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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Please please please someone help me

328 replies

Fedupwithallthis2 · 05/02/2023 21:11

I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is ruining my life. I really need help from someone but I don’t know what to do or where to go.

ive been getting horrendous headaches for the last few months and I actually think I’m going to have a breakdown about it. I’ve been to the doctors and been told different things each time, migraine, stress, tension etc but regardless of what it is, nothing is helping. I’ll describe the headaches below and I’m praying that someone recognises a feature and knows what it is and how to stop it.

  1. it started off a few months ago and at first the headaches were occasional and it got worse and right now it’s everyday or every other day.
  2. they start around lunchtime/afternoon and get worse throughout the day. By dinner time they are unbearable and by night time it is horrific
  3. The pain is almost always on the right. It’s a throbbing ache around my right temple and right eye area. It feels like someone is actually drilling through my eye
  4. random things make the pain worse- sneezing is horrific, as is coughing, moving in general but especially bending down or moving my head down eg to tie my laces and then bringing it back up. The other thing that makes the head so much worse is lying down, the light, touching my right temple/eyebrow area or physically passing stools , it honestly feels like my head is going to explode.
  5. Nothing helps- I’ve had stuff from the doctor and OTC and I’m currently chewing painkillers like sweets and it barely takes the edge off it
  6. I feel sick and occasionally dizzy with them. I’m not always physically sick but sometimes am from the pain
  7. im not tired, I’m not stressed, I’m not dehydrated and I can’t think of any reasons this is happening
  8. ive been to the optician and I don’t need glasses
  9. i get really irritable with them. Little things annoy me and I want to scream and cry or explode all the time
  10. lying down and sleeping for a little nap or a few hours makes it so much worse afterwards. But lying down and sleeping for 12+ makes it a bit better but then it starts to come back at lunchtime after I wake up anyway

please, if anyone has any advice or ideas I’m actually desperate this is ruining my life. My doctor won’t do anything and said even if I do get a referral it will take well over a year anyway and I can’t afford private. I’m really struggling and honestly feel like I could smash my skull with a hammer to get relief

please someone help me😢

OP posts:
Hangupsrus · 05/02/2023 21:13

Personally If that was me id go to a&e and refuse to leave until they investigated.

CrapBucket · 05/02/2023 21:14

I would be back at the doctors asking why aren't you being sent for a scan.

Honestly I have all sorts of headache and migraine tips and tricks but your situation needs better help than anyone on the Internet.

Good luck and get well soon

Riverlee · 05/02/2023 21:14

Have you considered an osteopath? Our local one runs headache clinics.

dreamygirl25 · 05/02/2023 21:14

Sounds like migraines. This is how I get them. But if you are getting them every ay something might be triggering them. An allergy maybe?

FannyFifer · 05/02/2023 21:15

Sinuses.
I was getting horrific headaches, right side, worse when bending down, lots of similarities to what you have written.
I had a CT scan and basically the sinuses on the entire right side of my face were completely blocked.
Ended up getting sinus op, problem solved.

Starsnspikes · 05/02/2023 21:16

Have you heard of cluster headaches?

www.nhs.uk/conditions/cluster-headaches/

Riverlee · 05/02/2023 21:16

I’d also go back and ask for a referral. Once it’s been sent, wait a month and phone neurology to chase the appointment.

1FootInTheRave · 05/02/2023 21:16

Have you considered it being from the sinus?

postitpatty · 05/02/2023 21:16

I was about to say cluster headaches, persevere with doctors

RuthW · 05/02/2023 21:16

Sounds similar to my dd. She has always suffered from headaches and migraines but started in October like yours.

The doctor gave her amitriptyline which helped. She also sees s chiropractor

She has scoliosis. The doctor says it's not connected but chiropractor says it is.

Do you sleep on your front?

sailrunski · 05/02/2023 21:17

I had something similar - although not as bad - with my sinuses.

