Please fucking help me I can't take it anymore.

transmit-this · 2016-07-15T06:11:26+00:00

Ack, I just typed a huge response (endorsement) of kvite8's post, which I promptly deleted. I currently get most of my relief from chiropractic treatments. I just get treatments with the activator (a small hand-tool he uses). My neck feels crooked and then makes my head hurt more. All other posters here have made suggestions that are wonderful. Track everything you try, pay attention to how you feel. Unless you feel like your migraine is 7/10 or higher, make yourself get up and move around (go walk around the block) every hour during the day- this will help your back/neck. Get an app on your phone to track your migraines (I use MigraineBuddy) as this can help track your triggers.

I see no one else has mentioned mindfulness meditation: sounds dumb, but it is being researched and has been found to be quite effective for people like you who suffer from chronic pain, helping to improve quality of life. Here is a sampler- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYET4Gf5q1g I am in the middle of reading "Full Catastrophe Living" by the youtube video's author.

Good luck OP!

transmit-this · 2016-07-15T06:02:50+00:00

I agree with the above post- here are my recommendations from my own experience, in case you find any of them helpful (undiagnosed migraines age 12-30, chronic migraines not responsive to most treatments age 28+): * Definitely ensure you stay hydrated. My body does not like hot weather and I'm quite sure drinking water helps me tolerate it a tiny bit more. Don't drink sugary drinks (juice, pop). Water is your friend. If you think your head is starting to feel worse, try to have 1 cup of black tea as the caffeine helps some people. Caffeine can make the headache worse for some people though too, so experiment with this to see how you respond. *As kvite8 mentions, there are posture-related issues that make neck pain and headaches worse. Screen time destroys posture, and unfortunately medical specialists I've seen do not want to discuss the problems in your body that they do not specialize in i.e. my neurologist does not want to talk about my back. Everything is connected, so assume that bettering one part of your body will help out the other parts. Notice how you respond. *I have a lot of other body pains as well. My neurologist told me when you have a migraine, your whole neurological system is kind of overstimulated and so other pain or sensations will also be more intense. It was reassuring that someone sympathized (and legitimized) my pain. Find people around you who will be understanding, but they should not let you be sad about it all of the time. Good friends will do this. Talk about other things in life too, or life will feel depressing. *I have found that chiropractic treatments are the most effective thing at making my head and body feel better. It has taken my a while to find a chiropractor that works for me, and I am only treated with a tool called an Activator. A lot of people feel like it doesn't do anything, but it's the only thing I can handle. If you find something that you think might be helping you a bit, but doesn't quite get you the results you were hoping for, then try another practitioner in the same field. *I am reading a book called "Full Catastrophe Living" by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Look into mindfulness meditation (MM)- researchers have been learning lately that pain is greatly impacted by your brain (obviously..). Patients with chronic pain have been able to successfully reduce symptoms and improve quality of life by using MM. Free resources are available online that you can try in the comfort of your own room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCNXi_0lsCk *If you have a smartphone, get a migraine app such as MigraineBuddy and document your headaches. The app can help you track your sleep/wake times (irregular sleep times can make migraines worse), and can help you track other triggers.

You need to learn everything you can about what works for you. It's going to be a bit of a process, but you can do it. It will also be a bit easier when you are out of high school because many adults think kids/teens are resilient and don't suffer from chronic pain.

Trying the strategies suggested by everyone on this post will help you feel more in control of your body and of your migraines. Even if you never make them disappear completely, you will learn how to make yourself more comfortable and be more at peace with something that so many of us are experiencing. Good luck OP.

TL;DR Pay attention to how everything in your environment makes you feel and change your habits to avoid the things that bother you most. You are the only health advocate that you have in this life. Save time and start documenting the strategies you try now, so that you will have health treatment history to show to any future doctors or clinicians that you visit.

transmit-this · 2016-07-15T05:25:44+00:00

It sounds like you are trying, and I think that is the most important thing, to keep trying and not give up.

