NationStates Jolt Archive


This headache is really starting to annoy me.

Chandelier
29-02-2008, 01:05
So I've had a headache since last Friday. It ranges from mildly annoying to almost completely distracting. I would guess that it's probably connected to stress or lack of sleep or something, but it doesn't seem that headaches are supposed to last this long. After the first few days I even tried taking Tylenol but that didn't make any difference at all. So what do you think I should do? Should I go see a doctor or what?
Thumbless Pete Crabbe
29-02-2008, 01:07
Anyone you ask online will tell you to go to a doctor for legal reasons. Anyone smart, at least. :p

It doesn't subside even for a little bit with Tylenol, though?
Privatised Gaols
29-02-2008, 01:08
Aleve is very effective.
Port Arcana
29-02-2008, 01:09
Try popping your neck and back gently. Usually the pressure relieved will get rid of some pain. :)
Call to power
29-02-2008, 01:10
see a doctor though I myself have a pounding headache and will be taken lots and lots (well a recommended dose) of mind numbing pills :)
Chandelier
29-02-2008, 01:11
It doesn't subside even for a little bit with Tylenol, though?

No, not at all. :(

It was better over the weekend, I suppose because I have more time to rest then, and that was the main reason I didn't take any medicine for the first few days. It was barely there then, but these past couple of days the only time I don't notice it is when I'm asleep. It's been negatively affecting my schoolwork and I'm afraid that I've been a lot more irritable than usual, especially towards my brothers. :(
JuNii
29-02-2008, 01:13
Should I go see a doctor?

yes.
1010102
29-02-2008, 01:22
Its called Early Election yearitis.
Nanatsu no Tsuki
29-02-2008, 01:53
So I've had a headache since last Friday. It ranges from mildly annoying to almost completely distracting. I would guess that it's probably connected to stress or lack of sleep or something, but it doesn't seem that headaches are supposed to last this long. After the first few days I even tried taking Tylenol but that didn't make any difference at all. So what do you think I should do? Should I go see a doctor or what?

Your headache most definitely is because of stress and tension. My mom suffered from a horrid headache for almost 2 weeks, she even thought it was a brain tumor:rolleyes:. Her doctor made her have a CT scan and an MRI. After he saw the results he scolded her and advised her to take things easy and not stress too much. Her headache was due to acute tension. So try and relax a bit. Of course, with Tylenol or Panadol alone you won´t resolve much so do go to the doctor for professional advise.
Nanatsu no Tsuki
29-02-2008, 02:44
As an after thought, being in front of a computer doesn´t help with headaches so I would advice you refrain from using one until you feel better.
Katganistan
29-02-2008, 02:45
Should I go see a doctor or what?

Yes. It may be something as simple as wisdom teeth, or it may be serious. Rule out the serious.
Gravlen
29-02-2008, 02:45
:(

See a doctor if it doesn't get better :fluffle:
United Beleriand
29-02-2008, 02:48
So I've had a headache since last Friday. It ranges from mildly annoying to almost completely distracting. I would guess that it's probably connected to stress or lack of sleep or something, but it doesn't seem that headaches are supposed to last this long. After the first few days I even tried taking Tylenol but that didn't make any difference at all. So what do you think I should do? Should I go see a doctor or what?A headache that lasts longer than 3 days is not normal and should be investigated in any case. And don't ever medicate yourself with anything else than acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) if you are not sure what exactly causes the headache. See a doctor at once.
New Limacon
29-02-2008, 02:49
As someone who knows a friend of a real doctor, I would recommend a Motrin. If that doesn't work, I would recommend two Motrins.
If that doesn't work, I recommend seeing a doctor.

As a semi-related aside, have you tried getting more sleep? Even if the headache is not directly related to sleep deprivation, more couldn't hurt.
Reeka
29-02-2008, 02:56
I bet you it's mid-term season where you are, isn't it? Money says you're totally stressed, but seeing a doctor is probably the best idea just in case.

