You might have guessed...

IowaGuy · « **on:** January 14, 2009, 02:20:59 AM »

But there appears to be something wrong with my brain. Meh. Figured I'd post here, cause why not? I've been having severe and non stop headaches for almost three months... They started sometime around Thanksgiving, give or take. Most of the time, it's low grade, just a regular "Man, I've got a headache." kind of a thing. However, more recently they've become migraines and cluster headaches that have actually put me in tears. To put that in a better light, I have a really high tolerance to pain. I've broken bones and still worked, dealing with the pain. So, when I had to call into work last week because I couldn't function, you should get a pretty decent picture of the blinding pain. Add to that, I've been having weird memory problems and haven't been **83**, and my family has insisted (and is literally dragging me) to see a doctor. I have no idea what it is, but I'm hoping for a tumor. I'd like to lose some weight. Yes, its sick, but that's my sense of humor kicking in. Anyway, just a note for anyone who is interested.

Iowa "It's not lupis" Guy

Juliekat · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2009, 05:10:49 AM »

As someone who suffers with migraines, I can understand your pain. However, when they are non-stop, you really do need to get it checked out. Your family is right in making you see a doctor. When is your appointment?

Please keep us updated.

Julie "sending lots of positive thoughts your way" kat

pedonbio · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2009, 05:48:14 PM »

Well, my migraines accompanied by vomiting turned out to be a symptom of high blood pressure. I'm still working on getting in down. Last time I saw my doc, he asked if I wanted the "stroke" speech or the "death" speech.

solvegas · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2009, 09:23:39 PM »

Pedonbio, I'm not trying to make light of the choise your doctor gave you but depending on the severity of the stroke I'd rather be dead. My mother had her stroke 9 years ago and it left her wheelchair bound and unable to speak. I'm taking care of her and I have to admit, as much as it pains me, that I've gotten resentful and since my siblings have essentially decided to let me do it all, I would not mind if she passed away. To see someone who use to be independent, strong and ornery sometimes become dependent like a baby has been trying at times. My nightmare is that, since I have Leber's heredetary optic neurotrophy, I will be blind before she dies. Then who is going to take care of her? Anybody that visits even the best elder care facilities, unless they have a heart of stone, comes away depressed.So unless you get a really, really mild stroke, you are better off dead.

BarnacleBill · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2009, 10:07:02 PM »

pedonbio!

They have amazing blood pressure medications now! Why are you not on them?!

homevintner · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2009, 10:37:52 PM »

Here's hoping for the best. Keep us posted.

IowaGuy · « **Reply #6 on:** January 15, 2009, 01:56:22 PM »

After some fun adventures over the last couple of days (apparently, even some frightening times where I forgot what day it was and what we were doing, and passing out) I am feeling better. I went to the doctor yesterday (and this took some time, because one couldn't make it in due to weather, and was in a distant town) and got checked out. For the first time in a long time, my blood pressure was indeed, very bad. 130 over 100. Whether this was a symptom of the pain, or a cause of the pain remains to be seen. However, he checked me out thoroughly and said that he wanted a CAT scan, just to make sure that there wasn't something more serious. He doubted it, but of course, wanted to make sure. The scan was quick, and relatively painless, and the results were quick. In the immortal words "Its not a tumor!" So, he prescribed some medicine. One was to kill the headache. Relpax. Boy, did it work. I didn't like the side effects (made my neck and chest feel weird and heavy, but within the bounds of the normal side effects) but my head finally felt okay. He also prescribed some preventative medicine that I was doubtful about at first, but after reading about it, am less upset about. Nortritylin. I helped me **82** last night, and today I woke up without a headache. I actually feel human. So, hopefully this will help me get back on a regular routine (I haven't been **83** more than about three to four hours a night in some time) and get me back to my old loveable, less grouchy self. Thanks for the well wishes and concern, guys! It looks like I"m gonna be okay!

Iowa "I'm in a hospital. What could go wrong?" Guy

DruulEmpire · « **Reply #7 on:** January 15, 2009, 02:01:20 PM »

Yikes. When I donated blood I was also 130 over 100, and I've likewise been having trouble **83** for good long stretches. I may need to check in on you just out of enlightened self-interest, along with concern.

rtpoe · « **Reply #8 on:** January 15, 2009, 09:22:06 PM »

So, no brain parasites or alien implants?

TheHerald · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2009, 04:41:28 PM »

Quote:

"I'm in a hospital. What could go wrong?

Um, I hear a lot of people die there?

Glad to hear (I mean read) you survived the visit!

homevintner · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2009, 05:18:24 PM »

"I'm in a hospital. What could go wrong?"

Don't ever ask that question if you have any inkling at all of what's good for you.

TheHerald · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2009, 06:54:12 PM »

When I donate blood about 3 times a year, they write the latest BP on my Red Cross Donor ID card. I offer this list for a very unscientific comparison..

11/24/05 - 120/88
06/01/06 - 130/88
11/23/06 - 160/80
01/24/07 - 152/94
06/29/07 - 138/82
11/22/07 - 132/72
03/26/08 - 150/90
06/24/08 - 146/72
09/04/08 - 138/64
11/27/08 - 100/76

FYI, the first number is when the heart beats(pumps), the second is when the heart is at rest (between beats). Generally speaking, my pressure is considered high enough to worry a little, but not life threatening. I don't remember what you're supposed to do to reduce High blood pressure, but I must be something right because my numbers are improving.

My actual point for showing my list is to show how it can wander between readings made months apart. Like Gonzo said, I've also been told that the amount can vary considerably within the same day, too. For example, people tend to have higher blood pressure whenever they're near a doctor (or needles).

gonZo · « **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:46:03 AM »

Put me in a dentist's chair --even though I have complete faith in my dentist and her painkillers-- and my BP automatically shoots up to about 170/110. Scares the shit out of the hygienist every time...

Re: You might have guessed...

Re: You might have guessed...