Latest news with #KateBrayden
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- RTÉ News
Why turning 30 isn't a deadline - it's a launchpad for new joys
A milestone birthday should be the spark for exploring new hobbies, conquering fears, and joining some of Ireland's most welcoming social circles instead of panicking over a number, writes Kate Brayden. For some, turning 30 instills a sense of panic or introspection around the current state of your life. Especially women, for obvious societal reasons. For me, the only sense of fear I felt was in relation to things I promised myself I'd try in my twenties that I had yet to start. When I was in college, I wanted to learn how to DJ. I tried attending a society that was supposed to teach lessons for beginners, but found the all-male scene too intimidating. It was one of those things I always said I'd eventually get around to, but never did. The final four weeks before my 30th birthday, I signed up for two-hour workshops with Skin&Blister and Puzzy Wrangler, who showed me the ropes of the craft without judgement. Whether I will ever become an actually skilled DJ who can play four-hour sets in the basement of Tengu is another story, but pushing myself to learn something that always scared and excited me felt like an achievement on my 30th birthday. I also started bouldering to force me to get over both a fear of public-facing exercise and heights - and built up strength over 12 months (I can now carry grocery bags without nearly passing out!). I faced a fear of public swimming pools after a childhood incident, and now go regularly to my local spot without anxiety anymore. It only took four attempts. After going to Colombia for five weeks and having the stark realisation that I did not have a notion of how to communicate with anyone there, I promised myself that I'd sign up for Spanish classes once I came home. My Leaving Certificate French was useless in South America, a region I will definitely be returning to. Last year, I started attending Instituto Cervantes in person and did a second batch of classes virtually, which has been rewarding. My 30th birthday felt like a fresh start, mostly because I had given myself confidence that I could try something new whenever I felt like it - and had the financial means, in some cases. Age doesn't have to revolve around what milestones you've achieved at that stage in life as a woman, it can just be about the everyday joys you give yourself that don't follow a timeline. Ireland is packed full of activities of all types to try, encompassing arts and crafts, sports, culture, movement and more. Whether it's about trying something you've always had an interest in, meeting new people or challenging yourself, you won't be stuck for options here. The 'be a good sport' approach Not all of us are able to cross the finish line at the Dublin Marathon, and that's fine. For those of us who still break into a cold sweat at the word 'cardio', Ireland offers a range of social sports leagues like tag rugby and mixed hockey - fun, informal, and built for friend-making. Queer friendly football clubs like Phoenix Tigers and Emerald Warriors have built incredible networks if you're searching for your tribe. Social Sports Dublin (@socialsportsdublin) connects multiple clubs together, like Ultimate Frisbee groups for women, men and non-binary people (@sundrivesocial and @rosemountgreenuf recently had a friendly). Shout out to @herbyhoofaround and @kerrytownkickabout for their ability to welcome people from every background and nationality to their pitches without taking themselves too seriously. For the thrill-seekers, there's a growing community of mountain bikers and climbers hitting places like Ticknock or Glendalough on weekends (look up @mountaineering_ireland on Instagram for routes and events, and the amazing @galzgonewild_ gang are now in Dublin, Wicklow, Cork and Galway). Or dip into cold water swimming: the @seaswimsquad crew in the North and Irish open water community offers swims that feel like pure magic. If you're after something intense but indoors, CrossFit and Hyrox gyms are booming across Dublin and Cork, especially, offering both competition and community. Bouldering has also seen a massive uptick in recent years, with The Wall in Sandyford proving popular as well as its sister site Bloc opening in Dublin 22. You can also try Awesome Walls near Finglas and Gravity Climbing Gym in Inchicore - both great, established spots. Of course, we can't omit run clubs. Though they have boomed in numbers during the Covid pandemic (and the bigger ones can be a tad clique-y at times, rumour has it), there are smaller ones that strive to put friendship and encouragement first. For example, @slowgirlruns_dublin is a relaxed group catering to a more easygoing pace, emphasising fun and fitness over speed. @the_libertiesrunningclub welcomes runners of all abilities - same for @innercityrunningclub's community-focused crew. The 'you're very cultured in your old age' approach Not everyone can aspire to be a polyglot, but learning a new language can be both useful for travelling and great for training your brain. If you want to learn cúpla focal or get your fluency back, Conradh na Gaeilge on Harcourt Street offers Irish language classes that double as cultural hubs. Whether you're a Gaeilgeoir or a complete beginner, you'll find a session to suit you - and probably some cairde, too. Ireland's literary scene is thriving, and you can dive in at book clubs like Léamh Rave or by volunteering at literature festivals. You can also find groups who love to sit and read in silence