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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU Horrific headache- NHS24?

25 replies

migratethemigraine · 20/05/2023 21:53

Honestly, just feel like screaming. I’ve had a migraine for a few days now, I can’t remember when it started but at least a few days. It’s eased off at times and at other times it’s been unbearable. It’s reached a peak tonight and is worse than ever.

I never used to have headaches until the last few months. They started out of the blue a few months ago and I’ve been in agony with them to the extent I throw up. I went to the GP who told me it’s migraine. I’ve tried different drugs to prevent it and to take during it and it’s made no difference whatsoever.

I just want to cry, I’m in so much pain today. It had eased off last night but when I woke up this morning it was absolutely horrific and it’s not improved at all today. I tried to go for a sleep and managed but when I woke up it was still there.

i made a thread the other day when this migraine was in its early stages and everyone was so helpful- i tried the ideas suggested but unfortunately it didn’t help. When I lie down I feel like my head is going to explode, it’s so so bad and I can’t lie down.

jjst posting again because I’m absolutely desperate- does anyone have any other advice? From fellow migraine sufferers, would I be reasonable to contact NHS24 and beg for pain relief for it? Or is that not ok because migraine are chronic things? It’s just so so bad tonight. This is all new to me since a few months ago and this particular one is the worst/longest it’s lasted so far

(and before anyone doubts the severity based on the fact I’m typing on my phone, weirdly that doesn’t make it hurt more or worse.)

OP posts:

strawberryjeans · 20/05/2023 22:05

Please get medical advice, you’re not wasting their time at all that’s what they are there for. I hope it eases. In the mean time don’t worry it probably is just a particularly bad migraine but rather they tell you that, then you go on in worse pain/worrying.

babybythesea · 20/05/2023 22:08

I didn’t see your other thread so I don’t know what you’ve tried. But, I find a cold pack helps. Not too cold - I keep sports gel packs in the fridge (not freezer) which help to ease the pain. A cold wet flannel works well but your sheets get wet!

I find a bit of pressure where it’s hurting helps but if lying down is painful it may not help you.

Audiobooks or talking radio (not music). A drone in the background. It’s useful because sudden noise can make me jump and that really really hurts. It also helps distract me and I find I can sleep.

I would absolutely call though. If this is new then you need help. And I would look at preventing them. I took beta blockers for years which made a huge difference.

I hope you feel better soon. Migraines are awful.

babybythesea · 20/05/2023 22:09

When I say sudden noise makes me jump, what I mean is an audiobook can help cut out those random noises.

longstayer · 20/05/2023 22:09

If this is out of the ordinary for you, you should definitely seek medical advice.

poetryandwine · 20/05/2023 22:13

Get medical advice asap. I am a migraine sufferer and this is not normal. Best wishes

HaudYerWheeshtYaWeeBellend · 20/05/2023 22:16

I’d phone 101 and if it persists tomorrow I’d take myself to seek medical help be that a OOH appointment or A&E.

3luckystars · 20/05/2023 22:18

Definitely get medical assistance. In the meantime if you have any Dioralyte then take that as it might be worth a try. I’m so sorry you are suffering and hope you get some medical advice tonight. All the best x

MynameisJune · 20/05/2023 22:19

I’d contact NHS24, I very occasionally get this kind of migraine where laying down actually hurts more than sitting/standing. Sumatriptan and max strength Codeine help as does sleeping sitting up. But they really shouldn’t last so long, I’d want investigations into why.

Weddingpuzzle · 20/05/2023 22:21

I got misdiagnosed with migraines by my GP. I actually get cluster headaches which are only prevented/ relieved by certain meds. I would seek medical help. The fact that it has been coming & going for a few days is very similar to what I suffer with. It is awful pain.

Pixi3dust · 20/05/2023 22:22

Get medical advise but if it continues go get an eye test too, I suffered with chronic migraines but an eye test showed optic nerve swelling

marshmallowmatcha · 20/05/2023 22:23

They should always listen if you say it is the worst headache you've ever had in your life

Likethestarsabove547 · 20/05/2023 22:24

As a migraine sufferer too this does not sound normal. I would be contacting NHS 24 and your gp again. Im sceptical that they would just start all of a sudden a few months ago too,i would want other things ruled out at this point. I could be wrong. I've had mine since in my teens and they've actually got slightly better with age

Xrays · 20/05/2023 22:26

If it’s that bad the NHS advice is to go to A and E.

Weddingpuzzle · 20/05/2023 22:28

You can get Triptan injections at A&E and they might prescribe you Verapamil as a prophylaxis. I would definitely phone & say you need treatment. Any pain in or behind an eye?

Porthia · 20/05/2023 22:31

I had something similar a couple of years ago and went to GP who sent me straight to hospital for a scan with injected dye because they were concerned it may be a bleed. Luckily it was fine and it did go away on its own but the pain was off the chart. Please do seek medical advice! I was worried I was wasting the GP’s time and thought they might just recommend some pain relief - but they took it very seriously.

Maisemoo · 20/05/2023 22:32

I know you have tried lots but red Sudafed sinus tablets helps me so much as long as I keep it down long enough -

NowZeusHasLainWithLeda · 20/05/2023 22:34

I was on your other thread and am on day 3 of one (with respite yesterday)
But I'm used to them and when they come it's a 3 day job if I don't get to them quickly enough, you said yours have been coming on only recently and the GP has been useless, so tbh, yes, in your situation I'd get myself looked at by someone who can help.
Hope you feel better soon

Evenstar · 20/05/2023 22:55

Someone I know was actually diagnosed with a stroke with symptoms like this, I do think you should be seen in person as these are new symptoms for you and it isn’t getting better.

TheFairyCaravan · 20/05/2023 23:00

I posted on your other thread. I’m so sorry you’re not any better. Please do seek medical advice. When I’ve had persistent migraines in the past my GP has given me an injection of a painkiller and an anti sickness injection which breaks the cycle.

As this is unusual for you, you need to be seen.

celandiney · 20/05/2023 23:10

If this has started out of the blue, you are being sick, it's worse lying down and the worst headache you've had I would call NHS 24 now.
That doesn't sound like a normal migraine pattern.
Or go to A and E.

justanothernamechangemonday · 20/05/2023 23:13

This is probably bad advice but 3 ibuprofen always knock my migraines on the head. No pun intended. They take about 20-30 mins to work but they always do the trick. With tons of water.

Blondey2023 · 20/05/2023 23:23

I'm a migraine sufferer. I couldn't get out of bed one day it was so bad, I could barely move. It was a Saturday so docs closed, DH called the local pharmacy and they prescribed me a triptan, high dose. Took it, rode the wave of feeling high and fast heart rate side effects, then after about an hour felt absolutely fine and no pain. Triptan is your friend here. However if you're concerned defo call 111 too.

Theunamedcat · 20/05/2023 23:27

Call in and get seen

justasking111 · 20/05/2023 23:28

Friend started like this it was only when they had a scan it was found to be vertabrae in their neck from a sports injury. Have you had a sports injury or been in a road traffic accident @migratethemigraine ?

Treesoutsidemywindow · 20/05/2023 23:58

Like a previous poster I don't know what you've tried, but I went through a spell like this, and out of sheer desperation put my head under a cold tap, then just wrapped a towel around it and went back to bed. Within a relatively short time it gave me a lot of relief, it was as if my head had actually got so hot that it was going to explode, and the cold water made it all relax again. Might be worth a try??

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