Chronic Pain is a Headache

I prefer to be a cheerful and happy person but there is something I have been struggling with for a while now. I hesitate to share this with people because I don't like to complain or be negative nor do I want anyone to doubt my capabilities. Although I am a private person, I have decided to share my story in hopes that it could help someone else. In September 2014 I was hit by a truck on my bicycle. I hit the back of my head "really hard" according to witnesses and is evident from my damaged helmet. As a result of the accident I sustained a concussion and had an intense headache immediately after the accident. Many months later I had knee surgery as a result of the accident and miraculously jumped back into training and exercise with my doctor’s go ahead, however the headaches still subsist despite all my doctor visits and attempts to relieve the pain. It has been 8 1/2 months since the accident and I still suffer from headaches daily. I have exhausted all avenues and have made all efforts to relieve the pain doing the exercises suggested by my physical therapist, getting regular massages, taking frequent breaks as suggested by a cognitive therapist and many other things etc... The severity of the pain varies on a daily basis but most days I have learned to function well even with the pain. One thing that is difficult about chronic pain is that it’s not visible to others, they can't see that you are dealing with it. It's not like a broken leg where it's obvious someone is dealing with it because they have a cast on. I have been told many times I have a high threshold for pain but ongoing pain is a different kind of struggle with no foreseeable end in sight. I know there are others that suffer from chronic pain much more severe and debilitating than mine and I know how frustrating it can be to deal with on a daily basis. While it slows me down I can still accomplish a lot and have had a successful race season so far this year with First Place Female at the Lagoon 10K, 2nd Place Division Salt Lake City Half Marathon in 1:36:40 and 1st Place division in the Hits Half 70.3. I can't help to wonder what more I could accomplish if I didn't have to deal with this constant nagging head pain, however I am grateful to be alive. I know that the accident could have turned out much worse. Over time the head pain has decreased and I am hopeful the headaches will disappear all-together one day but until then I will not let them stop me from pursuing my goals. The way I look at it is that everyone has challenges they are facing every day and the only thing we can really do is to do the best we can in the moment. That is what I plan to continue to do; to be the best I can be right now, because right now is all that we really have. Let's all keep pushing forward in the face of any challenges we may be struggling with. Thank you to all of those that support me and my athletic endeavors. You help me more than you know!Sincerely,Lora Erickson“Blonde Runner” Follow Blonde Runner on Facebook Learn more about Post-Traumatic Headaches