seven weeks post op. Headaches after reading and using computer.

[PeaceAndLove]

I had a giant tumor removed translab.  Hearing and balance nerve removed.

Last week after my doctor recommended it,  I started using the computer, reading,  and watching t.v.   I had been avoiding this, because it would give me a headache.   Over the next week I had mild headaches in the evening, but I could take Aleve and it helped the discomfort.  The next day I would not have a headache.    On the 6th day,  I got a severe headache in the evening and medication did not help (tried both Aleve and Tylenol together).   I continued to take the medication and stopped using my computer after speaking to one of my other doctors.  (My wife is typing this messg.  for me).   

I have since come  to learn from my doctor that these headaches  are from the balance nerve  being removed,  and my eyes trying to learn to adjust.   I also have learned that the source of the headache is from the neck area.   I was told it could take a couple of  months to adjust,  that I should take Ibuprofen for the headaches and use a warm heating pad  on my neck.  Has anyone else experienced this and if so,  what seemed to help the most to get rid of the headaches. 

Thank you very much,  Peace

[jaylogs]

Hello there Peace!! (and Mrs. Peace! ) I am sorry you are having these issues, but as you've no doubt have read on here that every person is unique in their recovery.  You mention you had a giant tumor, how giant was it? If it was 5cm or greater, then you may have more complications that I had with my lil 8mm tumor.  Are  you suffering from facial paralysis any? I am still having headaches from over stimulation 1.5 years after my surgery, so 7 weeks is still fairly fresh recovery, especially if you had such a large tumor.  Treatment all depends on what works for you. I know Tylenol does absolutely NOTHING for me, I get better results with Excedrin.  The Excedrin Migraine meds does REALLY well for the worse ones (and I read through Consumer reports as they rated it pretty high for migraines as well!)  Anyways, just know that a lot of people get these after surgery, so dontinue to consult with your doctors if you aren't getting relief from OTC stuff or hot/cold packs.  Take care and let us know how it goes!
Jay

[JAndrews]

I wasn't able to watch TV/computer/read at 7 weeks- my eyes would feel out of focus--eyes not focusing or feeling out of focus could definitely be a cause of the headaches. Why don't you try waiting a few more weeks?

[Rivergirl]

4 weeks post op and reading and typing just fine now, it was hard before.  I do still get headaches right along the incision and it halos around my head, I too take Aleve and that is helpful but occasionally I take a half of Vicodan and that also helps but those days are getting less.  Your giant tumor just may make your recovery a bit longer with the reading and computer stuff..  I am going to a Vestibular Physcial therapist and the exercises I have been doing are very helpful with the compensation and she is also working on my very tight and painful scar, maybe you should go if not already.  Best of luck but keep practicing and it should improve.

[PeaceAndLove]

Hi Everybody- Thanks so much for the tips and sharing your experience.   

If you find the magic bullet, please get one  for me.  ;-)


Jon

[Rivergirl]

I wonder if you wanting a magic bullet means your progress is slow, if so I send speedy recovery wishes.

[Lupy]

Hiya Peace 

I think problems in this area are really unique to the individual and it is always best to follow your doctors advice but I can tell you a bit of my experience...

I originally had difficulty focusing on the computer screen for the first week, but then it got better. It may take longer with a larger tumour? Seven weeks is still pretty soon after surgery – I really wasn’t doing much at all at that stage!!! (I am two years on now).

However, I have big problems using the computer. I only use the computer in 20-30min sessions and then have a good break as in get up, walk around, lie down, stretch, do something different for 10-15 mins. I never do more than 4 hours computer work in a day and always have a heat pack on. I am a lot of medication to manage my headaches – nothing OTC works. I won’t watch TV for long periods without a break either.

This is all quite a big issue for me because both my work and my PhD require that I do a lot of work at the computer. I really have to manage myself very carefully – but it is doable.

I have found it is a multitude of factors that contribute to my headaches getting worse when using the computer:

*poor posture
*not giving my eyes a rest (i.e., looking off into the distance at regular intervals)
*how tired I am
*how stressful the work on the computer is…
*over stimulation
*brightness levels of the computer screen and how dark the room I was sitting in was.
*watching the tension levels in my arms and shoulders – making sure to relax them at regular intervals (I set alarms on my PC to remind me!)

I am starting rehab with a new physiotherapist today who has a number of theories and treatments for the problems I am having so will keep the forum updated.

Good luck Peace and hopefully with time and through following your specialists/doctors advice your problems will subside. Although I think progress with these things tends to be slow and steady rather than via a magic bullet – but there is always hope! Let us know if you find one!

Take care,

Lupy 

[Mei Mei]

Dear Lupy,
I ruptured a herniated disc back in 1988 only three weeks after starting a very intense job at the NIH Computer Center.   I was on the computer for about 7 hours a day.    I don't remember when, OSHA  (Occupational, Safety Health Administration) of the government here in the US  (I know you are from Australian) had I think a recommendation of 15 mins at a time at the computer.    Take frequent breaks otherwise you'll be undoing all the wonderful things you Myofacial Release Therapy is doing.   He will teach you posture exercises such as you stand against the wall and put your index finger on your chin to resist moving forward.   

Talk to you later...
Mei Mei