Two years ago today, I posted Musings of a Migraineur:
Like everyone with migraine or chronic daily headache, I’m not just a patient or a sufferer. I have interests and passions and don’t want chronic pain to define me, but there’s no handbook telling me how to avoid it. It seems that I face some new struggle every day. I can’t help but think that others might benefit from my frequent stumbling.
So now I blog. I’m not a medical expert, but I’m a seasoned migraine patient, which has to count for something. I also know that pain management is a hot research topic and have been compiling a list of resources for myself. Why not share? Here’s the take on meds, triggers, resources, treatments and everything else headache-related from someone who’s in your shoes.
It took me weeks to write that inaugural post. I’m amused that I fretted over it for so long, but am happy to see how accurate it has turned out to be.
Here’s a smattering of what was on my mind two years ago. If you’re new to the blog, you’ll get a good idea of who I am and why I’m blogging.
- In a (Large) Nutshell: My story from July 2005 (many things have changed since then, but you can see what it was when I started to blog)
- The Thief and Grief: What I’ve lost to migraine and chronic daily headache (this has, of course, evolved over the past two years)
- Education or Advertising?: My thoughts on Pfizer using a migraine education campaign to advertise Relpax and how drug advertising and education are mutually exclusive
- Faking It: Misleading myself and others about the intensity of my symptoms
Enough about me. You are most important to me. I can’t make your suffering go away, but am supporting you along the way. I look forward to getting to know you better along the way. E-mail me or leave a comment whenever you want to — you’re the reason I blog.
Happy Blogiversary!!!! I’m sorry you have headaches, but you really help me feel like I’m not alone. Thank you Kerrie 🙂
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Thanks for being such a faithful reader!
Kerrie
Thanks for the kind words. It’s so exciting to have other people celebrating with me!
Kerrie
My husband, Bill , has been having headaches daily since November of 2003.
We have been through so, so much to try to get help to stop or subside the pain of these migraines…pain level 7-10
recently we researched ocipital nerve stimulation….we are waiting to get insurance acceptance to have a stimulator trial then implantation…..
I just wonder if you have heard of this procedure being success …I sure hope so, since we need something to break Bill’s Cycle of Pain. Please share if anyone has experience with this procedure good or bad
Thanks
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I had an occipital nerve stimulator for almost three years. It wasn’t a good choice for me, but that’s just my experience. I’ve written about it a lot at: http://www.thedailyheadache.com/nerve_stimulation/index.html
(start at the bottom of the page and work your way up)
I know that people have positive experiences with nerve stimulation, but I haven’t talked to many of them. There’s on post on the nerve stimulation page from someone who had a good experience.
Here’s an excerpt from some Mayo Clinic findings (from April 2006):
“The Mayo Clinic study involved 16 patients, 13 of whom where females aged 21 to 52. Of the 16 patients, nine underwent bilateral stimulator placement. Patients experienced an average decrease in pain of 54 percent. Six patients had no change or less than 50 percent reduction in pain, eight reported 50 to 95 percent pain relief and two had complete relief.”
Here’s the whole article:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2006-sct/3321.html
I hope that’s helpful. E-mail me if I can answer any questions.
Take care,
Kerrie
Kerrie, Congratulations! That is so incredible! I think I started reading your blog on your fifth post. If I recall correctly, it was about comfy clothes to wear during headache.
Thank you so much for your continuity.
Congratulations, Kerrie! You do such a wonderful job. It’s great to see you keep going as you do and offering so much great info.
Thanks for all you do!
Teri
Congrats, Kerrie. But you must know, that you have been an inspiration to many. Thank you for having the courage to write that piece, and the countless others you have put up here.
I will continue to come by daily to visit this site, as will many, I’m sure.
You have been a source of wisdom and comfort to us all. Thank You