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

[Clues_Of_Blue]

Hey Len,

I think the same could be said of any loving partner, they deserve so much credit. I've only been with my other half a year, but he's had a challenge on his hands, living with my depression. He's been amazing right from the start and I am constantly impressed by him.

I've been hesitant to reveal the species of my birds as they are very distinctive and if anything's going to identify me on here, that will (my names for them on the forums are pseudonyms). A shame, because I'd love to share every last detail. Yes I raised them both from about a week old. My ex found them and brought them home. Sir Pecksalot was my first little bird and I was scared stiff of hurting him, he was so small and fragile and I knew nothing about raising baby birds. But we muddled through, did some research online, found appropriate things to feed him and that was easy enough with his big yellow beak always open for more. And his cries for food were surprisingly melodic. I had the privilege of watching him learn to walk and fly, and he very quickly became my best friend. I'll share more of that on the pet thread at some point. I was a bit more prepared for Mr Feisty, who came into my life a couple of years later. I didn't have quite the same fears, so it was less tense raising him and just a joy watching him grow up.

Was your Eastern Rosella a rescue? I haven't really heard about them being pets, so that would explain him being so... spirited. I hope the pair in your yard breed there again. The magpie story sounds cute. So rewarding working with rescued birds. I'll keep an eye out for Monty stories on the pet thread, too. 🙂

Blue.

PS Sorry for taking over your thread there, Carol. You know what I'm like about birds. 😉 Hope you're feeling a bit less dopey today, and that the pain levels stay down.

[Lost_Girl]

Hi Blue,

No problem at all. In fact I am enjoying learning more about birds. I have even had a look on the internet site backyard birds to find out a bit about the ones that visit my yard.

I was surprised to learn that some birds beak can change colour based on the season. Amazing stuff. Your Sir Pecksalot sounds like a real star with his singing for his supper.

My pain is still low. A little higher than yesterday but around a 2 so still great and that is after some activity.

I have a book on pain management from Dr Pain hehe. It is great. Apparently the psych will go through some of it with me. It talks about desensitisation and pacing to get back to doing activity and lots of other great information.

I saw my GP today. She was so incredibly happy for me. It made me feel happier and so very hopeful.

Me xx

[Guest_5218]

Hi Carol. Good news that you are still only a 2 out of 10 for pain, despite some activity that would normally push you right up to a 9/10.

What was the pain Drs thoughts on Pilates? Perhaps you may soon be able to get back to your classes.

I had wondered what the drawing in your profile pic was. I read on Blues thread that you drew it. Is it a self portrait then? It loooks good to me. You are an all round talent arent you?

I see you have been up late again, does that mean you are still having difficulty sleeping? Mmm, I wonder why that is?

Hopefully soon you may get back to some sort of acceptable sleep pattern.

Hugs beautiful. Night ..

Sherie xx

[Lost_Girl]

Hi all,

I will try and post more tomorrow. I have been so incredibly dopey today that I spent most of it trying to keep my eyes open. My eyes are all glassy and pupils dilated... ....effect of the meds....I look like a druggy which I suppose I am of sorts for the short term.

However for all that the pain is low, no more than a 2. WOOHOO YEAH!

Be in touch soon when I can think better.

[Guest_5218]

Hi Carol. No problems at all. Glad to hear that your pain levels remain low.

Hope you soon get your eyes and brain back again. (-: Cant have you looking like a druggie now can we?

I hope you get a better nights sleep tonight too. Much love to you.

Sherie xx

[Clues_Of_Blue]

Glad you're enjoying learning about birds, Carol, they're amazing little things. Not just beaks, some have different feather colours in mating season, too, and of course there's the change in behaviours. An angry willy wagtail parent is quite something to behold!

I laughed at Dr Pain. Is he at all affiliated with Dr Horrible? (If you haven't seen Dr Horrible's Singalong Blog, add it to your list. Joss Whedon, need I say more?)

Glad the pain is staying low, even if you are all dopey. Just means you're less likely to notice all my spelling stuff-ups lately. 😉

Sleep well, my friend.

Bluguru.

[Emmy.]

Carol it's so good to hear that your pain is still a 2 out of 10... One day it'll be 0 but until then 2 must feel awesome! You probably don't know yourself. Love your profile pic by the way 🙂 xx

[Guest_5218]

Morning Carol, I see you are up and about early this morning. I hope this means you had a better nights sleep last night?

Love your latest bird photo! I know Blue (or the new Pink) will appreciate it too.

Is your little girl's birthday this week? I read that you werent making the cake this time, but it sounds as though she will still be getting a special cake anyway.

I trust your pain levels remain at or below a 2/10.

Much love to you.

Sherie xx

[james1]

I love the profile picture Carol 🙂 Is that a red/yellow tail black cockatoo? the one yesterday was lovely as well with the little green parrot.

You must be very funny to be around right now, haha. Great to hear you're feeling more hopeful 🙂

James

[Lost_Girl]

Hi James,

It's not a cockatoo and I can't remember the exact type. It was a long time ago and in Bali.

Yes hubby tells me I am funny. He says I am talking very fast. I think he has just forgotten that this is how I am normally:-)

When I move I am like the sloth from the movie Zootopia. If you haven't seen it you can google "Sloth zootopia" on youtube.

Cheers