Started with a sinus infection after swine flu and then became chronic, utterly miserable but sorted with strong antibiotics

Original poster
Fedupwithallthis2 · 05/02/2023 21:18

I’ve actually been to an osteopath and chiropractor as well in case it was something to do with my posture but they checked everything and ruled it out.

for cluster headaches my doctor said it doesn’t really fit that because they are very acute and horrific but not as long lasting and they start suddenly whereas mine start a few hours after getting up and gradually get worse and peak in the night

thanks for the advice I’m reading everything and will try ANYTHING anyone can suggest

OP posts:
iluvsummer · 05/02/2023 21:19

I had this, it started after I had covid, it’s horrific, I felt like my eye was going to burst out of its socket and the slightest touch to that side of my forehead was agony. The doctor said it was cluster headaches, am on amitriplyne now and touch wood haven’t had one for a long time.

MustBeDueSomeBetterFeet · 05/02/2023 21:19

Sounds like sinuses. I'd get a good decongestant going initially. Also Bromelain is great. Plus use a saline nasal spray like Sterimar to time them out and use a hot water bottle on the area to loosen any blockage.

TheWonderhorse · 05/02/2023 21:20

Definitely sounds like cluster headaches.

GreenWasTheColour · 05/02/2023 21:21

Aren't these cluster headaches? Your doctor should be able to prescribe medication for them. I've had something for migraines - no normal painkiller will touch the pain, but the prescribed tablets fend it off, they stop the blood vessels from constricting or something so the migraine doesn't happen. I don't know if cluster headaches are the same.

You need to see a different doctor, can you request this at your GP practice? They can help you, I'm sure.

The only tiny relief I can suggest if you haven't tried it is a cold compress on your head, or a cold can of Coke (and then drink it in small sips, the caffeine and sugar help me with bad headaches after the cold relieves it). It won't cure it, it might give a small respite. But mainly, you need a better doctor, you can't go on suffering like this and shouldn't have to.

itsnotmeitsu · 05/02/2023 21:21

Sorry I can't over any advice other than to say could it be a 'cluster headache'? I've never suffered from this but apparently they can be horrible. I hope you find out what's causing them so you can get some sort of relief - fingers crossed for you.

ThisWormHasTurned · 05/02/2023 21:21

Sounds like my migraines but…key question, what did your GP prescribe that hasn’t helped?

itsnotmeitsu · 05/02/2023 21:21

offer - not over.

BurntOutGirl · 05/02/2023 21:21

If it's migraines, botox can help

BrokenHill · 05/02/2023 21:22

I have cluster headaches and this sounds exactly the same. They attach for months on end and can then subside for months or years. I haven't had one for 8 months. I had a brain scan to rule anything out after I had had them constantly for 3 weeks so I would insist on this. My GP was very clear that I needed this scan just to be on the safe side. I'm surprised you've been left so long. Normal painkillers WILL NOT WORK for these types of headaches. I nearly overdosed on paracetamol in desperation to get rid of the pain. I saw a neurologist who diagnosed me officially with cluster headaches and was given imigran which I have on standby to take as soon as I get any symptoms. It doesn't get rid of them completely but man does it help. OP I am very susprised your GP hasn't taken action sooner considering they must know how debilitating cluster headaches are and there is treatment for them. Time to see a different GP and seek a referral.

orangetriangle · 05/02/2023 21:22

I would be insisting on an mri

Welfast · 05/02/2023 21:22

What's your blood pressure like?

InTheResistance · 05/02/2023 21:22

Had this for a while and it turned out to be migraines. Had been to a few doctors before one finally asked me if I was on the pill which I had been for a few years on repeat prescription. She told me I shouldn't be on it so stopped and the migraines gradually went, still get them occasionally with PMT but not all the time now. Don't know if any of that applies to you but if you're taking any kind of hormones they can massively impact migraine and no one told me!

Martinisarebetterdirty · 05/02/2023 21:22

Has your doctor given you anything other than painkillers? Sumatriptan for example?
Is there another GP you can see? My migraines tend to be right hand side - does soaking your head in a hot bath help? Ice? Get to A and E if your GP can’t help.