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.