Headaches return

[ombrerose4]

I am now almost 9 weeks post op and mostly doing better. My headaches had gotten better- I was only getting 2-3 a week. But about 2 weeks ago those nasty headaches decided to make a return engagement. Now I have been getting them everyday, i-2x's a day and they are just horrible. Sometimes I wake up with them, sometimes they come in the afternoon, and sometimes I'll get one around 8-9 o'clock at night. I finally called the neurosurgeon yesterday, (my neurotologist is on vacation), and he put me on a 6 day steroid pack to see if that gives me any relief. Then we'll see what to do from there. At this point I will be thankful for one or two days without a headache.Anyone else out there with headaches that were better than became worse?

[Captain Deb]

Oh, yes, mine got worse and worse till about 6 months post op and then I plateaued for about 2 years.  How is your neck? Damage to neck structures can cause headaches as you heal--scar tissue developes and presses on nerves.  Heat packs help and so does physical therapy.  Gabapentin helps, too.  If the steroids don't work, maybe you should see a headache specialist.

Capt Deb

[ombrerose4]

My neck definitely hurts and that's usually where the headaches begin. My vestibular therapist really works on my neck 2x a week 9But I nee it every day     I do use the microvave heatpack and it does help- I wish it came like in the size of a bag that I could put over my whole neck and head.  If the steroids don't help I will speak to my doctor about Gabapentin when he returns from vacation. If none of that helps I will talk to you more about a headache specialist. Thanks for the support and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[epc1970]

I seem to have the same headache pattern as you do (neck pain/starting in the neck). I take Neurontin (gabapentin) daily and when a headache starts-I get them 2x a week- I take Tramadol. That usually zaps my headache. I see a spine specialist one a month for gentle OMT and crainal sacral therapy (if only I could go every day  ) Just another option for getting rid of those nasty headaches.
Erin

[ghenier27]

I am sorry to hear of your headaches. I am in my 5th week of recovery and have been very lucky not to have any headaches. I hope their is a simply solution to your headaches and that you will be back to you old self before you know it. I am also going to wish you a happy thanksgiving !

[Captain Deb]

I suggest you both read some of the research papers I have posted in a couple threads here:

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=11161.0

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=11145.0

I am convinced that my own headaches are cause by occipital neuralgia due to an injury to my neck and occipital nerves during the surgery. If you are having neck pain you could be in the same boat.

Capt Deb

[Nickittynic]

Ombrerose-
It's funny how similar our recoveries have been with how close in time our surgeries were. (Well, funny in a weird way.) My headaches have started to get worse, too. I last had a Dr appt a week ago and it was suggested I try motrin 600mg 3x a day as needed. Doesn't seem to help much but I'm not at the point where they are debilitating (yet).
Hope you figure something out to get some relief!

[Doc]

This is one of those AN Clubs I wish I didn't have to claim membership in but gosh, my headaches have come back with a vengeance too!  Even worse than before.  Between the headaches and bum eye, I've got plenty to deal with...did I mention Neck pain.  All my Doctor has really said about the pain is it will be with me for a while longer as I continue to heal, but won't write a prescription for pain relief with a refill authorized...I have to call in for refills...he's managing how he manages my pain!

Hope you find relief soon...I find taking a lot of naps helpful.

Take care!
 
Doc

[ombrerose4]

On last day of steroids and headaches have been alot better- only 2-3 this week and very mild as opposed to 1-2x's a day very severe. Now we will see what happens once the steroids leave my system. Hopefully they won't return, but I am not optimistic.

[Jim Scott]

On last day of steroids and headaches have been a lot better- only 2-3 this week and very mild as opposed to 1-2x's a day very severe.  Now we will see what happens once the steroids leave my system.  Hopefully they won't return, but I am not optimistic.

Ombrerose4 ~

Well then, I'll be optimistic for you!    Seriously, I hope and will pray that your struggle with headaches has finally drawn to a successful conclusion, with the headaches permanently vanquished.  You've earned a break. 

Jim

[ombrerose4]

Thank you Jim, as you can see I was having a bad day. Most of the time I am optimistic, but I have been having this crazy itching the past two days, due I believe to the steroid and it makes me very cranky. I have had this same reaction to steroid injections but never to oral steroids. I thought I was allergic to the lidocaine in the steroid injection but maybe its the actual steroid after all. Which is bizarre because steroids are supposed to calm down inflammatory and allergic reactions. Thanks again for your optimism, I remember again how lucky I am!

[wendysig]

Hi Lauren,

Sorry to hear you're having such a tough time and that  I'm coming to this thread so late.  If you are having a reaction to the steroids, perhaps you should let Dr. Bederson know.  In any case, I hope that your headaches will end and that you are soon back to your usual optimistic self.  I will be optimistic for you too.

Sending wellness wishes your way,
Wendy

[ombrerose4]

Thanks, Wendy. The itching finally stopped, the headaches seemed to be gone and then just my luck I came down with the flu!. As soon as I felt the aches I called Dr. Choe and he prescribed Tamiflu. The aches are better but feeling nasally and congested with what I believe are sinus headaches. Hopefully a few more days and I will feel better. Then we'll see if the migraines come back. I am seeing Dr. Choe on the 19th for my presurg visit for my BAHA, hopefully I won't need to see him before.
Thanks for caring!

[wendysig]

Hi Lauren,

I'm glad the itching has stopped but sorry to hear you now have the flu.  I hope the Tamiflu helps you get rid of that quickly, along with your sinus headaches.  Sometimes the fun just seems to never end but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that your headaches will be gone once and for all and that you stay nice and healthy for the rest of the winter.  I take a Chinese/Korean herb called astragalus beginning in October and take it until April (it boosts the immune system) and haven't had so much as a bad cold in the four years I've been taking it.  It might be worthwhile for you.  I checked with Dr. Choe about taking before surgery and he just had me stop taking it a week before my BAHA surgery.   

I'm sure you're looking forward to your BAHA surgery.  I know when I was just about where you are last year, I was more excited about the prospect of my BAHA surgery than I was about Christmas (my favorite holiday -- I love to watch my family and friends open the gifts I got for them).

Sending wellness wishes your way,
Wendy

[stoneaxe]

I hope you're headaches are gone for good. I've been SO relieved that mine seem to be gone.