from what I've heard (I know they trigger my mom's). If you can't find answers try the Diamond Headache Clinic downtown. They work miracles. Good luck -- and so sorry you missed that concert!

Life with la familia said...

I'm so sorry! I talked with G'Ma after the concert and she informed me of how your night went. I would have cried my eyes out while puking in the bathroom. Love ya!

Life As I Know It said...

OH NO!!! That is awful. Beyond awful, actually. You should get a do over!

Brandy said...

Girl I know what a migraine at a concert is like. I got one of the nastiest ones I have ever had at Kenny Chesney back in May. Like you I didn't take my meds with me like I should have but I have been to MANY concerts and have never needed them before! I'm thankful I was with mommy friends.. as they took care of me while I threw up!

Unknown said...

OH NO! You poor thing! I have never had them, thank God, but my brother-in-law has to lock himself in a dark quite room and gives himself shots for those. I can't imagine suffering the way you did in a public bathroom with no where else to go! My poor Manic!!! And you missed U2! I LOVE those guys!!!!

One good thing. You will NEVER forget that concert, that's for damn sure.

Hally said...

ah...Manic. Pobresita.
I am a chronic migraine sufferer and make myself pack meds after too many ruined events. I tell myself it's similar watching diabetes blood sugar; easier to prevent at the onset, than after care trying to cope.
Hugest hugs to you from Bono.

sarah pekkanen said...

Oh, how awful for you! You'll get another chance to see U2, and you had the best comeback ever for the doctor. Hope you're doing better.

TTQ said...

Migraine mgmt

inderal twice daily, imitrex at onset and fiorinal if one sneaks through followed with phenegren for the throwing up. Otherwise I will try to cut my own head off or run full steam into a concrete wall. I started getting the at 7. And with all the meds I can just manage the pain not skip a migraine

TTQ said...

Migraine mgmt

inderal twice daily, imitrex at onset and fiorinal if one sneaks through followed with phenegren for the throwing up. Otherwise I will try to cut my own head off or run full steam into a concrete wall. I started getting the at 7. And with all the meds I can just manage the pain not skip a migraine

TTQ said...

Migraine mgmt

inderal twice daily, imitrex at onset and fiorinal if one sneaks through followed with phenegren for the throwing up. Otherwise I will try to cut my own head off or run full steam into a concrete wall. I started getting the at 7. And with all the meds I can just manage the pain not skip a migraine

TTQ said...

Migraine mgmt

inderal twice daily, imitrex at onset and fiorinal if one sneaks through followed with phenegren for the throwing up. Otherwise I will try to cut my own head off or run full steam into a concrete wall. I started getting the at 7. And with all the meds I can just manage the pain not skip a migraine