Tell me about your headache

[kate_schaefer]

Okay, this isn't about me. This is about you. What was your worst headache ever? Do you know what caused it? Did anything you did to get rid of it have an effect? How long did it take to go away?

There is no downside to being told that whatever made my head hurt, it wasn't going to kill me. That's totally a good thing. There is a downside to having my head still hurt more than a week later. There are no monster explosions inside my head; it doesn't hurt that appallingly intense way still. It does hurt, though, and it makes it hard to think. It's hard to do anything. I cannot possibly have been sympathetic enough to people with headaches in the past. I am so sorry, you all.

Historically, I don't get headaches. I didn't, anyway; I guess I have to change my perspective now. We didn't even have ibuprofen in the house. If I'm going to have this unwelcome addition to my life, I'm going to have to learn how to live with it.

So tell me stories, please. I feel your pain.

Dammit.

Comments

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

i do not get headaches, whew.

however, you might want to read all in my head (http://www.librarything.com/work/116970/book/1181859). is a good book.

[carolryles.livejournal.com]

Headaches are the most frustrating and disruptive things to cope with. I never used to get headaches, then at the age of 36 I started to get regular migraines -- sometimes weekly, sometimes 2 or three a week. Because I was getting so many, it took me a few months to work out that the worse ones were timed with my monthly cycle. No medication seemed to stop the pain -- not even pethidine, which I only tried once. They lasted anything from 2 to 10 days. Over the years, they alternated between getting worse and better. I tried everything from preventers, which gave me weird side effects and acupuncture and naturopathy, which did nothing. These days, if I don't look after my health and exercise for an hour at least 5x weekly and eat healthily, they get very bad. If I do look after my health, I can get away with one migraine a month that usually responds to aspirin and immigrin if I take it at the first sign. For me, ibuprofen never worked. I read somewhere like New Scientist that it works better on men than women -- something to do with our differing chemistries, I think.

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

I've never had a headache last more than a day. (That said, I have had several-hours-long headaches every day for weeks, possibly months, at times.) I seem to be genetically predisposed to migraines, and have identified several triggers (which have changed over time), but for the worst ones, I never know what causes them. And nothing but lying down in a dark room for hours makes them go away.

[selkie-b.livejournal.com]

Worst I ever had were in college. Mine were true seering migraines with color flashes and sensitivity to light, etc... caused by? My own silliness! I have astigmatism and nearsightedness in both eyes and my glasses prescription was so far off it's a wonder I could see at all!

[singingnettle.livejournal.com]

In 2004 when I was packing for a move, I suddenly one night was struck with a headache so bad that I went to ER and told them if they couldn't make it stop to please kill me or make me unconscious, and I wasn't being a bit facetious. They ran the full volley of tests but never did figure out what caused it.

[intelligentrix.livejournal.com]

I used to get terrible migraines as a child that continued through my college years and into my time in NYC. They typically lasted a day, but were so painful--with accompanying symptoms of nausea, and sensitivity to light, sound and motion--that I would sometimes lie on the bathroom floor because the tiles were cool and I was close to the commode just in case I needed to throw up.

The very worst one, however, was during my last year in NYC, after I foolishly got a shot of Depo-Provera. I didn't figure out the cause for several weeks, during which time I saw a neurologist several times a week, had an MRI and a spinal tap. I did finally figure out that it was the shot, but the headache lasted 3 months and I lost my job. I was in so much pain that I couldn't even deal with the paperwork for medical leave.

The upside is that I have not had such a crippling migraine since and their severity has greatly decreased. Now I only get them when I've foolishly stayed up far too late on the computer or watching TV with my neck at an odd angle, and even then they go away with the judicious application of AC&Cs.

[janetl.livejournal.com]

Was it a migraine? I went through a spell of having them a lot, and developed some strategies for reducing the frequency and coping when they came. I recommend this book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060953195/migrainesurvival/102-2600335-4134522

Of the over-the-counter pills, napoxen sodium (Aleve) works best for me with bad headaches.
For flat-out migraines, I use prescription pills. There are several of them, and different ones work for different people. MaxAlt works best for me.

