New Daily Persistent Headache Support Group

I'm 22 (almost 23!), graduated college in May 2006, currently living in MA, originally from CT. I'm living with my boyfriend of 4 years, and we love to go to concerts together. I love reading (when I'm able to), art, and working with kids. I joined the site because of my 3 years (and still going...) with daily headaches (or, one big long headache).

I woke up with a bad headache in January 2004 during my winter break from sophomore year of college - wasn't working, didn't have schoolwork to do, no major stresses. Since then, I've had all the tests, been to basically all the different types of physicians and specialists, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, you name it and I've most likely given it a try. I barely was able to finish college on time but everyone was wonderful and allowed me extensions and whatnot. I was so greatful.

My family, boyfriend, and friends have been so helpful in my struggle with this. I try to push myself as hard as I can (when I can) so that I can have fun with them and try to enjoy myself to help forget about this headache junk. It surely can be difficult. At times I want to go back to college and do it over again, work and all, just so that I can try to squeeze in more social time that I lost out on towards the end of my undergraduate time there.

Thanks for listening, and an even bigger thanks for joining in what has already proven to be a helpful place for those of us looking for support. Also, Roy and Alon (and Nadina, too!) have been so helpful in answering questions and getting the support group running... much thanks to you from all of us.

I should also add that all along leading up to having much difficulty with my headache during college, my plan had been to go right into graduate school to get my Masters to teach middle school English.

However, that has clearly been put on hold. I am currently working at a middle school with 5th graders who are under the special education umbrella - I'm an instructional aide. I work with 3 different "teams" - 50 kids on a team - so I kinda run around from classroom to classroom all day. It's certainly a good experience, however, for what I want to do in the future, even if I don't want to specifically go into special education. Just thought I'd throw in what it is that helps to keep me busy

I do have some trouble while working, however - my short-term memory has been a problem due to medication, and if my pain-level is jumping around a lot, it's hard for me to concentrate on what I'm doing/the student I'm helping/observing...

Thank you so much for your kind words, Joanna.

It is all your work, your enthusiasm, your energy, your knowledge and desire to share. You made all this happen.

I just hope that someday soon your headache will go away as suddenly as it started.

We're richer to have you around, but I'm sorry you have to be here.