So, I appear to be metamorphosing into some sort of brain-addled version of me. I’ve had a headache, you see, for over a week now. Closer to two weeks, really, except for a weekend in there when it disappeared and then came promptly back again on Monday. It ebbs when I take ibuprofen, or it might be gone when I wake up, only to come drip drip dripping back into my head as I sit down at my desk. I’m tired, feeling nauseated over the last few days (no, I’m quite certain I’m not pregnant, so there’s no need to ask me if I could be) and I just want it to GO AWAY.
My mom and sister are prone to migraines. I’ve never had them, at least not that Im aware of, until I had two visual/aura migraines earlier this year (flashing light but no pain), but I’m wondering if this is some kind of low-grade migraine that’s driving me ’round the bend. Because seriously. GO AWAY.
GO AWAY! Is that clear?!
Yes, I have an appointment with my doctor next week. In the meantime, I’ve taken one of a colleague’s stash of Excedrin Migraine to see if it helps. I’ve got two projects due in a week, never mind work, and a little boy, and and and…
GO AWAY. HEADACHE GO AWAY.
The sick thing is, I’m vacillating between terror that IT’S A TUMOR! and terror that IT’S HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE BECAUSE I’M FAT! and, really, hypochondria is no fun.
Argh. Return to your normally scheduled happy programming!
Hope it goes away soon.
Interestingly, I just started reading “Chocolate and Vicodin” last night – a memoir about a woman fighting off a headache that wouldn’t go away. It’s an amusing read so far, for what it’s worth and considering the subject.
Just as a thought, and I’m sure you’ve considered this, but part of the headache syndrome is chronic dehydration, and the best solution is … to drink water
Just plain water, not coffee, tea, juice and definitely not alcohol.
If dehydration is a problem, you may notice your urine is stronger (darker in colour), and possibly have an odour of which you are aware. Urine from people who get sufficient water to drink is very pale, almost clear.
I know that when I get frequent or continuous headaches it’s a sign I haven’t been drinking enough water, and generally make a conscious effort to drink another few glasses a day can help it go away.
Like I said, you probably already know this and have taken steps to ensure you get adequate hydration, but I just thought it worth throwing in there.
I hope whatever the cause is, you find a solution and the headache goes away.
Thanks Azh – I drink something like 4-5 20oz glasses of water while at work, and a couple more at home, so I’m pretty sure it’s not dehydration. I’m very susceptible, though, which is why I keep on top of it and know it’s not that.
Thanks for the suggestion, though – my tendency to get dehydrated and end up headachy is part of the reason I’m so careful!
As a corollary, when I was pregnant, the midwives were always surprised at the color of my urine test every month – I never had to reassure them that I was getting enough water
Carrie – did the Vicodin work for her? I have some left over from an ovarian cyst
Ugh. Headaches suck. Stress can give you a pretty nasty headache and I don’t care what Dr. Google says (if you’ve consulted him, I try not to) stress is the most common cause of a headache. BUT, other sources can sometimes be sinuses (nasty things that they are) and visual issues. (You said the back of your head, right? The optic nerve goes all the way to the back and that’s why most people have headaches in the back of their head when they have visual issues.) And if you usually consume caffeine and haven’t been, it’s as bad as a hangover after a week long bender! (Yes, this I can attest to first hand…)
Ahem. Not that I’m a doctor, I just visit them all too often.
Hope your head feels better soon!
I find that I have to take two Excedrin Migraine before it really works. I know it says to take one and then wait, but I’ve pretty much given up on that. Now, I just take them both right away, then about 20 minutes later, I feel quite a bit better. If it doesn’t work though, then you’re stuck, since you can only take 2 in 24hrs.
I get nausea that is a direct result of my migraines. As soon as the headache goes away, so does the nausea. I’m glad to hear that you will have your doctor check on you, just to be safe, but I agree with others that it might be stress induced. You are very busy and you put so much pressure on yourself. I know it’s easier said than done, especially when you have stuff to work on, but try to take a few minutes to unwind a bit now and then.
Take care. I hope you feel better quickly. Hugs.
Not so much, so far. Only a few chapters in, and she’s gone through tons of different meds and had a cat scan and an MRI.
I’m on day 2 of a migraine. I think mine was triggered by ovulation, or the timing just worked out that way and it’s coincidental.
I have no advice, but if misery loves company, I’ve still contributed.
Did you know that Excedrin Migraine and regular Excedrin are exactly the same thing? Just a little nugget of useless info. Hope you feel better soon.
There is a nasty bug going around that often starts with a KILLER headache. Head-pounding, OMG headache. Nausea sometimes goes with it, and it often transitions into a giant sinus infection and world’s longest cold/sinus/bronchial infection. Often returns too.
I know this because my family just finished going through this. Multiple times.
So that’s the most likely explanation, given the time of year and the bugs going around……and of course migraines is also possible, esp with a family history. And think of your recent history…..any recent falls, car accidents (even minor ones), head bonks, that kind of thing? Those can result in increased headaches that are resistant to the usual things.
An ongoing headache that doesn’t respond well to other things can be too much intracranial pressure in the cerebral-spinal fluid. I think I’ve read somewhere that people of size can be more prone to that, though heaven knows why. But that’s only a concern if this headache sticks around long-term and doesn’t respond to other treatments. Kind of an exotic diagnosis. Remember, it’s more likely to be horses than zebras, as they say.
For certain types of headaches, chiropractic care, acupuncture, or craniosacral therapy can work wonders, if you are open to alternative care modalities. They’ve helped me a lot with headaches after car accidents etc.
Hope you feel better soon!
I don’t get headaches, or have one that just doesn’t quite go away. My ailment is heart palpatations, and I blame work stress for it. Considering that the palps are largely not there when I’m not at work, and then come stampeding back when I am…….
Perhaps you have some stress you haven’t fully addressed yet?
Hope you get to the bottom of it and find a way to get rid of it!