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Original poster

anyone suffer from headaches? urgent advice needed

157 replies

twik · 13/10/2005 14:56

I'm 39 and for the last year for the first time in my life have been headachey. My dd is 3 1/2. But for the last week I've had the most awful headache of my whole life. It feels as though my brain wants to explode, it's pressure rather than pain. I can't think straight, I'm totally irritable and exhausted (want to close my eyes all the time). I got so worried I went to A&E at the weekend and they checked my bp (normal), blood sugar (ok), did a basic neurological test (i.e. could i touch their fingers etc.) and said it must be a nasty migraine. I've been back to my GP today as it's driving me crazy and he said it was most likely a tension headache. Has anyone anywhere suffered like this from a straightforward tension headache? I'm really feeling very worried. I've got no fever, feel a bit nauseous and my limbs are quite heavy.

OP posts:
Original poster
twik · 13/10/2005 14:57

By the way I've been taking paracetamol and neurofen plus. Neither of which are cutting through it terribly well.

OP posts:
northerner · 13/10/2005 14:59

How long has this gone on for? Since the weekend consistently? Still there when ou wake up?

Original poster
twik · 13/10/2005 15:01

Since last Friday afternoon. Yes, there when I go to bed, there when I get up in the morning.

OP posts:
soapbox · 13/10/2005 15:01

Go to chemist and get Migraleve. Even if it isn't a migraine it will shift a normal headache.

It does sound very much like a Migraine.

bonym · 13/10/2005 15:01

twik - a couple of years ago I had the most severe headache that had me confined to bed for two days - pain killers weren't touching it. It was due to stress and (I'd just moved house) and have had nothing as bad since.

Original poster
twik · 13/10/2005 15:04

what was the headache like bonym? I mean what did it feel like? I've had odd migraines over the last year but they don't feel like this, they're more painful and don't go on like this, plus sleep helps. This one is like a constant squeezing pressure inside my head, in my ears and behind my eyes. It's very frightening.

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northerner · 13/10/2005 15:10

Twik - I'd go to GP if I were you. You're ovbiously very worried - I would be too.

It is odd that it does not shift with sleep.

Hope you feel better soon. Its so debilitating isn't it.

Original poster
twik · 13/10/2005 15:39

I did northerner, this morning. He did my blood pressure again and looked behind my eyes with a torch, felt my glands and said it must be a tension headache. Has anyone had such an awful one as this though?

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noddyholder · 13/10/2005 15:42

try syndol they contain paracetomol codeine and a muscle relaxant which if it is a tension headache should shift it.If that doesn't work go back to the doctor and demand to see someone or get a scan don't leave it

Original poster
twik · 13/10/2005 16:01

should I be really worried then? Is it possible this is a tension headache or do I wonder about something more sinister ...

OP posts:
noddyholder · 13/10/2005 16:03

Tension headaches are agony so could be Something sinister may have been visible when he looked in your eyes Can you get some syndol I have found them a godsend at times and have had a few severe tension headaches where I couldn't leave the house Can you get them today?

northerner · 13/10/2005 16:07

Twik I've had a quick look on the internet and tension headaches should not last this long. I'd demand a second opinion.

Keep us posted.
xx

jalopy · 13/10/2005 17:53

Do you think it could be sinus headaches. Do you get pain behind the eyes? I'm quite prone to these but usually find that nurofen does the trick.

foxinsocks · 13/10/2005 17:56

I agree with noddy - syndol is an absolute lifesaver - it tends to knock me out though (but I hardly ever take any pills so I'm not pill hardened!) so maybe take your first lot at bedtime.

I never had a headache my whole life till this year and suddenly I started getting migraines the day before my period came on (then lasting for a few days). Sounds very similar to what you are suffering.

stitch · 13/10/2005 18:00

twik, headaches should not go on this long.
get another opinion.

BUt the first thing i suggest you do, is get a scarf, or tie, and wrap it round your head really tight. it sounds silly, and looks even sillier, but it really helps with the pain. basically by putting pressure on all the various pressure points.

also, see if someone can give you a head massage.

a hot aromatherapy type bath may also be good.

bonym · 13/10/2005 18:02

twik - the headache I hadd sounds very similar to yours - nausea and achy as well. It came on when I was away at a conference - had to leave early but then found I couldn't even drive it was so bad and had to ring dh to come and get me. I didn't last as long as yours did though, however I just stayed in bed until it had passed - my mother stayed with me to look after dd until I could get up again.

Original poster
twik · 13/10/2005 19:29

Thanks everyone. I haven't been able to get the syndol yet today as not up to going out at all this afternoon. I honestly don't know what to do next as I've already been to A&E at the weekend and now seen the GP who's also arranged some blood tests for thyroid and a couple of other things. I'm also very sweaty I've noticed. But, strange though it sounds, it's not 'pain' so much as intense pressure, especially on the top of my head, it almost feels as though someone's pulling my hair out. Or squeezing my brain. Horrible, really. But all the pain killers I've tried do nothing at all. The hospital even gave me codeine. I'm planning on seeing the GP again when the blood results are back, should I do more than that? If you were worried, what would you be worrying about?

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foxinsocks · 13/10/2005 19:42

have you heard about something called a 'cluster headache'? I'm not sure whether yours meets the definition (had a friend who used to get them) - do you get the pain in one side or is it all over?

katymac · 13/10/2005 19:44

There is a virus going round here - with a headache for 4/5 days plus nausea plus dizziness

Sounds like yours could be a close cousin?

Original poster
twik · 13/10/2005 22:31

fox, I don't think it's a cluster headache. I've read about those, they seem to be intense pain on one side of the head? Mine's all over, mostly on the top.

katymac, that does sound familiar although I feel like mine's been going on for longer than that already ...

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katymac · 14/10/2005 07:40

Well viruses hit different people differently.....don't they?

I can get really ill and my DH be over them in a day or so....so maybe you got a bad one?

Original poster
twik · 14/10/2005 13:24

katy, I don't feel 'ill', that's the weird thing. I've got no fever or anything. Just this damned headache. It's still there this morning, pressing away over my head and behind my eyes.

Has anyone else had such a bad one and it been a tension headache? It's a week today now since it started ...

OP posts:
jalopy · 14/10/2005 13:44

Twik, another thought is - do you have any neck or spine problems?

SirFurmum · 14/10/2005 13:51

I take Syndol for tension headaches too, carry some in my handbag so I'm never without, as when I get a tension headache I find it really debilitating. I used to have to go home from work or take to bed if I got one before I discovered Syndol. I find all the muscles in my neck and shoulders get really stiff and my head pounds. Makes me feel really ill and like I can't focus.

If you are going to take them I'd suggest just one to start with. I usually take one as if I take two I get really zonked out. Hope you get it sorted soon.

QueenVictoria · 14/10/2005 13:56

Try Syndol - its for tension headaches. It does make me a bit drowsy though.

Other things i do is use a very hot flannel or a covered hot water bottle and put it on the back of my neck and my face.

With a bad migraine i breathe into a paper bag for a few minutes. Yours does seem to be neck related though.

Would suggest you review your posture, try and get a back and neck massage from a professional to see if it helps.