MRI

I had my MRI today and was doing fairly well pain wise, until the MRI.  If you've never had one before, they are extremely loud and that sent my migraine sky-rocketing back up.  I came home and laid down, trying to dull the pain.  Also, knowing I had small group tonight and had missed last week due to being in ER.  I was debating what to do, and ER wasn't an option because I didn't have a driver, so I bit the bullet and went to small group.  I don't think my mind was fully focused (sorry fellow small group members), but I was trying to push through the pain.  I managed to make it and I'm thankful that I did, it gave me an excuse to see my niece :) and also, receive prayer and encouragement from others, which I so need right now.

I do think the heavy steroids and medication 'cocktail' the Neurologist has me on is helping, but the pain was pretty bad today.  I am hoping it's less tomorrow.  I follow-up with the Neurologist next week to see what the MRI shows and to see where I am at.  I've never been going at being patient, especially when it comes to be in pain, so the fact that this process will take some time is frustrating at best.

I shared tonight with my small group that I feel that Satan is trying so hard to use these migraines to keep me from strengthening my faith and keeping on path with my journey.  I would so appreciate your continued prayers as God would lead you.  Prayers that I can tolerate the pain and we can come up with a solution and I can then work to get back to somewhat of a 'normal' / functional lifestyle.

Blessings!

Neurologist Update

I finally had my appointment with a Neurologist in Holland on Thursday.  She was very nice and compassionate, but warned me this is not going to be a quick or easy process.  The first step is breaking the cycle of my migraine, since I've had it for a good 90 days and it never goes away, the pain level just changes.  My primary care doctor has tried everything, ER's think I'm a drug seeker and I'm beyond frustrated.  I don't handle physical pain well, especially when it knocks me down and out.

So, the plan right now is an MRI next week.  Heavy steroids and a medication 'cocktail' to try and break the migraine.  Then I go back in 2 weeks for follow-up.  She said we really can't determine the causes or come up with a good treatment plan until the cycle breaks.

At my appointment she did a nerve block injection in the back of my head and that hurt so bad.  It's an injection of a steroid to also help, but all it has done was cause more pain.  The site is still very painful, and of course it's also the right side of my head, where all my pain is concentrated.

I ended up in ER per the Neurologist suggestion again Thursday night, as the pain had sky rocketed back to a 10.  They did their normal migraine cocktail and mine now includes narcotics, which doesn't thrill my soul but it's the only thing that touches the pain.  After 5+ hours in the ER again, they did not admit me after going back and forth with my Neurologist.  My ER doc and RN were very frustrated with my Neurologist and I was frustrated because I can't get anyone to take ownership of this and work with me on the pain.

It is just frustrating on my many levels.  Not being able to do certain thing because I never know how bad the pain is going to be.  I am glad she is doing an MRI, she said that will show her more details than the x-ray and CT Scan that has already been done.  Part of me is scared.  But we need to get to the bottom of this and deal with whatever comes my way.

Your prayers as God would lead are much appreciated!!!!  Thanks :)

Migraines

I've struggled with migraines for years, but as of late they have come in a different way, pain in other places and never go away.  A while back I posted this image above on FB and I think it's so true.  I am not trying to complain, just don't know how to make people aware that because I may look ok on the outside that I'm not in terrible physical pain inside.  My appointment with the Neurologist isn't until the 26th and that seems so far away.  I am hoping and praying that she will be able to come up with a plan that will work and that I won't have to go to a headache clinic.  Your prayers would be so very much appreciated.  Thanks!

How Great Is The Love

This song speaks to my heart.  Sung with such passion and conviction.  Amen and Amen!!!!!