The last day I can remember not having a headache was my wedding day, May 25, 1991. I probably had a few days that summer without a headache, but I didn’t know then to treasure those pain-free times. Since the winter of 1992, I have felt an incessant headache, all day and all night. Fatigue constantly accompanies this headache, and I have had to learn to live with both conditions. Over the years, I have had many diagnoses; however, I know that the words we use to define ourselves are powerful and should be chosen carefully. I do not want any diagnosis to define who I am or limit what I can do.
I first started having headaches after study sessions in college. Later, I discovered that reading intensified my headaches. A few weeks before my marriage, I went on a camping trip and found that I had three tick bites. I did not have the traditional bull’s-eye rash, so it wasn’t until several years later that I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. Within the year of the tick bites, my headaches became chronic. I had started graduate school with plans to become a psychologist, but my plans were interrupted by intense pain.
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Over the next seven years, I tried to live a normal life while I pursued both traditional and non-traditional healing methods. However, this was also a time of spiritual growth. When I was thirty-one years old, my husband and I decided we were ready to start our family. To our delight, we had three children in five years. During this time, my husband entered a Ph.D. program in psychology. My focus shifted from searching for the cause of my headaches to coping with headaches and the daily demands of life. Thankfully, we received much support from family and friends, and those very difficult years are now behind us.
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Since college, I have had difficulty falling asleep; I also tend to wake up all through the night. My theory is that the initial Lyme disease led to problems with chronic headaches, lack of sleep, muscle pain, and fatigue. Currently, I am seen by a neurologist who is a headache specialist. He has diagnosed my headaches as cervicogenic headache (a headache that originates from the neck) with migraine. Recently, I have made progress, and I am looking forward to being able to work with more life-coaching clients.
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A little more information about my headaches and frequent migraines:
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Sleep is the only thing that helps me feel even slightly better.
I do not take any pain medication, as I have not found any to be helpful.
Things that make my headache worse:
- Reading (for more than five minutes)
- Driving
- Watching TV or movies
- Not eating regularly (I have to eat every two to three hours)
- Stress
- Monthly hormonal changes
- Lack of sleep
I look forward to hearing your story and answering any questions you may have about my life journey.
You are invited to a complimentary first consultation.
I don’t know how long I’ve had headaches, but ever since I was little, I remember my head hurting. Seems to have worsened and lessened over the years and back and forth. Not having enough water was what a lot of people said was my problem. I drink lots of it now and still get migraines and headaches, though thankfully not daily. Generally more than twice a week, however.
It’s encouraging to know that there are others out in the world living with pain and also trying to be joyful. Not only do I have headaches/migraines, but I have muscle aches and pains that a 21 yr old shouldn’t have. I feel twice my age, and I can’t crouch down and get back up easily. Sometimes it’s hard to keep trying, even with my husband encouraging me. I also struggle from social fears that are nearly debilitating at times, especially when it comes to speaking.
My breathing seems almost non-existent, and I seem to black out (but I stay upright) until I can’t see anyone or hear, nor can I focus on what I’m trying to say or do. For those out there who may be living with similar issues, keep on trucking and keep the Faith, even when it seems impossible. God is the only reason I’m still going, and He’s the only One who can make a difference.
God bless!
By: Kayla on May 3, 2012
at 2:25 am