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LETTER: Nelson is killing my wife

My wife chronically suffers from severe migraines, and it’s Nelson’s fault.
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My wife chronically suffers from severe migraines, and it’s Nelson’s fault.

She is held hostage by pain. Her life is almost completely devoid of pleasure, beyond being with her family. Unable to work.Unable to play. Our three year-old asks “Is mommy happy?” and she answers honestly “Yes,” but just don’t inquire further.

So why do we blame Nelson? Basically, the mountains create chaotic wind and pressure systems that can affect us greatly. She has suffered these for years, the exact amount of time that we have lived in Nelson. She has explored every dietary and lifestyle change she could, to no avail. We feel helpless. Her doctors have tried heroic amounts of pharmaceuticals, but nothing works. Medical marijuana tinctures/balms/oils/edibles/smokeables only temper the pain. The only relief she has felt was on a trip to Toronto. Being there was like taking an electrified pillowcase off her head. Returning to Nelson regrew that pillowcase. The frustration only enhances the pain.

In Nelson, my wife has to go to the ER when the migraines get to be too much. A nurse there recently confirmed that Nelson is an awful place for people with migraines. She discussed research she knew of that identified the existence of “migraine belts”across the country, and how the area around southern Ontario/New York state was identified as a good zone.

It was like being told we’re not actually crazy. Invisible forces are acting upon my wife’s head, and somebody understands. (So much gratitude to the entire ER for having amazing nurses and doctors.)

It breaks our hearts that this exquisitely beautiful place anoints her with such exquisitely horrible pain, but we’re still moving to Ontario. The hug-like mountain majesty will be missed.

In the meantime: Somebody please buy our house!

Andrew McMonagle, Nelson