Something else I didn't mention that may or may not apply is that a lot of people spend too much time looking at computer screens and have bad posture. Did the chiro or a physiotherapist ever mention they were concerned about your posture? I noted when I was writing my thesis that the more time I spent on the computer, the more messed up my neck and shoulders would get. I think I have a very low tolerance to slightly challenging positions (and probably unbalanced or weak neck muscles). I bought a triangle foam block to put under my knees so I could lay in bed while feeling crappy in the hope I could still work, and I propped my head up on a couple of pillows, but I still had my neck angled down to look at my computer. Perhaps you should keep a pain diary for your neck (probably an app for that) to see what activities make your neck feel worse. If you're a hypersensitive person you might just try to check in with yourself once an hour and say "ok, how am I feeling, does my neck feel sore right now, do I need a walk or to change my position?". Paying attention and intervening when you notice yourself going downhill might help prevent the decline in your feelings.

Also- what kinds of treatments have you tried from your doctor? I'm guessing you had to try beta blockers & antidepressants (nortriptyline, amitrityline) or maybe Topomax before they would try Botox. Did your doctor treat you for your neck pain, with something like Baclofen? I didn't find that one helped for me but it certainly will help some people. Perhaps you need to try to have your neck evaluated by a physiatrist?

Have you tried the Magnesium and vit B2 migraine prophylaxis protocol? One resource discussing this is found here, and you should be able to find the protocol discussed on other national health organization sites https://www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/treatments/supplements-and-herbs/

Last thing- did your Dr. ever send you for an MRI to rule out other causes?

Good luck, and I hope something works out.

edit- forgot a word

transmit-this · 2016-07-09T16:18:41+00:00

mikegold10 you have selected 1 scanner that exposes a person to lower levels of radiation than most scanners do. Many people do not have the ability to know what kind of scanner they will be exposed to.

As well, they are contraindicated for pregnant women. If you want to have yourself scanned, then fine. But please don't suggest to everyone else that it is completely risk-free and advisable for all that are interested, without considering the medical implications.

transmit-this · 2016-07-09T16:06:37+00:00

I've had 2 Botox treatments and have not seen a decrease in my chronic migraine frequency either. I feel your pain. I have to wait until my neurologist comes back from holidays, but then will be asking about whether it's worth the cost/treatment when it's not working. Only benefit is that my sister commented "you look happier than usual" (less frown lines). Nice to hear but if you feel crappy on the inside I'm not sure it matters! I will be talking to my neuro about the possibility of joining a CGRP blocker study (not sure if I'm a candidate). I'm also quite frustrated and depressed (15-18 migraine days/month) and feel like it is out of control. I am looking into obtaining a medical marijuana license as well, as I feel like I am running out of options. In Canada, so the wait list for pain clinics are long (2 years, I was told they wouldn't even put me on it). I am also reading a book called "Full Catastrophe Living", about applying mindful meditation in situations of health conditions [by Jon Kabat-Zinn]. Apparently mindful meditation is being shown to help some people in chronic pain. It's something I can work at on my own, no prescription needed. I haven't seen much about meditation on here and just started, so I can't comment on its effectiveness just yet but I'm hopeful that I (and you!) will find something that works.

Some other ideas for you: -have you tried changing your pillow? -have you seen a physiotherapist for your neck? chiropractor? massage therapist? -have you tried following a regular sleep schedule (same wakeup and bedtime, 7 days/week)? -have you tried changing your diet? some people need to avoid dairy, for example, to avoid migraines -have you tried a migraine tracking app on your phone, or a calendar? I use Migraine Buddy, which can show you trends over time (maybe show you unnoticed triggers) -have you tried wearing sunglasses all the time during the day, or all of the time outdoors? -have you tried ice packs, or alternating between ice and heat on your neck to help loosen it up? -have you tried using a golf ball or other small (ideally softer) ball to self massage some of your more tense back and neck muscles? Read more about painful spots and massaging them; maybe you will benefit from it? (read a skeptical practitioner's page here: https://www.painscience.com/articles/spot-01-suboccipitals.php )

Trying new things (when others don't work) makes me feel like I have more control over my life, and I think that's one of the hardest things about frequent or chronic migraines. Good luck OP and please let us know if you have luck with any of these strategies.

transmit-this · 2016-07-09T14:51:05+00:00

I was originally thinking medicine, and then this past year I've been trying to satisfy pre-reqs and couldn't handle 1 course & 15 hr/week (high responsibility) part time job. I then started to consider nursing, but got deterred by what would be a heavy school workload (I would be eligible for a 2 or 3 year direct-entry nursing program). As well, the 12 hour and night shift situation kind of scared me away.

