I know I've talked about a few different types of headaches in the past but I wanted to put together a list and brief description of different types of headaches that I've come across (through the web and in books).
- Acute/Cough/Cold Headaches= are from respiratory or sinus colds, exertion from coughing or blowing your nose.
- Caffeine Headaches= come from caffeine withdraw or from drinking too much caffeine.
- Chronic Headaches= are categorized as a constant continuous headache that usually recur daily.
- Chronic Progressive Headaches= are described as inflammatory headaches that get worse and happen more often over time, (is also one of the least common types of headaches).
- Cluster Headaches= are described as a severe pain located behind an eye or in the eye region without changing sides. They can occur one to three times per day during the "cluster" period, which can last up to two weeks to three months.
- Exertion Headaches= come from too much physical activity.
- Hangover/Dehydration Headaches= stem from not having enough fluids in your body. You also can get headaches/ migraines from the chemicals in alcohol.
- Hormone/Menstrual/Pregnancy Headaches= come from changes in the hormone levels, (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause).
- Hypertension Headaches= are due to high blood pressure, this happens when your blood pressure is elevated.
- Meningitis/Encephalitis Headaches= in meningitis, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord become swollen or inflamed. And in encephalitis, inflammation of the brain caused by viral infection, thus causing headaches.
- Post Traumatic Headaches= are from an injury/injuries to the neck and or head (like a concussion).
- Rebound Headaches= come from changes in medications, or from caffeine.
- Sinus Headaches= are described as pain in the cheekbones, forehead, and bridge of the nose, worse when bending over.
- Spinal Headaches= are headaches that develop after a spinal tap, about thirty percent of patients end up with one, the headaches are due to spinal leakage (worsening pain when sitting up).
- Tension Headaches= are one of the most common types of headaches, there are two types; Episodic and Chronic. Episodic, occur less then fifteen days per month, the pain is mild to moderate. band-like effect, pain is in the front, top or sides of the head. Begins gradually often occurs in midday and may last thirty minutes to several days. Chronic, may vary in intensity throughout the day but almost always is present. Also in the front, top, or sides of the head. And they come and go over a prolonged period of time.
- Tumors/Organic Headaches= are an abnormality in the brain or skull (Benigh or Malignant brain tumors, brain aneurysm, hematoma, brain abscess, brain infection, cerebral hemorrarige). These are less than five percent of all headaches. Symptoms that could be a red flag, a sudden sharp, intense or severe pain (especially if you never or only occasionally have headaches), sudden lack of balance or falling, confusion, inappropriate behavior, seizures, or difficulty speaking.
Note that I am not a medical doctor, and if you have concerns about your headaches it's always best to get a professionals' opinion.
So I recently got some dental work done and...Oh boy, let me tell you it is not fun! I've had problems in the past with getting novocaine and it causing issues with my migraines, because it restricts the blood vessels. So when I had to get additional work done I asked if there was anything else that wouldn't cause so many issues with my head. I tried a "cousin" if you will, called lidocaine, and it's supposed to have less side effects. For me, it was the same as taking novocaine. I ended up with a migraine that lasted about two and a half to almost three weeks...fun. I'm not sure if it would be more beneficial to others but I almost think it gave me a worse migraine because I get botox injections. I did call my botox doctor and he said it shouldn't effect or interact with the botox but I have a feeling it does. Because when they shot up my gums I could feel the lidocaine shoot up into all my nerves (I know that sounds kinda funny). After the lidocaine wore off, which was about five hours later, I immediately felt a migraine coming on. I had pain shooting up the side of my head and along with that I got sensitivity to the touch. Luckily it did go away but, as a warning to other people who get botox injections be aware with other things that interact with your botox. Especially if you're getting something else shot into your nerve endings. So in closing, be careful because even if your doctor says nothing should interact with botox or medications, in general, that doesn't always mean it wouldn't.
Alright, so I know it may seem simple to tell the difference between a migraine and a really bad headache but it may be harder than you think.
Believe it or not, sometimes after a period of time or if you're getting treatment for your migraines, they tend to switch up their game. Which in return they maybe harder to distinguish. You may think that because you have head rippling pain, that it's a migraine, it very well could be, or you just have a very intense headache. There are a few pretty easy symptoms that always go hand-in-hand with migraines.
