Been a few months since I stopped by, so caught up on new and looking over old posts, and I am once again so impressed and inspired by the compassion, grace and courage throughout this special community. Thank my luck stars for this place. I wish all relief, support and comfort in these willing hands.
Yesterday was 6 months since my surgery and I am doing well. Last time I posted, I was 2-3 months post-op and doing well, but struggling w/headaches from working my way up to 4 hours a day on the computer in preparation for going back to work part-time. Icing head, warming head, maxing out on the OTC pain relief medication. Was told I probably have Nystagmus. Then. about a month after that I started getting panic/anxiety attacks which that lasted for about a month which oddly actually helped reduce the headaches. Upped the antidepressants and started taking Ativan 2-3 times a week. About a month after that, returned to work part-time, then full time which was surprisingly therapeutic. Now, I look at the computer constantly during work, and then usually watch tv in the evening, but sometimes if I have a headache I won't watch the tv.
Luckily, panic/anxiety attacks gone. Headaches nearly everyday, but really mild 99% of the time if I keep my head/neck/jaw in certain positions, movements. Any jaw/neck related activities- eating, talking, laughing, straining sometimes cause headaches to increase, sometimes w/nausea. I take Zoloft (was taking this pre-op) and OTC pain reliever around once a week. Also, the headaches originate in the jaw/surgery site above ear and then will work their way up to the top of my head and then sometimes to the front of my face. Warm/hot water on the face... what a relief. Hot packs on the neck, jaw/ear area... very soothing. Also, other things that confirms what I've learned from others support- eating can sometimes relieve headaches, slowing down... really, really slowing down.... can really help headaches. I walk like a little ol' man now, rehearsing for the real thing I guess.... he he. I won't bend over, I kneel or squat. One more... any kind of tension in the jaw/mouth/neck/shoulder area can cause headaches and a lot of it I was not even aware I was doing it. Being really aware of those areas and keeping them relaxed really helps. Even certain emotions, like anger/frustration/excitement will tense up these areas.
I can swim at about 80% of my pre-op capacity, but I can't push off walls as I think it contributes to headaches. Also, always get headaches at the top of my head when I swim, but the adrenalin and endorphins from the exercise really help the pain and a hot shower/soak afterwards and then I'm good... headaches gone. The stretches I used to do while lying down now I do standing up. Abdominal exercises now done in the pool, standing up and isometric. Almost always, sitting down, closing the eyes, putting in an ear plug and just chilling will give relief.
I continue to see my chiropractor who I have been seeing for decades. She helps me manage back issues due to rotated spine, uneven hips from scoliosis since childhood. She's been a big help w/acupressure and body awareness and pain management.
It appears to be a slow but constant recovery. I'm looking forward to 1 year anniversary and I've accepted it will be 3 years before I'm completely pain free, if ever at all. I feel really luck to be where I am, although there are times when I'm in pain and then get depressed. I'm going to schedule an MRI if I can this year.
Health and happiness to all!
Peace
