increased headaches not on Aspirin

[Grendall]

Hi all,

Just a query question plz.

I recently went to hospital with bleeding from my back passage after ongoing toilet problems. I had lots of blood tests carried out and everything appeared to be ok, although they told me to come off the Aspirin for a while and speak to my Heamo on next appointment. I have my appointment next week, bloods to be done tomorrow

I have been off the aspirin for about 6/7 weeks now but over the last couple of weeks I am noticing severe increasing daily headaches again (I actually started with this on my initial symptoms when tests and diagnosis was done)

QUESTION: could being off the Aspirin be related to these increase in headaches?

Thanks everyone

[hunter5582]

Coming off aspirin could definitely contribute to microvascular symptoms like headaches. Suggest a prompt consult is in order. FYI - at one point I split the difference, taking 1/2 of a low dose chewable aspirin. It actually worked quite well for me. Whatever next steps are, be sure to consult with your MPN care team.

[Grendall in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you Hunter5582 for your prompt response. I will definitely be mentioning this on my appointment next week. I just wondered if it could be a connection that’s all as the headaches are definitely the same type as the ones I had regarding my diagnosis a few years ago

Thank you

[Crossefield]

At diagnosis my visual/silent migraines were almost weekly. On aspirin I average almost 90 days. I wouldn't want to stop daily aspirin. The difference is stark.

[Amethist]

aspirin can cause haemorrhaging so it’s good to be careful with it.

With the agreement on an MPN specialist, I just take ½ a regular aspirin every third day. So there is room to adjust your dose to get the benefits without the risk.

Hopefully your haem can sort out a better and safer treatment option for you.

When I was initially diagnosed, I had severe headaches, and would need to take paracetamol and lie down for a few hours 1-2 x a week. My initial blood test also showed low Vit B12, so straight away I just took B12 supplements. Very quickly my headaches went and have never returned . That was 7 yrs ago. In addition, nearly all of my other symptoms vanished with taking B12, within a very quick time frame ( 1 month) and whilst not taking anything else.

Worth getting all your vitamin levels tested too, just to rule out possible deficiencies. Even a low B12, but still in range, can be a problem so always ask for a print out of blood tests with the reference ranges.

[Grendall in reply to Amethist]

Hi Amethist,

I was the same as you started with the headaches before diagnosis and same as you paracetamol used to ease but had to lay down and then would just keep coming back.

I don’t think I have ever had any problems with B12, as I’m sure it would have been mentioned but what bloods results do you get a blood B12 reading plz?

TIA

[Amethist in reply to Grendall]

B12 is not routinely tested so you might need to ask for it. Also get folate, vit D and ferritin checked while you’re at it. For B12 the range is pretty hopeless so do get a print out of your results with ranges. If B12 is less than half way through range, you could be deficient enough to have symptoms, of which there are many and they often mimic other conditions. Sublingual high dose supplements are better than tablets.( I take 3000-5000mcg , super safe and impossible to overdose )If you’re very low usually the Dr gives injections , though frequently not enough 🫤 Ask your doctor how much training they had on vitamins and minerals, usually 0-1 day at most.