Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl · ‎02-03-2016

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

Guest_5218 · ‎28-04-2016

Oh dear, we are a fine pair by the sounds of it. I too have had a couple of unexpectedly bad days. I even took your advice about seeing my GP - must be desperate! I rang this morning and he fitted me in this afternoon at 4.30pm. Wont go into any detail here, but I will post something on my thread later when I feel more like it. Embarrassed to say that I made an idiot of myself by breaking down at the receptionists desk after the apt. )-:

You mentioned a few days ago that the pain meds are not as effective as they were. Is there anything else they can try during this 'trial period' with the anti-epileptic meds?

Go find one of those great kids of yours for a hug. They are so lucky to have such a great mum.

Keep telling yourself that you'll be okay. Because you will, I know it. And I'll try the same thing. ( - :

Sherie xx

Lost_Girl · ‎28-04-2016

Hey Sherie,

Yes, we do sound like a good pair.

My turn to be proud of you if that is ok? I was very tentative when I suggested your GP, I almost deleted it but look at you go girl!

I am sorry you feel embarrassed about reception. I know how you feel because for a while there I cried everytime I was in the waiting room at my GP. I kept thinking people would be thinking about me but they probably weren't. Or, if they were they were probably just sympathetic and hey, sometimes I think we deserve a little sympathy. I don't think I have ever looked at a person crying and thought what an idiot.... yep reckon there wouldn't be many people out there thinking that xx

I hope the GP helped. I saw about the meds. I guess it can't hurt to try? I am open to trusting the drs taking into account that some meds are tougher to ease into thsn others. The chance for better health and well being is worth it for me.

Not sure why the pain seems more at the moment. I can't change any meds. The new neuro believes in making only one change at a time and I am good with that. It makes sense.

So I will work with the mantra you suggest, I will be ok, and so will you lovely xx

Ps. I was meant to get my glasses Tue but they had a delay. They were ready today but will have to wait until it's safe for me to drive as it's too far to walk.

blondguy · ‎29-04-2016

Hey Carol

I was just the wonderful support you are giving to Sherie...You are a gem x

Your new neuro seems to be really good one...especially at baby steps and handling one change at a time..Good1 I know you helped me many times before with new posters...Barry..etc..If you have the time I am trying to get some help for "I dont even know..."by Ohnoes...I posted this morning but if you are able it would be great to have your help...only if you are comfortable of course....Poor guy is in bad shape...

I hope your pain treats you better than it has been Carol

Kindly Yours

Paulxx

Lostworld · ‎29-04-2016

Hi Sherie

Don't be embarrassed about breaking down at reception, it'just where you are at and things can improve, I have broken down I'm front of just about everyone and I am now at a point where I think it's their problem if they can't deal with how I am, coz I was strong enough to let it out, I held it in for too long.

Barry

Guest_5218 · ‎29-04-2016

Hey thanks Barry, I really appreciate your post. I guess you're right about what you say, being strong enough to let it out. I have been following your thread since your first post Barry, you may recall I replied to you early on about dogs mainly, but havent done so since. But I have been following your progress, or lack of it, each day. Have you been able to make any arrangements for getting the dog up in Darwin down to you yet? And good on you also for putting your photo up as the profile pic. Its a very nice photo too, I must say. A very fine looking gentleman with a very kind looking face. I really hope that soon you will find some relief from all that you are currently going through. Of which there has been such a lot ...........

Thanks Barry,

And sorry Carol, for hijacking your thread. (-:

Sherie xx

Lostworld · ‎30-04-2016

Hey Sherie

I do remember and thank you for your kind thoughts and compliment, Titan is flying down with Pet express on Virgin Monday evening, my psychologist is doi g the paperwork for minddog and I get that tomorrow when I see her.

This is the first positive thing that has happened in a while and I hope the trend continues and any good luck I get I hope some rubs off on you Carol and Paul too as you have all been so wonderful.

Barry

Lost_Girl · ‎30-04-2016

How exciting Barry!

So happy for you! Gosh you certainly deserve this. I love the name too. Wonderful news.

Sherie, anytime lovely xx

Guest_5218 · ‎30-04-2016

Hi Carol,

I'm really sorry to hear that you have woken this afternoon in a great deal of pain again. I know I cant say or do anything to help, I only wish I could. Makes you feel kinda useless when you cant help someone doesnt it?

Do you think its worse today because of the extra activities yesterday, like getting out to the kids cross country, etc? That extra effort to do so could have taken more out of you than you realised. Sore muscles, tension, etc.

Try to rest, use heat or ice packs on sore muscles to help ease tension, or take a long hot shower. Watch your posture - good posture keeps your muscles from tensing and causing further pain. I know its really hard, but make an effort to relax and reduce stress where ever possible.

Maybe you could ask hubby to give you a nice relaxing massage?

Thinking of you Carol. And dont worry about me, I'm okay. Still lots of anxiety and feeling alone, but much better than yesterday. Worry about you, okay?

Sherie xx

Lost_Girl · ‎30-04-2016

Hi there,

Yes, I feel the same when I wish I could help others. It is nice knowing there are such lovely people here who understand though.

Yes, I expect you are right. Getting out and about will have contributed. I know this happens every time I do anything. It is very disheartening. It is all very good for the drs to say to exercise but even just short walks at a shop causes this reaction.

I am not a very strong swimmer but I am going to try that I think and see if it helps. I just need to get over my fear of thinking people are looking at me and commenting on my weight and how white I am and then how badly I swim. I found a swimming centre not too far away but far enough I will not run into people I know haha. It has a water therapy pool that sounds good and is free for use. So I may go for a swim then use that therapy pool.

I have been using a heat pack today. I don't feel up to a shower today. I am running a slight temperature but it's enough that combined with the pressure in my head and the pain I wouldn't feel safe. Very dizzy and light headed.

Normally I could get hubby to help with a massage but he is going out to a friend's house tonight. He rarely gets out so I don't want to ask. He is busy trying to get the little ones fed and in bed so he can go.

I care for you and our other friends here. No need for you to be alone when we are here xx

Elizabeth CP · ‎30-04-2016

In the past I had a very bad problem with my back. I couldn't sit for more than 5 minutes without severe pain & most movements exacerbated it. I saw a physio who gave me some simple exercises & then arranged for me to attend hydrotherapy. The exercises given by the physio done in the warm water really helped. At that point actual swimming wasn't appropriate as it hurt my neck. I would recommend trying to get input from a good physio to guide you re exercises for the water which don't aggravate the pain. Otherwise go to the pool & listen to your body. Walking in the water & moving slowly as you find out what helps. I found the warmth & support of the water allowed me to move much more freely & really helped. Over time I was able to increase the amount I could do without pain. The doctor is right in saying exercise is vital. Without it you will become weaker & more stiff which increases the risk of further injury & pain. BUT it is important to gradually build up the amount of exercise you do to avoid making things worse. This may mean only walking a few meters between rests at the moment & very gradually doing a little more. It is not fun particularly when you want to enjoy doing normal things with your children. Good luck. Remember do NOT compare yourself with anyone else. You are the only person experiencing your pain & so only you know how much you can do without making the pain worse.