Pre-op diet ....horrible headache??

Hello all, this is my second day on the 2 week liquid diet & I am having a horrible headache. Is this normal? And how long before it goes away? I've taken Tylenol but nothing is helping.

 It was certainly something that I experienced on the liquid diet.  It mostly went away after the first few days, but I had a couple of headaches in week 2 as well.  So you'll most likely feel better in a couple of days-- hang in there!

Yes, I experienced that as well.  It's likely that your body is experiencing carb/sugar/caffeine withdrawals!  Yes, it's a real thing I promise! Drink lots of water....I promise it gets better, and you will feel better! 

I didn't have to do a liquid diet, but I can tell you that caffeine withdrawl gave me a tremendous headache for a few days right after surgery.

Also, tylenol does very little for most headaches... its active ingredient works better on fevers.  Try an NSAID like Motrin or Aleve (enjoy them now while you can because after surgery you won't be able to take them anymore).

Audrey

I experienced this for almost a week or two it goes away afterwards.

Your body is de-toxing. Did you go off caffeine cold-turkey? That is very hard on you and I would suggest weaning off of it over the first week. I know I will probably get flack for saying this because I don't know your surgeon's plan, but I would suggest drinking a little REAL Coke or pepsi and see if it helps. I just don't believe in suffering needlessly. Any doctor will tell you not to go straight off of caffeine. But if caffeine is not your problem, it's just from the detox and lack of calories, a general shock to your system. JMO

Yes, I went off caffiene cold turkey. I do agree that Tylenol doesn't do much but I was told not to take any NSAIDs 2 weeks prior to surgery. I broke down & made me a cup of coffee just for the caffiene to see if it helped. I have to say that it didn't help much. Could it be the lack of food? I can't remember the last time my head hurt this bad.

For some reason, when I get a caffeine headache, coffee doesn't help, but Coke does. This is the ONLY time I drink a little coke. I'm talking maybe 1/4 of a can over ice. Sometimes it's all that will help. Other than this, I drink NO sodas.

Keep your eye on the prize (surgery) and I hope you feel better soon.

NSAIDS can also act as blood thinners, so I can see not taking them a few days before surgery.  2 weeks might be a bit excessive, but I would do what your surgeon says... I am not a surgeon and I'm sure he/she has a good reason for it.

Audrey

The Coke is definitely worth a try. At this point Im even considering the NSAIDs. I had no idea this was going to be so difficult so soon. Bummer!