together, if you want to escape into another world surrounded by others before gathering at a pub or restaurant after to discuss each person's books. Writing groups like Frustrated Writers or literary salons like Salon Rógaire as Gaeilge are also on the rise. For something a little more offbeat, Timeleft hosts "dinners with strangers" - perfect if you're looking to have a conversation between five people (matched with personality tests) that doesn't go beyond small talk. Love strategising? Try board game nights via @meetup_dublin or @boarddublin - oddly addictive and easy to chat to people with easygoing competition. The 'move into your thirties' approach We've all experienced the targeted ads for ClassPass on our feeds, presumably. Yoga is everywhere, but some of the more specific communities are great for moving your body in a focused way while chatting to some lovely people. Some more catered classes in Dublin now have wine nights after a restorative session, or yoga while listening to live music - like Sunflower Sessions (@sunflowersessions_ on Instagram). Aerial classes have also seen a major increase in members, with many women in particular finding the strength-building and community to be empowering beyond measure. Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick is Ireland's home for aerial arts - and offers hoop, silks, rope and Cyr wheel classes for adults, professionals and juniors. Tribute Fitness and Dance Studio in Dublin offers pole fitness, aerial hoop, acrobalance, flexibility, and heels classes with a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, Tribe provides a supportive environment to explore your passion for aerial arts. Outside of Dublin, you can try Flying High Fitness in Galway, Limerick and Ennis - or Pole Garage in Galway. The crafty 'Eat, Pray, Love' approach Embroidery classes like @be_alice_ are hosting 'sewcial' groups for meeting like-minded, crafty friends. Knitting, tufting, jewellery making, drawing classes - even wood turning - you can find it in the capital and in smaller communities around Cork, Clare, Galway and more. Pottery in Throwing Shapes, Temple Bar, and stained glass workshops in Flux Studios are both brilliant hubs for using your hands to make something new and fulfilling. Irish Stained Glass ( also has its own workshops on its website. Music is also one of the best ways to harness a new skill while meeting a community. You can take serious one-on-one classes with a tutor or attend group classes before trying open mic nights around your area, or try joining a choir if singing has always been your secret passion. For trad, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music, song and dance in the country, for example. Turning 30 isn't about landing at a final point and evaluating what you've done so far in your three decades. Ireland has plenty of welcoming communities and creative corners to discover more about yourself. Whether it's climbing a wall, learning salsa, sea swimming at sunset, or finally taking that DJ class you put off in college, the real win is just showing up. You don't need a five-year plan, just enough energy to introduce yourself in a room of strangers.
RTÉ News
01-05-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
I tried Botox to treat my migraines, here's how it went
The west of Ireland has a unique connection to Botox as a major global producer of the drug, but the substance, primarily known for banishing wrinkles, isn't solely utilised for cosmetic purposes. Its use as a medical treatment is now widely accepted. When Kate Brayden's migraines worsened two years ago, she knew that it was time to go under the needle. When we think of Botox, our societal obsession with youth might initially come to mind; Hollywood stars in paparazzi photos with smooth foreheads that don't move. The neurotoxic protein (Botulinum toxin) is especially interesting in an Irish context, given that the "Botox capital of the world" is none other than Westport, Co Mayo. In 2023, Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland UC's manufacturing plant in the local town increased to a record €4.43 billion, according to the released accounts. Niche dinner party facts aside, Botox has also been used to treat various forms of pain conditions and disorders. It has been found to block chemicals that carry pain signals to the nerves around your head and neck, making it an effective pain management tool for myofascial syndrome, headaches, migraines, arthritis and chronic back and neck pain. The FDA approved Botox for migraine headaches in October 2010, giving Allergan clearance to begin marketing its drug to patients with a serious history of the condition. Chronic migraine is defined as having a headache on at least 15 days per month, with eight of these days featuring migraine symptoms, for at least three months. I first started receiving Botox for migraine in 2023, after a dental surgeon recommended it for my jaw pain and throbbing temple-based migraines. The cause of my migraine was linked to my long-term fibromyalgia, a chronic condition (presumed to be autoimmune) characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. My experience with Botox While I have found relief from Botox, it is temporary and short-lasting. Given the cost of such a treatment, I can see how some choose to only undergo a few rounds before calling it a day. I received Botox injections both by an oral surgeon in a dental practice, as well as a pain consultant who focused on slightly different sites around my head and neck. In total, I have tried four rounds, with varying degrees