Question:
Excruciating headaches this week; 23 days since surgery.

I am having terrible headaches - they seem to get worse every day. I am on high bp medication, maybe my bp is now too low? I don't know what to do. I will call my Dr. later this am.    — linda S. (posted on February 20, 2003)

February 19, 2003
I'm not a medical expert by no means, but have you given up coffee, tea etc? I know my dietician recommends not to use caffiene products. If you given them up, you could be going through withdrawals. Ask your doctor.
   — Debbie W.

February 20, 2003
I can't answer the bp part of your question-your doc sure can, but it may also be related to hormones. Early post-op, when you are losing lots of weight, massive amounts of hormones are being released and may be responsible for the headaches...just a thought.
   — Cindy R.

February 20, 2003
Hi, I am still pre-op, so I am by no means an expert on the subject. However, with previous surgeries that I have had ,with certain anesthesia, I had the tendency to have major headaches for awhile after. Could that be it? What type of anesthesia was used during surgery? Kelli
   — kscott6260

February 20, 2003
Are you taking a multi vit with iron? If you don't get enough iron you can get a real doozy of a headache. Be sure you are taking the "Big 3:" Multi-vit with iron, B-12, and calcium citrate (not the same time as the iron). Also dehydration can make you feel pretty rotten including headaches. Take care and hope this helps!
   — ctyst

February 20, 2003
hi there :) i would definetly mention it to the doctor, but i do remember when i was new as a post op, i had alot of headaches during that time, seemed to have them alot until about the 3rd month, i never figured out the reason, but it did pass, im wondering if i just noticed them more as i couldnt take my old reliable ibupropyn anymore, best of luck to you :)
   — carrie M.

February 20, 2003
For me, headaches usually mean that I am not getting enough water in. Best wishes in your process.
   — Heather N.

February 20, 2003
Your blood pressure could possibly have an effect, so can hormones after surgery. SO can caffeine, there are so many things that can bring on a headache, but if it's been for a week, and doesn't get better, I'd definately consult someone! I've been dealing with chronic daily headaches for a year now, started before surgery though. I had an excruciating headache one day, and its been 24 hours a day since. I would definately get it checked out. Headaches are very mysterious, and even some of the best doctors and neurologists in the world can seem to understand them. I wish you the best, hope you feel better, I know how dibilitating headaches can be!
   — Lezlie Y.

February 23, 2003
A headache is one thing, but one that is excruciating should be looked into ASAP. There are so many things that cause headaches and many of them have been mentioned here. One thing I didn't see mentioned though, is withdrawal. Did you consume a LOT of carbs and/or sugar prior to surgery? If your body is going through withdrawal of that, you may still be getting just enough in to finish the withdrawal process. No matter what, if a headache is debilitating, don't let the doctor blow you off. My sis & brother have major migranes, but it's because they both had serious head injury years ago. Another brother has them, but has figured out it is carb-related. Please...for your sake, find out what it is from. It can be a tedious process, but well worth the effort. Please let us know how things turn out & good luck!
   — Diane S.