Question:
Daily headache post surgery?
I am about 3 mos out and for the last month I have been getting headaches daily. Usually they hold off until afternoon, but occasionally (like today) I wake up with one. I am getting in at least 60 gm protein and 80-100 oz H20. So I don't think it is dehydration. I take muscle relaxants every night to avoid the headaches but when they come on Tylenol doesn't cut it, I have to take vicodin. Has anyone else had this problem, can suggest a solution, or at least a cause? Thanks — Pupcake !. (posted on January 18, 2004)
January 18, 2004
Pre-op I had chronic daily headaches for 5 YEARS!!! I kid you not, they
were the kind you get from eating ice cream too fast, those brain freeze
ones. After years of medical workups, neurologists, chiropractors, bone
scans, surgeries, etc. it was discovered that I have degenerative disc
disease in my neck. I was 27 years old and was told that I had the neck of
an 80 year old. I ended up taking 400 mg. of Celebrex daily (double the
usual does) which finally stopped the headaches. <p>
Post-op I have seen a dramatic decrease in my headaches even though I no
longer take the Celebrex, but the headaches decreased even more once I had
my breast surgery. It is my belief now that my excess weight on my neck,
tummy and breasts have contributed to my headaches being worse in addition
to my degenerative disc disease. I still get some headaches, but I have
found that the Tylenol 8 hour works much better than anything else I've
tried. Now because I've lost so much weight, I have my rolls of skin on my
tummy and that is putting pressure on my back. I currently go to a
chiropractor at least once a month for adjustments on my back and neck and
have been doing so since about 3-4 months post-op and that has pretty much
help keep my headaches at bay. Even my chiropractor stated that the weight
of my breasts was a huge contributing factor to my headaches. I currently
average about 1-2 headaches a week sometimes less than that! Believe it or
not, I've had several neurologists tell me that the majority of people
never get headaches even though we hear about them the most. I found that
hard to believe and then I think about my hubs and my father who have NEVER
had a headache! Talk about WOW! Anyway, this has been my experience, don't
know if it will help but hope at least it let's you know that you aren't
alone. :-)<p>
Big hugs, Sharon
— Click
January 18, 2004
Geraldine - I've had migraine and muscular (tension) headaches for over 20
years now, and it was a rare day for me not to have some sort of headache.
Anyway, the day after surgery, I had a horrible migraine that lasted almost
the entire day. I begged the medical staff to let me take my migraine meds
that I had brought with me (Thank God, I had changed from an ingestible
tablet to a dissolvable tablet, since I couldn't take anything by mouth
yet). After I came home, I had 6 migraines in the first 9 days. I spent
those days doped up to my eyebrows, since I had a muscular headache at the
same time. My doctor told me that the migraines would probably eventually
go away, which I find really hard to believe yet, since I've had them over
20 years. At least now, I only have one during my monthly cycle. I've
often been awakened by a migraine headache; do you have sensitivity to
light, smells, or nausea and spots in front of your eyes? A throbbing pain
on one side of your head or sround one eye? You should check with your
doctor and get them to do some tests to find the cause of the headaches.
You shouldn't have to rely on muscle relaxants and Vicodin to reduce the
pain. If it's a migraine, there are lots of medications out there (I've
tried practically all of them!!). Muscular (tension) headaches can be just
as painful as migraines, as far as I'm concerned. I have combination
migraine/tension headaches, and it's a vicious cycle - the tension headache
triggers the migraine, so I can't take the migraine meds until I get rid of
the tension headache. I hope you find out the cause of your headaches
soon, and are able to get some lasting relief. I know, from experience,
how it screws up your life to have a headache every single day. Good luck.
Grace
— Grace B.
January 18, 2004
Brenda,
I saw your Q&A on the headaches and I had to respond. I no longer
allow them to prescribe vicodin for me because of the killer headaches I
get when I take it! If you read the info on vicodin, headache is a major
side affect. Maybe you and your doc can find something else to take?
Fawn Lori
— Fawn L.
January 19, 2004
It took over a year to get my nearly daily migraines under control. Look
for a hospital with a Headache Clinic within its Neurology dept. Be patient
- it took 12 meds to find the one that worked for me. I am taking Topomax
(actually an anti-seizure med) for my migraines and Ambien to get more
sleep, which is a problem... More sleep, less migraines. Also, getting as
much daily activity is a good way to boost natural chemicals to prevent
migraines. Works for me :)
— kultgirl
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