Headaches?

[MissFormosa]

Anyone else here get barometric pressure headaches? Every time the weather changes, I get a head splitting headache. I'm wondering, if anyone else suffers from this, how they manage? I've been taking pain killers, but it's not helping. This is a bad one.

[NicholsS10]

I don't get barometric headaches... but before I was on Zoloft, I use to get migraine headaches, and those are pretty bad. Right now I have mono (again, for the 3rd time), and EVERY late afternoon for the last month I have been getting migraines... so I empathize with you!

Everyone is different, so what might help me might not help you and vice versa. I recommend experimenting with different OTC pain killers (different brands and different strengths). My neck has been tight, and painful, so a warm, moist compress on my neck helps me. The one thing that always helps me though, is sleep. I don't care what time of day or night it is, if I have a bad migraine or headache, and if nothing else is working, a good nap always helps.

[Heady]

I've heard of these, although I don't tend to get them, so I probably shouldn't be posting...but I'm wondering if they feel similar to migraines?

I know blood vessels have a lot to do with it, just like migraines, and you probably already take this, but figured I'd mention it anyway: an anti-inflammatory? Ibuprofen?

Also...and this might sound silly, but it may work for you...cup your hand around your nose and mouth and breathe slowly into it for a few minutes and see if that will help.

My mom used to use a humidifier for my little brother...

Sorry if this wasn't any help...I just figured I'd mention some stuff. I hope you feel better soon, though!

[angiekay]

I've suffered from migraines my whole life just about, and take preventative medication to help, but here lately they are worsening. I've had the eye exams to make sure it's not eye strain, because I work on a computer all day, so it's not that. I've never heard of headaches from barometric changes though, that's a new one on me.

I usually have to lay down in a dark and quiet room, after taking pain meds to get any relief from them, and then after it actually quits hurting, my head is so sore it feels like I've been beat over the head with a baseball bat several strokes. So, I wish you all the luck in finding some relief, as I know and sympathize with you completely.

[JD In Van]

I get them. I've had one for three days now

I use anti inflammatories during the day and a glass of red wine or a schmirnoff's ice at night seems to do the trick too. Seriously.

I find a nice warm bath helps a lot too.

[princesspoppy]

Yes i suffer a lot from headaches,especially migraines. My head gets so painful that it's impossible to put my head down on a pillow (thumping sensation) I have had cat scans and told the usual,stay off the coffee. Impossible .

[JD In Van]

Caffine really does aggrevate them. I used to drink 6 cups a day. Now I'm down to 2 cups a day and they are MUCH better and less frequent.

[Matt Ceja]

I would go see a doctor about it. I spent most of my life in pain to the extent I don't remember what it is like to not be in pain. I found out I had a horrible disease after 10 years of ignoring it. I wish I would have had the opportunity to see a doctor during that time but because I was in the military for years (GOV Healthcare blows because rarely do doctors actually care) the doctors just told me to drink water and take motrin.

It progressed to the point I was no longer able to support weight on my right hip. We were running 10 miles every other morning and my right hip gave out on me one of those mornings and was never the same again. At that point doctors took me seriously and found out about my disease and the amount of damage it had caused to my spine. Had I got the proper treatment (from a civilian doctor) and listened to my body I probably wouldn't be so screwed up right now.

If you have the money and time see if there is anything a doctor can do for you. It might be something that can be treated and or prevented. I also would not recommend the use of OTC medication to treat your headaches. Those medications can be great every now and then...but prolonged use can cause you more issues in the long run. I also would not recommend drinking alcohol to help "relieve" any kind of headache pain or pain in general. Besides the chemical dependancy issues it can cause especially when using it habitually. You will build up a tolerance and eventually have to consume more and more alcohol to get the same effect. There are safer alternatives out there and alternatives that are not as addictive.

I have been on or am currently on the following pain medications. Morphine, hydramorphone, vicodin, percocet, cortisone injections and medicinal marijuana. I have also been on a lot of other medications including NSAIDS, auto injectors, infusions and other treatments. I currently take 15 different medications daily to control my disease and the side effects caused by treatment.

I haven't found anything besides marijuana or the morphine that will even help with a migraine. The only thing I have found 100% effective is to just go to sleep when I start to get them. Some things you may want to try. Make sure you are getting enough sleep at night, eating a proper diet and you research breathing techniques. Also, if you see a doctor you might be able to get oxygen or something which can help shorten the length of your headaches. Good luck with your headaches.

[MissFormosa]

Thanks Matt! And all the other posters!

I was in the Army and I completely understand how bad their health care is. It's awful!

I drink a lot of coffee, maybe I need to cut back.

I've been hanging out here in the dark, and that seems to help.

[Tessa Bea]

Originally Posted by MissFormosa

I was in the Army and I completely understand how bad their health care is. It's awful!

YES. I'm in the Army right now, as is my husband... he had to fight for his tonsils to get removed, and I got refradded for a health problem that turned out to be caused by something totally different than what they thought.

