accepting chronic migraine

[ajg33]

hello all i just wanted to share. i was diagnosed in late april with hermicrania continua" which is a unilater migriane. its been sooo hard for me to accept my condition, in turn caused me depression/anxiety and now treating that condition. Its been really hard for me to accept and doing my best to get to the point of "acceptance" I am in therapy for a month and a half which i feel will help alot. I would love to hear any other's experience with learning how to accept and learn to overcome the "fear of the next headache. I am on indomethicin which helps for the migraines along with celexa and a small dose of klonopin for the dep/anxiety. my headache specialist says there is a def link with dep/anxirty and chronic migraine.
thanks for listening any input would be great!
love and light
Anthony

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Indomethacin for hemicrania continua usually provides rapid relief from symptoms. Outlook for this condition is complete to near-complete relief of symptoms with proper medical attention and daily medication. Therapy will definitely help with acceptance. Stay positive and you may also benefit from biofeedback therapy. Take care and warm regards.

[burdzmom]

hey-

a drop attack for me was when you pretty much fall to the ground, unconscious. though i was partially conscious and my onset was slow. i was displaying stroke like symptoms, vertigo, vomiting, paralysis . . . .LOVELY i know.  
i didnt know i had a Chiari Malformation until the ER discharged me from the hospital, re-read my films, and said "OH ****! we gotta get her back here before she dies!"
prior to all this, i had sudden migraines begin while running in a 10 miler in PA. That was may 2009.  i thought i was having an anuresym the pain was so intense. saw a brain doctor from PA and after initially telling me i had MS, treated me with a variety of pain meds to keep my headaches in check. fast forward to february 2010, when i woke up one morning with my left ear being completely closed. completely deaf. no pain at all, just annoyed that it wasnt working. my PCP couldnt see me right away so i had to wait.....then the drop attack happenened.
have you been checked for chairi, syrinx or tethered cord. all of which can contribute to migraines. my pain post op is always on my right side too.....among other issues im still battling.

-J

[ajg33]

thanks for your reply! feels good to get support! can i ask what a "drop attack" is? I have heard alot about "arnold chiari malformation how did u know u had this? Was it the cause of your constant headaches? can i ask what syptoms u had? my headaches are mostly always one sided (right side) Would be great to hear back from u!
love and light
Anthony

[burdzmom]

i completely understand the anxiety and depression that goes along with head pain!!! SOOOO been there......still there actually LOL
I was diagnosed with migraines in 2009 and put on a variety of meds that all had different side effects. then in feb 2010 i experienced a "drop attack" and was hospitalized with A type 1 Arnold Chiari Malformation. Had decompression surgery w/ crainiotomy and am now 9 months post op and continue to deal with a slew of pain and anxiety.
this journey literally changed my life. i was forced into retirement at 33. i am a mom of two small girls and found some days i could barely take care of myself let alone them .
i have found comfort in the stories of others. being on this site and the chiari forum put me in contact with people all over the world that are going through the exact same things as me, both physically and emotionally. its really hard to talk to someone who doesnt know what you feel inside eventhough you show no outside signs of struggle and pain. its almost like you want a big scar that is visible to people so they could be a little more sympathetic to your condition and not expect you to be fine, just because you look fine.
im sure the more you look into the post on this site, you will find others with very similar circumstances.  i get the depression and anxiety. some days i am up all night because i fear closing my eyes. fear i wont wake up. fear i will have continued pain and have to have more surgieries and put my family through that horrible worry and fear. Please just try to embrace your good days. open your eyes in the morning and know to expect some discomfort. you take control of your life by learning your triggers and identifying when your pain is beginning. Once you understand that stuff, i have found i can better manage my day.....meds or limiting my activity. its ok to have your pity parties.....i'll join you when the time comes....feel free to vent. i get it.
better days to come.....fingers crossed.