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

[Elizabeth CP]

Hi Carol, Sorry I haven't been on the forums lately. I noticed you complaining re your husbands lack of understanding. I wondered if it is worth asking the OT for some info on chronic pain which you could share with him. Having something written by professional might help him realise that 'fixing' the original cause doesn't always get rid of chronic pain. Hopefully that will help him understand that you aren't jut imagining the pain or use it as an excuse. Hopefully your OT can help as he should have studied this in his training.

[Lost_Girl]

I didn't realise it had been so long since I have posted.

Thanks Elizabeth, I spent some time getting hubby to read articles on it to educate him some more. Sadly though, when I am a little more active despite the pain he still thinks I am getting better. In fact he keeps telling people I am improving. Sigh. In a way he us correct. Now that I am no longer on any pain meds, I am less dopey and tired and I am able to do more despite the pain. The pain hasn't changed since stopping all the medication.

I have a weekly schedule provided by the OT that has daily and weekly tasks I have to complete. Some of these are challenging. I think it would be easier if the family were at work and school but they are all on holiday. I love them to bits but I am feeling very overwhelmed having people in every part of my day. There is noise and activity all day and no quiet time. I have gotten used to being on my own so much that this is all feeling a bit much for me.

I am overdoing things because it is hard not to when you are a Mum to 3 active kids. I have talked to hubby and he has taken the kids out here and there to give me a break but not much.

The pain specialist physio says that the exercises he is giving me are unlikely to help improve the headaches. He said we can only hope I am more active and fitter and perhaps it will have a flow on effect.

The pain Dr says he wants me to continue just with the physio and OT plan and hopefully there will be an improvement. I asked if this is it, will I have to learn to suck it up and live with the pain. He said for the short term but he hopes it will improve. After 6 months if there is no change we can look at more invasive options.

The physio, OT and pain Dr want me to look at return to work in 3 months. It is on the schedule. I want to work but have huge anxiety about how to do that with the pain. I am trying to put it out of my mind, deal with it when the time comes but it us making me feel sick and affecting my sleep.

The tasks I have been given to do include some that aggravate the pain. I told the OT these things cause the pain to get worse and he added them as tasks??!! The pain dr and physio both agreed to them though so I do it and suffer afterwards.

Feeling very vulnerable right now. Hurting and feeling anxious. I am trying to distract myself. I feel sad but not slipping back into depression so ok at the moment in that respect.

I just feel like I am not coping.

[james1]

Hey Carol,

Oh the developments since last year sound really exhausting. I don't know what to say but if you trust the doctors, then that's something to hold on to. It sounds like everyone's struggling a bit to know what to do, but at least they're trained.

6 months seems like a long time to wait for any improvement, but at least there's a date so you know this attempt is not indefinite.

I know it doesn't make the pain any better, but you are doing really super well to cope, even if just barely. Can you ask to have quiet time put in as one of your daily tasks? It sounds like you need a breather!

James

[Wednesday]

Oh my, dearest Carol I'm so sorry, hugs.

How incredibly frustrating for you, no wonder your heads hurts just thinking abut what you are going through makes mine hurt, it is so not fair! School holidays will be hard going for you. Remember the mantra, baby step. How very brave you are working with the OT and physio.

I can see that it must be frustrating for your husband too he just wants you well, but it doesn't work like that does it? Are you seeing a counsellor just to talk about how all this is effecting you? Please be kind to yourself.

Dear one you have been so brave for so long don't let that black cloud descend on you without reaching out to your friends. Time for a funny movie?

Love and hugs, xx

[Moonstruck]

Darling Lost Girl.....I've been thinking of you a lot, particularly now - and planned to try and find you today.

And here you are. God I wish I could do something to help - I add my voice to say you are incredibly brave.

I am putting in my request for a miracle for you - you've been such a good friend and support to me while going through so much pain yourself.

I have some news for "us" - you were right, I was picked for "the team" and obviously a bit scared now, wondering what I have taken on, when I feel so bloody fragile in the mainstream of my life!

As promised, when I walk out there it'll be "this one's for you Oh Carol"......luv luv and huge hugs (can you feel my arms around you now, holding you close - because they are!)..............Moon S xo

[Elizabeth CP]

Thanks for the reply. I am glad you have a team of professionals helping you & I really hope you will learn to cope with the pain & get back to living normally''. Chronic pain is terrible because there are no simple cures. It is extra hard because no-one else can fully understand what it is like for you. Look after yourself & do your best to follow the recommendations made to you. Keep communicating with your husband so he has as much understanding as possible. Try to avoid pushing yourself too far. Remember everyone who knows you wants this pain to go even though most of us are powerless to make much difference. Stay strong & ask your husband and children for anything you think will help you feel better even if this is just a gentle hug from a loved one.

[Emmy.]

Me and Mr Rain Bow (unicorn) send you big hugs Hun.

Xxxxx

[Lost_Girl]

Hi James,

Thanks for dropping by. You're right, I should trust the drs and just go with it.

I do have quiet activities in my list but it is hard with the family home.

How are you getting along?

Me xx

[Lost_Girl]

Hi Ava,

You are always right xx

I probably am being too hard on myself again. Breathing. Time to try and slow down again.

I am not seeing a counsellor or psych at the moment though there is one at the pain clinic if needed. I will consider it again.

Yes, funny movie might be a good idea.

Love me xx

[Lost_Girl]

Dear Moon,

I had left a message in the cafe hoping it would find you.

Congratulations!!! I knew you would be picked. Yay. Score 1 for "us". I am very honoured to be beside you with this. You are not alone dear friend. Though I may not have much strength I shall lend you all I have.

I did feel that hug, I hope you feel me hugging you back dear one xx