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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask if anyone knows what's wrong with me? I feel like I'm dying.

130 replies

Alibubba · 15/05/2017 00:07

Apologies for the dramatic title but I'm really feeling awful and would appreciate any advice.

I began getting a headache on Saturday. It got steadily worse and was absolutely awful by Monday so I started taking paracetamol which I hardly ever resort to. It made no difference. It was excruciating to bend down, cough, climb or go downstairs. My brain feels swollen and throbbing and like I'm being smashed over the head with a hammer. It was so severe by Wednesday that the DC were late for school because I was struggling so much to even move around. I got an emergency GP appointment and was referred to hospital, particularly as I'm pregnant.

My blood pressure was fine and I had an MRI scan which came back clear. They checked my eyes but there was nothing wrong there so I came home. Since then, the pain is absolutely terrible as soon as I wake. I take paracetamol immediately but still can barely move around for an hour because it's so painful. It remains excruciating until after lunch time then calms down a bit and I can function again.

Today I've also started getting cramp in one of my calf muscles but I don't feel sick or dizzy or anything so I really don't know what it could be. I'm reluctant to go back to the doctors/hospital as they seem clueless too and it's more comfortable being in pain at home with DH not having to take time off work.

There was talk of a lumbar puncture if it continues but I don't see what that will establish. I feel okay right now but I'm dreading the morning because I know I will be in tears and in agony. Has anyone had anything similar or have any idea what could be wrong? I'm not usually bothered by pain (I managed childbirth drug free several times!) but this is appallingly bad.

OP posts:
pippanippa · 15/05/2017 09:02

It sounds very similar to something which happened to me in my last pregnancy. It started with a normal migraine, but the pain was a lot worse than usual (would wake me up from sleep in pain) and it wouldn't go away. I ended up being seen in Urgent Care and like you had an MRI which ruled out anything nasty. They also gave me some IV fluids and oxygen which seemed to really help. A&E told me if there was no improvement I could come back at any time for more IV/oxygen, and also said to do the same if it ever happened again. This wasn't necessary for me as the migraine gradually improved, but it didn't completely go for another 2-3 days, meaning it was a week-long migraine in total! It never happened again. I have had normal migraines since then, so still have absolutely no idea what caused it, although I had quite severe morning sickness which no doubt contributed.

I have absolutely no medical knowledge so am only sharing the experience of something which happened to me, if concerned do go back to the GP/hospital. Also (sorry, I know this sounds obvious), but do take care of yourself, rest in a dark room, get an ice pack, take paracetamol regularly, drink plenty of water and avoid screens.

pippanippa · 15/05/2017 09:05

I should add that before this I had never ever visited Urgent care / A&E in my life, but the pain was truly unbearable, I really sympathise with you OP.

Original poster
Alibubba · 15/05/2017 09:12

No I haven't been abroad and yes, I've had my ears checked. My balance, eyes and nose are fine so I don't think it could be cluster headaches. I've had sinisitus before and know that's awful but the pain is nowhere near my sinuses or face. It's worse since getting the kids ready for school Sad

OP posts:
NavyandWhite · 15/05/2017 09:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DesignedForLife · 15/05/2017 09:24

So kids are at school now ands it's worse? Worse than yesterday? If so you really need to go back to the hospital.

PickAChew · 15/05/2017 09:26

Are you pooing ok? Being backed up can lead to horrible headaches.

Thankfully, Epsom salt baths can help with that as well as muscle cramps.

PickAChew · 15/05/2017 09:26

But please go back to your doctor.

MatildaTheCat · 15/05/2017 09:45

Go back and get checked again in view of the change of symptoms.

If all is 'well' then it may simply be the very nasty hormonal headache that some people suffer in pregnancy. If so, get stronger painkillers and drink water for England. And lie down a lot.

am former midwife who suffered this.

readthethread · 15/05/2017 09:53

sorry haven't RTFT (despite my username Blush
i had something similar in pg with DD2. it was viral neuralgia.
if it is that, it will go with rest, paracetamol etc..

Mellifera · 15/05/2017 09:59

Please go back to hospital. I'm sure they said come back if it doesn't clear, it hasn't.
Go back.

Tazerface · 15/05/2017 10:04

Honestly it sounds like a virus I had in fairly early pregnancy. I couldn't stand and was in pain.

I did end up being admitted for fluids, but I had a high risk pregnancy and I was having twice weekly scans - I couldn't drive as I kept passing out so they took me in. I got it again in my next pregnancy but just weathered it at home - I had to lay in a certain position with a fan on my face and a duvet over me too.

Hope you feel better soon Flowers

jacks11 · 15/05/2017 10:25

Note3

"ibuprofen is frowned on but if you're desperate then you have to weigh up pros and cons

Strongly advise against using ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) other than aspirin in pregnancy, unless specifically prescribed for you with a discussion about the risks. Most NSAIDs can cross the blood/placental barrier. They should never after 30/32 weeks (some debate on this) as they can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and oligohydramnios, as well as persistent pulmonary hypertension.

