25 years with ACM

[dieselann]

I am from Canada. A small town with very few specialists. No "neuro" anything. In 1984 after the birth of my second child at age 25 I started having severe headaches. They continued along with other symptoms. I was told to learn to live with my headaches because there was nothing they could do for me. After 11 years someome finally believed me and I went to Toronto for an MRI. I wasn't crazy afterall, and I was not a hypochondriac, nor am I psychotic.I had decompression surgery in April, 1995, !3 years with no headaches now. I do however have some minor symptoms that can be frustrating but are nothing compared to the headaches. My symptoms are chronic fatigue, yet I can't fall asleep, I need a sleeping pill. bladder weakness, so I go often, numbness,stiffness and soreness in my legs, mild depression- which I take sertraline for. Hoarseness of my voice, the need to swallow all the time even though there is no obstruction, ringing in my ears. The worst is my hips aching (I take Aleeve or Naproxen) and feeling tired all the time. You just have to modify your lifestyle some and you can lead a fairly normal life. I am truly thankful for my second chance at life. I do realize that some have more complications than I do, so keep your chins up and don't give up hope. If your doctor doesn't believe you find another or ask to be referred to a specialist. I am 49 years old now. I have raised my own two daughters age 27 and 25 plus have fostered childern for many years. I also worked with handicapped childern, but had to give that up years ago because it created severe headaches when restraining them. IIn 1995 there wasn't any information on the net, now there is so much. I lived all these years having no one to talk to about this. About a year ago I thought I would type in ACM and see if anything would come up  and to my surprise I am not one of 6 people world wide anymore. That's how many my surgeon had heard of and I was his first patient. These sites have been great for me emotionally because I am not alone anymore. I always wondered if there would be longterm effects or if some other complications would pop up. Keep these sites going, they are a real boost for peoples self esteem. Believe in yourself and don't give. Life can be wonderful again even if you have a few symptoms left. Anyone may contact me if they wish. I have 25 years experience