I've said it before, I'm sure I'll say it again: living with migraine disease is like a roller coaster ride. I think at this point I'd just see it all even out a little. I'd much rather ride the slow, steady choo choo train than the roller coaster!!!
My visit with my HA specialist this past week was very nice. Another nerve block has left me feeling GREAT! (Just a little tender from the injections.) I told the doctor how thrilled I was to have relief, even for a short time! He was pleased to hear this, but he again STRONGLY said that nerve blocks will only give temporary relief. We really need to find a preventative regimen that works. (How many times have I prayed to find the right combo?!?)
I tried to explain to the doctor how much difference last month's 10 pain free days meant to me! My last nerve block left me feeling like myself--like I haven't felt in SOOOOO long!!
I wonder if a "normal" person can ever understand how truly important even ONE pain free day is to a chronic migraineur!!! I've had many excruciating nights where I would've given my car, house, and everything inside (except DH and the kids) for a promise of a pain-free week! I wonder if "normal" people understand the desperation a pain sufferer feels when things have hurt so much for so long that she can't even imagine life without hurting...
So I'm sitting here, writing this, feeling thrilled that the injections have helped once again. I was able to take the kids to the science center today all by myself (DH was working). We went to lunch together, I took them to see every exhibit they wanted to see--for as long as they wanted to see it! No rushing to get home to throw up, no sitting on the bench because I was hurting too bad.
In the car on the way home from our outing, I told my kids thanks for taking me with them. We had a wonderful day together! My oldest (7 years old) said, "Mom, that doctor you saw is really like a good friend, isn't he?" I smiled and asked what made him think of that? He replied, "He takes good care of you. And he helps you. And I can tell that you really trust him. He makes you feel better. That's what friends should do!"
So I'm sitting here thinking of friends...And doctors...And doctors who take care of their patients like friends.
jenny
Jenny, I think you're right that people who have never experience chronic pain (of any kind) can understand what it's like to always be in pain. Like you, it's been so long since I wasn't in pain that I don't remember what it feels like. I was feeling that awful desperation last night, when my migraine spike to an 8, headed toward a 9. I couldn't even cry it hurt so much. And all I could think was, I can't do this anymore. I would give almost anything for it to stop hurting. I think all of us know that desperation.
It is GREAT to hear that you have a good doctor. That makes such a big difference. You are right that even one day, or even several hours, without pain is priceless.
Personally, I'm not a fan of roller coasters. I'd be very happy if my migraine coaster turned into a train!
- MJ