5 days of non stop headaches

[TheConstantMoaner]

So came on holiday five days ago. Soon as I got here. Agonising headaches begin. Nothing has relieved it yet. I’ve tried ibuprofen ,paracetamol, herbal stuff , antihistamines. I feel like crying. My head feels heavy and I keep wanting to sleep constantly. Really weak too like I have wobbly legs. I have pain when I touch my scalp and just so much pressure I feel like my head will burst open. I’m going back home tomorrow but it’s a long drive ( 9 hours ). Any other advice on what I could try?
I have been to pharmacy but they were no help. Only suggested ibuprofen.
Tia

Just had a quick google. It says it’s caused by a head injury. I haven’t had one (that I can remember ). I’m worried again.

Lol @ that I can remember. That's a relief then. Don't worry yourself, but I would see GP ASAP if it persisted. I hope you feel better. I know how it feels. 😔

If it’s eased at all with the coffee, it sounds like caffeine withdrawal (I’ve had it from full fat coke before now).

For the journey: you can’t buy Naproxen otc, they’re prescription only; but, you can buy 8/500 co-codamol (codeine/paracetamol) that is effective (particularly if you’re not used to codeine based pain killers). They can only be used for 3 days at a time, as codeine can be an addictive drug. Also, try a cold flannel/cloth across your head - I use that for tension headaches and migraines (as you might have guessed, I’m a very headache-y person!) and the coolness helps. Also might be worth trying a 4Head stick - it smells kind of medicinal, but it cools your head and might help.

You have my sympathies - I have lots and lots of headaches, and have had an MRI before now for them (it confirmed I actually have a brain, which was a relief to everyone really!).

If they persist, I would see the GP - if it’s migraine, they can give you a different sort of medication for it, rather than just painkillers. If it’s caffeine withdrawal, unfortunately it will be until you’re completely ‘over’ it.

Caffeine withdrawal is a MAJOR thing, but might you also be dehydrated? Both of those combined would be like an apocalypse.

It definitely won't be the altitude! You have to be well over 3000 meters for anything like that.

I think it sounds quite severe just to be caffeine withdrawal.

Maybe sinusitis. Recovering from a dose of that currently. Definitely get to a GP to get checked. I'm on antibiotics and was prescribed a nasal spray too. Today is the first day in 8 days I have woken up without a headache. I was the same as you with pressure in my head. For me it was at the top of my nose right between my eyes and my ears were sore and blocked too.

If you are buying co-codamol you can get 12mg codeine/500mg paracetamol over the counter (solpedine max, they're in a red box and available in most pharmacies) if you think you need something a bit stronger than the bog standard ones.

Thank you all. I’m a little better this morning but headaches still there soon as I woke. Had a decent sleep though. Which is odd considering the level of head pain I’m having. A new symptom of neck pain and throat pain have added this morning. Something is definitely going on. Can’t wait to get home now. This holiday has sucked big time.

If you just finished your period, are you on the pill? I recently started getting the most awful migraines when I was on my 8 day pill break - doctor said it wasn't uncommon and I take it straight through now.

Nope. Nothing atm. I’m having the coil fitted soon. So no sex for me till then and no other contraceptives either. I’m pre menopausel though. I’ve heard you can get bad migraines.

I had what you describe exactly but at the end of our holiday abroad last week.

It stated the day before we left, agonising headache when we returned home last weekend, pain shooting up neck and behind ear on one side of head. Couldn't sleep as couldn't find a position which was comfortable, dizzy spells, no energy, pain relief hardly touching it. I struggled driving even a short journey and ended up in tears.

Got appointment with nurse practitioner yesterday morning and she said she suspected dehydration. I drank 3 litres of water over the course of yesterday and am feeling almost back to normal this morning, slept so much better last night. She prescribed co-codamol but I haven't needed to take it. She said it could take up to a week to fully rehydrate.

I feel a bit daft for not considering dehydration myself as if ever my dc mention a headache, my first question is always to ask if ask if they've drunk enough water!

Obviously it might not be the same for you but can't hurt to ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids.

Thank you. Will start hydration on the road now.
I know when to pick my time for non stop water drinking.

How are you feeling now OP? Hope your journey wasn't too horrendous.

Are you drinking enough water? You might be a bit dehydrated. Is it hot where you are?

Hi all.
Just got home from a&e. Gp said it looks like I have a viral headache didnt even know it was a thing.
Also apparently very tight neck muscles which could be adding more pain to my head.
Gave me CO dydramol ( can’t spell). I took one just now. Hoping it will have some effect. The drive home was disgusting. Never doing that again.

Glad you have been seen.
I am a sufferer of awful hormone headaches. They happen before a period and just after. When you said you had just finished a period it did make me think of that.
To combat them I take plenty of women’s health vitamins. When I was pregnant they eased completely which was amazing for me as they are very difficult each month. My headaches don’t go overnight so I feel your pain there. Take care.

@TheConstantMoaner glad you got seen quick. Hope the medication helps and wish you quick recovery. Keep us updated.

Oh dear that sounds grim. Hope the painkillers provide some relief.

Thank you guys.
I’m happy I got to be seen really quick actually. When I left the line for a&e was going out the door.

I had a viral headache recently, which REALLY sucked. So much so I was sure it must be meningitis, it was so bad!

Glad you got seen quickly. Take the hefty painkillers. I did paracetamol and ibuprofen 400mg and it seemed to take it away.

OP

There is a virus going round, my carer had it and now I have it.

Headache, sort of flu like hangover like symptoms, really tired, wanting to sleep.

If it is that, it lasts about a week.

If it is caffine withdrawal - well have some caffeine.

For a headache - all the painkillers you have mentioned have headache as a side effect. No not joking.

Try drinking more water and pinching your hand between your thumb and first finger.

Personally for the journey home I'd take an antihistamine that does make you sleepy and try to sleep all the way home.

So now I have read your update, ignore all that but I'll leave it for anyone else who comes across this.

Glad you were seen and good luck with the pain killers.

The CO dydromol (still can’t spell it). Has slightly taken the edge off. This is one of the most awful headaches ever and yes I was also having suspicions it may be meningitis. Wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
Thank you all for all your feedback. Means a lot.

I had migraines which wouldn’t go away. I think caused by tension in my back and shoulders, too much pc and desk useage. Acupuncture stopped them completely. I do have monthly sessions but see it as the same thing as a massage or nails etc - to me it’s totally worthwhile. The migraines were bloody awful!

Did the acupuncture get rid ? Or did you need painkillers on top? I would prefer using natural remedies as I suffer from gastritis so all this medication is causing havoc with my stomach.

Hi @TheConstantMoaner how are you getting on? Feeling any better?