Terrible headaches lately

[yesthattom]

Lately I've been having terrible headaches. Last night one started around 11pm and kept me up all night. This morning I called in sick to work and found an Urgent Care place near me. I fear doctors enough but then put me 3,000 miles from home and make me do it and I'm nearly petrified. However, I'm proud of myself for actually getting to one. (Yeah Cognitive Therapy!)

The doctor had no advice other than (1) i'm not about to die [I thought my brain was exploding], (2) I should take bigger doses of Ibuprofen, (3) a referal to a neurolgist. The neurologist can't seem me for nearly 3 weeks (I go home in 3 weeks), but I've gotten on the wait list so maybe I'll see him sooner.

So basically I'm just going to be in pain until I get home and can see someone that will take me seriously.

Tom

Comments

[airshipjones.livejournal.com]

Having suffered from headaches since I started having seizures, I have talked with a number of neurologists about this. The Ibuprofen is a good thing. Probably the best thing is sleep, since what helps deal with headaches most is a chemical your body produced when you are asleep. Some other things that can help are dark, since there is a connection to the optic nerves and the part of the brains that registers pain. Also, since a lot of headaches are related to muscle tension, anything which can reduce tension, swelling and improve circulation are good (except exercise, which is probably too much). A damp cloth on the back of the neck, a good soak in a hot tub, and/or a massage would be good.

Hope this helps.

[rainbear.livejournal.com]

Are you having sensitivity to light or sounds during the headache? If so, might be worth trying some OTC migraine remedies (IIRC, Excedrin has one that works pretty well). Since I know you're not a caffeine-a-holic, a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage may help alleviate the symptoms as well.

*HUGS* Feel butter!

[bunnygoth.livejournal.com]

much love and sympathy and I'm proud of you for going to the doctor. Don't be afraid to go back if it gets worse. The squeakier the wheel, the more a doctor will finally say "fine, fine, I'll listen to you and do something"

[onecrazymother.livejournal.com]

could it be sinuses? I almost went to the ER once with what I didn't realize was a new-to-me kind of sinus pain (pressure behind my eye). If it might be, try some sudafed, steam, tons of fluids and see if that helps. Acupressure can also be very good.

[polydad.livejournal.com]

I've had headaches like that, and you have my deepest sympathies. Which, regrettably, will not reduce the pain in the slightest.

Ibuprofen scales fairly well up to about 1.8 grams, for me. I used to have the 800mg. prescription pills, and two of them plus a heavily-hopped beer were the best remedy I could come up with. Taking eight OTC 200mg. pills worked just as well, but nine or ten didn't improve on 8. The beer really helped; a bit of alcohol is good, and the hops really seemed to have an effect - a hellesbier didn't have near the same impact as a Victory Hops Beer, despit slightly higher alcohol content. Going to bed and having a second pillow over my head to cut down on background noise and light was also very good, typically *after* the pills and beer.

If it's a muscle tension headache getting a rubdown will also help; if it's sinuses a heavyweight decongestant will help, along with as much guaifenisen syrup as you care to guzzle. (My sister checked out the medical facts on that for me; overdosing on guaifenisen is not possible. Human stomach won't hold enough to have an ill effect.) If arthritis is one of the causes, a heating pad on the back of the neck helps.

I hope you feel better. I regret I don't know any DB jocks still in the South Bay any more, unless Curtis Clauson is still in San Jose. If he is, I have no idea what he's been doing technically for about twenty years, so that is probably no help at all. Sorry.

best,

Joel

[subwayfaire.livejournal.com]

ugh, that sucks, man. hang in there!
(mailing you some local neuro info, in case you want to call around.)

[wakinghour.livejournal.com]

Ibuprofen rots your stomach - excedrin migraine is pretty good.