Anytime you have sensitivity to lights or noise, that is the key signs that you do in fact have a migraine. Some people have auras before a migraine hits some people don't, some people start out not having auras and then have them later on in life, of vice-versa. I know that with a migraine you usually have unbearable pain, but that can change as well, especially if you start some type of treatment. For example, I would always know when I had a migraine because I would have excruciating pain along with nausea. But after I started my treatment with Botox, I would have a hard time distinguishing the difference between a migraine and just a regular headache. I wouldn't get the nausea that I always had, and the pain was somewhat tolerable. I finally came to realize I was having more of them than what I thought after talking to the doctor. It is normal for your migraines to change, but it is also very important to talk to a neurologist about it, because it could mean other things. Just make sure you pay attention to your migraines and headaches. Take care of yourselves and best wishes!
P.S. sorry for the delay, my computer went haywire on me...technology. But the good part is, is that it's up and hummin' now.
Okay, so I know I've talked about some of this stuff before but I thought it might be helpful to put it all in one place. I've made a list of things that have helped others (including me), with their migraines. Before we get into all the fun stuff I would like to warn you, some of this might help some of it might not. I would also suggest talking to a doctor before trying some of these. Now that I've warned you, let's get going!
The first tip and maybe the biggest is to make a diary. Before you start to panic, I'll say this, you really don't need to put much thought or time into it. I found that the easiest way was to jot down a few descriptive words during and BEFORE your migraine. Don't forget the time! Is it worse in the morning, evening or in the middle of the day? Did you get in enough water, food, or sleep? What were you doing when you noticed it coming on? Where is the just of the pain located? Did you do something different that you normally do? I only recorded these things for about 3 migraines, then I started to get the hang of it and didn't really need to write it down. The biggest thing here is to PAY ATTENTION to your body! Below I've made two list's, "make em' better" and "make em' worse". (Remember, these list's may or may not help you).
MAKE EM' WORSE
- not enough water, food, or sleep
- lacking vitamins
- out of whack hormones-ladies
- food allergies-dairy, gluten, sea food, peanuts etc.
- allergies in general
- barometric pressure
- air quality
- too much sugar or not enough
- too much red meat
- other issues-tummy, heart, sinus, ear, etc.
- too much or to little caffeine
- vision/glasses
- stress
MAKE EM' BETTER
- water, food, sleep
- vitamins-multi
- vitamin D=lacking can cause worse pain, magnesium
- iron-ladies or if you've lost a good amount of blood due to an accident
- balanced hormones
- barometric pressure-for me, when I go to waterfalls I hardly have a headache
- air quality-for me, getting out of the cities helps
- genetics-if you can, check your genes, have any other family members suffered from migraines
- acupuncture-I'd suggest going to someone who has practiced in Chinese acupuncture, it can be pricey
- caffeine-sometimes if you get a shot of espresso or have a medium coffee at the beginning of a migraine it can help
- vision-for me, contacts are less irritating, and if you're on the computer for too long that can effect your migraines, for every minute you stair at the screen take that same amount in seconds to look at something far away
- ibuprofen-in small amounts, and use it wisely
- massage-again can be a bit pricey but worth it
- ice packs-using one when you have a migraine can be helpful but I'd suggest using a gel one or a soft one and make sure its not too cold
I'm sure there are much more things to add to both these list's but this is what I've noticed. These have helped me and others I've run across. I hope you find this helpful! Have a wonderful day, and keep smiling!
Before I start with this
next topic, I would first like to start by apologizing for not creating a post
in a while. My life has been crazy lately with the school year coming to an
end. I will defiantly be creating more posts for you guys over the summer. Now
with that being said...
For some of you out there,
you would know exactly how to answer that question. And for the rest of you,
here's a little insight into what a migraine actually feels like from someone
who has had more than a few experiences.
When I first started experiencing
migraines, they were different than what they are now. The first migraine I
ever had was terrible, mostly because I had no idea what was going on with my
body. I literally thought my head was going to detach from my body, just fall
right off and roll down the hallway. I vaguely remember waking up from a deep
sleep not being able to move without throwing up all over the place. The lights
from the hallway seemed brighter than usual, and the noise from the fan seemed
louder than usual. I tried to move my head to check the time, that was a bad
idea...that little movement shot excruciating pain through my neck and pounded
its way into my head and radiated back down again. My eyeballs felt as if they
were going to pop out of my eye sockets just like the guy from Guinness world
records. I ended up laying in bed for most of that day, that's all I can really remember from that day (as far as what it felt
like). After my concussion (from the car accident) they did change, not really
pain wise, more as where they were located. Before the accident the pain was equal
on each side (neck and head) and it felt as if I was wearing a
too-tight-headband around my head. But after my accident, the pain was worse on
my left, which is interesting because I had hit my head on the right side. I
did still have the same too-tight-headband effect, but I also had more tension
in my shoulders which caused more pain in my neck and head.
