To request a doctors appointment for a headache?!

[MalbecandToast]

I rarely visit a doctor, last time was in pregnancy 5 years ago. Always try to sort issues myself or with help from the pharmacy but I've had a headache now for 7 continuous days and it's awful 😪 I've had migraines in the past but this is horrendous and makes me feel so sick. OTC meds and co-codamol not touching it so I've caved today and filled in a request form for a medical appointment but now I feel guilty. Is it OK to go to the doctor for this?! Would you?!

Oh and before anyone suggests it could be covid, I've been taking daily LFTs and I've had 2 PCR tests this week, all negative (close contact, not hypochondriac )

Of course you should see a doctor
Do you not have a walk in centre near you?

I would go to a and e. Persistent headache which is very unusual and worse than migraine with over the counter drugs not helping. That can be serious. I would at least call 111 and go from there. It needs further assessment.

Sadly not, I live really rurally so there is only A&E and I definitely don't need that.

Pop to the chemist. If its a migraine, you'll need a triptan, not codeine.

If you don’t have a walk in then go to a and e

Yes, 7 days straight isn't right. You can get tablets you take when you feel a migraine coming on and it stops it straight in it's track. If you suffer them a lot, deffo worth asking for.

@Slobberstops really? I feel like a GP would be annoyed at me going for a headache- albeit a long and horrid one - but A&E?! I would feel so guilty, it isn't an accident and despite being really uncomfortable it doesn't fee ike an emergency?

Can you also book an eye test? That’s what my doctor said when I went with a similar complaint.

OP, OF COURSE you should to to the doctor. It may be nothing, it may be something... we don't know because we're not doctors. That's what they're there for! A headache for 7 days straight is simply not something to ignore

I'll look up chemists that are open and ask for Triptans, thank you for that!

Had an eye test 3 weeks ago and all was fine?

Can you get triptans without a prescription?

Well in rare cases it can be a bleed ir similar that has caused it. The key is the degree of pain and how unusual it is. It should be investigated .

Of course you’re not being unreasonable. You know it’s not normal for headaches to last a week. Maybe call NHS 111?

If you don’t want to go to a and e then do ring 111 for advice
I would err on the side of caution
It may be nothing but it might be serious

Not unreasonable at all - but have you tried pseudoephedrine decongestant in case it's swollen sinuses that are causing the pain? They're the Sudafed you can only get at the pharmacy over the counter, not the ones on the shelves. You don't need the 3 in 1 versions, as they're just charging more for the one drug that makes the difference plus paracetamol and caffeine, the latter two being far cheaper in the form of a cup of coffee and a standard pack for 29p.

Add in a cold pack fresh from the freezer and wrapped in a cloth and it might give you some relief and if so, identify a possible sinus infection that needs antibiotics.

You said you rarely visit the doctors do you're not one to panic at the slightest sign of a problem so I'd listen to your gut on this one and if it's saying seek medical advice then so it. Better to go and all be ok than not go when you should xx

Neurologist just sent me a letter through re the cluster headaches I suffer and commented this about my migraines.
Co codamol can make migraines worse.
I hope you get rid of it soon, it’s awful to suffer. Definitely speak to GP.

OK thats reassuring that others would see a doctor so I won't feel like I'm wasting their time. I think I'm fine to wait to see a doctor tomorrow but if it gets worse I'll call 111 for an OOH appointment. Thanks everyone!

I am a spell of awful persistent headaches a couple of years ago. GP told me that with persistent headaches he would recommend always seeking medical advice for ‘first ever or worst ever’.

Mine was a sinus issue that was resolved with a daily sinus spray. Hope yours is as simple to fix!

Are you have any back or neck pain? I had continuous headaches once and it was something to do with my neck and posture. A chiropractor sorted it out in minutes after readjusting my neck.

Def see a doctor. A 7 day headache should be investigated.
Have you been able to take your blood pressure?
I’m assuming you have no additional symptoms like a rash or cold extremities? These are straight to A&E conditions and make sure admission staff know all your symptoms.

Hope you find the cause.

I had this about 30 years ago when you could actually request a GP appointment.

The headache was absolutely appalling and every time I lent/bent down it was like the pain "poured into my eyes" if you know what I mean.

I thought I was dying.

When I got to the GP he sat me down and started to do something to my neck - the then sort of janked it one way - I heard a click and the headache was instantly gone!

I've been a lifelong migraine and cluster headach sufferer but this was something else!

Hope you can find the cause!

My mum was getting headaches, turned out to be a brain tumor. Don't want to scare you but please get checked out!

I had similar issue and phoned for a phone appointment, the GP insisted on seeing me in person - I think they wanted to rule out a stroke. All turned out fine but definitely not worth ignoring. Good luck.