[vgqn.livejournal.com]

I can't pinpoint a single headache. My worst headaches have usually been associated with both my sinuses and tension in my upper back/shoulder blade area. It's a weird but direct connection -- when Mike massages that area of my back, I can feel my sinuses relax. I think the sinus irritation is what starts it, although I think the back tension is what then really gives me the headache. Ibuprofen mutes the pain well, but sometimes it persists for a few days. Certain perfumes bother me, but I've actually noticed a correlation to weather changes (high pressure/low pressure systems). Weird, huh? Not always, by any means, but often enough.

I can get migraine-like headaches from certain kinds of flashing lights (walking or driving past trees or fences with a setting sun, for instance). I can give myself a headache by doing a rapid focus/scan/focus/scan pattern, as in trying to rapidly check books on bookshelves. Small wonder I don't find used bookstores as compelling as many fans. Best cure for these headaches is taking ibuprofen and lying down in dim lighting, hopefully falling asleep.

Headaches

[ladyjestocost.livejournal.com]

Hmm.

Like vgqn, scents can cause mine - even scents I find pleasant. I'm also another one for whom the weather can cause problems. I hate the spring winds and the fall storms.

I understand that sensitivities can cause them. I use the term sensitivity on purpose - it's not the same as an allergy, which is a very precise medical term.

Stress is a big contributor for me. Also lack of sleep and not eating right.

I find that ibuprofen works best for me. Midol isn't half bad either. Sometimes my husband has brushed my hair - that can work, as can massage.

[e-bourne.livejournal.com]

Funny, I've had a headache all day that wouldn't go away.

I get migraines if I'm not careful about eating certain types of foods. Once I've got one, I've got it. There is no functioning. This will sound crazy, but massive doses of eating sugar, and ice packs helps make it bearable.

Ibuprofren helps some types of headaches, tylenol helps others. There's a difference between sinus headaches (in your forehead) and other headaches.

A headache for a week sounds serious no matter what. I'd go back to the doctor and tell them. That is not normal. The worst migraine I ever had only lasted for 3 days. (I lived in Toronto, it was winter, at one point I went out side in my bathrobe and stuck my head in the snow)

[vgqn.livejournal.com]

And I'm sorry to hear your head still hurts! It doesn't sound right that it should be lasting this long. Maybe you should call your doctor again.

[kateyule.livejournal.com]

I used to be allergic (or, per ladyjestocost, sensitive) to chocolate. One good brownie, and I'd have a headache for two weeks. Not debilitating the entire time, mind you, but it would lurk around in the background muttering to itself and peer in the windows. Sometimes the brownie was worth it. I'm glad that finally faded. Mongo like chocolate.

I get migraines, currently 4-5 a year. The clearest triggers are too much sun, jerky motion, and hunger. There may not be any obvious reason. I don't get "auras" or recognizable precursors, except that I can stop in the middle of an otherwise OK day and say "I've got a migraine coming." Sometimes a dim room and a couple of tylenol-with-codeine will stop it right there. Lesser drugs do nothing.

Once the migraine starts, any kind of flickery light is intolerable. There's nausea, and sharp pain right behind one eye that I characterize as "someone's driven a nail into my head just THERE." Best case is to crawl into bed, listen to very low-level radio (to give me somewhere to focus attention outside my skull) and doze for some hours. I'll wake with the stabbing pain and light sensitivity gone, and just a background headache for a few days.

Actually, BEST case with migraines seems to come when I give in to the nausea and throw up. It's like a reset switch: bam, the nausea and most pain are gone. Still need to sleep it off. I don't understand this mechanism, but I've given up fighting it (and David finally accepted that I wasn't going bulimic on him).

For a year or two, I had a migraine every Monday afternoon. I thought it might be work stress, or something outgassing from the carpet that built up over the weekend?? Nope. Caffeine withdrawal. One cup Saturday, one cup Sunday, migraine Monday. So now I drink decaf.

[accordingto-ada.livejournal.com]

Please tell the doctor you still have the headache.