As for my migraines today,
getting Botox injections and building up my blood volume has helped
tremendously. I actually feel spoiled for being able to enjoy my life. I still
get migraines from time to time but unless my Botox has worn off they are
tolerable. I hope for those of you out there who still have not found relief
that it is on your way. Just remember through your darkest times, comes your
most treasured light.
The one thing people say to me that haven't had migraines that I just can't stand! Would have to be "well they can't be THAT bad", like really?? If your reading this and you haven't had a bad migraine, or a migraine period, don't judge. Even if the person who is complaining is a bit of a crybaby, don't judge. It's just not fair to judge what you don't know. Yes they are THAT bad, not all of them but they're not a cake walk. They are very immobilizing, and there is usually a pile of crap loaded with backlash that you have to deal with if you're out a few days from one.
I can speak from experience, I don't want to seem like I'm complaining or talking in circles, but I've missed out on a lot of my teenage life because of them. I missed out on my education and have yet to receive my diploma (which I am still working on getting). I've missed out on parties and making new friends. Missed out on decent job opportunities. And the one thing that pops up in my head because of the timing, would have to be prom. I know some people think prom is stupid and for some reasons I would have to agree but I would have liked to at least have the opportunity to have gone. Not to mention having to convince everyone that you actually aren't lying, that you have a REAL problem with this. I think the thing that people forget is, you don't realize what you have until you lose it (or miss out on it). Enjoy your life, no matter what you've got going on in it.
You don't always have to take medication to help with your chronic headaches, although if you've found something that works for you who am I to tell you to stop. I would have to say that biofeedback has helped me the most. As weird as it sounds they taught me to breathe, yes, breathe...the right way, through your diaphragm (most people don't even realize that they aren't breathing the right way). I learned that when you breathe in your body tenses up but when you breathe out your body relaxes itself. Its almost a type of meditation, once you can quiet your mind by focusing on regulating your breathing pattern, you'll find out that your body naturally relaxes. Thus, causing your tension headaches to ease up. If unfortunately you can't seem to find a good biofeedback therapist, there are other things out there that did cause some relief for me. A tens unit at one point caused major relief for my tension headaches, (until I got botox, then...it wasn't so helpful!). Getting a nice massage is ALWAYS helpful. If a tens unit and a massage are out of your budget, I've found that even taking a hot shower can help, or a whirlpool.
Other things I have found out, is that when you're low on vitamins (Iron, magesium or most likely vitamin D) that it can cause a big problem with your migraines or headaches. Just be aware of your body. Things as simple as not getting enough sleep, water or food can cause havoc on your headaches. I often find that having fun and forgetting your problems can have a positive effect. And lastly I wanted to share a strange thing that I've noticed about my headaches. I have two tattoos, and both times when I went and got them done I noticed that my headaches seemed to get better for about three days afterwards. It could be something to do with all the nerve endings or simply because it seems to relax me, either way it helps.
After I share my story with people, one of the first questions I get is "How do you do it, how do you mentally deal with it all?". The truth is, I couldn't tell you exactly how I do it. I can however tell you that I don't focus on it, I focus on what I need to do that day. One day at a time. I've always been the kind of gal that looks at the glass half full. And that's how I look at my life, sure there are things I would love to change (like having to live in the blistering cold of Minnesota) but I've always made the best of my life. We're all dealt a certain hand in life, you could fold and hang your head low or you can bluff with a big grin on your face. It's all about your outlook and your attitude. My best advice I would have for those of you that are struggling dealing with the constant pain would be, remember life IS worth living. I know it's a hard thing to do, but find a way to bring joy and laughter into your life. Whether it's watching family guy, the dudesons or just plan old makin jokes. And NEVER forget you're not alone. (I'm always here for you!). Trust me, I know it's tough to keep a positive attitude and outlook but that is going to be the only way to make it. Yes, you can make it, and if you fall, someone will be there to catch you. Keep your head up, it can only go up from here.
In case you don't feel like reading the four and a half life story below, I would be more than happy to squeeze and reshape It Into a fun size for you.
