[Zoe.NY]

Hi,
I'm 19 and a full-time student. I have been sick since I was about 9 years old. In the beginning I dealt with headaches 24/7 for maybe 8 years until I finally found a doctor who, with surgery, was able to give me some relief. After the surgery, though my recovery period was excruciatingly long and painful, I was considerably better and able to attend college( I just finished my freshman year with some of the highest grades in my class). I was under the impression that after the nerve decompression surgery I would be cured or 90% better. My health fluctuates, but I am in pain constantly and now I also deal with neck shoulder and back pain. I see a pain management/neurologist and get treatments twice a month. I am on a long list of medications that don't really work. I have a lot of nerve damage in my neck and head area which may have resulted in my headaches, but now I am having circulatory and nerve issues throughout the rest of my body (i.e. losing the feeling in my hands). I have big dreams for my future and I intend to achieve them, but my level of pain is getting progressively worse and I'm concerned, frustrated, and I guess I'm looking for some advice or conversation from people who deal with chronic pain as well. It's difficult to talk to people about my situation when they haven't experienced it as well, whether that be the pain or the emotions that come with it.

[Kitt]

Welcome Zoe.NY.

[Lara]

Hello Zoe,
Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

There are a number of different forums where you may like to read and post.

Chronic Pain Forum
Headache Forum
Spinal Disorders & Back Pain Forum

I'm sorry you've been dealing with pain for so long in your young life. You appear to have a very positive outlook and that's so very important.
You're sure to find information and support from the members here.
take care.

[Darlene]

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, where you have find a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[EnglishDave]

Hi Zoe,

I'm sorry your health issues have brought you here, but you have found a caring and supportive Community. The problems you deal with closely mirror my own in many ways, although my headaches are chronic Cluster Attacks, not migraines.

I had my first accident causing spinal injuries in my teens - along with a concussion head injury and busted bones. Then a serious neck injury 25 years ago followed by whiplash accidents - my history is detailed on my Profile Page for anyone who is interested in skimming through it.

Lara has pointed you towards the appropriate Forums, and we would like to have the opportunity to get to know you across these Boards. This is a wonderful outlet when family and friends cannot understand, you can come here to share, discuss or even vent when you need to.

Welcome.

Dave.