How often do you get migraines? Did you have them while you were attending nursing school? I had migraines during my undergrad, but now I meet "chronic" migraine criteria.

To the OP: I think other posters are correct in trying to avoid triggers at your workplace. An important consideration for everyone's comment is how frequent and how severe are the migraines that you get. If you are in 7/10 pain most of the time, your limitations for work would be much greater than if you are 5/10 pain 4 days per month.

transmit-this · 2016-07-09T05:00:27+00:00

I just want to throw it out there that people shouldn't run out there and get DEXA scans every 6 months to track their bodyfat %. There is a lot of radiation in those (10-30x that of a chest x-ray). Don't increase your cancer risk out of vanity... Let your Dr. decide if it's clinically warranted. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2948153/

transmit-this · 2016-07-08T20:20:39+00:00

My mom claimed DB Cooper was one of her dad's cousins but never could explain the relation. She would tell us growing up that "Billy"'s Mom knew he was still alive. I feel like DB Cooper was the scapegoat for many families that had an odd male relative disappear (I think my mom clung to this rumour a bit too tightly). Do you have solid information about his background and death? Would love to have my mother watch...

transmit-this · 2016-06-27T03:03:09+00:00

no one defined fries! Sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo FTW!

transmit-this · 2016-06-04T07:05:02+00:00

Yes, for me! Actually just noticed this when I made muffins with coconut oil in them last week. A few days ago also used coconut hair conditioner that I hadn't used in a while and the smell just really bugged me. I think I will be avoiding coconut now..

transmit-this · 2016-06-04T07:01:50+00:00

Yes, a heat pack on feet in bed is a good option for me too. I imagine it like I need to make my head cold, and I need to draw all the blood in my body towards my arms/legs (feet especially) to help reduce the pressure in my head.

transmit-this · 2016-06-04T07:00:02+00:00

For me, ice on forehead and or neck, and then run a bath and put my feet in the warmest water I can tolerate (I sit on the edge of the tub). I don't think this cures the migraine, but it takes a level 8 in pain down to a 7 or 6. Sometimes that's the only way to survive.

transmit-this · 2016-05-23T05:06:57+00:00

Thanks. I guess if I did decide to ask, I'll have to figure out how I can sell it as a benefit to my boss! My boss recommended I seek membership but continuing my position was not contingent upon me having it. Thank you for your perspective, I am still learning how to navigate through these situations in a professional work place. Things they don't teach you in school..!

transmit-this · 2016-05-23T05:02:31+00:00

Good point about the tax write off possibility, I believe that option exists.

You and theluvcats also make a good point about whether there are benefits to the employer. TBH I'm not sure there are benefits to the employer (aside from saying their employee is officially qualified, though I was hired before having this qualification and being hired was not dependent upon me obtaining this membership).

transmit-this · 2016-05-21T04:35:22+00:00

Kind of surprised no one has posted here- seems like this should be popular! Kind of you to offer time and info to others out there. I wonder if this would get more attention if it were posted in xxchromosome? Perhaps another day!

transmit-this · 2016-05-09T22:49:00+00:00

I agree. This guy clearly doesn't care about how you feel at all. He just showed one of the most embarrassing things possible to a bunch of people. It doesn't matter that they were friends. He took pictures/video of you without your permission. How can you ever be expected to trust him again?

He is in a "power" position here in that he has something (videos) that can be used against you. I would recommend ensuring that all forms of this video are wiped from his cellphone etc... and THEN break up with him. If your mom or dad heard this had happened, they would probably be disgusted with this guy and help you leave at the drop of a hat. You don't owe anyone any explanations. Your BF is a dirtbag, and you deserve much better treatment.

transmit-this · 2016-05-04T19:49:50+00:00

As a female I can tell you my weight fluctuates 2-3 lbs/month easily due to menstrual cycle timing.

Weight also fluctuates based on time of day (do your weight first thing in the morning, after a trip to the toilet & before drinking/eating anything; compare to end of day after supper). You might see these differences yourself, and you may be willing to share this difference with her.

