Life long fight where I have always given up.

By ttchica78

1 min read

I remember my first migraine like it was yesterday. I was in kindergarten and went to the nurse for a headache. I was sent back to class because I didn't have a fever. My teacher noticed that I wasn't functioning as I usually did and sent me home with the lunch lady who happened to live next door to me.

So began 27 years and counting of almost daily headaches. DAILY. My parents never took me to see a doctor about the headaches. My tolerance for the pain ebbed and waned through the years. I have moments where I feel completely at the end of my rope with 2 straight weeks with pain at a level 8. Past Neurologists dismissed it as hormones. Chiropractors sent me home feeling sore.

I am currently seeing a neuro and have been for a little over a year. I'm feeling at the end of my rope again. He tried botox twice, triptan drugs, blood pressure meds and steroids on me. None of it has decreased the pain. I suffer from depression and the chronic pain just makes it worse.

I want a normal life with my husband and daughter. I hate skipping fun events due to pain.

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margaret75 Member
I'm so sorry Tara to hear of your constant pain and struggles. I can't even imagine living having to endure that for 27 years. You are clearly a very strong woman and you should be commended for that. I truly hope and pray that you find yourself some relief. I have been fortunate enough to have overcome my migraines through acupuncture. You can read this article and see if it's something you might want to try. I wish you all the best... <a href='https://www.chatelaine.com/health/wellness/migraine-therapy/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://www.chatelaine.com/health/wellness/migraine-therapy/</a>
Katie M. Golden Moderator
Tara, I'm glad you are currently seeing a neurologist. Is your doc a Headache Specialist? These types of neuros only treat the over 300 headache disorders and can give you the best possible care. Here is a list of Headache Specialists: <a href='https://www.ucns.org/globals/axon/assets/10300.pdf' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>http://www.ucns.org/globals/axon/assets/10300.pdf</a> Depression is one of the top illnesses that are co-morbid with Migraines. No wonder- it's hard to stay upbeat when your whole life has changed and you feel trapped! I encourage you to seek help from a therapist if you aren't already. Chronic illness is a big burden to carry and you shouldn't try to do it all by yourself! <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/debunking-misconceptions-about-depression' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/blog/debunking-misconceptions-about-depression/</a> Don't give up hope. For every new medication or treatment, you should stick with it for at least 3 months before moving on to the next thing. Your body needs time to adjust. Have you tried any alternataive medicine like Margaret suggested? Here's another link if you are interested: <a href='https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies' target='_blank'>http://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/</a> I wish you the best! -Katie
pendragon Member
Hey Tara, I'm sorry to hear that you've suffered such pain for so long, as well as not being able to find relief from any treatments, but I'd also like to congratulate you on getting through it so far. You sound like you've suffered immensely, and yet you continue to push through, have gotten married and had a daughter. I can empathize with feeling like you're at the end of your rope, while I haven't suffered for as long as you have, I feel similarly. I don't even remember the list of what I've tried, but like you, nothing has even taken the edge off the pain, and depression and chronic pain seem like they were just made for each other. I hope that your husband and daughter are understanding about you not necessarily being able to attend everything that they might want you to, and that they recognize that you actually really want to be there, but are not physically up to it.