When I've had headaches, it's generally been sinus stuff or not enough sleep.

[netmouse.livejournal.com]

My head hurts all the time.

I think it was probably the worst a couple times in junior high or high school when I literally could not think. Very hard to take tests that way. Luckily a teacher in Junior High taught me how to refer pain to other parts of my body and then ignore it.

I also had a bad migraine in college once, but... that was different. It was not so much intense pain as the full-sensory overload of it. sounds hurt, touch hurt, light hurt, that sort of thing.

I get headaches from many sources - stress, clenching and grinding my teeth, bright light of snow (i have light eyes), misalignments in my spine. (neck curves the wrong way - probably an old injury).

The worst headaches these days are thankfully also the most brief. Every so often, with no immediate cause I have ever been able to ferret out, it feels like someone just took a steel spike and drove it through my head. But that only lasts a few seconds. half a minute at most. Then there are echos but the worst of it is over. Given my history with pain it never occurred to me to see a doctor about it. Pain just happens.

[netmouse.livejournal.com]

mmm, dehydration can cause headaches, too, and electrolite imballance.

[netmouse.livejournal.com]

oh, and I forgot to mention treatment - I ignore pain until it disrupts function (unless it is from an injury that is swelling, then I ice it and take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation).

If a headache is intolerable, I take aspirin (800 mg), acetaminophen (800mg), and caffeine. These are conveniently combined in Excedrin. I often use a rum and coke for my caffeine delivery system. It helps expand blood vessels. I don't consume much caffeine normally so I don't need much of a dose.

icing the neck, drinking lots of water, and sleeping are other sometimes effective treatments for a headache. If it's a sinus headache, facial massage can help.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That's a good suggestion, and it's on the shelf at my local library.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Carol. The exercise reminder is a good point. I normally exercise pretty regularly, but since the headache started, I've slacked off. Who wants to do anything while in pain? I'll try working through it, carefully.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

That's one of the things I fear: that I won't figure out what caused this. I have some suspicions and some things to try this week.

Technically, this headache hasn't lasted more than a day, either. The true pain comes and goes; what has persisted has been the ominous feeling of pressure that could turn into pain at any moment.

[rachel-swirsky.livejournal.com]

I get migraines. I notice they're a lot worse when I'm on a medication that means I can't take my anti-migraine meds. My migraines tend to be fairly mild, so I usually try to treat them with sleep or time rather than taking the very expensive drugs that (usually, but sometimes don't) get rid of them. But when that's not an option because of potential side effects from pharmaceutical combinations, I notice the headache seems to *hurt more* because I don't have the option of crying "mercy!" and reaching for the drug.

If that makes sense.

I'm sorry about your crack of doom headache. If it were a migraine, I'd offer some probably useless suggestions for dulling the pain (probably useless because what dulls the pain seems to be highly individual).

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

That's a good reminder: get my eyes checked. It's on my list for today's calls.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

That sounds much worse than mine. Yes, mine was sudden, and it was the worst pain I'd ever had, but it didn't stay that painful for very long. It subsided into this dull, persistent reminder that the pain could return at any time.

We really want to know what causes things, of course, while the ER's job is just to keep us from dying right then.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Gack. Migraines sound like a special place in hell. I don't think this is a migraine, but I am mildly encouraged by all the strategies others have reported for managing migraine recurrence.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's a migraine, but I'll take a look at the book. Thanks for the recommendation. I suspect that reading several books about headache in general will provide me some perspective.

I was using ibuprofen, but I think I will switch to Aleve. I generally use it for joint pain, and it's quite effective for that, but I had the idea that it wasn't as good for other aches. Since it's possible that this ache comes from pressure on the skull suture, which is a joint, Aleve might be just the right thing. Thanks!

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

I suspect mine were hormonal, frankly, since they disappeared once I emerged from adolescence. The ergot derivative I was on briefly may have helped, too. A lot of this is lost to the mists of memory, because as an adult, my migraines have been mild and eminently manageable almost all of the time. Only when I'm cavalier and, say, wake up with a migraine, do my "two Excedrin and a can of Coke" routine, and then try to ride the BART to work before the pain has entirely subsided do I end up flat on my back for the day nowadays.

