Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

[Lost_Girl]

Hi I suffer from chronic pain. I have a bone shard impacting a nerve root at c8 being treated with cortisone. I have pain at c5 and c6 that is manageable without anything. However I have a constant headache and pressure in my ears that I have had for pretty much every waking moment for the last 7 months. As a result I have become depressed and I have insomnia.

After a trip to a neurologist I have been advised to cease sleeping medication and strong pain killers. I am now only on antidepressants.

A visit to my psychologist today has alerted me that depression does not cause headaches.   

Has anyone been treated for chronic pain with ONLY antidepressants and did it work?

I havr a referral now to a psychiatrist to check but it not until May. While I see if I can find something earlier I sm keen to hear if this has worked for anyone.

Thanks,

Carol

[blondguy]

Hey Carol

I can't even imagine the pain you have been 'living' with...I will use a friends pain to show my thoughts..if thats ok

I have a friend that has post operative adhesions after a gall bladder removal 5 years ago...The pain is abdominal and chronic...(umm many elastic bands tied as tight as you can get them that pull every organ together)..she has been vomiting every day (5 Years) because her stomach/digestive tract are impacted by the adhesions.

I am on the phone approx 3 x week to see how she is traveling (even though I know the answer) Her weight dropped to 39kilos recently but is slowly on the way up after having a feeding tube fitted. She was diagnosed recently with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am still trying to what I can.

I am sorry to digress and get off topic. I am very humbly trying to say that I have 'seen' the chronic pain you are going through....not felt it.

Thats all Carol...

I am glad you are on here...very much..... I really have no idea what to say...except I'm sorry for your pain...I have been trying to articulate my thoughts on this for a while now Carol. I hope they are okay

Paul (Hugs)

[Lost_Girl]

Oh Paul,

I am so sorry for your friend. That must be so awful. I can empathise a little as I had extreme morning sickness with two of my three pregnancies and vomitted to the point of blood and was hospitalised. That was only for a few months. Your poor friend. Are they unable to operate again to fix things? 

Thankyou for your empathy. I understand what you mean. Big hugs to you. I am glad you are here as well. You were the first person to reply to me when I first joined and your unfailing kindness and support mean a lot.

Everyone says that they can't do anything to help but you all help by being here and listening. It means more than you know. When I am feeling really down I hop on here and even seeing how you support others makes me feel better. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Carol xx

[blondguy]

Thankyou Carol for empathising with my friend...You support is wonderful 🙂 That post was the most difficult I have written as I am aware of what you have had to contend with...

Surgeons in Oz can remove the adhesions....but they grow back even quicker...so not in this country yet. They can fix it in Germany but their method of removal has not been approved here.........yet...Im just being there for her right now...

Thankyou again Carol for your support and your dynamite memory 🙂 I forgot that I replied so fast xx

Bless you

Paul (Hugs)

[Lost_Girl]

I am so glad she has you as a friend Paul.  I am sure she would count you in her blessings.

Carol xx

[blondguy]

Bless you Carol..and thankyou

I knew her when she was vibrant and full of life...I cant do anymore now except be there for her Chronic pain and developing anxiety and depression which she is doing her best to cope with. She knows not to 'fight' it...Pixi has watched me heal and knows the mechanisms in how to cope. Her chronic pain (like yours...bad) makes it hard though.

I might try to get her a laptop so she can meet you and everyone else....:-)

I hope you have some peace too Carol xx

Paul

[Lost_Girl]

That would be wonderful Paul, I get so much from these forums. I can't recommend them highly enough.

I use my phone to access them in case that's an option for her?

I would say she is in a much worse state than me. Being physically sick like Pixi is horrific I really feel for her. 

It's hard not being the person you feel you are. It is harder still for me to see people's reaction and shock at how different I am. I had a friend turn up unexpectedly 2 days ago and again today for a short while. She flew down from Qld to NSW to see me and some other friends. She was worried about me as I haven't wanted to chat on the phone lately.  She was really shocked and kept saying I see you as the strong one, you're always there for me and I just wanted to make sure you're ok. All I could say is I'm not ok but I'll get there. The look of shock was a bit much for me though. Her reaction mirrored how I feel. I miss being "me" too. I avoid my friends at the moment because I don't want them to see me like this.

[Lost_Girl]

I cried today with joy when my dr finally gave me some medication for pain relief.  I hope to get some relief for the first time in soooo long.  This is just to last until I see the neurologist on 21st. Hoorah. 

[blondguy]

Hey Carol

There is nothing like good news! I would cry in relief as well....You deserve to have the meds for your pain and well done for getting your doc to organize the script.

Yay!

Kind Thoughts for You Carol (and a hug)

Paul

[Guest_5218]

Oh Carol, I'm so pleased.  What a relief it must be for you.  I so hope you get to have a nice restful and pain free    (or at least pain reduced) week or 10 days leading up to your neurologist appointment.  I have in mind that its the 21st March, is that right?

Celebrating for you ...............    ( - :

Sherie xx

[Lost_Girl]

Thank you Paul,

Big hugs back and a happy dance.

About 90% of pain has eased and it is so wonderful. 

A bit of sleep over a few days and I won't know myself.

Cheers,

Carol