Headaches, pain relief and other issues.

[meggiemog]

I am still in initial stages of being diagnosed and have just started to do my headache diary. I have what seems to be termed as silent migraines and I also have unilateral hearing loss - but I don't just take pain relief for a bad head, I have back problems too - lower spine (which affects my hips and knees) and neck & shoulder . I have read how doctors are now saying that pain relief tablets such as paracetamol can actually cause headaches if used regularly (more that 4 times a week). I am finding I am putting down pain relief I am taking for joint pain - not because I have a bad head!

I am supposed to be going onto propanalol to block the head problems, but wonder how my back may be affected.

[Onthemove1971]

I have been listening to the Podcast "Heads Up" and they say if you are taking headace medication( tension headace, tylenol or Triptans) for more than 15 days in a 30 day month that is going to cause rebound headaces.

Have you used this:

Anicare gel, by Boiron. It is a rub on gel that has not smell and really helps with sore muscles and pain.

I know it is hard but try to treat the physical pain and that will stop the headaces if they say it is from the physical pain.

Best of luck!

[meggiemog in reply to Onthemove1971]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I don't take that much pain relief - I only take anything when the pain is so bad I can't sleep. I usually try hot water bottles and ibuprofen gel (only way I can tolerate the stuff). The last time I tried taking paracetamol to help migraine I threw it back up and ended up just keeping my head cold with a wet towel - wore off about 8 hours later. I'm really not sure what's going on to be honest. I would think on average I have a woolly head every day- but will only take pain relief maybe twice a week - and more likely for back or joint pain than my head. That usually just makes me feel gormless and dizzy! The hearing issue probably adds to the issue though as I have to listen so hard it exhausts me!

[Chleo11 in reply to meggiemog]

Hello Meggiemog. Sorry to hear about your problems. Paracetamol won't caused much 'rebound headaches' however, the problem with it is for your liver. If you take it regularly for too long your liver won't be happy at all. This could lead to serious issues later on. It is not really worth it, because paracetamol really doesn't offer much relief after all.

I'm surprised they want to put you on propanalol. It has quite heavy side-effects and as far as I know, it has been now replaced by Candersatan, which seems to help a lot of migraineurs.

That is interesting what you're saying about unilateral hearing loss. Did they tell you if the hearing loss was in the middle ear or inner ear? They are two different things altogether. I lost my hearing in the left hear about 12 years ago and started to have a very loud tinnitus with this. It is a middle ear issue. However, this happens after a longer period of daily headaches and frequent migraines. To this date I remain convinced that there was a link. Doctors and specialists say it is not possible. ??????? After a few years when they kept on telling me that they were not sure what the issue is (meaning, 'we can't do anything for you woman, so go back home and leave us alone), they ended up giving a diagnostic of otosclerosis 'by default'.

Have you ever checked if Triptans may be helping your back problems (maybe there is a link?). In relation to pain killers, max of anything 8-10 days/month, which is 2/week. As far as I understand, it is not the potency or quantity you take which is problem, but how often you take it. Does it make sense?

Sorry for the big post. Not like I actually really know what I am talking about.

You take care!!

[meggiemog in reply to Chleo11]

Thanks Chleo!

I am due to see another ENT specialist soon - my first experience was not a good one. No acoustic neuroma - but similar effects for me. I can't make sense of speech in that ear even with a hearing aid.

I have tried amitriptyline for my joints - but I wiped me out so much I could barely get up in the morning!

I have looked at the propanalol- and to be fair I will give it a go - but am not so happy about the side effects it may bring. Leaving that till a weekend - so if it makes me ill it will be in my own time.

I have to have some bloods taken (not sure what for yet) but will be interested to see when I go to docs.

Still early days.