Constant headache: I have a headache that just won't... - NRAS

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Constant headache

Eiram50 profile image
26 Replies

I have a headache that just won't leave - for maybe the past 3 weeks or so . It feels so right above and across my eyes and I find myself squinting at everything ( which hurts worse!), even with my glasses on.

I was at the hospital Last week as optician had discovered something behind my left eye. Came away none the wiser as to what it is but they will see me every 3 months to check for "any changes ".

However, I don't really think this has anything to do with the headaches but wonder if it is the methotrexate- my dose was increased again 4 weeks ago .

It's painful, draining and a bloody distraction, if honest. Does anyone else get this on methotrexate?

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Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50
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26 Replies
Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50

Right across my eyes, sorry - auto correct!!

allanah profile image
allanah

I think you should go to the gp and get tested further. That's a long time to have a headache. The optician should have passed that information to your GP xx

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to allanah

Thanks Allanah, I think I may have to as I can't bear it!

allanah profile image
allanah in reply to Eiram50

Lots of causes of different types of headaches so best getting a check. Hope it goes well x

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to allanah

Thank you.

JEM95 profile image
JEM95

Yes, amongst other horrible MXT side effects.

Each time my dosage has been upped I find myself in a similar position to when I started it and my body was coming to terms with it.

I also find it takes a good few weeks for the side effects to settle down again and for my body to accept the increase.

I'm pretty stable now, but have experienced more frequent migraines etc each time my dosage was increased.

Do you have a rheumy dept helpline? I often ring them for advice / reassurance if I have any concerns.

Hope you feel better soon xxi

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to JEM95

Hi jem95

I did wonder about the Mtx. I've been up since four and my head feels like it may burst and I keep coming out in sweats- horrible!

I'm really not sure if I have A rhuemy nurse or anyinw to contact as I haven't done so in the past ?

About to get ready for work ( social worker) with my lad meeting at 4 pm today and could cry at the thought of it.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50

Last meeting- sorry, typo

FionaHerts profile image
FionaHerts

Yes, I had this on Methotrexate. Started as soon as I started the tablets (12.5mg a week) and it got worse, week on week. Heavy aching behind eyes, eyes looked dull and sometimes my eyelids wouldn't open fully.

My consultant said it was the Methotrexate and decreased the dose from 12.5mg to 7.5mg for a month. I've now worked up to 10mg and I'm doing ok on that. My eyes still feel tired but I'm not having that really heavy feeling. Consultant hopes to increase dose slowly and says that's sometimes the best way rather than just starting at a higher dose.

I will have to see what happens as I increase, or wether a lower dose is sufficient to keep RA symptoms at bay.

Best of luck

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

Headaches that last three weeks should always be investigated. Part of the reason I was taken off Mtx was an unrelenting headache.

If you have Rheumy nurse I'd call her today if I were you....if you don't make appointment with your GP & make sure he knows you are in Mtx & the headaches started after dose was increased & also tell him about what the optician told you, although the optician will probably have told your GP as you were sent to hospital.

Get on it Eiram & get rid of that headache.

Hope you feel better soon!

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to AgedCrone

Thanks agedcrone

Just this minute in from work so haven't had time to

See gp but plan on seeing him tomorrow as really do feel rubbish and totally drained.

Hope things are well for you.

Marie

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Eiram50

Good you are going to see the doc.....no need to feel rubbish if just stopping taking a pill will help.

I changed a pain killer I was taking for my healing broken arm last night......took it a bit later than I should have & didn't wake up until 0930!

You wouldn't have known I was a geriatric with RA the speed I got out of bed!

Hope the Doc sorts things for you...do'nt worry you will find something to suit you!

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to AgedCrone

Thanks agedcrone, I appreciate your advice.

Marie

Seashoreshanty profile image
Seashoreshanty

Yes mtx gave me headaches, in fact migraine, now on Lef so alot better

andyswarbs profile image
andyswarbs

Whatever else you do - lots of water!

janmary profile image
janmary

Sounds nasty, especially trying to be caring SW for others at the same time. I haven't had any head aches (touch wood) since I've been on MTX although I understand it can cause them in some people. But 3 solid weeks! sounds more like something else altogether - have you had your blood pressure checked, and I should insist on some more clarity about your optician's observations.

Hope it clears soon

Yeah - When I was on MTX, I got a headache usually about an hour after I took the shot, but it usually cleared by the morning... But if yours is lasting that long, I would get a look taken at it...

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50

Thank you everyone, for taking the time to

Respond. Whether it's the increase in Mtx, or not, I'll

Go to go Tomorrow and see what they think.

Marie

Ali_H profile image
Ali_H

Are you drinking enough water to sink a battle ship and some more? That's what worked for me - especially on MTX day. Also I found those forehead swipe sticks help if I use it at the start of a headache.

All the best

Ali

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Ali_H

Hi Ali

I've been aware of the need to drink water and as such I have been drinking more than usual - when not drinking that, I'm drinking tea. I think if you put me in water, I'd float on the top like a buoy !

Joy_1 profile image
Joy_1

MTX was giving me a horrendous headache. As I recall it included the eye area.

As mentioned above water might be worth a try.

I drink 6 glasses of water a day but on MTX day I up it to 8 glasses. It worked for me 100%.

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Joy_1

Thanks joy.

Marie

Morven22 profile image
Morven22

I've had something similar and the did a brain scan which was clear as then referred me to eye hospital.

The consultant diagnosed dry eyes which are possibly contributing to headaches and eye pain and due to meds ( methotrexate/sulpha/ hydroxychloriquine)

Now on 4 x daily drops and get at night - headaches do appear to be improved but I'm not consistent taking the drops

this wasn't picked up by the initial dr so worth checking again if that's not yet been considered - good luck

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Morven22

Thanks morven

I don't think it's my eyes though as was at eye pavilion and saw consultant last week. I do have something behind my left eye that they're monitoring for any changes but don't think that's the cause?

Couldn't get to see gp today but hopefully tomorrow or Monday .

Marie

Morven22 profile image
Morven22

Will keep everything crossed they can get to the bottom of it . It's such a pain having no answer to the headaches ( literally) . 😊

Eiram50 profile image
Eiram50 in reply to Morven22

Thank you morven, much appreciated

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