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

[Lost_Girl]

Hi dear Len,

I have been absent until yesterday. Life got busy with school holidays and lots of decisions.

I am on hospital tomorrow having two operations, to fix the inside of my nose and remove my tonsils. The hope is to fix my sleep apnea and improve the quality of sleep and breathing which hopefully may help the headache.

The recovery is not meant to be so good. I am not worried about the operation but I am terrified of the recovery. I worry the pain added to my current levels will be too much. I am sure I will get through it. I am just not looking forward to it.

On the upside I have been a lot more physically active of late. I have even managed a full day out here and there. The headache is still the same but my neck and back issues seem sorted. The hardest part of being out and about is not having anything to fully occupy my mind and therefore I notice the pain more. I am better able to be mindful at home while crocheting.

How are you getting on Len? Last we spoke you had reduced some meds and were getting out a bit more. Let me know how you are. Have you had the chance to get out and about in your snazzy hat?

I might be delayed in responding depending on timing with the operation. You can count on me like a bad smell though, I will be hanging around and will get to you.

Big hugs,

Carol

[CMF]

Dear Carol,

best of luck with the ops. I really hope they resolve you pain issues, I truly want this for you.

you are brave, I hope the recovery goes well and you finally have some light at the end of the tunnel.

sending you lots of positivity and strength.

cmf x

[Guest_9809]

Hi Carol. I havent visited you in a while, but note that you are having an operation today. I trust everything goes really well, that your recovery is swift, and the results permit better sleep and a lowering of your pain levels.

Thinking of you.

Taurus xx

[Airies]

Hi Carol,

all the best with the ops and the recovery. It's daunting. I had major hip resurface surgery back in 2013. Huge operation, recovery was slow at first but 3.5 years later all guns blazing in that department. Taurus articulated it beautifully. A big hug ( a gentle one) and thinking of you.

Len xx

[Wednesday]

Hello dearest Carol,

How are you? I am sending you lots of hugs and a soft teddy bear for those time you need to something to cuddly up too. I so hope the operation works. I bet you feel like rubbish at the moment but it will be so worth it. Breathing is a pretty important thing to be doing!

Baby steps dear one, you have stayed strong for so long now. I read a nurse friend of yours said that it may help your headaches. I'd trust her advice nurses often seem to know more than doctors on this sort of thing. They see patients for longer as they recover and get a different side to the story.

May any pain be brief and the rewards be great. Love and hugs. xx

[Guest_9809]

Hello Carol. I have just been thinking about you and thought I'd send a quick message.

I see that you havent updated this thread since prior to your operation, which is over two months ago. But I recall reading on other peoples threads since then that you came through the ops okay, although it had been a long and painful process. If my recollection is correct, last I heard, you were experiencing further illness, although I am not sure if it was related to the operation or not.

I just wanted you to know that, despite your recent absence, I still think of you often ... as do many others here.

I hope you are doing well. And when you feel up to it, it would be good to hear from you again.

In the meantime, my very best thoughts are with you.

Taurus xx

[Moonstruck]

Dear Carol.....I have been all absorbed with myself this past month and haven't contacted you -I am sorry. I have thought of you though but I know that is not the same thing. I have not forgotten you, and never will. luv Moon S x

[Lost_Girl]

Hey Taurus and Moon,

I haven't forgotten about you either.

I have been struggling emotionally since my operation. I am recovered from it but have been sick ever since with colds and viruses and it has really gotten me down. I think it is a combination of feeling unwell, feeling useless, unable to get out of the house, and being unable to parent my children the way I would like to.

I am struggling to be positive. I have withdrawn from all my friends again and just don't feel much like talking to anyone. I am seeing my GP regularly. She is much more positive than I am.

It is school holidays and I am finding it hard to be happy for the kids. They are very understanding but somedays I feel so guilty that it consumes me.

My headache remains constant although there has definitely been some improvement from the operation. I am reminded there are many worse off than me. I know this will all pass. It is just so slow and still no clear answers.

Thank you so much for thinking of me.

Moon, I posted on your thread.

Taurus, my heart goes out to you for your recent news. I am so sorry. It is just heartbreaking news. Sending you much love and strength.

Len, cmf, Shelley and Ava, if you drop by, thinking of you all too xx

[Emmy.]

Mr Rain Bow and I have stopped by to leave you a care package. It's filled with fuzzy bunny slippers, warm hot water bottle, a HUGE teddy to hug, lots of flowers and balloons. Sorry Mr Rain Bow sneezed before I wrapped it up so it's now all covered with rainbow glitter hehe 😉

I always have you in my thoughts Carol and I'm sorry to read you've been unwell since the op. Have you ever seen a naturopath at all? I'm seeing one at the moment and she's helping with my immune system. Also no longer eating dairy, gluten or processed sugars. Anyway just a thought.

Try not to be hard on yourself Hun (easily said then done sometimes hey!!) but I'm sure your kids will be having great holidays and just happy to have some extra Mum time.

Be gentle on yourself. Remember what an AWESOME person you are.

Big hugs. Emmy x

[Lost_Girl]

Thanks Emmy, you are a treasure!

I haven't seen a naturopath but I am working on my diet and it does seem to be helping. Thanks so much xx