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Chronic tension headache diagnosis and long term management

Lost_Girl
Community Member

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

1,044 Replies 1,044

Oh Carol - I am so glad to hear you sounding more positive - keep going darling - I know you will get there! Your goodness just shines through, never doubt that for a minute!

Hey babe - I think I've done the right thing taking up these "lawn bowls" again! I think I can do it!!! (ask me again in a few weeks when it's a bit closer and I could be shaking in my high heels!)

But so far, I reckon I have made the right decision (not like me is it?).........we should catch up more often, perhaps in the Cafe or on the Thread Killer - perhaps Gruffudd has given us all up!! Keep in touch, you are very special to me......xo Moon S

I'm glad things are going so well for you. I will try to visit and post here more often now that the new year is well and truly upon us 🙂

Lost_Girl
Community Member

Hi Len,

Thanks for your kind words Len, I will keep trying to be positive. Some days are easier than others.

I have found I am super busy during the school holidays with the family all home. Added to that, now that I am out of my darkest spot and off the medications, my friends are all wanting to see me so I am busy learning how to be social again. It used to come so easily to me but now I feel I have to really work at it. All very positive steps forward though.

Storm is 5 months old now. She has grown a lot but will always be a little doggy. She has such a sweet personality and she loves snuggling up with people. The minute you sit down she is either up on your lap or lying on your feet. She is pretty good inside now too, she has learnt which toys are hers to play with but she will still sneak off on occassion to try and procure a sock or two.

I think I would be beside myself if Storm acquired a taste for a creature. I really haven't the stomach. I am a big softie. I think keeping your little Monty in at night is sound reasoning. Three already! He does look young.

Are you getting any exercise in now with the warmer weather?

Lovely to hear from you xx

Hi Ava,

Thanks, I had a look at the new coaches. I am not sure I want to add anymore people to have to deal with. My Occupational Therapist is taking up such a big part of my time now with the schedule I have to adhere to. I think I will feel a bit better when I get some space when hubby goes back to work 🙂

Thank you so much Ava. You are a real positive influence in my life and I am so greatful.

I'm glad you are feeling better than you were. It is a challenge when you start to improve balancing all the demands both internal & from others. While recovering from my injuries I would get very frustrated when I overdid things which normally would be easy. Working out how far to push myself without harm was very hard. As you have found once you improve others think you are back to normal so keeping up with what you think they expect is hard. Just remember how far you have come & some steps backward at times is normal so don't get discouraged. It is the overall improvement that matters. Look after yourself only you know exactly how you feel.

Dearest Moon,

Catching up more often sounds wonderful. From next week when hubby is back at work and the kidlets are back at school it will be much easier. I think my positivity will increase then too. I think sometimes I just need some quiet time for my mind. These holidays have been very full.

I know you can do it!!!!! I am super excited for you and absolutely cannot wait to hear all about it, as much as you can of course.

Perhaps Gruffud has run back to Paris? How about a catch up Monday? Let me know which thread. You are special to me too xx

Hi Narelle,

Thanks for dropping by. I shall catch you on your thread xx

Any thread you like Lost Girl I guess....this one, or drop into the Cafe perhaps? I joined in Thread Killer you probably saw. perhaps in the Cafe we could sit in a corner and speak in riddles? do you think the other Cafe customers enjoy riddles? Or would they throw us out?

I should post on Battling the Booze and chat with Kaz and Geoff...because this game I have coming up, and the trial one last year....is the FIRST time in recent history over the decades....that I will have taken part WITHOUT a drink (s) beforehand for Dutch Courage, or during, to keep my momentum and sparkle up!

What if it was the grog that did the good job...and not me at all?

1113
Community Member

Hi lost girl,

I am just popping in to say hi.

We haven't formally meet yet although we have shared some humour already.

It's a honor of mine to pop in here. Truly.

I hope to get to know you and your family in a humble respectful way.

Maybe share some more humour too.

Peace

Matt.

Hey Moon,

I think you'll find that you will shine twice as bright without the dutch courage. Perhaps have a think of an alternative you can do instead. Maybe you can think up a mantra to say to yourself to calm and encourage.

You are amazing here Moon! Just think you have all us souls wishing you well too. Imagine what you can do with all these positive vibes we're sending.

I read you're off to watch Lion on Mon. Is that during the day? I might join you. I need to tick go to a movie with a friend off my rehab task list but all my friends are busy with school going back next week.

I will try and catch you in the cafe Mon. Let me know what part of the day you will be around. I have an appointment mid morning but that's it.

Big hugs xx