Celebrating 6 Years of Non-Stop Pain

Well, May of this year is my 6th year of non-stop pain. It's not a road that I had never heard of before and not a road I would want anyone to have to travel down. But there are just too many of us traveling down this road. It's not a straight road is a long and windy road with many bumps in it and many diversions along the way.

A "normal" life with migraine

What started off as a simple headache has completely changed my life. I am lucky in many respects. I get to live a normal sort of life; I am not bedridden (well, some days I am). I get to work and get to do a lot of normal activities that anyone else can do, but there is the constant fear that my head will pop up and knock me for six, which it does from time to time. Living in the United Kingdom means I haven't had to fight for drug funding or treatment through insurance, as the NHS does all this for you, although I did spend a few thousand pounds on some private medical care in the first couple of years when I wasn't sure if I had a brain tumor. That is the unfortunate thing with free health care and long waiting times.

Changes through the years

I went drug-free around the end of 2022, which I can honestly say was one of the hardest decisions I have made on the journey, but I think it was the right decision. I have recently toyed with the idea of trying drugs again but have made the decision not to. I may try looking into cognitive therapy, but I need to do some research on this first, as I am not sure it will help. I also developed tinnitus a couple of years ago, which I find worse than my headaches at times. Non-stop high pinch ringing in your ears is no fun for anyone; it will drive me insane, I am sure. But you have to fight one and push through each day.

What I've learned

What have I learned? Well, a lot about myself. I am more reclinate than I ever thought I was; being stubborn helps me get through the days. I have learned that, unfortunately, what works for one doesn't work for all. I have learned that there is an amazing community of people who are unfortunately suffering, like me, with this terrible life-altering disease, which, in my eyes, are here to support you as you suffer. You never truly understand what life is like; trying to explain to non-suffers of chronic pain what it is like is damn near impossible. I have learned that you need support. It's a tough road, and I am not sure how I would have fared if I had to do this on my own. I am forever grateful to my wife for her nonstop support. I think she knows me better than I know myself.

We're in this together

You have to be strong for yourself. I have said in the past we are all like warriors combating an invisible war with ourselves, and I think this is so true. Banding together and sharing helps. So please, everyone, stay strong, and hopefully, but I'm doubtful, some clever medical person out there will find a cure for us all.