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

Lost_Girl · ‎20-01-2017

Dear Elizabeth,

You are right as always. Communication is definitely the way to go. I think now I have been avoiding it because the family and my friends all seem excited that I am "getting better" that it is hard to explain that I am more active but not "better". I will just need to take more time to explain.

Thanks for being there. I know you understand and it means the world to me.

How are you and hubby getting along?

Love me

Lost_Girl · ‎20-01-2017

Emmy! I have missed you beautiful girl. Thanks to you and Mr Rain. Bow.

How are you Emmy? What is happening in your life?

Big hugs Em xx

james1 · ‎20-01-2017

Hey Carol,

Yes, I imagine it would be very busy and not so quiet in the family home. Do you have any friends or family nearby who you could schedule a little bit of quiet time with? They'd need to be a bit understanding of course, but it sounds like a bit of you-time would be very nice.

I have been okay I guess. Neither here nor there. I changed psychologists over the near year break. So that's been interesting to say the least. Otherwise, I'm about to go to Japan which should be good to just get away from work a bit.

James

Wednesday · ‎21-01-2017

Hello dearest,

Of course you are being to hard on your self! When you are super intelligent, extremely capable, a mother and a wife you are going to push your own boundaries further than you should.

I so wish I could have word in your husbands ear. It must be horrid for you to also feel like your fighting the man you love so much. We know that he loves you and has supported you. We also know that it is hopeless trying to explain to anyone else what pain feels like no matter how much they love you.

Darling, please think again about seeing the pain affiliated psych, maybe you could take him along for a visit too, after wording up the psych of course. Huh, whatdaya think? Hey if I can see a psych you can too we can compare notes of psych sayings like what do you think he/she meant by that.... agh?

A horrid joke from an 8 year old boy, what happens when an elephant sneezes?

You get an awful lot of snot!

Made you smile... I told you it was horrid. 🙂

Hugs and more fairy dust for your depleted supply, oh and one Haigs truffle, sorry I ate the rest, my excuse steroids. ;(. xx

Elizabeth CP · ‎21-01-2017

Thanks for you reply. It is hard to explain about pain. My husband does what you do at times & pretends things are fine because 'he doesn't want to upset me' but I find that very frustrating because I feel unable to know what is happening.

My husband was sick for a few weeks but is a lot better but still tires easily. He wants to do things like normal but sometimes overdoes things.

Emmy. · ‎22-01-2017

I've missed you all too Carol.

I'm actually in a really good place at the moment. Really good. Can't remember ever feeling this happy and content. Still got the anxiety and on high dosage of AD but it's something hey! I swear it's all thanks to you guys and my psychiatrist (he's awesome!!) Amazing how much can change in a year hey.

So how have you been?? How's your beautiful family? Your puppy??

Xxxxxxx

Guest_9809 · ‎22-01-2017

Hi Emmy. Really pleased to hear that you are doing so well. Great news indeed.

Carol - Like Ava says, you really are very hard on yourself. You need to acknowledge to yourself just how tough its been for you and what a hard task its been to get to where you are now. You are making progress, you know that. Not so long ago you were on strong pain medications, and probably in just as much pain. At least now you are off the pain meds, which is a major achievement in itself. And you are now able to think clearer and you are slowly moving in the right direction. Remind yourself how much more you are able to do now than you were say, 2 months ago. This is progress! You may not be where you want to be yet, but you are gradually working towards that goal. Keep up the great work.

Taurus xx

Lost_Girl · ‎22-01-2017

Hi James,

Japan! How wonderful. I hope it is a good break indeed. Changing psychs would be a big change. I hope the new one is a better fit for you.

Dear Ava,

Hahaha, yes you got a smile and a cringe. Awful joke haha.

Yes hubby does try very hard. When I sit him down and explain it all he gets it but then after a few weeks it is like he forgets. I know he cares immensely. Perhaps he is just hopeful.

I will consider the psych. Our pockets are taking quite the hit financially. I will have to wait until school costs are divulged and paid for. I have joined a gym too which I got a good deal on but it all adds up. I start pilates on Tues. I am mildy terrified about being the most unfit in the class but I will get through it. I am more worried about the impact to the pain but we shall see.

I laughed about the chocs too, haha. Good excuse xxx

Dear Elizabeth,

I am glad hubby is feeling better now. I think it must be hard to not overdo it, especially when you have better days. It sounds like you have come a long way though. I am also hoping your arm is all healed now as you haven't mentioned it. Have you been able to find more things to do together with help from Vision Aust?

Dear Emmy,

I am so happy to hear this Emmy. What a big change that is.

I have improved since last year. As Taurus says, I am off all medication and the pain level is a little less than it was and I am clear headed aside from the pain. It allows me to talk to friends and I can drive on good days. Storm, our puppy, is wonderful. I don't know how we got along without her. Everyone loves her. The kids are good, all growing up so quickly.

Dear Taurus,

I am thankful to you for the reminder. You are right, there has been a lot of change recently. You are wonderful.

Thank you all xx

Airies · ‎23-01-2017

Hi Carol,

great to see you here again and more importantly sounds like things are on the improve.

Off meds, less pain, driving on a good day wow 2017. Your hands are well and truly full , running a household, children and a young pup. I've just noticed you've joined a gym and commencing Pilates. I'm wrapped for you. Midly terrified of being the most unfit. You wil be fine. You've got youth on your side, it's takes a lot of guts and determination to make those steps.Youve jumped ahead with leaps and bounds. I was a bit worried as you hadn't been hear for a while but so so pleased that's it's good news from your end.

I've never doubted your G&T.

How old is Storm now?. Everyone thinks my dog is still a pup dud to his size but he's getting on 3 now. I now have to secure him in his pen at night as he has now acquired a taste for possums.I once used to have a strong stomache but cannot cope with possum fur and stuff over the lawn. mini Foxies are natural hunters and Monty has come out of his shell.

hugs Len xox

Wednesday · ‎24-01-2017

Carol sweetie,

Have you read about the New Access coaching help on BB? It is under the get support tab, maybe it would be useful to you?

Hugs, xx