I read this because I am myself a sufferer of chronic daily headache -- since last October -- and like Paula Kamen I'm going through the whole cycle of trying different stuff that doesn't work, or works only for awhile, or removes the pain but turns me into a zombie, etc. I feel I learned a lot from this book -- among other things, I'm going to stop taking Neurontin now, and I'm going to try some of the non-medical remedies that provided some relief for Kamen. I'm still pretty skeptical of alternative medicine and all those special diets and herbs and stuff, though.

I feel lucky compared to her. I haven't had this headache for twenty years (yet). And I haven't (yet) encountered too many arrogant and narcissistic doctors Kamen has, who won't listen to the patient and try to make it sound like they're not really sick and am just whining and being a drama queen. I think this may be because people know more about headaches than they did in the early nineties when Kamen first got hers. Or maybe I'm just lucky.

I would recommend this book to any chronic pain sufferer, especially those with chronic headaches. Although it's hardly a success story -- Kamen's still in a lot of pain, after all -- it's not a downer. It's very educational and some parts are outright laugh-out-loud funny. ( )

Classic, necessary reading for anyone with chronic pain. Funny and heartbreaking. ( )

Well researched. I am not alone! ( )

I would recommend this book for 1. Anyone who has chronic pain (or other chronic symptoms such as fatigue). 2. People who know people in chronic pain. 3. Anyone who wants to understand what it is like to suffer chronic pain. 4. Anyone who thinks people should "buck up and get over it". Besides being helpful I found it very easy and enjoyable to read. ( )

If you suffer from migraines, chronic pain, or any chronic problem this is a great book to give to friends and relatives to help them understand what you are going through. Though your experiences may not be exactly the same--the chronicness--and not being able to get relief--or understanding is a common experience. ( )