Question:
has anyone else had severe head pain and or migraines after surgery?

I used to suffer from mild to severe migranes over the years but have been pretty much pain free for a few years...Had the surgery and 6 days post op woke up in the middle of the night with a really bad mirgrane...Had to go to the hospital and have a shot. Since then I have been haveing extremely sharp pains periodically in my forhead just above my right eye. It only last a second but is unbelieveable pain... Scares me really bad. Help? Lonna Grell from Bend OR.    — Lonna G. (posted on June 6, 2001)

June 6, 2001
Lonna, I suffered from migraines in my teens and then after treatment at the Diamond Headache Clinic, I've been pain free for many years --- Then came the birth of my child where I was given an epidural. The main side effect from epidurals is recurrance of migraines. Did you have an epi for your WLS? I did and the migraines came back. That would be the cause It only lasted about 6 weeks and I am on Toradol (the same thing you most likely received in the ER for your migraine) It comes in pill form and is better than Imitrex in that I have no side effects from it. You should see your primary physician for evaluation. You'd be amazed at what they can see by looking into your eyes. Wishing you well. Adrienne
   — corpdiva2006

June 6, 2001
Hi Lonna. I'm scheduled for surgery on 6/26, but during all my support meetings and during pre-op discussions with the Dr. it was mentioned several times that caffeine withdrawl after surgery would cause migranes. Not sure if this applies to you, but I thought I would mention it to you.
   — Ed D.

June 6, 2001
Caffeine withdrawal can cause big headaches after surgery even for people who only drink one or two cups of coffee or other caffinated bevarage a day, If you use caffeine you might want to gradually withdraw from it a few weeks prior to your surgery, Otherwise make sure your Dr knows so that he can treat you with IV caffeine after your operation. It is effective and cheaper than pain meds. Since there is a fast prior to surgery many caffeine consumers have this problem, Some Dr's let their pts drink a few ounces of coffee two hours before surgery to alleviate this problem as caffinated bevarages go through the system quickly. Good luck, hope you get relief soon. Kathy
   — kathleen S.