I've had horrible headaches for over 2 months now? Could this be a sign that something is wrong?

Question

I started getting migraine headaches at around 15 weeks or so. My doctors told me this is normal and gave me a prescription for Tylenol3. Since then, I have refilled that prescription 4 times (20 in each) and had to go to the hospital twice for demerol/phenegrin injections. Obviously, I know this is horrible and am no longer taking the pills. With or without them the headaches are persistant. Just when I think they are going away or gone, they come back with a vengence. It is the worst pain. I've tried regular tylenol, my dr. even told me to take motrin (though I didn't), resting, compresses, etc. Nothing seems to work. Any suggestions? Is there any other tests the hospital could run? (I live in a rural area and the hospitals around here aren't the best, but was thinking about going to a better hospital.) Any advice would be helpful and appreciated.

Also, when I take the Tylenol3, it definitely helps. The problem is I have to take two and as soon as they wear off, the headache comes right back.

Also, my BP is always normal or sometimes a little low. I don't drink much, if any, caffeine.

Answer 1

I had migranes really bad with my first. But, I didn't know anything about migranes then. Since then I've learned a few things - thakns to my mom and other women in my family that have them. I guess they are hereditary.

1. Nitrates and other preservatives in lunch meats, deli foods, and prepared frozen foods cause migranes. Even resteraunts and fast food places use them.

2. Cheese can cause them too. Kraft singles does this to me. I still haven't figured it out, but I avoid it.

3. The WORST culprit in the mix of something greasy and chocolate.

My last pregnancy I found strong smells even caused them. Once we were out with my parents and I smelled a very strong musky perfume on an elderly woman who was obviously loosing her sense of smell. It was so bad I was locked up that night and the next day with one.

Migranes can be difficult to treat because different meds work for different people. Ask your mom what she uses if she has them. Or, any other woman in your family if she has them. I found my mom's isn't safe when pregnant though. Which is probably why your getting Tylenonal 3. It's the least strongest out of them all. Ask your doc next time you go in.

But, for now I'd suggest taking a hard look at your diet. Start elminating frozen foods and lunchmeats. That cured me!

Answer 2

Has it started getting ANY better after he smoothed it out? My dentist told me it takes a couple months after that procedure to get completely better. If it hasn't gotten any better, or has gotten worse, request xrays to check for an abscess. I'm going through almost exactly the same thing, and my abscess is over 3 months old now. I'm on a course of antibiotics and may be looking at more dental work.

Answer 3

First of all, are you and the doc certain it's migrain? I would still insist on full test (CT/MRI) just to make sure it's nothing serious.

Alternatives that worked for me:
If you are not allergic to ragweed: one feverfew capsule a day.
If you are not allergic to rosemary essential oil: put a couple of drops on your pillow every night, make sure it's strong enough that you can smell it for a while. I also kept a case with cotton soaked in the oil. Whenever a headache started developing, I'd keep it under my nose and inhale it for about 15 mintues.

Although not scientifically proven, there is ample anecdotal evidence that those two work and unless you are allergic, they are harmless. Worth a try.

Answer 4

Dehydration or allergic reaction to your prenatals. Try drinking more water throughout your day and switch to a different brand of prenatals.. one without a binder.. .like Orfer-F . I had to switch due to extreme nausea and headachs with my first born. I could not take materna or jaimesons and once i changed brands I felt SOOOOO much better. I'm apparently allergic to the binder in it, whatever the heck that is. LOL. This time around I went strait for the orfer-f and haven't had that many problems. Some headachs some nausea, but normal amounds.. nothing severe.

Answer 5

Have you considered that stress may be the cause of your headaches? Evaluate all sources of stress in your life. Pregnancy causes all sorts of worries. Is your significant other supporting you as fully as he/she can? Do you have any issues in your relationship? I noticed that you live in a rural area, and you thus may have difficulty locating a counselor. If you can find a mental health professional, shedule an evaluation/consultation.

Other than that, perhaps you should make a special trip to a large metropolitan area to consult with a physician who has special knowledge of headaches and pregnancy. Do not accept mediocrity from your physicians, especially when the mediocrity is caused by the bottom line driven, assembly line system our society calls healthcare.

Answer 6

Some people get really bad headaches with their pregnancy. You might also want to get your BP checked. I would say a cold pack on the back of the neck works well and perhaps acupuncture would help. Good Luck!

Answer 7

My sister had sudden onset of migraines and it turned out she was hyper sensitive to caffeine. Look at what you may have started doing or stopped doing about 15 weeks ago. You probably do not have the same trigger, but it might be something like new cosmetics or new vitamins.

Answer 8

I think I would return to the doctor and tell him/her that the tylenol 3 is just NOT working and ask for alternatives. (Personally I can not take tylenol 3 because it contains codine and I am allergic to codine). If your doctor can come up with a decent alternative you have every right to ask him to refer you to another doctor, perhaps one who specializes in headaches.

Answer 9

go to a different doctor,and get test done.also have you tryed Advil ?
i know Tylenol does nothing for me even when i have a little headache.look back here later im going to try to find a web site for you.http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/headache.html
MIGRAINE CUREShttp://www.cellhealthmakeover.com/migraine.html
Migraine Headaches? Symptoms and Relief- testimonials-Vitacel 9 and GH7...http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsConditions/HeadacheMigrainecc.html
Migraine Headachehttp://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C144796.html
Diagnose-Me: Condition: Migraine/Tension Headaches

Answer 10

Your headaches are likely just a side effect of your pregnancy. I get them too, but my doctor won't prescribe me anything. You're lucky you have the Tylenol 3.