Head pain/ head ache/ migraine?

[Constantworry]

Hello I'm new, throughout the year I have what the doctors call 'bouts' of migraines although they arent sure what's going on. I am currently going through an episode which usually last a few weeks during which I wake up with head aches and migraines and throughout the day suffer from shooting sharp pains in my head. I'm looking for people who suffer similar things because this terrifies the life out of me, I suffer severe health anxiety and have convinced myself this is something much worse this time around. I've been put on strong medication which I'm pretty sure isnt helping my issues either. I had a head mri this time last year which came back clear and im now being double checked due to me asking g for another for peace of mind. Can anyone relate to this very long winded story, my apologies-

[Agora1]

Welcome Constantworry. I certainly can relate to chronic daily headaches. For years,

it fluctuated between Migraines and Muscle Contraction Headaches. I was under the

care of both a Neurologist and Rheumatologist. I never had the fear of it being anything

more than hormonal as well as overwhelming stress in my life.

I am not one to reach out for pain medication but during the intense sick migraines, I would

give in to only one that day. I even stayed away from OTC meds used for headaches because of knowing they can and do cause rebound headaches. I was given physical therapy for the tension headaches which worked in releasing the trigger spasms in the

back of the head as well as neck and upper shoulder area. For the migraines, I used cold

paks, relaxation tapes and a dark cool room where I would breath my pain away by allowing

the pain medication to work as I went into a deep relaxation mode. Not easy when in pain

but it can be done with practice. (and I certainly had a lot of practice) I found that for me

Acupuncture also helped immensely...

After suffering for years with daily head pain, I was able to work with pain or around my pain. I found that (for me) a cup of strong coffee and a Xanax took care of the problem.

Keeping busy doing something else also allowed me to forget about the pain.

During this time I also found out that hydration was imperative to avoid or at least reduce

the intensity of headaches. Of course, I watched any precursors such as MSG that would

affect my blood vessels.

I totally understand what you are going through. I really believe your username says it

all...in that constant worry only exacerbates the pain and the triggers. I'm glad you are

here with us. I wish you well on your next MRI or CatScan. Been there, done that.

I support you totally because I care. xx

[Constantworry in reply to Agora1]

I just wanted to hear someone elses story and treatment to feel less alone in this situation. It sounds like you've been through the wars with your treatment and somehow learnt to manage through what I cant seem to see a way through at the moment how very brave of you. I feel like listening and learning other people healthy coping mechanisms can help and encourage me to try them while I wait for this scan. Thankyou for sharing your story with me it was inspiring and thankyou for your support it means an awful lot xx

[Dolphin14]

I suffered migraines for years. They would typically last for three days. They were hormonal headaches. Brought on at the same time every month. I tried a lot of prescription preventative meds. I would still get the headache so I figured that wasn't working and stopped that stuff.

Eventually I needed to give myself injections for the pain.

Hydration is definitely key as Agora mentioned.

I used to use face mask ice packs. I also put ice packs in my pillow case.

These went on until menopause. I get them every once in awhile now. I take a tablet form of what I used to inject and it goes away pretty quickly.

I never worried that mine were anything more than migraines. They were too routine and predictable.

Good luck with your test. These can be so debilitating I'm sorry you have to go through this.

[Want2BHappy3]

Welcome, I feel sorry your suffering with migraines. I have friends who have, it's Life altering. I hope you get the help you need?

[thyroidmom84]

My case is similar. I have headaches that last for days and sometimes weeks. At points, I have severe pain and actually had a terrifying ice pick headaches back in July. I suspect it might be related to my hypothyroidism but I’m not entirely sure.

[thyroidmom84 in reply to thyroidmom84]

I should add- I also have health anxiety and always worry that these headaches are attributable to some bigger problem (even though I’ve had an MRI and logically know headache disorders are very common).

[TheBlackdog]

Hi Constantworry, I too suffer intense tension left temple headaches which come and go over several days. I take paracetamol but this doesn't really get rid of it. Ibuprofen helps a little more but still not completely.

I have just had my eyes tested today by a professional and found that I have to go back in a year as it is my first and nothing to compare it with. I do get eye strain and tired eyes often but dont get any time to rest them as not enough hours in the day. I wonder whether the headaches have anything to do with this. The chap said that anxiety, depression and stress etc effect my headaches. I have also just had a blood test and wait to hear the results.

I have taken away from this that I must rest my eyes more often. Also I might see the dr as I get light headed when standing up from low down.

Hope this helps.