I'd suggest you go back to your GP. It may be nothing too serious (migraines can start during pregnancy in women who have not had them previously, for instance) but if it was suggested that you go back if it wasn't settling, then that is what I'd advise you to do as your symptoms are not improving/resolving.

aintnothinbutagstring · 15/05/2017 11:10

Can you touch your chin on your chest? Do you have a fever? (Thinking meningitis) I would return to GP or A+E if pain is worsening. I've had severe preeclampsia and was pretty much symptomless, no headache, but had some oedema and visual disturbances but otherwise felt right as rain, however if your bp is normal it's unlikely to be that, did they check your urine for proteins? Have plenty to drink to rule out dehydration, drink water with a touch of fruit juice and a pinch of salt to rehydrate.

nocoolnamesleft · 15/05/2017 11:37

Across the NHS, with the computer crisis, they're begging everyone to only go to A&E for emergencies.

You would count as an emergency. FFS go to the hospital. Please.

Fruitcorner123 · 15/05/2017 11:40

I know a pp has mentioned dehydration but it's worth ruling it out. You need at least 3 litres a day and dehydration headaches can be nasty. I am 21 weeks and was waking up with nasty headaches from about 18 weeks until i started ensuring i drink more. They weren't as bad as you describe but it's easy to forget to drink when our have other DCs and an extra litre a day is a lot.

That said I would be going back of my headaches were as nasty as you describe for over a week. You want to rule out anything serious.

Fruitcorner123 · 15/05/2017 11:42

You could get emergency appointment at GP and get them to refer you to hospital. That may mean you don't have the same wait and they would only refer you if they felt it necessary so you wouldn't have to feel guilty.

Oneiroi · 15/05/2017 12:12

I have always suffered from migraines but I once had one so bad that I couldn't stand up, I had to crawl upstairs to my bed. It later transpired it was glandular fever. I got no other symptoms at the time except for exhaustion. Perhaps worth having them test for this?

DeusExDomina · 15/05/2017 12:32

I had similar and it turned out to be non infective inflammatory meningitis, that's what the lumbar is for. Go back and feel better soon.

thatorchidmoment · 15/05/2017 13:13

It sounds like it could possibly be migraine, but i think you really need to return to A+E for proper investigations. Your MRI was reassuringly clear, but unless it included a venogram, you haven't had a venous sinus thrombosis ruled out yet. You probably need a lumbar puncture, which will exclude a small subarachnoid haemorrhage, and will measure your pressure, in case you have idiopathhic intracranial hypertension. The treatment for that is lumbar puncture, so if you have a high-pressure headache, you will get instant relief! It's probably worth being seen by a neurologist, who sees all kinds of headaches and can advise you on safe things to take to try to stop this one and any others you may get in the remainder of your pregnancy.

A lumbar puncture will also show up meningitis, whether bacterial or viral. You don't sound unwell enough to have bacterial meningitis, but sometimes these things present differently in pregnancy, as it has a bit of an inmunosuppressive effect. Please go to the hospital as soon as you can. You are not wasting anyone's time.

(Medically trained, married to a neurologist and suffering from awful migraines in my current pregnancy).

UnbornMortificado · 15/05/2017 15:32

I was told no ibrufen or the like full stop, anything painkiller wise in pregnancy really needs to go through a GP/Consultant other then paracetamol.

I was told the risks with opiates and withdrawals for the baby was lower in the second trimester.

(I'm not a medic, this is just what information I've been given)

UnbornMortificado · 15/05/2017 15:34

Meant to add hope things have improved since this morning and if not you have seen someone Flowers

KeepingitReal2 · 15/05/2017 23:01

Sorry just finished oncall and regular day work... reassuring that your eyes are fine I only said to recheck as you did not mention if you had seen an ophthalmogist who usually arrange a barrage of tests and would refer you to neurology accordingly... have also come across many patients like yourself who have minimal eye symptoms and features too... but of course I would never attempt to diagnose without seeing a patient first thus if you are concerned I would urge to revisit your GP asap.

I'll declare myself as an Ophthalmologist and am happy to advise on any eye symptoms you may have otherwise good luck and hope you get sorted soon.

HCantThinkOfAUsername · 16/05/2017 00:50

How are you op?

MamaOfBabas · 16/05/2017 04:49

Hope you're ok OP.

Original poster
Alibubba · 16/05/2017 13:53

It was unbearable this morning. I felt absolutely in despair for about an hour and a half until it calmed down. Now it's painful but bearable and I know by 4pm I'll be feeling almost normal. Can it be something serious if it only at a certain time of day?

DH is away today but tomorrow he's off so I will try and see the GP again.

OP posts:
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