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AIBU?

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Original poster

Splitting headache since yesterday, feeling really poorly

34 replies

feelinh · 14/10/2024 13:36

I've contacted my GP already who just referred me to a pharmacy who just gave me migraine tablets and nothing seems to help.

I'm asking the experienced Mumsnet community what else I can do to help myself - any remedies for how I'm feeling.

It started yesterday morning, I woke up with a splitting headache on the top of my head.

I took my usual 600 mg ibuprofen, which is my go to when I get a headache. It didn't touch it. I had some co codamol around and took some, still didn't touch it. The headache was so bad at this point, especially when bending down or going from sitting to standing - it would make me yelp in pain. A lot of light sensitivity too.

I tried to sleep and just couldn't. Then I started getting really cold and developed a fever. I took more painkiller and it didn't help. Then started this massive pain behind both eyes when I look around. It's so sore. I didn't sleep all night and had a fever on and off.

I've taken migraine meds too now and they haven't helped. I haven't taken my temp today but feel cold sometimes.

I am exhausted. What can I do to feel better ?

OP posts:
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JennyForeigner · 14/10/2024 16:59

I've got covid and it feels like a migraine kind of pain this time. It took five days of headache, fuzzy vision and tingling face before I started testing positive, at which time the burning lungs and flu like symptoms also started.

It's had a kick like a mule this time - absolutely awful. I would strongly recommend anyone eligible for vaccination to get on it this year.

ThianWinter · 14/10/2024 16:48

It sounds like a 24 hour virus if you're feeling a bit better. I used to work for 111 (clinician) and anyone with the symptoms you described would be directed to A&E for a full neurological check up. However, as your symptoms have improved, I wouldn't have thought that was necessary now.

Original poster
feelinh · 14/10/2024 16:43

I'm starting to feel noticeably better in ibuprofen, which is a good sign.

OP posts:
liverpoolgal82 · 14/10/2024 16:08

Have you checked your blood pressure?
This was me two weeks ago and I was in hypertension crisis. Gp sent me to hospital.
Nothing at home would ease the head pain and it was at the top of head also and on the temples.
Hopefully you have a bp monitor at home. If not I’d recommend having one as it’s always a good idea to keep a regular check on bp. Hope you feel better v soon.

QuestionableMouse · 14/10/2024 16:04

"Virus" covers a wide range of things, including meningitis. I'd urge you to seek proper medical help.

Put it this way - my mum had a severe headache and less than two hours after it started she was being rushed to hospital where she spent months in ICU and was lucky to survive.

Original poster
feelinh · 14/10/2024 15:48

Well, it doesn't seem to be Covid.

I took 600 mg ibuprofen and feel a bit better.

But I definitely have a fever. It must be some sort of virus.

OP posts:
Invisablepanic · 14/10/2024 14:52

This was me last week with COVID. Started as a bad throat then splitting headache. Warm and then cold compress helped slightly but to be honest nothing really helped. I just kept up with the water and crackers, took 3 days to go in the end, horrible. It does seem to be the current main COVID symptom.

Devilsmommy · 14/10/2024 14:47

feelinh · 14/10/2024 13:41

The pain is behind my eyes at the moment and on the top of my head.

Have you had enough water because what You're describing could be a dehydration headache. They're very similar feeling to migraines

Gnomeo8 · 14/10/2024 14:45

Did you speak to the GP directly or was it the receptionist that told you to seek pharmacy help? If GP, call them back and inform them it hasn't eased symptoms but if you're not able to speak directly to a GP or you only spoke with receptionist this morning, call 111 and be triage so they can get you in touch with a HCP who can assess you further.

Annalouisa · 14/10/2024 14:40

Please call 111 or go through the web interface at https://111.nhs.uk
a severe headache with light sensitivity could point to something more serious, e.g. meningitis or other brain-related issue.

endofthelinefinally · 14/10/2024 14:32

You should ring 111 now. You really do need to be seen and examined by a professional.

QuestionableMouse · 14/10/2024 14:29

First or worst headache needs properly checking out. I had a really bad headache last month and was told that by the nurse in urgent care!

(First means first time you've experienced that sort of headache)

Original poster
feelinh · 14/10/2024 14:22

Thanks everyone. I have light sensitivity. My neck is ok, I think.

OP posts:
Original poster
feelinh · 14/10/2024 14:20

I just ate something but I'll test in a bit for Covid. The annoying thing is that I just can't sleep either. So I'm also sleep deprived at this point.

OP posts:
Baystar · 14/10/2024 14:16

Yep, this is me today, tested positive for covid. Head and fever is awful. I suffer with migraine, been on daily meds for years but this is different and just trying to drink flyidd, taking regular pain meds and staying in bed 🙁

InsanelyItchy · 14/10/2024 14:12

Sounds like Covid BUT don't assume, keep an eye on any red flags such as the light sensitivity, any stiff neck etc and seek 111 advice if needed

Tdcp · 14/10/2024 14:10

My colleague and I both have had an awful migraine over the weekend, we're half dead today at work now. Another 2 colleagues on a different floor have had this over the weekend too. There's definitely something going around. I hope you feel better op

Seagall · 14/10/2024 14:09

I had covid a few weeks ago and the first symptom was fatigue then a horrific headache. I seriously thought I had a brain tumour.

colouringindoors · 14/10/2024 14:08

Sounds like me with Covid - horrendous headaches. Lots of water, Vit C, zinc, D3, Omega 3 (good for brain inflammation) and rest x 100.

Any light sensitivity/difficulty putting your chin to chest/stiff neck, call 999 - meningitis risk.

MiscellaneousSupportHuman · 14/10/2024 14:07

Covid would be the likeliest cause

Apparently there's a wave at the moment.

Do you have a stiff neck? Is there someone around to keep an eye on you?

If you are concerned that you are not coping, then ring 111 to find out if you should be seen (and what further symptoms might mean you need to be seen urgently)

Uselessatbeingaperson · 14/10/2024 13:49

This was me yesterday and today I'm really lethargic and got a cough, I'm assuming I have COVID

MigGril · 14/10/2024 13:48

I do find an ice pack or heat pack to the head helpful with migraine. But if something else is causing it that probably won't help. Deep breathing can help to oddly enough.

AlertCat · 14/10/2024 13:47

I’m suffering with something massively worse than a cold- I suspect covid. Cold symptoms but also pain in joints, face, ears, headache. Could you have that?
No remedies to suggest but wishing you better soon

MigGril · 14/10/2024 13:45

If your GP is to busy and can't see you ring 111 for more help. Especially if painkillers aren't helping.

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