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

[james1]

Hey Carol,

Glad to hear you may have found one source of the pain. I hope the GP appointment goes well.

I find a little treat on my sad days works wonders for the next day. A nice ice cream or something similar sounds like it's in order for tonight 🙂

Hugs

James

[Lost_Girl]

Thanks everyone xx

James, yes I have stretching exercises and a couple of strengthening ones, I do multiple times a day, from my physio. He believes that with time those exercises and the massage he does will improve everything but says it will be a long haul.

The neurologist says significant improvement but not 100% by March next year hopefully.

I have been doing some research on ADs that have helped with chronic headaches/migraines. I am going to discuss with the dr.

Wednesday, I can't understand doing any job that involves bodily fluids but I am very thankful that they do 🙂 I hope you feel a little better today xx

[james1]

Well, if it's any consolation, I'm told my therapy is at least a year to see any real improvement so I'll be here trying to help you along as long as you need. And even if I magically got better tomorrow, I'd still be here trying to help as long as you need.

You've been very kind and helpful to me in the past, and I know of no other way to let you know than to help you as well.

[Clues_Of_Blue]

Well Carol, it looks like pecking your headache into submission didn't work. They haven't given up, though. Mr Feisty and Sir Pecks have decided to try and snuggle you better. You have a bird on either side of your head, little wings stretched out around you and soft, soft feathers all fluffed up, just touching your skin. Feel the power of the birdie snuggle!

Blue.

[Music_Freak]

Damn it Carol, I only get about 3-4 migraines a year and they are unbearable. You are so tough to be coping with this

Feel free to yell and curse in my direction, if it'll help 🙂

[Lost_Girl]

Aww James, Blue and Narelle, I am feeling the love, thankyou! Sitting at drs but they are busy tonight 15 in front. I couldn't get here earlier as my daughter was home unwell.

James, I am so sorry to hear you have a long recovery ahead. We can be E team... E for eventually we'll beat this. I'm still hoping for the magic for you!

Me xx

[Lost_Girl]

Dr is bumping up my strong pain meds to a higher dose. Feel a bit nervous on one hand and on the other can't wait for some relief.

[Music_Freak]

I totally understand that Carol, but I hope you get some relief from the pain, you need it

[Clues_Of_Blue]

That's not the best news, but I hope you get some relief soon. Did the doctor say anything about the anti-depressants having any effect on your headaches?

Blue.

[Lost_Girl]

Thanks Narelle, I hope it helps too, just back to my normal horrid pain would be enough, this level is too much.

Yeah Blue, I asked about the AD, explained about the bruxism/clenching teeth and that the side effects say throbbing pulsing headaches can occur. She said she is reluctant to change it because my emotional state is so good on these. Given she has seen me yoyoing from complete sobbing mess to reasonably intelligent happy me, I can understand.

She said if I need this one regularly she will up my slow release one which contains the same substance. Not ideal. She thinks that this is a flare up and will settle down with time.

Sigh...just having an "I'm over the pain", day.