I used to believe that I would be lucky enough to avoid inheriting the migraines from which my mother suffered. Unfortunately, the last two years have shown me that that is not the case, and I have suffered from some terribly debilitating migraines. I think people who’ve had simple headaches don’t really understand how chronic a headache or migraine can be – with or without visual disturbances, which is something that I don’t get.

My worst headache starts off as a sharp piercing pain, which is quite manageable, but grows in intensity during the day, usually starting in the morning, and is not stopped by painkillers. The only thing that gives any relief is a very powerful drug called Maxalt RPD which apparently if taken for more than a few days in a row turns your blood green – something that they say is only temporary! When you are running a busy business, you just cannot take time off, so I would invariably still have to go to work but I must say that when one is in intense pain, it firstly makes you a lot more irritable, and secondly, once you’ve had the pills, a lot more dopey and stupid! If I was working for somebody else, I would undoubtedly take the day off, but I do think people would get tired of somebody who needs one or two days off a month – but I don’t have that luxury, so I suffer through the day. It would probably help to have “migraine alerts” for staff members to that they do know when one is suffering – it is definitely not the kind of day to come and ask for a favour or explain a drama!