of 'success' - though we all have different definitions. According to Dr Deborah Galvin, a Dublin-based Consultant Anaesthetist and Pain Physician: "Success is considered as a decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks per month, pain intensity, medication use, ER visits, and migraine-related disabilities. This includes sickness leave from work, reduced productivity at work, school and home. "If Botox does not sufficiently reduce migraines after two separate treatments, cessation should be considered." It's important to note the cost for most patients. I had to pay between €200 and €300 per round of Botox, which is not easily accessible to many pain patients, many of whom struggle to manage working with a chronic condition. In terms of side effects, I experienced the most common one reported by Dr Galvin: neck pain. "Neck pain is the most common side effect reported, occurring in four per cent of patients. Other frequently reported side effects include injection site pain (two per cent), eyelid drooping (two per cent), and muscular weakness (one and a half per cent). Botox has not been studied in pregnant and breastfeeding patients, so its safety has not been established in these groups." For anyone else cursed to keep a migraine diary, we all want to know the cause. "CGRP is a neuropeptide which is believed to be the main culprit driving migraines in many patients," Dr Galvin elaborates. "Over the last five years, different CGRP antagonist medications have been produced, which are now the first line in the prevention of migraine. "The most recent CGRP antagonist, Rimegepant, has been available in Ireland as a high-tech medication since February 2025. This is an oral medication." What to try before Botox Botox is not typically used as a first line of treatment. A full clinical history and examination are important to ensure a correct diagnosis of a migraine is given. Medications are used to prevent migraines or to help with the acute pain during a flare - triptans, CGRP antagonists, ergot derivatives, beta blockers and antidepressant medications are all options. Dr Patrick Treacy, Medical Director at the Ailesbury Clinic, reports a multi-step approach before Botox: "First, identify and manage triggers—stress, diet (caffeine, chocolate), sleep disturbances, or hormonal factors. I also assess for rare but critical conditions, such as a patent foramen ovale (hole in the heart).To ensure safety, I require each new patient to undergo a brain MRI to rule out serious causes of headache, such as a brain tumour." 50 to 60 per cent of Dr Galvin's migraine patients report noticeable improvement in migraine frequency after Botox, while often taking other migraine medications in parallel. Dr Treacy noted similar rates of success at the Ailesbury Clinic. Their audits showed that over 90 percent of patients had at least a 70 percent reduction in headache days after 12 months. Why Botox? Why Botox works for some migraine sufferers, but not others, remains disputed. "Botox is used to treat certain types of migraines, such as chronic, episodic, unilateral and vestibular types, with success depending on the type of migraine the person has," Dr Galvin tells me. "Frequently, patients have not found relief from beta blockers or antidepressants. Relief lasts up to 12 weeks with a possible worsening of headaches for the initial 10-14 days. "Effectiveness of Botox depends on the cause of migraine in the patient," Dr Galvin adds. "Certain proteins produced by neurons cause increase or decrease in the nerve signalling and the subsequent muscle, nerve and blood vessel behaviour. "Depending on what drives migraine in a patient, Botox may be more or less effective. Also, if Botox is administered too frequently (typically more frequently than every 12 weeks), antibodies are created by the body which neutralise Botox - rendering it useless and not effective." The reasons why Botox often improves symptoms of chronic migraine are not entirely certain, though medical practitioners like Dr Treacy have some ideas. "The precise mechanism of Botox in migraine relief remains partially understood, but it likely blocks pain signals by inhibiting neurotransmitter release (e.g., glutamate, CGRP) in peripheral nerves, reducing central sensitisation," Dr Treacy says. "Why it works better for some is multifaceted. Patients with clear chronic migraine, rather than mixed headache types, respond better, underscoring the need for accurate diagnosis. "Genetic factors, differences in pain pathways, or coexisting conditions like medication-overuse headache may influence outcomes. Injection technique and practitioner experience are critical—precise targeting of trigger points, as refined in my original protocol, is essential. It's likely a combination of biological and technical factors." Final thoughts For anyone else who reached the end of their tether with migraines, I recommend finding a neurologist or pain doctor whom you trust wholeheartedly. Running all kinds of tests to rule out anything too scary and trying other medications first, though time-consuming and riddled with side effects, is also necessary before looking at Botox. For me, acupuncture with cranial neck massage helped temporarily, as well as pairing lifestyle factors with managing stress. Swimming and saunas, more time to relax and no more chocolate were key for me. Lastly, if Botox isn't entirely effective, don't lose hope. There are alternatives out there to try, like CGRP inhibitors and new medications in the pipeline. The hardest part is finding the right doctor to manage the condition with you.