I started my struggle with chronic migraines in 07', after my first sinus surgery. The first neurologist I saw was a joke, I got a second opinion In April of 08'. After trying a few different medications with no success and a doctor with no more ideas I moved on to the adult unit In the middle of 2009. Found a new medication that worked well with my chronic daily headaches. Had my second sinus surgery In December of 09'. Was doing good up until my car accident on April 1st 2010. Started having heart troubles that summer. Changed neurologists In October of 2010, tried more medications and ended up having bad reactions to all of them. Started botox In 2010. Spend most of my summer's (2011 and 2012) In the emergency room. Was finally diagnosed with P.O.T.S. In August of 2012.
As of today, I am still dealing with my chronic migraines/ daily headaches as well as my P.O.T.S.
We must go back into time, back to when the dinosaurs roamed the earth...wait no, that's too far! Let's just start in 07'. After having multiple sinus infections, my ENT decided it would be best to do a routine surgery. And that's when my love affair with migraines all started. About a month after the surgery, I started to notice something different...this weird pain around my head something I've never experienced in my life. It just so happened I was scheduled to see my doctor that day, I brought it up to her and she said "Oh, it's quite normal after all the trauma to the face but if it continues you would want to see your primary". I thought nothing of it, (you're typical fourteen year old). It took me until mid-November to realize it wasn't normal, something was wrong. It wasn't just an occasional headache, it was the most intense pain that I had ever felt in my head, and it was constant, every day, seven days a week! I went and saw my primary, who sent me to a neurologist. And wouldn't you know, I ended up getting the dude who and I quote "What you need to do is go to school and deal with it! You can't be missing school!" Wow! Really? No tests, scans, meds, the only thing he did was send me to a physical therapist. Who might I add, was a little...odd...Although P.T. helped a little bit with the tension in my shoulders, I was still having these horrible daily headaches, which were getting worse. So my mom and I talked it over, and we both agreed that I should get a second opinion.
The second doctor I saw, seemed more willing to help me, which was a relief to me. He ordered up a few tests and decided to try me on a medication. He also suggested I try an infusion to try and break the cycle. The infusion helped about three days then my pain started creeping back until I had my full-blown chronic headache/ migraine. And as far as the new med, after two months I had no difference. After the first med failed, he switched me onto another, and another, and one more...no change. (With infusions every four months or so). There got to a point when I felt that he just wasn't as into helping me, after trying four medications and not having any improvement, I felt like a lost cause. I clearly remember the last day I walked into his office, crying. As he came into the room I looked at him with tears clouding up my vision, I asked him, "What now?" He looked at me and in a very defeated voice answered, "I think it would be best if you went to the adult clinic, I don't know what else to do". I couldn't help but feel defeated myself, but yet I still held onto that little bit of hope. I said to myself, "Yes it's been almost a year with no change, but maybe it's a good thing I'm going to the adult clinic, maybe they will have a better idea of how to treat me!"
After having to wait two and a half weeks to get into the adult unit, I finally got an appointment with a female doctor. Once again, I noticed how enthusiastic this new doctor was about helping me. She ordered up some more tests, and again tried me on some medications, and also suggested a biofeedback specialist. I was making good progress with the biofeedback people. I even looked forward to seeing them! The lady who had the joy of working with me, taught me a lot. How to calm my body, and quiet my mind (something I still use to this day). I continued seeing her for a total of six months or so, until the clinic closed. I think I tried about three meds before I was put on one that actually helped. I was attending school but still missing most days because of the migraines. (I had tried my fair share of different rescue meds but nothing helped). In two thousand and nine, I was back at my ENT's office with more sinus troubles. I actually ended up seeing a new doctor due to the fact that my old doc being on vacation. Without hesitation, he suggested another surgery. Oh great! (Yea, that's what I said!) So in the bitter cold of winter of 09' i had my second surgery. Unlike the first surgery, I for once didn't have any complications. And I noticed a hugh improvement! I was doing pretty good, with this med, my new nose, P.T. and the occasional steroid pack, I was able to get out more which was a plus in my book! I was planning on going back to school full time after spring break...until I was in a car accident.
