Hi smgsgirl,
Welcome to the group! So sorry to hear about your pain. I can so relate. I have a 24/7 headache condition that resembles migraine. Those of us with chronic pain have to develop coping skills so that we can try to live as happy of a life as we can. Over time you will find thing that will relieve your pain, and how to prevent it too. What types of treatments have you tried and what doctors have you seen? I have been to dozens of doctors and probably 50 treatments and medications before I got any significant relief. Yes, it does wear you down. You can't give up though! If one doctor is out of ideas, go to another one. Research online and go into the doctor with a list of what you want to try.
I cope by trying to live my life the best I can. I try to ignore the pain. To me, I do better keeping busy to keep my mind off it. I work full time and keeping my mind off the pain seems to help. The only time I really think about it is the time I spend online with support groups and looking for treatments (research). My pain is part of my life now, but letting it get to me in my opinion is defeat. Through trial and error I have found a few things that help. Also, I have developed a higher pain tolerance over time. I know to avoid certain activities, give myself breaks, get rest, eat right, etc.
Some hospitals or doctors will have classes in pain coping techniques, group sessions to talk to other patients, counseling, etc. There is quite a psychological component to pain.
If you care to share more about what you've gone through and what your current regime is, I could have some suggestions. The times you don't have a migraine, are you pain free? You mention you are trying out menstrual suppression. Do you or your doctors think there is a hormonal component?
Best wishes and looking forward to chatting with you again soon.