Aleve works more for muscle pain, btw. Trust me on this one, I'm a woman. I should know. Aspirin for headaches, naproxen for muscle aches.
Chandelier
29-02-2008, 03:02
A headache that lasts longer than 3 days is not normal and should be investigated in any case. And don't ever medicate yourself with anything else than acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) if you are not sure what exactly causes the headache. See a doctor at once.

Ok, I think I definitely will go see a doctor as soon as I can. And my mom told me to take Tylenol, so I did.

Yes. It may be something as simple as wisdom teeth, or it may be serious. Rule out the serious.

Oh, wisdom teeth? I didn't think of that as a possibile cause, but I remember that a couple of years ago when I was getting my braces off and they took an X-ray of my mouth they said that they could see the wisdom teeth in the X-ray and they were a couple of years away from then, so maybe that is another possibility aside from stress or lack of sleep.

As an after thought, being in front of a computer doesn´t help with headaches so I would advice you refrain from using one until you feel better.

Yeah, I quit about 20 minutes after starting this thread and I'm planning on going to bed soon (I'll study for my anatomy test tomorrow first and then go to sleep, hopefully a lot earlier than I usually go to sleep.)
Nanatsu no Tsuki
29-02-2008, 03:07
Ok, I think I definitely will go see a doctor as soon as I can. And my mom told me to take Tylenol, so I did.



Oh, wisdom teeth? I didn't think of that as a possibile cause, but I remember that a couple of years ago when I was getting my braces off and they took an X-ray of my mouth they said that they could see the wisdom teeth in the X-ray and they were a couple of years away from then, so maybe that is another possibility aside from stress or lack of sleep.



Yeah, I quit about 20 minutes after starting this thread and I'm planning on going to bed soon (I'll study for my anatomy test tomorrow first and then go to sleep, hopefully a lot earlier than I usually go to sleep.)

Sweet dreams and I hope you feel better very soon.:)
Chandelier
29-02-2008, 03:10
Sweet dreams and I hope you feel better very soon.:)

Thanks. :) I'm very glad that my calculus test has been postponed until Monday so that I don't have to stay up late studying for it, too.
Rameria
29-02-2008, 03:11
Go see a doctor. It could be nothing, but you should still have your doctor rule out anything serious.

Feel better soon!
Amor Pulchritudo
29-02-2008, 03:13
You NEED to go see a doctor right away.
Nanatsu no Tsuki
29-02-2008, 03:13
Thanks. :) I'm very glad that my calculus test has been postponed until Monday so that I don't have to stay up late studying for it, too.

Then good luck on it! Oyasumi!!
Sel Appa
29-02-2008, 03:24
Tylenol doesn't do shit. Try peppermint--tea or the little candies you get at restaurants that are red and white.
Damaske
29-02-2008, 04:09
If Tylenol doesn't work, try Motrin.

But if it is bothering you enough that you have to come on here and ask if you should go to a doctor..go to a doctor.
South Lorenya
29-02-2008, 04:50
Go see the doctor! Just not Dr. Gumby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIlKiRPSNGA).

Going off on a tangent, thanks to this cold my nose thinks it's Niagara Falls...
One World Alliance
29-02-2008, 04:54
So I've had a headache since last Friday. It ranges from mildly annoying to almost completely distracting. I would guess that it's probably connected to stress or lack of sleep or something, but it doesn't seem that headaches are supposed to last this long. After the first few days I even tried taking Tylenol but that didn't make any difference at all. So what do you think I should do? Should I go see a doctor or what?

Do you have healthcare insurance?


Either way, I'd go see a doctor mate.
Ryadn
29-02-2008, 09:43
Your headache most definitely is because of stress and tension. My mom suffered from a horrid headache for almost 2 weeks, she even thought it was a brain tumor:rolleyes:. Her doctor made her have a CT scan and an MRI. After he saw the results he scolded her and advised her to take things easy and not stress too much. Her headache was due to acute tension. So try and relax a bit. Of course, with Tylenol or Panadol alone you won´t resolve much so do go to the doctor for professional advise.

