The hidden cost of the chronic migraines that shape this media personality’s life

You may know Katie “Monty” Dimond as a vibrant media personality and podcaster, quick-witted and always making jokes. But behind the scenes, her life tells a very different story.

For 30 years, Dimond, 44, has lived with chronic migraine, a condition that once felt manageable, but over the last 12 months has progressed. Dimond now finds herself bedridden with debilitating pain three out of five days of the week.

The migraines used to last days, but recently they’ve intensified and the pain can last for months,” she says. “I was recently in bed every day for two months with one that completely incapacitated me.”

With an often-demanding work schedule and three young boys, Dimond is used to a very full and active lifestyle, but her condition has made it impossible for her to keep it up; she’s scaled back on work, spends the majority of her time resting, and isn’t able to be as present in her life as she wished she could be.

“Right now, I feel like I can’t be a good partner, mum or friend. Unless you’re living it, it’s hard for people to really understand. It can be really lonely and isolating.”

About 400,000 Australians live with chronic migraine; most begin their journey with episodic migraine (less than eight affected days each month), then transition to high-frequency episodic migraine (eight to15 days) before moving to chronic migraine, more than 15 days a month.

Dimond is acutely aware of how her illness impacts her family and the effect it has on her children; Baxter,13, Arlo, 11 and Odie, 4.

“I feel like I have missed out on so much over the last year or two. I spent around 80 per cent of 2023 in bed. My youngest often asks, ‘Is your head sore, Mummy?’ I worry they will grow up with memories of me only being in bed with migraines,” says Dimond.

“It’s the little things I miss the most; seeing my boys play sports or reading to my youngest. I even miss the mundane tasks like packing lunches or doing school pickups.”

Dimond’s partner, Sam Cavanagh, plays a vital role in her life as both a caregiver and a dedicated dad.

“Sam is so strong, loyal, and nurturing,” she says. “He goes into autopilot when I’m unable to function. He works full-time while managing everything at home. When my migraines are particularly severe, he’ll work from home to help me with basic tasks, like getting water. His ability to cope with all of this is truly incredible.”

Migraine symptoms can be debilitating and often come with a host of additional issues like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, light sensitivity, impaired vision and even speech disturbances. Managing these symptoms requires strict lifestyle adjustments.

“I have to rest constantly, go to bed early and avoid certain foods. I never leave the house without my sunglasses, even just to take out the rubbish.”

The disabling and unpredictable nature of a migraine attack makes it difficult to commit to both professional and personal plans. Dimond misses being able to work in the same way she used to.

“Working gives me purpose and is a huge part of my identity – so it’s been frustrating having to pull back because of my migraines. I’ve had to pivot. I’ve launched a chronic health podcast called ‘iChronic’. Staying true to brand, I’ve literally been too ‘chronically sick’ to record at the moment,” jokes Dimond.

“It’s also really hard socially to plan things because I don’t know if I will be able to go. I get nervous saying yes to social things because I often have to cancel, and I hate doing that.”

Dimond has explored myriad treatments in her quest for relief, including acupuncture, herbal treatments, nerve blocks, bioresonance, along with seeing chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists.

“I’m really hoping something will be developed one day that reduces the intensity and frequency,” says Dimond. “I recently did a lignocaine infusion via IV where I went into hospital for six days. It isn’t a long-term solution, but it broke the hectic six-week cycle I was in.”

Chronic migraines, like many chronic illnesses, aren’t always visible. Dimond knows that appearances can be deceiving.

“The other day, after being bedridden for a month, I took my youngest to the park and ran into a friend. When he commented on how good I looked, I had to tell him, ‘I’ve never been sicker in my life’. I often say if I was in a wheelchair or had a broken leg, people might understand more, but it’s not physically obvious.”

Dimond admits to often telling people she’s “good” when asked how she is, although that’s rarely the case.

“It feels draining and repetitive to share what’s really going on. And people often don’t understand, assuming it’s like a headache.”

Living with the condition can take an emotional toll, but Dimond says she is taking proactive steps to manage her mental wellbeing.

“I limit my social media use because seeing others live their lives can bring on jealousy,” says Dimond.

“I’m lucky I have a great psychologist, and I take some happy pills which keeps my head above water. Some days are really hard but overall my mental health has stayed steady. I don’t have the luxury of falling into a heap because I have three boys and goals and dreams I’m determined to fulfil.”

Despite the daily challenges she faces, Dimond emphasises the importance of laughter in her life. “My family gets me through, we still find a lot of joy and laughter at home,” she says.

When Dimond experiences migraine-free days, she’s quick to make the most of it.

“I might get a day or two in a row without a migraine and on those days I get as much done as I can and fill my cup, I feel almost elated on those days. I truly never take feeling good for granted.”

Brooke Campbell Bayes is a journalist, producer, wife and mother to two young girls. She also has multiple sclerosis.

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