PTSD and Chronic Migraine
May 8th 2008 03:00
So,looking through articles I came upon one that discussed a link between chronic migraine and post-traumatic stress disorder. than in those with episodic migraine headache,I've never been diagnosed with it,but know that I have PTSD.Growing up in a large family,nice home,my mom stayed at home.I'm 50,so that's the way things were at the time.
From the outside, things looked good.Nice house,well kept,my dad worked hard to support us.In fact,he did what he could not to be home.And when he was there,he wasn't really "there."
At a young age,my mom had three kids in three years.I don't know when the doctors started her on pills....it was before I was born.She also had shock treatments before I was born.I'm sure that permanent damage was done.Now,I know my mom grew up in an abusive environment.And this can and did lead to a ripple effect to the next generation.
In her mid 20's she started smoking.I don't know when the drinking started.Most likely much sooner than I ever thought.I am 5th in line of 6 kids.When you'd come home from school,you didn't know what was waiting on the other side of the door.And if it happened to be "ok" who knew what could happen at any time.
I could be in my room studying,and my mom would come running in screaming and just start hitting me.I remember being in my room brushing my hair,about the age of 12.She came thru the door and just pulled me by the hair to the floor.
So,it doesn't surprise me there may be a connection.Growing up that way, you were really brainwashed to think you were nothing.You could never "breathe".You couldn't let your guard down,a good night's sleep,no.Yet, at bedtime,I'd go to my parents and give them a kiss goodnight,if it was ok.As an adult,I was the first to tell them I loved them.
When my mom was dying,she tried to make amends.She was never well.She had the knowledge,but couldn't be well.After she died,my sister talked to my dad and he claimed to not remember any of the abuse.What? But as time went on,I saw that he needed her to be sick.He got sick in his own way.I think that's why alot of people leave those who get sober,it becomes a need,to control,to feel like a victim.
Back to the article,my migraines were progressive,episodes,with aura,no pain,then with pain,more and more severe.Now it's chronic.
PTSD is a risk factor.Maybe for me,it was the trigger.I already had the genetic factor,my mom had migraines when she was younger,my sister had them.My oldest daughter gets them.
As far as therapy helping, I have to see a counselor.I am on klonopin for panic attacks,which were set off by a thyroid condition.I don't see a difference in talking.I've done alot of reading.I've learned alot over the years.But,you are who you are.
I compare growing up in an abusive environment like a pow.You are trapped.You don't have a choice.You have to be there.And you "grow up" in that environment.When I told my friends as adults what my childhood was like,they had no idea.You knew never to let anyone know.
So,the stage was set.We played our roles.It never ends.It's embedded in you.The one thing I can say is that I was determined not to have my children grow up like that.I am proud of my daughters.They are talented,beautiful and giving.The two oldest are moms.Each have 2 children.So I have 4 wonderful grandkids.I always told my girls they could do anything.I encouraged them.I was the best mom I knew how to be.
I wanted to break the cycle.They were shown love.They didn't grow up in fear.It wasn't perfect,but I did break the cycle.
I hold onto that.I know my oldest has the genetic factor.My hope for her is the migraines go away on thier own,soon.My hope for my other two and my grandkids is they never have to experience any of it.
My hope for me,is to find what works to stop the chronic pain I'm in so that I can enjoy life and be the mom,grandma,wife,person I need and want to be.
From the outside, things looked good.Nice house,well kept,my dad worked hard to support us.In fact,he did what he could not to be home.And when he was there,he wasn't really "there."
At a young age,my mom had three kids in three years.I don't know when the doctors started her on pills....it was before I was born.She also had shock treatments before I was born.I'm sure that permanent damage was done.Now,I know my mom grew up in an abusive environment.And this can and did lead to a ripple effect to the next generation.
In her mid 20's she started smoking.I don't know when the drinking started.Most likely much sooner than I ever thought.I am 5th in line of 6 kids.When you'd come home from school,you didn't know what was waiting on the other side of the door.And if it happened to be "ok" who knew what could happen at any time.
I could be in my room studying,and my mom would come running in screaming and just start hitting me.I remember being in my room brushing my hair,about the age of 12.She came thru the door and just pulled me by the hair to the floor.
So,it doesn't surprise me there may be a connection.Growing up that way, you were really brainwashed to think you were nothing.You could never "breathe".You couldn't let your guard down,a good night's sleep,no.Yet, at bedtime,I'd go to my parents and give them a kiss goodnight,if it was ok.As an adult,I was the first to tell them I loved them.
When my mom was dying,she tried to make amends.She was never well.She had the knowledge,but couldn't be well.After she died,my sister talked to my dad and he claimed to not remember any of the abuse.What? But as time went on,I saw that he needed her to be sick.He got sick in his own way.I think that's why alot of people leave those who get sober,it becomes a need,to control,to feel like a victim.
Back to the article,my migraines were progressive,episodes,with aura,no pain,then with pain,more and more severe.Now it's chronic.
PTSD is a risk factor.Maybe for me,it was the trigger.I already had the genetic factor,my mom had migraines when she was younger,my sister had them.My oldest daughter gets them.
As far as therapy helping, I have to see a counselor.I am on klonopin for panic attacks,which were set off by a thyroid condition.I don't see a difference in talking.I've done alot of reading.I've learned alot over the years.But,you are who you are.
I compare growing up in an abusive environment like a pow.You are trapped.You don't have a choice.You have to be there.And you "grow up" in that environment.When I told my friends as adults what my childhood was like,they had no idea.You knew never to let anyone know.
So,the stage was set.We played our roles.It never ends.It's embedded in you.The one thing I can say is that I was determined not to have my children grow up like that.I am proud of my daughters.They are talented,beautiful and giving.The two oldest are moms.Each have 2 children.So I have 4 wonderful grandkids.I always told my girls they could do anything.I encouraged them.I was the best mom I knew how to be.
I wanted to break the cycle.They were shown love.They didn't grow up in fear.It wasn't perfect,but I did break the cycle.
I hold onto that.I know my oldest has the genetic factor.My hope for her is the migraines go away on thier own,soon.My hope for my other two and my grandkids is they never have to experience any of it.
My hope for me,is to find what works to stop the chronic pain I'm in so that I can enjoy life and be the mom,grandma,wife,person I need and want to be.
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