I have a friend whose been nearly paralyzed from the waist down and going through rehab for the last 4 YEARS because they messed up her spinal medicine thing (I forget what it is called, epideral?)...

All I can say is if and when I have kids, there is NO WAY I am delivering at an Army Hospital.

[MissFormosa]

I don't blame you one bit! I was in the Army only 11 months and when I got out, I could barely walk without extreme pain. I had stress fractures in both feet/ankles and heal spurs! I used to tell the doctors my feet hurt and they would tell me to get some moleskin. Not to mention, when I had my mental breakdown, they kind of dumped me in a hospital and forgot about me for a little over 3 months while they did the paperwork. What a shame. I could go on and on.

[GizzyandMe]

MissF when I lived in Chicago I got those headaches. The first time I ever got them and I wanted to die (take into consideration our temp is between 85 and 120 all year not like in Chicago where it goes from 0 to 120 in a year)

The only thing that helped for me was to take 2 asprin and put a very dark green pillowcase over my head and rest for a few minutes. Apparently something about the light that comes through the green material is what makes it work.

Good luck - they are horrid - one of the things I do NOT miss about the USA!!

[Matt Ceja]

Originally Posted by Tessa Bea

YES. I'm in the Army right now, as is my husband... he had to fight for his tonsils to get removed, and I got refradded for a health problem that turned out to be caused by something totally different than what they thought.

I have a friend whose been nearly paralyzed from the waist down and going through rehab for the last 4 YEARS because they messed up her spinal medicine thing (I forget what it is called, epideral?)...

All I can say is if and when I have kids, there is NO WAY I am delivering at an Army Hospital.

I was stationed there at the WTU for over a year. I actually grew up in WA so all my family was there. It was a real nice transition out. I spent over a year doing med board stuff and surgery. Which kind of sucked but I had 5 years in infantry line units so it was a nice change. All I had to do was show up or call in (Seriously) to first call formation. Then I was released for the entire day to do whatever I needed to get done. I lived in Covington at the time so I would show up and then turn around and drive home.

My wife's delivery there at madigan was great. I have never seen anything as nice as their delivery rooms and they keep women there for a few days. Most civilians I have met wish they could have delivered in a facility like Madigan. Our only complaint was my wife's OBGYN. (I think thats right?) The person was an idiot. She just stood there and let another doctor do her job for her. Then when my wife tore you know what. She didn't even know how to sew it up! The other doctor delivered and sewed my wife up.

Funny thing was the best doctor I ever came across was a PA over on North Fort Lewis. He was the one who diagnosed my disease (which is very rare) and for well over 10 years no one could tell me what was wrong with me. So not all of the medical staff is bad.

If you don't mind me asking. You can PM me if you like. What units are you and your husband in? Maybe I have run in to you guys before. I have only been out a little over a year. I was in 5th BDE 4-23 INF on North Fort. My wife was also in the military in a Civil Affairs unit there on main post.

[pigsmakemesmile]

I do get headaches anytime there's a change in the weather. Usually migraine type. For treatment, I take advil migraine, or excedrine along with a cool compress to the forhead along with a cup of coffee and something to eat, usually will kick it out out along with.

[guineapigluver1]

I get headaches when cold fronts come through, and most of the time, once a month migraines. If I get my head knocked (such as heading a soccer ball), I will get a headache that radiates through my face.
The way I deal with it is, if it is possible to at the time, lay down with no noise, block as much light as possible and rest.
If I can't do that I just deal with it. Drink lots of water. Eat something with protein. Eat or drink something with caffeine. It helps.
I try to not take pain killers unless it is just unbearable. When I take painkillers it just seems to make the pain linger longer.

[Toadies]

I've had migraines since I was 14 yrs old (back when migraines were "all in your head" - ya' think?) and one of my triggers is change in barometric pressure. Several years ago I read about a study that found that decongestants can lessen or prevent migraines. At that time I had been taking decongestants for 40+ years for just that reason. The one that works best for me is brand name Sudafed. In dicey weather, I start my day with one regular strength Sudafed. If I do start to develop a migraine, I'll down another with ibuprofen and I am able to lessen and sometimes avoid the pain/nausea and all other discomforts associated with migraines.

[Matt Ceja]

Originally Posted by guineapigluver1

Eat or drink something with caffeine. It helps.
I try to not take pain killers unless it is just unbearable. When I take painkillers it just seems to make the pain linger longer.

A can of coke is usually enough to do the trick if caffeine is going to help. =) You are wise not to take pain killers for headaches. The use of pain killers leads to increased sensitivity to pain in a lot of cases. Chronic migraines are tough to combat. Like I said... Seeing a doctor is the best thing you can do. They can set you up with oxygen and other known beneficial therapies that can improve quality of life. Most responsible doctors will not recommend pain killers for life long chronic pain.

[dpringle1737]

I treat my migraines (tension & weather related) with 2 Excedrin Migraine. I also use a warm compress, one of those are that are filled with grain or rice that you heat in the microwave. In the evening, I will take a muscle relexer too before I go to bed. This regime seems to really help.