Question:
Why do I always have headaches now?

Ever since I had WLS on 4/5/02 I wake up with a headache. The pain seems to be somewhat relieved when I take a warm shower. I've also noticed that my neck is feeling stiff when I turn my head. What's up with this? I'm still using the same pillow and sleeping in the same bed I always have. I haven't been using my CPAP, but also I don't wake as often as I used to, so I think my sleep apnea has improved a bit. What do you think?    — Christine L. (posted on May 23, 2002)

May 22, 2002
I don't know why your neck would be stiff unless you're sleeping slightly differently to compensate for a sore incision. I had surgery two weeks ago, and I do wake up in the morning feeling a little stiffer than before, but I know I'm having to sleep in strange positions. As for your headaches, I bet it's because you're not sleeping with your C-PAP. I also have sleep apnea, and when I don't sleep with my C-PAP, I wake up with headaches also. The doctor explained to me that the headaches are caused by lack of oxygen. And even though you don't feel like you're waking up as much as before, my understanding is that people who have sleep apnea usually don't know they are waking up at all. I never know that I wake up, but I have severe sleep apnea. I would try sleeping with the C-PAP for a few nights and see if it makes a difference. Good luck!
   — Kristie B.

May 22, 2002
Christine - I have to agree with Kristie on this. I HATE using the darn CPAP machine (been on 1 for 2 years), and I am sooooo looking forward to getting rid of it as a post-op. However, I will wait until I have a follow-up sleep study to completely get rid of it. I know that when I've had a cold a couple of times these last 2 years, and was unable to use my CPAP, I felt so miserable and even more headachey. You may also be having some changes in your blood pressure. Make sure you keep an eye on that as well! Good Luck, hope you're feeling better soon. God Bless - Anna p.s. After your shower, rub some Ben-Gay on your neck and shoulders. It really does help.
   — Anna L.

May 23, 2002
I noticed the same thing around 4 months post op. I was sleeping with 2 pillows. I removed one and now sleep like a baby and no headaches or stiff necks when I wake up. My body shrunk so much that I no longer needed to prop my head so high to sleep. If you use only one pillow, maybe try finding a new one that isn't as thick or firm.
   — Danielle M.

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