[pantryslut.livejournal.com]

If you haven't had your blood pressure checked recently, that's a good one, too. Especially considering the symptoms you describe.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

My normally low blood pressure has remained low throughout this adventure. Yay. Because of the emergency room and the follow-up with my doctor and the MRI guys, everything really scary has been ruled out, leaving only tedious, mundane, non-fatal yet still uncomfortable headache causes.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Weather changes and sinus irritation could definitely be a factor in this, along with pollen and bright lights.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

A friend's headaches went mostly away with the blood pressure medication. Blood pressure can cause so many problems, and it's so easy to check....

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Snow sounds great.

If sinus headaches are always in the forehead, then this is not a sinus headache, which is consistent with the ER doctor's opinion, but sinus-related pressure changes do seem to make it worse. Not one big cause, but many small causes: that may be my key here.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

This is very interesting. It's certainly not what I'm experiencing, but it's really interesting to read about other people's headaches (amazingly, reading about your past headache does not make my current headache worse). There is no nausea associated with this head condition at all.

I don't normally drink anything with caffeine in it, but I'm currently cautiously drinking Coke for the caffeine. It seems to help some.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

My worst headaches? Often related to medication and last for days -- but no more than three, IIRC. Mostly I lie in bed, arms wrapped around my head in various configurations, and try to sleep through it. That's one time when chronic sleep deprivation has really come in handy.

I've also gotten horrible tension headaches, caffeine withdrawal headaches (even one cup a day during the week causes problems on Saturday), and headaches as side effects from new medication. (If headaches are a side effect, I will get headaches.)

These are all No Fun. I hope you find out what's up with yours, soon!

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Ada. I'm going through my health support resources in a fairly orderly manner, and I think I'm getting somewhere now.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

The idea of having your hurt all the time is really scary to me, but I understand about learning to live with constant pain. My back used to hurt all the time. All the time. Sometimes it was better, and sometimes it was worse, but I just dealt with it.

Now it doesn't hurt most of the time, because I lift weights and am so! much! stronger! I started lifting weights to ward off osteoporosis now that I'm post-menopausal, and was astonished to discover how much better I feel overall.

Overall, except for my head in the past ten days.

Compared to what you describe, my pain is as nothing. On the other hand, it's mine, so I'll try to come up with ways to make it less.

Thanks.

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Rachel. I am finding these stories very useful, particularly because of the wide variety of ways that people deal with headaches. There are so many different causes and so many different strategies that are more or less successful across time.

[netmouse.livejournal.com]

heh. Yeah, my back hurts all the time too. and sometimes my ankle, and my knee, and my shoulder... I'm a mess! My mom commented last year that sometimes when they're over for dinner or something and I've been cooking and standing for a while, I'll sit down and get this pained look on my face like I want someone to take care of me or something. I think she thought I was being manipulative. After a surprised moment it occurred to me to explain, "Um, no, I'm just... actually in pain. I'm pretty much always in pain, but I almost always hide it. Every so often, there are moments when I get worn out, and then it shows. I'm not asking for attention, I'm just in pain."

She once sent me to a neurologist when I was in high school because of my headaches. He had me do a stupid set of ballance and coordination tests and declared my "neurologically normal". I don't want to think about how much we paid that idiot for those 15 minutes of unhelpful quackery. Years later I went to a chiropractor, and it was a revelation; chiropractic care has helped immensely in pain management.

5 years ago I also pressed for a prescription for physical therapy for the knee that regularly went out which I had injured in high school playing soccer. That helped so much I later did the same for my right shoulder after I had rotator cuff surgery, and for an unstable left ankle. My ankle, knee and shoulder only hurt when I'm not on top of doing physical therapy. Strength building definitely helps! I need to remember that.

Re: Headaches

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Just talked to my massage therapist, check. Thanks.

