Hit my head and it really hurts, how do I feel better?

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

I tripped and whammed my head into a door frame the day before yesterday. I was woozy / grey clouds / dizzy but didn't black out or break skin. Have a bump on my forehead.

But the headache is grindingly painful sns keeping me awake, what can I do to make it go away? Paracetamol and ice so far.

Am assuming have given self a bit of a concussion but i don't think seriously but head hurts. Bah humbug.

Context: I have eds & autonomic dysfunction which is what caused the fall. I can't get to a hosp and gp not approachable so although am on v strong meds don't actually get proper care. I struggle to see consultants but do get to them mostly. Basically please don't tell me I need to get checked out ASAP or anything, cos its not going to happen, though could email gp if people think its worth it.

[AndIFeedEmGunpowder]

Am not a medic but it sounds like concussion and advice is to get it checked out! If you are really determined not to do that, is there someone with you who can keep an eye on you?

I would change my GP if I felt they were unapproachable.

[LongTailedTit]

If you need to drive or do anything more taxing than MN from your sofa, it will probably need checking out, sorry!
Could you possibly go to an out of hours clinic? Otherwise, yes, email.

My DHs concussion last nearly three weeks and was responsible for him having an accident at work (fingers v. router), head injuries are a bugger and the effects can catch you out so be careful.

I hope you feel better in the morning.

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

Yeah my head still hurts this morning. I will email the gp and see what she suggests.

Thanks for your advice. I just didn't want the sometimes well meaning but extreme mumsnet advice of quick get to hospital now and then blaming me when I couldn't - seen it happen before and feeling too sensitive to deal with it!

Have carers who are the ones that didn't do their jobs very well and didn't leave any nappies in the bedroom or water by the bed so I had to get up to do it and then fell over the bag she d left in the way... I know it will be a big deal to broach it and I feel far too ill to cope with it, so haven't told them. Therefore no one knows / available to help and I don't want to be beholden to them as not their hours today and they'll make a huge fuss of putting their emotions on me and I can't cope with it

[LongTailedTit]

Ugh, I feel for you.
When you email the GP, can you make it clear how the accident happened and ask them to escalate it for you?
I don't know who is responsible for coordinating your care, but this shouldn't all be on your shoulders.
I'm sorry you're dealing with this, I've had some family experience with managing people's care and it is definitely too much for the client to deal with on their own, esp when things go wrong.

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

Thank you LongTail it's rare someone has any experience of this stuff and you are v insightful.

Yes it's too much to deal with, I have 3 carers, a 3 yr old and no family support and the one friend I have is on hols at the moment, and is totally overwhelmed with ss issues. What with carers that need constant management and training up, ss being hideous and also then out sourcing their responsibilities to the cheapest agency leaves me dealing with gross incompetence beyond imagining ... And then there is the management of my illness itself with gps, consultants, diff hospitals, diff opinions, even getting hold of a gp or medication is made almost impossible by gp receptionists... It's hideous. Concussion or even my health comes far down on the list of urgency stuff I have to deal with, ironic considering health should be first priority

[LongTailedTit]

Evening Double, did you manage to email the GP today? Hope the headache is easing off? If not, might be worth calling the OoO and asking for a home visit, you shouldn't still be hurting IMO.
DHs concussion left him unable to read for a few days, have you had any trouble with your typing or concentration?

If possible, try to keep drinking water, dehydration will make your headache worse.

[rubyslippers]

I've recently had a concussion which lasted a long time

I had to have a CT scan as it was so severe

I would highly recommend a trip to hospital or a home visit

Don't mess about with a head injury

[mignonette]

I cracked my head a few weeks ago when a window frame fell on it. I had to have sutures. Anyway, to cut a long story short it took about a week and a half for my headache to go. I was surprised by how unwell it made me feel; confused, dizzy, in pain and with pain in my eyes. If you are resistant to accessing medical advice because of the hassle I'm sure you are also aware of the risk you are taking regarding possible hidden head trauma. I urge you to email your GP at least being very frank with her about the symptoms and also explaining to her why it is so very difficult for you to get the care access you need.

Otherwise, plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and unnecessary medication, rest, keep the lights lower and keep an eye on your level of consciousness, pain and psychomotor co-ordination. Any deterioration? Get help. And alert your carers/family too so they can monitor you.

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

Thanks all. I emailed the gp and got a 'we've passed your email along to dr x' from reception but doc didn't reply... So I guess she's not that bothered :(

Did feel a bit better earlier, but then I tried to do a few things and ended up weirdly just sobbing on the end of the phone to a company that yes, had been rubbish but really, proper sobbing, just weird and not in control. Banging head ache again so gave up trying to do stuff.

I did tell the carer that came today, but really have to tell the main one who's back tomorrow, and that's the one that kinda caused this by her being sloppy/ not doing stuff well.

But I can't cope with her reactions and emotions... Ugh.

[AndIFeedEmGunpowder]

How's your head today?

[GraduallyGoingInsane]

You poor thing. It sounds like the headache is an unwelcome addition to a nightmare situation.

I've had concussion before - albeit a while ago. I wouldn't worry about bursting into tears, I remember doing the same shortly after concussion, everything just felt overwhelming.

I found that in addition to pain killers keeping on icing my bump or having a cold compress helped even days later. Do you have any frozen peas to hand?

Hope you feel much better very soon.

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

Have icepack on right now!

Headache is fading a bit but still very much present.

Gp replied & suggested I come in tomorrow. I am relaying between thinking yes I'm glad, and no it's not worth it what's she going to do anyway?

Argh, I guess I should go but I feel like its a waste of time / I'm a waste of time

[rubyslippers]

please go to the GP

you have had a head injury which is now accompanied by a persistent headache

you won't be wasting anyone's time

take the appointment

[AndIFeedEmGunpowder]

I agree with rubyslippers. GP will expect to see you and if nothing else you can get some effective pain relief.

Hope it feels better soon.

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

Ok I emailed back to say yes pls and ask for a time (she d said morning so a bit vague).

Cos I have all these other illnesses i feel (been told) that I'm a drain on the nhs, so am very aware of going unless I'm desperate... I sort of know rationally I'm being an idiot, but I'm not very rational when I'm feeling ill and tend to 'go into myself'.

I suspect feeling v weirdly about it is probably a sign of concusion (sp) ... But am worried she ll say I'm making a fuss / being upset cos I'm rubbish instead

[AndIFeedEmGunpowder]

Don't think like that. If it was your DC or best friend who had a head injury and was still in pain days later wouldn't you want them to see someone?

[DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved]

Gp didn't get back with a time so I didn't get to see gp anyway :(

[rubyslippers]

if you still feel unwell, then i would go to OOH or push your GP
this is a head injury

[LongTailedTit]

Evening Double!

Just spotted you on the GP Receptionist thread - how's your head?