Permanent headache

[Bluebell66]

Every morning I wake up with a thick, heavy headache, I also feel abit dizzy sometimes too. It's been going on for weeks. I do have a history of suffering with frequent bad headaches, but this is really getting me down. I am suffering with anxiety after the loss of my DH, and I started on HRT six months ago due to severe menopausal symptoms. Because I wake up with it every day, I'm beginning to wonder if it could be my pillows. Any thoughts anybody? TIA.

[SofiaAmes]

Bluebell66, you need to get in to see your doctor RIGHT AWAY.

[Hassled]

How are your sinuses/ears? That thick sort of headache and the dizzyness makes me wonder if it could be that (nb I am not medical at all). I'm sorry about your loss. I think you should go back to your GP - if you have anxiety anyway and you're worried enough to be posting here, you need to talk to your doctor.

[Bluebell66]

Thank you Sofia and Hassled for your advice. I don't think I have any sinus/ear problems. I know I should go and see the GP, but I'm so weighed down with everything following the loss of my husband, I keep putting it off. I don't honestly know if I'm better with the HRT or without it. It's definitely helped with my mood swings, which were pretty violent. I've had a strong codeine this morning, again. I'm trying not to take them as I know they can cause rebound headaches, but I'm just desperate for some relief. The silly thing about me keep taking them is that they don't have any effect on my headache.

[Mumblechum1]

Sorry for your loss
It sounds stress related; I had similar symptoms twice, both times when going through emotional trauma.
It would be sensible to get checked out by your GP.

[chosenone]

Could they be hormone related ? I had these for over a year, some developing into migraines. I had a lot of check ups and a MRI and eventually i had my Mirena coil removed (process of elinanation) and they went almost sraight away.

[RawCoconutMacaroon]

Sorry for your loss.

I think you should see your GP. Have you had thyroid checked? Had a test for Ceoliac?

If those have been tested for, you may want to try a gluten/grain free diet to see if that helps, and if not, a low hystamine diet...

I used to wake almost daily with headache, worse as I got older (also balance issues, gut and skin problems, pain everywhere). Dietary changes were the answer/cure for me.

[Bluebell66]

Thank you so much for all your kind words and advice everybody - it means a lot to me. Mine do develop into migraines too sometimes when I am literally bed bound. I am convinced a lot of it is stress and anxiety, as I am so tense and anxious all the time. Chosenone, I think they could well be hormone related as well. For the past year my periods have been all over the place, hence the HRT. I'm 49. I'm interested in what you said about the Mirena coil and having it removed got rid of your headaches. I'm on the mini pill Micronor, which is also progesterone, do you think that could be part of the problem?

[anywinewilldonow]

I have had similar (and am perimenopausal - 46) and it was a really bad tension headache, which was at times so bad I took to my bed. I woke up with it and went to bed with it.

I think initially mine resulted from tense neck muscles - but it's a vicious cycle that is hard to break as once you get a headache from it, it makes you more tense which prolongs the headache etc.

My GP prescribed a short course of diazepam to relax the muscles, and at the same time I saw an osteopath a couple of times. This completely sorted it, and it hasn't been back since (now 2 months).

Also, your GP can check in the back of your eyes to make sure no increased pressure in your brain and check your blood pressure. If these are OK, it will also help you to relax knowing it is nothing more sinister.

Good luck. x

[Bluebell66]

My neck and shoulder muscles are very tight and tense anywine. I have been to a massage therapist which did seem to help, so maybe I should persevere with that. I definitely need to see my GP, if only to put my mind at rest as you say. I do wonder as well, if it's medication overuse headache, as I have been taking strong painkillers every day for about three months now. I'm going to try and stop them completely as of tomorrow and see if that helps. I have really got to try and relax abit. Since losing my DH, I have been so tense and anxious all the time. I wake up in the night and my jaw is clenched so tight. Thank you for your advice and help. X

[Mumblechum1]

clenching your jaw can in itself cause headaches according to my dentist.

[maria543]

Dear Bluebell, I had a similar thing about a year ago. Kept taking painkillers, made no difference, thought maybe I was getting headaches from taking the painkillers, wondered if I was getting hormonal headaches (was 48 also on hrt), went to bed with a headache, woke up with one, etc etc. Was sometimes virtually crippled with the pain of it, literally staggering round the supermarket after work once or twice. Interestingly I also had terrible neck and shoulder ache, but I hadn't connected the two until I finally, after about 3 or 4 months, I finally went to the doctor about the headaches.