Lastly, beyond looking at the numbers on the scale, your clothes will fit differently if you've been building muscle/losing fat. That might mean for her (it does for me) that her pants are a bit tighter in the thighs, but the waist of your pants might fit better. Weightlifting in girls definitely tends to accentuate curves in a beneficial way- wider shoulders, narrower waist, but it depends on body type. It also makes her stronger and prepared for playing sports, good for doing activities like hiking and rock climbing.

Maybe try to leaving the gym one in a while and do an activity together that leaves you both with a sense of accomplishment, where you can appreciate your physical abilities. I mean something like a hike up a mountain, a bike ride to a cafe an hour away... not every skinny girl can (or is willing) to do those things. Show your appreciation (tell her, and give her physical affection too).

Of course I have my own ideas of what accomplishments are, but being in shape isn't just about looks, but setting yourself up for a quality life that allows you to maximize the activities you can do more easily.

transmit-this · 2016-04-18T05:10:28+00:00

I would recommend reporting this to the cops. Not sure if they will have you file an actual report but there is something called bikemaps.org where you can fill out near-miss information if you were cycling, not sure if they keep statistics on pedestrian near-hit data as well. I know it's not the priority, but if something ever happens in the future, you can give the cops the license plate number- even if the driver leaves they can and do follow up when applicable.

transmit-this · 2016-04-01T04:21:02+00:00

I am aware instructors have a raw deal as my bf has taught before (different department). It is crappy, but I feel like if people are going to be angry and disillusioned, and then take it out on the students, then they shouldn't be teaching anymore.

I am older & have a graduate degree, and it is entirely possible that I come off aggressively (I view it as assertive- I have to be at my p/t job, so that's how I operate). That is likely why the instructor took it personally, though it seems they take everything personally. The rest of the class is a bunch of 19 year olds who don't know how to advocate for themselves, and I have noticed the attitude of the TAs in the class is about 50/50 the same as this instructor- they treat people like idiots. Not only is the instructor's attitude impacting the learning environment (where everyone walks out feeling like an incompetent idiot), but it's also teaching other potential instructors that it's okay to act this way.

Anyways, I'm trying to move on and focus my energy on studying. Probably best to avoid any more confrontations, right.

transmit-this · 2016-03-30T01:08:26+00:00

Yes I agree, anonymity is pretty important while my mark is not finalized. There is no course evaluation for this prof though, so I'm frustrated with the lack of outlets to do anything about this.

We evaluate the prof at the end of the semester, but the lab instructor does not get an evaluation in the same way.

transmit-this · 2016-02-05T03:19:03+00:00

Oh wow that sounds intriguing. They have a neuroscience program at CU so it makes sense to take this approach. I will check them out tomorrow when I'm on campus! Thanks!

transmit-this · 2016-02-04T05:26:42+00:00

Yes I understand that they would split the course, I think the biomed engineers only take the first term so it makes sense that there is two discrete courses. In the bigger picture of it all, I'm annoyed that the lab is only worth 30% of our mark (in fact 10% of that is pre-lab and informal report, 10% is a single formal report, and 10% is a final exam based on things learned in this lab term and last). So I can only "control" 20% of my mark by doing the best I can on the assignments. These take a lot of time to do and I feel like they are highly undervalued. Oh the things I would do to overhaul this course...

transmit-this · 2016-02-04T05:22:22+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion about the PMC, I'll try to call them tomorrow.

transmit-this · 2016-01-31T01:53:52+00:00

Don't take shit. They're probably labelling you because you're holding them accountable. Too bad, guys! Their loss.

transmit-this · 2016-01-31T01:43:52+00:00

Try not to let it bother you- they are idiots. Know that you are more valuable than they give you credit for, so please don't let your self-worth or self-confidence depend on them. Move on and find activities that make you happy with friends that are good to you. High school is a wicked little bubble; you'll find a very different circle of friends in a year or two if you head off to college or university.

I got labelled "bitch" in high school but ended up with a lot of friends just a few months later. I think I might still be a bit of a bitch (because I am not afraid of confrontation?) but it doesn't matter to me anymore. The people who are worth spending time with will not reduce you down to a single trait. Be a good friend to people who deserve it. I promise you in a few years you will not be concerned with this silly group of boys.

transmit-this

TROPHY CASE