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Original poster

Sounds daft really, but can cocodamol give you a headache ??

37 replies

nutcracker · 08/12/2007 10:49

I have to take them for period pains and I have to make sure I take them regularly from the first sign of pain for about 4 days else I am in absolute agony.

They are working in that I am not really in any pain but they do make me feel a bit light headed and like I have a headache. Seems a bit odd that taking a painkiller can give you a headache, but my mum said she thinks she read that it was a side effect.

OP posts:
Katymac · 09/12/2007 14:07

I take cocodamol for back pain & I take 1 every 2 hrs(ish) instead of 2 every 4

It doesn't kill the pain - but it makes it bearable and I never get the awful the painkiller has run out & I can't take anymore for an hour feeling

Original poster
nutcracker · 09/12/2007 14:08

If I get a refferal, will they want to examine me during my period, or see me during it to see how much pain I am in ?? The thought of that scares me witless tbh, as it hurts to breath, my stomach gets thats sore, so the thought of anyone examinging me at that point is not something I could even entertain.

OP posts:
Original poster
nutcracker · 09/12/2007 14:09

That sounds good Katy, hadn't thought of spacing it out like that.

I am not due to start my next pack of pills until Tuesday night, but I am starting it tonight, just can't stand this anymore.

OP posts:
moyasmum · 09/12/2007 14:43

This might not be helpful, but, codeine can make you prone to constipation. All of which can contribute to headache,sore tum etc. Relative of mine recently on cocodimol and complained of feeling unwell. They were told that "of course" some people react to codeine that way.

Katymac · 09/12/2007 14:47

I know about the constipation - I have IBS so any help in that direction is a relief (sorry tmi)

Make sure you drink lots

LuckyStarOfBethSalem · 09/12/2007 15:01

Nutcracker - I used to have really bad periods. Sounds like what you're describing. I got it the first couple of days and my period would only last 3 days. I'd use co-codamol which would take the edge off but not fix it at all.

I eventually went onto the pill (can't remember which one though) and it made it bearable (with the co-codamol) I had to start the pill at 14 cos of this.

Was about to go to a Gynae but got preg so perhaps you should INSIST on a referral as I know i'm going to if it comes back as bad as it did after the baby is born.

I really feel for you and hope something can be done.

noxmasname · 09/12/2007 15:21

Nutty, I have horrendous periods. I was in as much pain as you are describing every month for years. Saw numerous gyne's who passed it off as bad period pains, but when i began passing out with pain every month I demanded something more be done about it. Eventually I was diagnosed with endometriosis - I had a laparoscopy and they found it was all over. I've had numerous treatments for it.

A lot of people do have bad heavy periods with it, but for some they have lighter periods and huge amounts of pain. The symptoms you are describing sound very much like endometriosis. How old are you if you dont mind me asking, and how long have your periods been this painful?

I would insist on a referral as endometriosis is one of the most common complaints to get diagnosed - most ladies that have it have waited years for a diagnosis.

noxmasname · 09/12/2007 15:23

sorry - meant that endometriosis is one of the most common complaints to get mis diagnosed.

I've been told I had IBS, bad period pains, was miscarrying (and they had me admitted for d&c once) before they finally decided to examine me and found what it was.

Original poster
nutcracker · 09/12/2007 16:05

I am 29 and my periods have always been painful since they started at age 11, and I used to pass out. They have got worse since I have had my kids, youngest of whom is five. The pain I have now is not the same as when i was 11. Then it was really just bad backache and stomach cramps which would go after a couple of rounds of painkillers.

Now though the pain is just excruciating and starts about 2/3 days before my period and lasts for about a week. The pain is always worse in the morning and at night and tbh feels like someone is repeatadly stabbing me in my stomach, groin and backside .

OP posts:
3littlefrogs · 09/12/2007 17:36

It really does sound like endometriosis - there is a type that is called adeno something and I can't for the life of me remember what it is. It can be associated with IBS and each condition makes the other one worse IYSWIM.

Insist on a referral.

Original poster
nutcracker · 09/12/2007 18:15

I found something called adenomyosis, which is 'The penetration and growth of endometrial tissue from the uterine lining into the myometrium (uterine muscle) is called adenomyosis or internal endometriosis.'

The symptoms fit except for again it saying that heavy or irregular bleeding is a symptom and I don't have that.

OP posts:
noxmasname · 09/12/2007 22:57

i think they are both the same, although may be wrong.

It certainly sounds like endometriosis nutcracker - same pattern as me - pain 2-3 days before a period and lasts for days. Dont be put off by the list of symptoms, not everyone has heavy or irregular bleeding with it - mine is heavy but not irregular at all. People have some or most of the classic symptoms but not all of them. The most common symptom is the pain though - that isnt normal and you need to get referred. It could be something other than endo, maybe even a cyst, but definately insist on being referred to a gyne.

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