I'm adding a word of caution here because I went through a similar experience and was mis-diagnosed. Never one to get tension headaches, I began to have headaches every day, beginning a few hours after waking and growing progressively worse until I could barely work. I saw three doctors who told me they were stress-related and gave me painkillers, which did nothing to help the pain (or my cognitive functioning at work).

After a month of this I went to a doctor highly recommended by a number of nurses. He sent me for an MRI and a EEG (something no other doctor had bothered with) and diagnosed me with a seizure disorder. Almost as soon as I began taking the anti-seizure medication my headaches disappeared.
Chandelier
29-02-2008, 12:23
Do you have healthcare insurance?


My parents do. I just have to ask them to schedule an appointment. I asked them last night and they said they would in the morning if my headache was still here, and it is.

On the bright side I got maybe two extra hours of sleep. :) But my headache isn't gone yet. :(
Chandelier
29-02-2008, 21:04
So apparently I won't be able to see a doctor until Monday at the earliest because I can't see my previous doctor anymore because I turned 18, even though we were told before that they would see me for a little while after I turned 18. So now we have to find a new doctor for me before I can go see a doctor about this. I don't think this headache is going to go away any time soon. :(
Sumamba Buwhan
29-02-2008, 21:14
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this possibility yet but it could be a sinus infection.. I had a headache for two months straight and an MRI found that I had a sinus infection.

I found a great natural remedy that cleared it right up. Apple Cider Vinegar.

You really should go see a doctor about it though.
Chruatia
29-02-2008, 21:16
Its definitely only temporary, it will dissappear itselfly soon, "trust" me :p
Nanatsu no Tsuki
29-02-2008, 21:44
So apparently I won't be able to see a doctor until Monday at the earliest because I can't see my previous doctor anymore because I turned 18, even though we were told before that they would see me for a little while after I turned 18. So now we have to find a new doctor for me before I can go see a doctor about this. I don't think this headache is going to go away any time soon. :(

That sucks, dude. Have you tried cool compresses? When I get a nasty headache, that usually helps, or a giant glass of soda. Caffeine rulz!!:p
Mad hatters in jeans
29-02-2008, 21:56
You know if you chop your head off you'l definitely not get any more headaches ever again. or try this:headbang:, okay maybe better not to try them, as other posters said doctor is a good idea.
Chandelier
29-02-2008, 22:47
My mom just called and said that when she gets home she's going to bring me to a walk-in clinic so that I don't have to wait that long, and since apparently whatever doctor I choose now I would be stuck with even if I'm completely uncomfortable with them, due to the way the insurance is.
Hydesland
29-02-2008, 23:13
Where exactly is the headache? Is it towards the front or around the back? Is it more of a face ache or an ear ache? Or is it just all over? If it's towards the front it could be sinusitis, or it could be a jaw or teeth problems if its around the face, or maybe an ear infection if its around the ears. If its at the back it could be stress, is your neck tense?

/me whimsically attempting to be a doctor.
Chandelier
29-02-2008, 23:15
Where exactly is the headache? Is it towards the front or around the back? Is it more of a face ache or an ear ache? Or is it just all over? If it's towards the front it could be sinusitis, or it could be a jaw or teeth problems if its around the face, or maybe an ear infection if its around the ears. If its at the back it could be stress, is your neck tense?

/me whimsically attempting to be a doctor.

It's most noticeable in the sides but it goes everywhere, and my back and neck are tense too.
Hydesland
29-02-2008, 23:17
It's most noticeable in the sides but it goes everywhere, and my back and neck are tense too.

