. . . “If you judge these medications on their ability to cure my headache, all failed. If you judge them on their ability to deliver a string of bizarre and unpleasant effects, however, then they were a rousing success! One caused my heart to slow significantly, so that if I exerted myself by, for example, walking several paces, my vision would swim (inconvenient, as walking several paces was a big part of my life back then). Another scrambled my sense of time, giving me the sensation that I was continually shifting several seconds into the future and waiting for the rest of humanity to catch up to me. For the record, imaginary trips several seconds into the future have nothing much to offer, aside from feelings of stark terror.” . . .
This excerpt is from a NY Times article written by a man who has been suffering from chronic headaches for 20 years. The way in which he writes this article makes me feel as if I could have been a contributing writer, or could have even written it myself. It certainly is something that I could even see, as a person suffering from this kind of pain, giving this article to the people I am friends with/work with so that they know what I deal with daily to help them better understand my experience. It’s also a funny article, which helps. When you have any type of chronic health problem, humor is something that everyone needs.
June 25, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Hi,
I stumbled across your website recently. I feel the same way you do about the article- it sounded way too much like my life.
I have had new daily persistent headache since 10/28/1997 when I was 17. I am now 26.
(Also I am working towards a masters in education as well. So far, everything has gone very well and the teachers have been great about the migraine.)
Sailingm
June 25, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Thanks for visiting, Anne. I am wishing you luck with your masters… I’m still working on getting my teaching licensure. Do you already teach/what level? It’s definitely a big plus when coworkers are receptive to health issues, that’s for sure!!
Keep in touch
joanna
July 16, 2007 at 7:17 pm
My wife has been complaining of a “Heavy Head” for about 3 years. She has had all the recommended test incl a spine tap with everything okey but the headaache is continu al. She’s over 80 and currently seeing a headache doctor with no change. Any advice or suggestions. It sure sounds the same as your NDPH. Bill
July 16, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Bill, I am so sorry that your wife (I will assume that is Norma?) is experiencing such headaches. It is possible that she is suffering from NDPH, but only a doctor can truly diagnose that – there are a handful of factors that are included in the diagnosis.
Having had the spinal tap was probably a good idea – I had one to really rule out a lot of infections and whatnot. I am also working with my second headache specialist – a main reason for this is because I was discouraged with the rate at which the 1st doctor was moving me along with trying new things. I was not having any improvement at all until I was referred to where I am now, and have made some great strides. I am NOT out of the woods by any means, but NDPH is difficult to treat.
I would basically just suggest that if your wife feels that she has spent a great deal of time with her specialist and has not experienced any kind of improvement or made any kind of headway, it never hurts to research and look elsewhere for care. When it’s your health, it is YOU (and of course your family or caretaker) who decides what you will or will not try next… a doctor cannot force you to continue with him or her.
Best of luck to her, and I wish you luck as well as a caretaker and obviously supportive husband.
Joanna