[Terra]

The thing is I had (4) craniotomies within 7 months from 2004 to 2005. The first surgery was for an inner ear condition. Complications arose and I developed a cranial bone infection or a cranial osteomyelitis. This eventaully lead to an cranial epidural abscess.

So not only am I left with "chronic post craniotomy headache" now my cervical spine is acting up. I likely have "Chronic post craniotomy headache" w/migraine features and pain coming from the spondylolisthesis too, arthritis, and disc issues. Its become so complex doctors nearly give up before they get started.

Case in point, just Friday I visited a headache specialist for the first time. He was this little nerdy guy that had a big tantrum when he realized his typical work-up method in my case was counterproductive. At least when I left he said my case would help keep his mind active and stimulated!

I'm not sure how much the cervical problems contribute to the head problems but I know it does at some level. It hurts to touch the spinous processes and I have trouble flex/ext, get pain in arms, shoulders, neck, and pinky, index, and middle fingers.

I returned to my NS like I said and will get more info from him later this week. The new headache neuroligist is proposing a new regimen of medications. We're worried about his methods and understanding of my type of headaches though. My husband says he's going to get really upset if I land in the ER again while followiing his rx's to treat plain migraines which of course is in his comfort zone. Fortunately my PCP is going to intervene with this neurologist before I go off MS Contin, which will take some effort to do. I'll likely experience serious withdrawals etc.

So this is some of the basics. Thanks for listening. I'll post a signature when after I talk w/NS.