Pain all the time.

[mumof3fairies]

I am a 30 yr old mother of three girls. There age range from 5yrs to 5 months. I live in Sydney Australia and I have been a headache sufferer for 20 yrs (since I was 10) and a chronic daily headache sufferer for 15 yrs. I have had a continuous headache for 15 yrs straight and haven't had one minute of any day without pain. I have tried everything. I have seen 4 neurologists, chiro, physio. I have tried every preventative certain anti-depressants, anti-inflamatories, ergotamine infusions, lidnocaine infusions, drug trials, etc. I'm sure most of you have all been there.

I haven't seen my neurologist since I was about 13 weeks pregnant with my third but I really don't think there is anything else he can do. I hate the thought that I will most probably have this pain for the rest of my life. I have had all the tests and the only things that they have come up with is that I have bulging discs in my cervical spine, thoracic(SP?) and my lumber spine. Even having that they have never actually said that that could be causing my pain. They have said that it can cause headaches but they haven't said to what degree. I definately think I need an Mri of my neck, I only had a CT scan. I haven't tried Topomax because of the cost and side effects.

As you would all would most probably know the pain turns you into someone that you might not normally be. I have very little patience, low concerntration, loss of memory but that could have something to do with the shock treatment I had for depression when I was a teenager or one of the many overdoses I took. I don't get depressed like that anymore but do get very down looking into my future. Every morning I wake up and have pain straight away. I think here we go again, another day the same. I take codeine based drugs to help with the pain but that doesn't even touch the edges. Anti-inflamatories help with the neck pain that I get right under the base of my skull. It is so bad at times I want to ram my fingers up there.

I have been to a pain management team who saw me for 1.5 hours only to tell me that everything I have tried is what they would have told me to do. There is nothing else left to do. I was on oxycontin for my back a few yrs ago and that didn't help my headaches. Morphine injections doesn't even help. I am officially up the creek without a paddle.

Sorry to bore you all, I am sure the last thing you want is to feel worse. I need suggestions or ideas on what I can try. I am desperate now and want to have a fulfilled life with my husband and girls but I can't see this pain ever lifting.

TIA

[SkooterSnowy]

I am so sorry for your pain!!! I cannot imagine as I have only suffered with my headache for 4 months now and I am going quite mad!!!
You are so much further along the process than I. I am in such a rural, backward area of the US that finding good treatment is very hard, and Dr.'s are not willing to prescribe anything for pain...Darvocet is as good as it gets...and as you know that is as good as a sugar pill, why waste the money!
I do have one suggestion for you...Try contacting the manufacturers of Topomax, most pharmacutical companies have assistance programs that help pay for your prescription or give it to you free of charge.
I would like to speak with you further if you don't mind....if you do thatss ok, but if you want pls contact me through Yahoo....my id is CrazyCatLady......
Bless you I hope you can find relief SOMEWHERE!!!

[SkooterSnowy]

Quick PS
There is a place in the US...Cleveland Ohio. Called the Cleveland Clinic
[url]http://www.clevelandclinic.org/[/url]
they have a center that specializes in headaches and pain management....it is worth a look at least......

[mumof3fairies]

How do you go through Yahoo to find you? I live in Australia so anywhere in the US is out of reach but thankyou luv. Oh I forgot to mention, here in Australia they only help fund for Topomax if you are epileptic.

[m1e1b1s1]

hi there!

I am a fellow headache sufferer....I've had them for almost 20 years, constantly, daily, with migraine in addition...all tests possible, everything comes out normal...and it is very frustrating. I've tried medications, chiropractic treatment, and even accupuncture (it worked on my sciatica, but not my head....), if I wasn't in my 30's I'd consider becoming a doctor and dedicating my life to the treatment of these deblilitating headaches.

I've got 2 children and just get so frustrated at the limitations the headaches bring on...if I bend over, they get worse...pounding, blood rushing pain.

I did however find information on magnesium levels, and the treatment of headaches. I tested it and it is tried and true and worked for me, it did not completely take them away, but I have less pain and actually a day or two here and there with NO PAIN...which is almost a miracle after so many years of having them.

I take 3 magnesium tablets a day...250 MG...one in the morning, mid afternoon and before bed. I also take B6 adn B12 daily. The b vitamins work on nervous system.

I did this for 2 months, noticed a big difference and then stopped for a few weeks, and they came back like they always were....daily, painful headaches.

Good luck to you all.....it is one of the most frustrating things.....I've told people, give me back pain, give me knee pain, what ever...but take the headaches away...they are so limiting, and frustrating, and no one can.