Posted by grant (24.71.223.140) on February 15, 2001 at 00:22:31:
I've SUFFERED thru this HELL of OURS for 20 yrs.
The most encouraging thing I know of is 'Its not just MY head
exploding!'.
Even though I ran across this page (and others like it), I never
wanted to talk about it with anyone.
Now, I hope I have some things that may hopefully help someone somehow.
After the USUAL routine of GPs and neurologists, I GAVE UP (for a while)
Next, I tried acupuncturists and an herbalist (Chinese, but
needed an interpreter).
I found the acupunture to work, but only for a while. Because of
the cost, that was (unfortunately) out of the question for any length
of time.
The herbalist gave me some tiny potassium pills that seemed to do nothing.
Both also gave me a couple of HINTS that didn't make sense until recently.
Usually, almost everyone asks about... A) stress and B) alcohol,
among other things.
What these 'non-traditional doctors' asked was the opposite:
is the problem :
A) not the stress, but the 'let-down' period after the stress
B) not the alcohol use (or, abuse as is apparently frequent),
but the period afterwards (ie. quitting...had enough...etc...)
After a very stressful period at work (300hrs/mo x 2mo), I can
immediately feel the TENSION (in my head) building, now that I'm
getting back to NORMAL hours (and normal life in general).
It's really amazing how when your body relaxes after a stressful
period (either a LONG or short period). I know (about myself) that stress
isn't the only factor (alcohol, caffiene, nicotine, diet...), but I am
coming more convinced that it may have something to do with IT.
Also, other 'early symptoms' doctors have told me over the years include
- inflamed ear (on the side of the headache, before they hit, due to itchiness)
- itchiness everywhere in general
Don't know if this helps anyone, but...
I FEEL FOR ALL OF YOU.
Wish me luck, they're BACK!
g.