[netmouse.livejournal.com]

mm, yes, I also get headaches from not having my glasses on or otherwise struggling to see something I can't - getting eyes checked is a good suggestion!

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Sleep helps, although getting to sleep has been a challenge and my dreams are cranky and weird.

Sounds like your head is your vulnerable spot. I will be careful never to pat you on it.

[bibliofile.livejournal.com]

Sleep always helps.

Oh, and I have had a few food allergies produce headaches, too. All you can do with those is pay attention and then avoid the triggery thing, which you already know all about I'm sure.

Don't worry about patting: it's the inside, not the outside. No trepanning for me, thanks!

[emerdavid.livejournal.com]

I'm prone to migraines. I used to get them frequently. They would start out as mere tension headaches, but would just get worse and worse until I had to go lie down in a dark and quiet place with something cold over my forehead and eyes and stay there for hours.

The worst one was about 10 or 15 years ago, when it got so bad that even the above treatment didn't work. I was in blinding pain. I threw up from the pain, but it didn't lessen. Fortunately my then-wife had the clarity of mind to recommend going to the emergency room, and after sitting in pain for way too long while various questions were asked and forms were filled out, I finally got a shot of some hospital-strength painkiller (might have been morphine). Then they did a CAT scan to make sure I didn't have something serious causing it.

After that, I saw a pain specialist. She prescribed various migraine drugs, but the most effective treatment by far was simple advice: "As soon as you get even a hint that you might be getting a headache, take drugs immediately." For me, it's 4 ibuprofen. Ever since I've been following that advice, no headache has ever gotten anywhere near that bad. What a concept -- painkillers before there's pain!

Of course, this doesn't help the kind of headache that comes on suddenly and intensely. But you asked for my story, so......

[carolryles.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. Though I must admit, I don't exercise when I have a headache. I did try it once after I took pain killers and anti-emetics -- I was on holiday and didn't want to miss out on a 5 hour uphill bushwalk. It turned out not to be a good idea at all. While I was hiking, the pain actually went. But five minutes after I stopped, it all came back in what felt like a massive explosion inside my head that lasted for an hour before settling down. Now I use exercise only as a preventer, not a cure.

[carolryles.livejournal.com]

However an interesting point to note: This summer I went on a 5 day mountain hike in NZ carrying 17 kg on my back including all my food which was mostly freeze dried dinners and fruit and nuts. Also the only water I drank was from mountain streams. According to my calendar I should have got a migraine 4 days into the hike. But I didn't. In fact I lost about 2kg of weight (lots of climbing) and didn't get another migraine until about 6 weeks after. If only I could do 5 day hikes more often!!

[kate-schaefer.livejournal.com]

Thanks, David. I am finding the stories illuminating, truly.

[katfaw.livejournal.com]

I'm 51 and first started getting migraines about 3 years ago. Turns out my mother had "terrible headaches" in her late 40's and now my sister who is 2 years younger is starting to get the occasional migraine. I get a lot of headaches that don't go over the edge to migraine, the ball of pain behind my right eye. I grade my headaches from 1-5, 5 is non-functioning/in bed with something over my eyes. I can go for 6 weeks without one then have three nights/days in a row when I have one. Luckily the drug I have just for the migraines called Relpax (very expensive even with insurance and they only give me 6 at a time) does make the pain go away but it makes my head feel very strange and I'm really still not able to function. Sometimes I'll wake up early in the morning and feel the migraine and if I take the Relpax then I can usually salvage the day. My migraines are definitely hormone related.

My non-migraine headaches can usually be helped by two Excedrin (for stress headaches since I can't tolerate the aspirin in the other versions). Sometimes it takes a second dose 4 hours later to really kick it out. I try to meditate every morning and have been known to find a place to lie down at work with something over my eyes at lunchtime to try and relax because the more my head aches the more tense I get and the more my head aches. I don't drink coffee or tea so the caffeine in the Excedrin really helps my head. I have had a series of headaches that come and go over the course of a week so that at least part of each day is spent with your head aching. For me it just finally goes away and suddenly the world looks so much better. I can't imagine how people in constant pain manage life.