The latter does sound a lot like stress and lack of sleep, also possibly a lack of exercise, but I'm no doctor so I would still definitely recommend seeing a doctor.
Yootopia
29-02-2008, 23:25
Drink loads of water, sounds like you might have quite a lot of toxins built up in your body due to stress, and try and get a day's rest this weekend without thinking about anything academic, might relax you enough for the headache to leave.
Mad hatters in jeans
29-02-2008, 23:38
Drink loads of water, sounds like you might have quite a lot of toxins built up in your body due to stress, and try and get a day's rest this weekend without thinking about anything academic, might relax you enough for the headache to leave.

stress builds up toxins? what like?
In the brain and muscles or i don't know your stomach?:confused:
Yootopia
29-02-2008, 23:52
stress builds up toxins? what like?
Aye. Stress is both caused by and produces a hormone called Cortisol, and when you get too much of it, you start getting toxins built up in your body which cause minor immune system failure, but on a more immediate level, fairly irritating aches and pains.
In the brain and muscles or i don't know your stomach?:confused:
Your muscles, mostly.

My mother gets suppliments to cut down her Cortisol levels, and she got a whole load of pamphlets and other such pish, none of which goes into any great depth, but make for an interesting-ish read when one has nothing better to do.
Chandelier
01-03-2008, 01:51
The doctor at the walk-in clinic gave me some medicine, Mobic and Fur-something (Furiette? I don't know, but he said it might make me a bit loopy). Then he said that if that doesn't work I should get Tylenol #4, which has codeine in it...

So hopefully I'll get better soon. :)
Entropic Creation
01-03-2008, 02:32
As someone who has suffered through chronic headaches of several different types (each phase of life brings a new one), I have some simple advice divided into 2 parts.

First - your body needs a lot of proper maintenance to function - make sure you are taking care of it. There are 5 things you need to see to:
-proper sleep (dont stay up to cram, it can actually be counter productive)
-hydrate (important for every bodily function)
-eat properly (low blood sugar is bad, as well as various nutrient deficiencies)
-relax (stress can cause a multitude of problems)
-hydrate (important for every bodily function).

I know that is technically just 4 things, but dehydration is an oft overlooked problem with severe effects (soda, beer, tea, coffee, and such actually dehydrate you - so if youre thirsty, they will make things worse).

Second section deals with minor health problems that can cause headaches:
eye strain - get your eyes checked out)
tooth/jaw problems - see a dentist for regular checkups and get xrays until you get the all clear or have your wisdom teeth removed (even if they come in all right, the pressure of crowding can be painful)
and one little curiosity i wish i can remember the term for (and has been mentioned a couple posts ago), minor seizure activity. One problem that usually develops in early puberty is essentially the pain signals get sent around your brain and the mechanism to switch it off doesnt work. So basically it goes into a feedback loop over time - this can last for days. Fortunately this usually only occurs during adolescence and will go away once mature.

There are many causes of headaches, but like any other health problem, talk to a doctor about it if it persists or gets worse.
Dyakovo
01-03-2008, 03:59
So I've had a headache since last Friday. It ranges from mildly annoying to almost completely distracting. I would guess that it's probably connected to stress or lack of sleep or something, but it doesn't seem that headaches are supposed to last this long. After the first few days I even tried taking Tylenol but that didn't make any difference at all. So what do you think I should do? Should I go see a doctor or what?

Definitely go see a doctor.
Tagmatium
01-03-2008, 04:53
One of my housemates has had a headache for a ridiculous length of time. It probably connects with his rather bad diet and lack of excercise. He's dealling with it by drinking booze, cos it gets rid of the pain, drinking more coffee, for the same reason, and sleeping more. Probably not the best thing.

At least it didn't turn out to be menegitis, like we thought it was originally. Otherwise we'd have had to take some massively strong antibiotics which turn poop red.
Chandelier
01-03-2008, 13:37
So the medicine did make me loopy but I still have my headache...
United Beleriand
01-03-2008, 15:17
So the medicine did make me loopy but I still have my headache...Have you seen a doctor?
Chandelier
01-03-2008, 15:24
Have you seen a doctor?

Yes, the doctor I saw last night is the one who gave me the prescription for the medicine I'm on now. He said that if that doesn't work within 24 hours I should get Tylenol #4 (he gave me a prescription for it just in case), which contains codeine. Then if even that doesn't work it's bad and they'll have to do some other tests or something, I guess. So hopefully it will work.