She checked me over, found nothing untoward, and suggested it was probably tension headaches. She gave me some exercises to do to relax the neck and shoulders, and told me to try to just generally relax. After a few weeks of doing the exercises, the headaches did improve. Now, when it happens again, I recognise it for what it is, and know to consciously try and unclench my neck and shoulder muscles, and start up the exercises again.

I think you should go to the doctor just to rule out anything else, and then make it a priority to get some relaxation for yourself - whatever it takes - meditation, massage, cycling, box sets, long baths, anything.

After the whole headache thing, I also got a feeling of a permanent lump in my throat, and even had a 'barium swallow' at hospital to check my throat etc., but that turns out to be stress/anxiety related too.

Best of luck - things have obviously been very tough for you and these constant headaches are horrible.

[Bluebell66]

Dear Maria, thank you for such a thoughtful, helpful reply. I will go and see my GP to be on the safe side, but I honestly think you're right. My stress and tension are so intense, and my neck and shoulders are always painful and tight. I had a look online earlier and I found some neck exercises which I will start doing. Your reply has really made me think hard and I realise that I never do anything to relax. I'm always on the go and feeling so tense. As of tomorrow I'm not going to take anymore painkillers. I'm dreading it as I know it's going to be really hard, but I'm so desperate for some relief, I'll try anything. If I start to lose courage, I'm going to read your reply to keep me going. Thank you so much. A big hug for you x

[Bluebell66]

Maria I forgot to say, I have also had the lump in my throat. It lasted for a few weeks and I was terrified. Anxiety is a horrible thing.

[EmberRose]

Could hayfever possibly be making them worse? I don't get a runny nose or itchy eyes, just wake up with really heavy eyes and pain behind them. A daily hayfever tablets which I've been taking for 6 weeks stops this for me.

Hope your feeling better soon

[Gnome7000]

bluebell I have constant headaches because of my jaw, so it could be that. They range from a mildish ache to the feeling that someone is trying to crush my skull. It's bad in the morning, worse if I'm stressed. I'm a clencher too. Had a headache for 12 years now.

Go to your GP, but, if it is your jaw, it can be hit and miss as to whether the Dr will pick it up. My specialist told me I would have to keep explaining it to doctors, and she was right. I just had a head MRI last month because a neurologist didn't understand it.

[Gnome7000]

Also it can make your neck and shoulders stiff too.

[Bluebell66]

That is a possibility Ember. Now you mention it, my eyes are also very sore and dry all the time too. I will definitely try the anti-histamine. Thank you for pointing that out. Whenever I wake up in the night, or in the morning, my jaw is always clenched very tightly Gnome. I suppose the only way to try and alleviate this is to try and relax, easier said than done. Thank you both for your helpful advice and information. I'm so grateful as this constant pain is ruling and ruining my life.

[PeppaWellington]

Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm, when did you last change the batteries/test it? Has your boiler been serviced recently?

Headaches are a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning. That you're waking every day with one makes me wonder if the cause might be something inside the house.

I'm so sorry about your husband.

[Gnome7000]

Actually there's loads of treatment options for it. Medication, jaw splints, physio, hypnosis, Botox, CBT etc etc.

[RubySparks]

Definitely have thyroid test too - I woke up with a headache every day before getting dosage of thyroxine right. Also lump in throat and dry eyes!

[Bluebell66]

I do have a carbon monoxide alarm Peppa and my boiler servicing is up to date. I have downloaded a hypnosis app Gnome and will try it tonight. Ruby, I've booked an appointment with the GP and will definitely ask to get my thyroid checked. Thank you so much for all your advice. It's greatly appreciated xx

[Bluebell66]

Thank you for your good advice and kind words Footie, you've helped give me the strength I need today, my first day with no painkillers.

[Bluebell66]

I will Footie. I'm so fed up now, I've got to get off them and see if it helps with this chronic headache. I've got up this morning still with a splitting headache and very sore eyes. Just struggling to find the energy to get through the day. Thank you for your support and encouragement.