I’m Leigh Ann and I have chronic migraine triggered by a condition called occipital neuralgia. I’ve had migraines since 2000, but they have progressively gotten worse over the years. I’ve tried everything out there to get relief, tried every medication, seen many doctors and more.
In January, I was diagnosed with ON. I was glad to at least find the cause of my pain. I also found that I am a good candidate for a surgical procedure that could alleviate my pain, but my insurance refuses to cover any of it and I just don’t have that kind of money right now.
It sucks to be brought down by pain. Being told that I’m imagining it all, that it’s just a headache, that I need to control my body and force myself not to get them, that I need to just learn how to “live with the pain” all really hurt me. It’s depressing to not be taken seriously. You can’t measure pain and can’t see it. So that’s why it is another invisible illness.
I am thankful that I do have a husband and some family who actually do empathize and are compassionate. I cherish my good days. While they are few, I am thrilled to be on my game. When the bad days come, I try to fight it out and work through the pain. Sometimes I make it, other times I have to admit defeat for that day because the pain is too severe.
This year for Halloween I chose to be someone motivational. I’m sure we’ve all seen the posters from war time with the words “We can do it!” It give me hope and perhaps I can do it today. Maybe even tomorrow. I am grateful that I was able to take my son trick or treating this year. It meant a lot to me to be able to do that for him. Thanks for listening. ((hugs)) to all out there. We all need it.