It was four twenty eight in the afternoon, on a beautiful spring day. Birds were singing, bunnies were skipping, and kiddies were giggling. We were on a mini road trip waiting at a red light, enjoying the scenery, when all of a sudden BAM!! It took me about seven minutes to even understand what the heck was going on. My sister and mother were talking in very panicked voices, although I didn't understand what they were saying, all I keep hearing was "OH MY GOSH!" "SHE JUST HIT US, WHAT THE H***!!" "WHAT ON EARTH WAS SHE DOING?". I honestly don't remember much of that day, all I can tell you is we all ended up going to the emergency room that night. The ER doctor did a cat scan on my brain because of the symptoms I was having. It came back normal, but because I was puking, had some memory loss, a pounding headache, and a lump on my head, they figured I had a concussion. I started a P.T. program specializing with motor vehicle accident victims. Over the next few weeks, I noticed that the dizziness, the confusion, the memory loss, the nausea and let's not forget the worst headaches/ migraines I had ever received, hadn't gone away or loosened up they were actually getting terribly worse, even being on the medication that had helped me for the last year. I had an appointment with my neurologist scheduled (it was three weeks post car accident). I explained to her what had happened, she was actually angry, which surprised me. At the end of the appointment she looks at me and says "Well, I don't know what to do about the headaches, or the dizziness, but you can make an appointment with me in about five months". Five months? Seriously?? I honestly didn't know what to think, let alone do. This was my third doctor! After two months, I decided I needed to have a talk with my primary. First, she sent me to the concussion clinic to see where I was with the healing process of my brain. I went there, they did all kinds of different computer tests, which I all failed...miserably. After having had multiple trips to the ER because of the dizziness and feeling like I was going to faint every time I'd get up, plus the results of the concussion pros, my primary suggested I should try to get in with doctors in Rochester. Of course I was willing to get to the bottom of these issues! I agreed but had to wait and see if they would accept me into their program.
While waiting to hear back from the team in Rochester, I started noticing funny things with my heart. Whenever I would stand longer then five minutes it would start to flip and flop and jump around in my chest. At first I thought, "Oh well, it's probably normal when your dizzy and faint-y all the time". It wasn't normal, so again I made a field trip to my primary who sent me to a cardiologist. I played the waiting game once again...finally I got in a few weeks later. Wouldn't cha know, the doctor looks at me and says "I highly doubt you have anything wrong, just a little anxiety, but I guess I can give you a monitor just to make sure". I wore that heart monitor for a full twenty four hours, I was smelly and oily but hopeful that this would solve the heart problem. It didn't, I got a call back two days later from the nurse "We didn't see anything on your monitor, If you have any more problems feel free to come back and see us". I couldn't believe it. I could not tell you how many times I was let down by these doctors. I remember lying awake in bed at night praying that something would just show up on one of these tests, even if it was something bad. I know that sounds like a horrible thing to pray for, but what was I supposed to pray for? The doctors treated me as if I was a nutcase. So many people had thought that about me (only when the first things they tried didn't work), I started to think I was nuts!
Luckily two months later, I finally received the phone call I had been drooling over. I was accepted into the program in Rochester! I shoved down the excitement and the happy feelings in order to protect myself, so I wouldn't get disappointed again. Although I could feel in my bones, that this was my answer. My appointment was originally supposed to be four months out, good old mom called and told the nurses that I couldn't wait, I was not doing so hot. I was put on a cancelation list, and as fate would have it, managed to get in with the head doctor of the children's neurology unit. I got in after my sixteenth birthday in two thousand ten. I was called back to see the doctor after our two hour drive, he got into the room and started asking me some questions. And I just started bawling, like a big-ol baby. I'm sure he thought I was indeed nuts. He ordered some tests and...for me to see a psychologist. (Just so everyone knows, I am not crazy, yet). In fact, they couldn't find any mental health problems wrong with (Just to make sure, I ended up seeing three of them). Once it was justified that I didn't belong in a locked ward. I was put on more medications for the headaches/ migraines. I was put back on the med that originally worked, but on a higher dosage. It helped but after three to four months, I noticed that this burning feeling across my skull started to appear. I was quickly taken off that med and put on another. After trying different medications all with bad side effects and no change, I was stuck a hole again. (I did however find a rescue medication for my migraines). And again in the summer of two thousand eleven, I was back in the emergency rooms for my heart, like clockwork. Back to see the cardiologist...this time they put me on an event monitor. I would have it for a month and record my heart when I felt it was acting up. Well a month went by, sent in the monitor, received a call back telling me "Yea, we didn't see anything on the monitor". I started to feel like I was in a really bad lifetime movie...before I had received that phone call I had been in to see my primary, this time for hair loss. Being a young female with long flowing golden hair, you could imagine the freak outs I would have when my hair would come out in globs. She did a blood test, and called me within a week. It came back that something indeed was wrong! "I told ya so!" I remember yelling at the message box. My iron levels were extremely low, so low that they wanted me back in two weeks to get re-tested. And to see if I was building, if I wasn't they were going to have to do something different, (I assumed blood transfusions). I did luck out and built but I would have to be on iron for months.
