| Subject: |
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three years later, almost back to normal |
| Name: |
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Lynnda Halbrook |
| Date Posted: |
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May 14, 08 - 8:33 AM |
| Email: |
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lhalbrook@yahoo.com |
| Message: |
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I originally posted on this site about 2-1/2 years ago after suffering SIH. My neurologist wanted to go the very conservative route with only bed rest, caffeine and pain pills. Finally, after 2 months and persistent positional pain, although it had subsided some, he agreed to do a blood patch. I had repeatedly requested this before he agreed. My positional headaches improved, but by then I had, what I suspected was nerve damage in my head. For the next two years, I went through shooting pains in my head, balance problems, tinnitis, and a variety of other minor medical problems. My follow-up MRI, done about 2 months after the blood patch, showed inflammation in the lining around my brain. My neurologist said to continue with the pain pills (gabapentin) and take Vitamin B-2 supplements to help with the inflammation. There were times over the next two years when I would become quite frustrated, as the pains in my head would not seem to let up. I don't like being on medication long term, so several times I tried to wean myself off of gabapentin, only to go back. Well, as the three year anniversary of my leak approaches (July), I can say that I am showing major improvement in my life. Incidentally, I am completely off of gabapentin and have switched to Omega-3 instead of the Vitamin B-2 (my choice). I do occasionally still have balance problems and my memory is not as good as it used to be, but I am able to deal with that. I wrote today to hopefully encourage those who, like me, are frustrated with the continued pain and side effects of the leak. There were times I wondered if I would ever feel normal again. I finally feel my life is back on track, so hang in there. |
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