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

[Alibubba]

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.

I think I'd go back to the hospital and let them keep investigating

I had viral meningitis a few years ago and my only symptoms were a headache like you describe and feeling generally a bit shit under the weather. I don't suffer from headaches normally, and rarely take painkillers, but it really felt like my brain would burst out of my skull. I couldn't believe that so much pain wasn't doing some damage. In good news, viral meningitis is far far less dangerous than the fungal or bacterial versions.

I'm by no means saying that's what you have, and I absolutely agree with others that you need to get it looked into.

Has your DH been away the whole time this has been happening, OP? I only ask because tooth grinding can become more common in pregnancy and can cause excruciating headaches on waking. Often goes hand in hand with cramp. But if you're sleeping alone you won't be getting any feedback about that.

Don't leave it too long to get an expert opinion though.

On that point, I think your DH really ought now to make sure he is at home (and if that means taking emergency time off work, then so be it) so that you can go to hospital and get this dealt with.

Is the codeine managing the pain ok? Have you seen any improvement.

There is stronger options available that are considered reasonably safe. I really feel for you pain in pregnancy is horrendous when there is only limited treatment options.