While I was building, I noticed how wonderful I felt! For the first time in over a year, I felt like a human and not like a zombie on automatic pilot. I think it was somewhat good news for my neurologist as well, "When your iron levels are low it can make you feel funny, and cause headaches". Finally! It wasn't all in my head, I had a legit problem. I continued to try a few more medications, no dice. My neurologist suggested I try botox injections. In January of two thousand eleven, I tried my first session of botox. After the first dose, I didn't notice too much improvement, until it came time to go back (three months later). Then I did notice a difference. It helped with my daily headaches! Every time I would go back it helped more and more and more! Not only did it help with the chronic daily headaches but also with the migraines. It was amazing! I could actually start school again. Live my life somewhat normally, except for that lingering heart issue. In the summer of two thousand twelve, I was back to my normal routine of the trips to ER. There was one trip were I was so dizzy, lightheaded, and feeling like I was going to pass out, that I didn't know if I could make it. I was severly dehydrated. Ever since that bad dehydration, my dizziness and heart palpitations (and a laundry list of other symptoms), went downhill. I had it all the time, I would go to bed with it and wake up with it. For the third year in a row, I called my cardiologist they didn't get back to me until I called them back three days later, to tell me I was too old to be seen there. But in the meantime, I had made an appointment with (yup, you guessed it) my primary. Who after much review of my medical chart, (which I'm sure is seventeen inches thick by now) had me do a laying down, sitting up, and standing up test with her. And finally caught something! My blood pressure was normal for all three positions, but my heart rate would go haywire when I would sit up or stand up. She documented it, and sent me on my way with another referral. I got in the car with my mom, and called the "adult" heart clinic. After explaining to the nurse on the other line what was going on, she says, "Can you get here by two?".
It was one thirty eight. I replied "I surely can try". Before I knew it I was at the cardiologist's office. She repeated the lying, sitting, and standing test, same results. And before I could even get out my whole story, the doctor looks at me and to my relief says, "I think I know exactly what's wrong with you." "Have you ever heard of P.O.T.S.?". I looked at her dumbfounded and managed to squeeze out "No". She said, "I want you to see the specialist in P.O.T.S. just to make sure it is what I think it is". She gave me some tips and numbers if anything were to happen, because it was a wait to get into this specific doctor. In early August, of two thousand twelve I was scheduled to meet with this P.O.T.S. pro. He looked at the lying, sitting, and standing tests, and without hesitation ordered two blood tests (one easy, one complicated), an EKG, and also an echocardiogram. He then explained to me what P.O.T.S. was, (there are two types of it) gives me some more pointers to get me through until we were to meet again. That night after all the tests, I could feel in my gut, that this time, one of my tests were going to come back abnormal. But it could have just been my indigestion. I went back a few weeks later to hear the results and hopefully get a treatment plan going. The gods must have been listening to me, (which was nice for a change, because I was beginning to think they just tuned me out) because one of the tests did come back abnormal. It turned out I have the types of P.O.T.S. that is low blood volume/ low plasma levels. As I sit here typing this, to this very day, it gives me shivers. Words could not even began to explain how ecstatic I was, what a relief it was. I was put on iron tablets (the same one I was on before) along with a salt tablet, to try to build blood, and keep in water to increase blood mass. In October, I was back at my neurologist's office for a checkup. He seemed a little surprised, because one of the tests he had ordered up (a tilt table test) should have detected it. He and I both agreed to stick with the botox, and continue with the P.O.T.S. treatment (because the P.O.T.S. can very well cause the daily headaches). And see how things are in a year.
As your probably aware, it is March 3rd, 2013, and to this very day I still continue my daily battles with both the chronic headaches/ chronic migraines as well as my P.O.T.S. I'm not going to say it's been an easy road but I can say I am extremely overjoyed to be sitting here sharing my story with you. I don't know what tomorrow has in store for me, but I can only see wonderful things headed my way. (P.S. this isn't the full story, because that would take thirty pages and alot of tuna, for me to remember it all).
The reason I was given the gift (yes I call it a gift), of chronic migraines was because I was meant to help others. Others who are going through the same hard, life altering condition. As a migraine warrior for six years now, I wanted to share my story, (hopefully) to help others, to inform, to be support for others who don't have any. Your not alone! I am a open, honest, caring person (not to toot my own horn or anything). And this is a safe and non-judgmental blog. I know how difficult it is to find people who can relate to our condition, because we don't have an arm sticking out our heads, people don't realize how much it affects our lives. Please feel free to contact me. And i truly hope this helps you!
