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Headache Stories: Vicki’s Story
By Kerrie | March 5, 2007
Vicki has tried numerous treatments with little success and is fighting the guilt feedback loop that so many chronics have. She’s considering having an occipital nerve block and would like to hear from others who have tried it — or other invasive procedures, like nerve stimulation.
This past couple of weeks have been really rough . . . kind of like a barroom brawl where, as soon as you stagger to your feet after getting knocked down, you get knocked down again!
I have been searching for answers for 17 years . . . the list of treatments and meds (both conventional and alternative) is huge. I continue to search for help; but when I can’t get much respite and spend the majority of my time in a dark room with ice packs and meditation, my spirits really sink. Right now I’m feeling pretty discouraged and can’t imagine how I can face a whole lifetime of this.
My doctor is now going to do an occipital nerve block in hopes that I will get some relief. I’ve tried to learn as much as possible about this, but haven’t had a lot of success. Does anyone know what the side affects are, and the risks/benefits of long-term, periodic treatment like this?
I try not to talk about the headaches; they bore me, so they must bore other people. The comments of others on this website are SO helpful. Another (minor) problem I have is a friend who I had to cancel a lunch date who is now irritated with me. I’ve thought several times about calling her, but realize I don’t have the energy to do it, and keep reminding myself that it’s HER issue, not really mine. I just can’t feel any more guilty. I have to fight it all the way.
Luckily, I have some very good, headache free days that reassure me that I’m
- not lazy
- not trying to be manipulative by being sick
- not trying to garner attention in a negative way
- etc.
I’m also very fortunate to have a supportive family. While I wish I’d get a little more help with stuff around the house, I also have to realize that they have their own, very full lives with lots of demands and they don’t exist just to keep my propped up. Sometimes it’s hard not to get too self-centered.
I will continue to watch this post, and any advice about nerve blocks or any other of the more invasive procedures will be welcomed. As well as any information about long-term effects of using triptans. (I use about 12-20 per month.)
You can read previous stories from readers at:
If you’d like to share your story with readers (or just with me), please e-mail me. Sharing what you’re going through help lighten your load and helps others with their struggles.
Topics: Community, Coping, Treatment |
March 5th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Hi Vicki,
I don’t have any experience with occipital nerve blocks, but I do take about 18 - 20 triptans per month (18 zomig and 2 imitrex injections). I always need two doses of a triptan to get a migraine under control.
Because imitrex is only ten years old (the first one developed), there are no long term studies on its frequent use. I know there are people who take daily triptans as a last resort with no harmful effects so far.
I think the most important thing to be aware of with frequent triptan use is potential rebound (or medication overuse headache). The current recommendation from my headache specialist is to use triptans no more than 2 or 3 times per week.
Hope this helps.
********
Thanks for the information, Julie.
Kerrie
March 6th, 2007 at 5:45 am
Julie, please be careful, very careful with the amount of triptan use. I, too used triptans, Imitrex injections at a high rate, of 2 a day for a prolonged period, per my former docs advice. I ended up with a severe allergic reaction AND tia’s. Please be very cautious. Sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits
March 6th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I use that many triptans every month also and am curious as to long term effects. It’s scary to me wondering what I’m doing to my body…BUT I hate being in pain! Along with the triptans I take Vicodin so…it gets tricky balancing all the drugs and keeping the pharmacy from thinking I’m a junkie. I only have the one neurologist and I use the same pharmacy - you’d think that would help - but I still see the looks and hear some of the comments. Really annoying but I don’t know what else to do, you know?
March 10th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Hi. Yes, I also take triptans with the same caution 2-3 headaches per week. When I get to my fifth and sixth headaches, I suffer with some and get a shot of demerol, phenergan, & toridol about once a month. I was addicted to opoids and so am really careful about going in that direction. Basically, I avoid them at all costs unless I have to get a shot/IV at the dr. or ER.
March 12th, 2007 at 11:27 am
Thanks for the comments everyone.
The only suggestion I have for not looking like a junkie is exactly what you said — use the same doctor and the same pharmacy. If you bounce around, you’ll really look like a drug seeker!
Kerrie
December 17th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Hi -
I was going to the ER every week for my headaches when finally an ER doctor gave me an ocipital nerve block! Before that I was getting shots or IV’s of things like demerol, phenergan, & toridol every week. I didn’t respond to the headache meds like imatrex (sp?) or the others and the none of the pain killers really helped ease the pain. I now get ocipital nerve blocks every 6 weeks from a neurologist and they’re working great.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I too am suffer daily headaches. It’s been a long 10 years. I have had the nerve clock at 3 levels in my neck and radio frequency nerve ablations too. Unfortunately, I need more. I am schedule next Tuesday for the occipital block and then hopefully the nerve ablation. This will be my 5th visit for procedures since July. I no longer respond to any meds even pain meds. I have been happy with the results so far but wish for more pain relief. This new headache has not lifted for over 2 months now and I’m ready for some relief.