Stress Center Peer Support

So for the last 4 days I have this severe throbbing and pressure in my head. Monday thought it was a tension headache, felt a little better. However pain never went away. At 4:30 this morning I woke up with the pain so severe that I just knew something terrible was wrong. So I woke my husband up to let him know that I was going to the ER.

He highly discouraged me. Said that I was being foolish. I begged him to go with me but he said he was not going to enable me like that because its just my anxiety.

My head was throbbing so badly. I have never had a headache this bad in my life. All he could do was put me down and make me feel like I was stupid.

So I ignored him and went to the ER all by myself. I did really good considering all the negative thougths and had to have a CT. I kept doing the breathing exercises and kept telling myself that I am not going to die, pass out or faint no matter how weird I feel.

CT came back normal. I acutally laughed when the doctor said my head was normal.
He diagnosed me with a tension/migraine. He gave me a shot for pain and sent me on my way.

I know that anxiety not only lead me to the ER but caused the headache. But I'm not going to beat myself up about it. I feel better knowing that there isnt anything terribly wrong with me. My head is still pounding with pain but doc says the headache should be gone within the next 24 hours. Thank God.

Doc asked if I had a good support system at home and I just started crying because I don't feel that I do. I feel so alone. I needed a hug and for someone just to tell me its OK. Really wish I could get that from my husband but I think he is just tired of dealing with me.

Anyway, would love to hear some encouraging words I really need them right now.

Hi Jan. When did you start the program? I was glad to hear that dispite your pain and anxiety you were still able to do the breathing and some positive feedback, that is to be commended. Also you went to the er yourself!!

I'd like to help you by knowing you have a friend and supporter in me. We need to support each other. It's so difficult for people who don't have this disorder to relate to it and your husband is probably tired of the disease, not you! When I think if my husband had this problem how would I act I'm not sure, but, perhaps it's also more difficult for men.

I know the alone feeling. We really need people to talk to and perhaps we can all help you on this website.

Hang in there living in the moment, as Lucinda says.

And to all you men out there I know us women can be pretty difficult at times. I just meant that perhaps nurturing is perhaps more inate in women. Blessings to each of you today.

Janshan,

I'm so sorry about your headaches. I can relate. I've had the same thing all my life. I've never been to the hospital though. One thing that has helped me is my chiropractor. He does adjustments and then some physical therapy on my neck. He also uses a topical cream called Sombra which helps with the muscle tension. I've found my chiro to be so much more interested in my health than my general physician. He also is a big believer in preventative maintenance, so he has exercise therapists on staff to teach us how to stretch and simple exercises to do to strengthen the muscles.

He also introduced me to the benefits of regular massage. I've used the relaxation tape to extend the benefits of my massage. Relaxing at home helps me go longer between massages. I know the costs can add up, but I've looked at it as an investment in my health.

Best wishes for a pain free day!