Post Neurologist

This is a blog written by a properly-diagnosed, carefully-evaluated, perfectly content, headache-free girl. I have gone a full two months without a TENSION-TYPE headache. Yes, I was in fact a sufferer of one of the most common types of primary headaches, tension-type headaches, characterized by all that existed in my 30 day headache journal. Specifically, my neurologist was able to classify my headache type by seeing a consistency in the muscle tightness in my face and neck, specific type and location of the pain in the very front of my head, and the lack of sleep and increased stress level. All those factors played into the final diagnosis. Without a headache journal, there would have been continued ambiguity with my treatment, and therefore, more pain with no gain. I am so optimistic about my future now that my neurologist has given me the treatment options that are best suited for tension-type headaches. The combination of aspirin and caffeine, as well as antidepressants have been extremely beneficial to me! In terms of my lifestyle, I focus a lot of my energy on combatting stress, consistently getting adequate sleep, tending to any soreness I have, and maintaining superb posture. Nothing makes me happier than knowing that I overcame the headaches that had been debilitating me for so long!

Feeling blessed, relieved, and treated. 

Day 30

1. Date-  May 30th, 2015
2. Time of day- 12:00 p.m. (lunchtime)
3. Duration of pain- 30 minutes
4. Location of pain- front of forehead
5. Description of pain (1-10 scale)- 5 1/2 (moderate)
6. # of hours of sleep night before- 4
7. Food + drink consumption- no time for breakfast :/
8. Over-the-counter medication + effectiveness- Advil--->yes
9. Symptoms- sore neck, general feeling of tightness in forehead

And, here it is folks. The last day has finally arrived for my headache journaling. For the past 30 days, I have recorded all that was requested of me. I believe that my diagnosis should be clear as day now that I can give an overview of my headaches to my baffled neurologist. No more long pauses, furrowed brows, or blank stares in my neurologist appointments. No more sleepless nights, chronic irritability, or feelings of a vise squeezing my brain. If I haven't made it obvious enough, I am ready for change! I am ready to go through a month without one headache! Just because of how antsy I have been getting, leading up to my appointment in TWO DAYS, I did some research to get some insight prior to receiving my professional diagnosis. I don't want to give away too much... but let's just say this journal is an exact representation of one headache in particular. 

Feeling proactive. 

Day 15

1. Date-  May 15th, 2015
2. Time of day- 12:00 p.m. (lunchtime)
3. Duration of pain- 1 hour
4. Location of pain- front and sides of head
5. Description of pain (1-10 scale)- 5 (mildly moderate)
6. # of hours of sleep night before- 3 1/2
7. Food + drink consumption- a handful of raspberries 
8. Over-the-counter medication + effectiveness- Tylenol--->yes
9. Symptoms- sore neck and shoulder muscles, feeling of tightness 

HALFWAY THERE!!!!! Okay, so almost every other day I have had this same, exact headache. But look on the bright side, almost every other day I have had this SAME, EXACT headache :) To any other normal human being, this sounds like pure torture. But to me, this news of a measurable, IDENTIFIABLE, completely trackable pattern of headaches is a breath of fresh air. Just like I have hoped, my headaches are all falling under the same category, making the diagnosis a whole lot easier to make. The moment I walk into my neurologist's office with these 30 pages of data, will be one to remember. 

Feeling anxious (in a good way). 

Day 1

1. Date-  May 1st, 2015
2. Time of day- 12:00 p.m. (lunchtime)
3. Duration of pain- 30-45 minutes 
4. Location of pain- front of forehead
5. Description of pain (1-10 scale)- 4-5 (mild to moderate)
6. # of hours of sleep night before- 4
7. Food + drink consumption- Skipped breakfast...
8. Over-the-counter medication + effectiveness- Advil--->yes
9. Symptoms- sore neck muscles, tightness in front of head

Today is a start to my very own 30 day trial. These headaches won't see it coming. Before I know it I will be a smooth-sailin', headache-free, happy-go-lucky girl. I cannot wait to see the pattern form and watch all the stars align with the pain and symptoms.

Feeling ready. 

Gotta Try It!

So basically, I'm desperate for some sort of relief. Everyone I know has told me to pay a visit to my neurologist. Do they think I am completely inexperienced? I have paid a visit, many actually. The headaches improved after the first visit with some therapy and lifestyle changes, then worsened, improved, worsened, and improved again. The vicious cycle was rather irritating for not only me, but my neurologist as well. He struggled to find consistent efficiency with different treatment options. My last resort is this headache journal. In order to nail my diagnosis on the head, I must identify:

1. Date
2. Time of day
3. Duration of pain
4. Location of pain
5. Description of pain (1-10 scale)
6. # of hours of sleep night before
7. Food + drink consumption
8. Over-the-counter medication + effectiveness
9. Symptoms

I am crossing my fingers that after these 30 days of observation and analysis, my neurologist and I are able to figure out my particular headache diagnosis.

Feeling ambitious.

Stressed Beyond Belief.

Dear Stress,

Let's break up.  

I am very sorry to inform you that YOU have been giving me these excruciating headaches every day of the week. I have had an ice pack on my head, Advil on my bedside table, and tears running down my face for way, way, way too long. Are you satisfied? You make my life miserable.

Let's rehash how this week has gone...

Monday- You were present for my:

• First period Math quiz
• Second period History test
• And my last period Spanish presentation 

Tuesday- There you were in my 

• Chemistry lab
• In-class English essay 
• And my cold, cold shower after swimming in Gym class 

Wednesday and Thursday- Thanks for really kicking up your intensity!

• Had to miss all my important classes for the AP English test 
• Squeeze in time for homework
• And go to soccer with a black&blue, swollen ankle 

Now, we have reached Friday! "TGIF???" More like, "WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE?!?!"

Sincerely, 

Your Fellow Headache Sufferer

Feeling stressed.