pain in the [insert body part here]

as you know, i get weather-triggered headaches. i've written about them ad nauseum. the latest and greatest treatment for these lovely migraines, which cost a fortune even with insurance (9 tabs = $50 co-pay), don't work. short of a headectomy, i am at a loss as to what to do next.

yesterday, i did take my day off. i went and had a lovely hot stones massage using the birthday money that the in-laws that i absolutely adore, worship, love to the ends of the earth, gave me. [izzat okay, mil? =)] as an extra added bonus, my very favorite massage therapist was available, and she always spends extra time on me. as i was walking into the spa, i was thinking about all the sucky things that have been happening lately. but i didn't want to go in there and tell my sweet friend mary that life sucks (well...it really doesn't). so i started thinking of all the good things that are in my life.

i am basically healthy, as is my husband and daughter and most of my immediate family. we have homes. we have money for food. we have good friends. my business has been immensely blessed. the captain has a good job. punkin goes to a good school and has friends. we have luxuries that some people will never even come close to having - 3 computers, 3 tvs, broadband, 2 vehicles. we have the love of our family and friends to sustain us in the bad times and celebrate with us in the good times. we are unconditionally accepted and loved by our Creator. when i look at this list, the little, annoying things really don't matter. and i feel like i have no right to complain about anything right now in light of what's happened with katrina. i just got an email with a phone number for counselors to call to volunteer their time at the astrodome, where the new orleans refugees are being housed. i'm definitely going to check it out.

yesterday, my headache got so bad that my doctor told me to go to the e.r. i hate emergency rooms. we are lucky to have one of those urgent care centers in town, which is a much better alternative to hospitals. after getting a shot of toradol in the butt, i sat around for a while chatting up the doctor, who also suffers from these migraines. this woman has done just about everything that i have and more. she has settled on fioricet as her treatment of choice, adding the disclaimer, "i know i shouldn't." yes, fioricet can be addictive. but. it. works. i am sick to death of going to doctor after doctor, being prescribed expensive shit that doesn't work, when i could get a script for a potentially addictive drug (that i would get hooked on only if i took some every day, but i don't get headaches every day) that would let me lead a normal life. i am tired of canceling and rescheduling clients because i am down with a headache.

the doctor gave me the name of a supposedly wonderful headache guy who, "didn't help me, but maybe you'll have better luck. i hear he's prescribing topamax." great. another expensive, useless drug. and people wonder why the internet pharmacy biz is so hot these days. and yes - i've tried chiropractic, over a year's worth of allergy shots, ct scans, frequent massage, tens units, sudafed, benadryl, imitrex, zomig...shall i go on?

ugh...enough of my bitching. there are other things to tend to. but it sure does feel good to vent.