Sheila’s story: Finding clarity and comfort after decades of migraines

For nearly two decades, Sheila woke up every day wondering how much her head would hurt and how long she’d have to push through it.

An analyst by trade, Sheila spends most of her day immersed in data, audits and problem-solving. Long hours every day at a computer, relentless deadlines and years of accumulated stress became the backdrop of her life. And so did migraines. What started after the birth of her daughter almost 20 years ago slowly evolved into something she came to believe was permanent: constant, throbbing discomfort that never fully went away.

“I just assumed this was my normal,” Sheila said. “I thought I’d be dealing with headaches for the rest of my life.”

By the time she turned 50, Sheila was having at least 10 to 14 headaches every month. Some lasted three or four days at a time.

“I had forgotten what it was like to feel good,” Sheila said.

The headaches drained her focus, her energy and her confidence. She had seen multiple doctors and tried different medications, but nothing worked long-term, leaving her exhausted and unable to function at the level her job and her family required.

What Sheila wanted most wasn’t another prescription. She wanted someone to listen.

A message that changed everything

That moment came unexpectedly, through a message on her computer.

Sheila received a notification through her MyBSWHealth patient portal about Baylor Scott & White Health’s virtual Headache Care program. Without hesitation, she reached out. “I jumped on it right away,” she said. “Nothing else had worked, and I figured if there was even a chance this could help, I had to try.”

Her first virtual visit was with Niki Momin, FNP-C, an advanced practice provider at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple and a provider within the Headache Care program. Right from the start, the experience felt different for Sheila.

“Niki really took the time to listen,” Sheila said. “She asked about my job, my stress, my routines—all things no one had ever connected before. I finally felt seen.”

Rather than rushing to a one-size-fits-all solution, Niki methodically gathered details about Sheila’s lifestyle, work demands, sleep patterns and stress levels.

“It felt like someone was finally putting all the pieces together to help me,” Sheila said.

Together, they began building a personalized plan to address her headaches.

“Niki gave me hope. She listened, explained every step and put my mind at ease quickly.”

Care that treats the whole person

What made this experience different for Sheila wasn’t just the medications, but the way her care was delivered.

Through the virtual Headache Care program, Sheila was able to easily connect with her specialized headache provider through MyBSWHealth, without having to carve out extra time away from work or family. Visits were virtual, but the care felt deeply personal.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the program focuses on individualized treatment plans that account for triggers, lifestyle, stress and daily routines. For Sheila, that meant finally having someone look at the full picture, not just the headache itself, but what was contributing to it.

“I didn’t feel like a number,” Sheila said. “I felt like a human being receiving one-on-one care.”

Her official diagnosis, chronic migraine without aura, came with a clear, customized plan. According to the American Headache Society, more than 39 million people in the United States live with migraine and other severe headache disorders, yet many, like Sheila, spend years searching for answers.

Niki started her on a preventive migraine medication along with targeted supplements. While the first medication didn’t bring immediate relief, adjustments were made quickly and thoughtfully.

When Sheila needed a rescue medication, Niki worked with her to find one that was both effective and tolerable. The result was a dissolvable option that worked within 20 minutes without the debilitating side effects Sheila had experienced in the past.

“That’s when I knew this was truly different,” Sheila said. “It worked fast, and I could still function.”

Real results, real relief

Within the first month, Sheila noticed a dramatic shift.

Her headaches dropped from more than a dozen a month to just two or three. The multi-day migraines that once sidelined her were gone. For the first time in years, she wasn’t living with constant pain in the background.

“I’ve never felt better,” Sheila said. “Everyone around me could see the difference immediately. I was used to living with throbbing in my head 24/7 and suddenly, I was pain-free.”

The improvement didn’t just change how Sheila felt physically. It also changed how she lived.

At work, she could think clearly again. Her focus returned. She stopped missing days and started excelling.

“I even got a promotion after my migraines were under control,” she said. “I finally had the energy and clarity to perform at a higher level. For so long, headaches controlled my life. Now I’m back in control.”

Learning to protect her health

For Sheila, headache care wasn’t about only medication. It was also about giving her the necessary tools to protect her long-term health.

With guidance from her care team, Sheila became diligent about prevention. She took her medications and supplements on a consistent schedule, prioritized sleep and paid attention to her body’s signals.

She also set firm boundaries around work.

“My workday is 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM,” she said. “I take breaks, walk away from my computer and actually take care of myself now.”

Niki also encouraged Sheila to work with a therapist to address the stress that had played such a significant role in her headaches.

“That helped me learn not to let other people’s stress become my own,” Sheila said. “I realized I didn’t have to carry everything."

Ongoing support that makes a difference

One of the things Sheila appreciated most about the virtual Headache Care program was the ongoing connection.

She checked in with her headache care team every two months to stay on track, adjust treatment when needed and make sure nothing slipped through the cracks.

“I didn’t want to graduate,” she said. “I loved the team. I had a partner in my care and never felt alone in this process.”

That sense of partnership is central to Baylor Scott & White Health’s Headache Care team approach to combining clinical expertise, regular follow-ups and virtual access so that people feel supported every step of the way.

Hear from our experts: What’s causing your headaches

A message of hope for others living with headaches

Today, Sheila’s life looks very different than it did months ago.

“My quality of life has completely changed,” Sheila said. “I’m a better person.”

She’s present with her family. She’s confident at work. She’s no longer living in fear of the next migraine.

“I really thought headaches were my lifelong reality,” she said. “This program has given me a new life. I can work productively without being sidelined by pain. I can spend quality time with my daughter. I can actually live without the constant worry of my next migraine taking me out for days.”

And with that, she’s also passionate about making sure others know that help does exist.

“So many people are silently suffering like I was,” Sheila said. “You don’t have to accept headaches as your normal. There is real relief, and there are people who will truly listen.”

Her advice to anyone considering headache care is simple: “Don’t wait. Try this program—it could change your life the way it changed mine. You deserve to feel better.”

If migraines have become part of your daily life, learn more about how our virtual Headache Care program can help connect you with specialized providers and personalized treatment options.