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Crippling headaches - they're scaring me and I'm worried my radiotherapy has caused them

Elizabethr
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I've got the most crippling headaches, ever since I started RT, I went to the DR a few days ago, and got kept in hospital overnight and for a scan, as the GP wanted to ensure I didn't have something that had been missed, luckily nothing showed up, would of been annoying if the oncologist and ENT team had missed

Its like toothache but in my head, its not always the same place, but quite often its on the right hand side to the centre of my skull, forward to above my eyes, its really worrying me,

My Chemo was called off because of the headaches

The headaches are scaring me, they wake me up, paracetamol works but takes at least 45 minutes and only lasts about three hours 

I was prescribed a strong painkiller but despite asking if I could take these with my epilepsy,  good job I checked as the Dr said "oh there fine"  NO they are NOT,  so I've not taken them, I can't risk my epilepsy re starting

I'm worried about these headaches, and if the RT is causing them

  • Hi there Elizabethr and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about the headaches you are having they sound very unpleasant.

    I can appreciate the worry they are causing you but unfortunately no one here can say exactly why you are having these. It is important to let your specialist team know about the ongoing issues you are having so they can reassess you and any possible causes.

    It is reassuring to hear you had a scan arranged by the hospital and nothing concerning was picked up there which is good.

    Cancer treatments including radiotherapy affect people in different ways but sometimes it can be difficult for doctors to pinpoint what may be causing a symptom.

    Headaches can be the result of so many different things including simple things such as not drinking enough or stress. Do make sure you are looking after yourself by drinking plenty of fluids, trying to relax and take the paracetamol regularly until you can speak with your team.

    I hope you know more soon and that the headaches ease for you soon.

    Take care

    Naomi

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