Help for the emotional side of chronic migraines

[Karen2228]

My son is 17.  He's had migraines for 8 years.  We took him to the Cleveland Clinic. They said he was mis diagnosed.  He has chronic daily headache and migraine medicine won't help.  He is off all meds (except Cymbalta)and has felt better.

My problem is this ...he missed so much school in11th grade he had to drop out.  He wants to go back but is still missing school.  The Cleveland Clinic said he shouldn't be missing any school.  I have to force him to go. Two or three times a week the headaches are so bad he can't stand up.  How do I get him to school?  He loves school and gets angry with himself because he misses so much.  He has lots of friends and loves his teachers.  Sometimes his teachers scold him for being absent and say mean things to him in front of the class.  I've talked to them about it.  We even have had child protection come to our house. When he can't get to school he says he's a failure.
What do other parents do to interface with the school?  We've tried home schooling and tutors.  How much do I push?  

[mommalmt]

Hang in there and don't let him give up. Cymbalta is a wonderful antidepressant, but can be tricky for teenagers and young adults. Chronic pain clinics are one choice to consider as well as alternative or holistic medication such as chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, or even acupuncture. If you haven't tried any of these yet, ask around your area and find well respected practitioners. Give it a shot! With chronic pain, there is nothing to lose. I suffer from the same diagnosis and found relief with Massage Therapy. I will tell you it took a while to find a good therapist who knew what she was doing (in regards to my migraines). But I will also tell you that she changed my life. The only relief I get from migraines are from massage therapy, with a well trained therapist. Massage therapy also helps with depression. This I learned all from experience.

I commend you on your search and diligence in your effort to do anything necessary to help your son. There aren't enough moms out there like you! Good luck.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
I know you are going through a tough time in your life along with your son, but please be patient.
Migraines can be very debilitating especially for youngsters and it is very natural to feel frustrated and angry at ones self.
You have mentioned home schooling, I feel that is a very good option but at the same time I feel he should go to school as that way he will be able to meet his friends and have social interaction.
You can try talking to his school teachers and administration to show more understanding and at least not to demean him.
You can also involve him sports and other hobbies that may interest him.