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anxiety kicking in over headaches!

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Posted 9/12/2009 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
I feel like a weenie because I let my headaches worry me so much.  I had absolutely no idea that headaches were possible on  a daily basis! Is this quite common??  I have some type of headache every day, very frustrating!  I've always had headaches, thinking back in my teen years....I was on the pill and remember getting horrible headaches monthly and having to switch to a different one, I've been to the allergist, chalking it up to sinuses for a while, and then fertility treatments and thinking my headaches are hormonal and stress related.  I had a CT scan & MRI about 1 1/2 years ago....normal.  I have anxiety as well.  I wake up every AM worrying and anticipating whether or not I'll have a headache that day, which I'm sure doesn't help.  I have had so many types of headaches ranging from tension, ice pick, mini migraines, dull aches, full blown migraines with aura and throwing up(not too many where I actually throw up).  I have never seen a neurologist and thinking I should?? I'm 35 and my OB doc said they can get worse after having a baby and as I get older.  Sorry for the ramble but it helps my anxiety to write it all down!  I'm so happy to have found this forum as it really helps to read and know I am not suffering alone. Any thoughts?? Should I see a neurlogist?  I've only taken Tylenol, Excedrin Tension, to treat them.  I am on Zoloft as well for my anxiety. I take daily Zyrtec and take Miucinex and Sudafed when I think its sinus. Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

The post above is what I posted on the migraine forum with little response.  For all of you with anxiety/panic disorder, do you have chronic headaches as well???  I just finished my menstrual cycle and the last few days have been a dull ache above my eye (eyebrow area) started on the right side and today has been on the left.  Any thoughts?>???

addie2629

Posted 9/14/2009 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there. Sorry you are having headaches so often. I don't really have advice for you, but I used to get headaches almost daily as well. I actually have less headaches now than when I was younger. There are three things that are different now though. 1) I've been a sahm for 7 years, 2) I'm not on the computer all day like I was when I was working ft and 3) I haven't been on the bc pill in 8 years. I'm not sure if the headaches were caused by one or all of these things. I am definitely less stressed than I was when working ft and the bc pill did increase my headaches for sure, though I remember having headaches since my early teen  years as well. I've never seen a neurologist either, but I guess it couldn't hurt. Make sure you drink enough water during the day. Deydration can give you headaches and if you work at a computer during the day, make sure you get up and walk around every so often .At least look away from your computer at something else for a few minutes every so often. That can help with eye strain. Also, if you are taking meds for headaches all the time it can cause a rebound effect and make you have another headache. If I just have a slight headache I will sometimes try a cold pack on my forehead or rubbing my temples a little instead of taking something. I hope you find something that works for you. Headaches are no fun.
Posted 9/14/2009 2:15 PM (GMT 0)
addie2629

Good Morning, and sorry it took me until now to get to you. It was a busy weekend.

Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you may be experiencing a variety of head pain known as chronic daily headaches. I would assume your Physician may have talked with you about this possibility.

Some anti-seizure drugs seem to prevent migraines. Now these medications may be used to prevent chronic daily headaches as well. Options may include divalproex (Depakote), gabapentin (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax).

I have heard of good results using these meds. For many people, complementary or alternative therapies offer welcome relief from headache pain.

These therapies would include acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, massage and of course joining a peer support forum such as you have done by joining Healing Well.

You may want to look into ordering this book, Migraine and Other Headaches by M.D. William B. Young M.D. and Stephen D. Silberstein .

I am truly sorry to read that you are plagued with these daily headaches and I hope that coming here and talking with others will help you to find some relief and support for your chronic pain.

I wish you peace,
Kitt
Posted 9/14/2009 5:54 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the replies :)

Today, I have been headache free for 2days now.  I really think most of it is hormonal as the headaches stopped after the end of my cycle.  Now, i am tracking my menstrual cycles & symptoms.  I always get daily headaches but usually dull enough to not bother me and usually at the end of my work day.  Looking back over the last 2 months when the headaches got worse, I have gone from working part time 30hrs/week to ft 40hrs/week with it being only temporary to help out.  I work at several clinics so I travel more than I would like.  Fortunately, my schedule is rather flexible so I can come & go as I please, which probably feeds my fight/flight response!!  I will leave the clinic whenever I feel "trapped"! The headaches & anxiety have probably gotten worse because of my increased workload and not getting as much rest at home as I used to, juggling work, housework & caring for my 19month old. Plus, I realized I was drinking much less water and replacing it with caffeinated beverages... no wonder my anxiety has increased!!  I just hate the headaches as my anxiety usually starts from some symptom setting me into a frenzy and focusing on my health and something being really wrong.  I'm still going to ask my doc to refer me to a neuro just to see what they say.

Thanks again for your response!  Glad I found this forum :)

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