Headaches post infusion.

[floopyjim]

Went to the GP yesterday,I am getting recurring headaches after infusing that seem to be getting more frequent to the point of joining up with the next infusion.

GP said that taking paracetamol (recommended by the immunologist) may be causing the headaches.  I am prepared to not take pain killers to see if the headaches improve but I am also getting chest pain, GP thinks it's another chest infection. 

The pain in my chest is bad enough to make me really want to take pain killers (I have to grit my teeth to get through the sharp spasms).  Would Ibuprofen be a good alternative or do you think it would be just as bad?

James.

[gillie]

Hi James. I'm sorry you're so unwell. Ibuprofen's worth a try, I suppose, as it's an anti-inflammatory, but if your immunologist recommended paracetamol, and your GP says you probably have another chest infection, why isn't he/she treating it? It sounds like a lack of communication between your immunology consultant and your GP. One should be checking with the other, not leaving you in a painful vacuum in the middle! Would you consider asking for a second opinion? I would, rather than be in the constant pain you describe. Good luck. I wish you a speedy recovery.

[john]

Hi Jim, I think it's time you asked your Immunologist whether they think a different make of product should be tried.
No-one should have these headaches when doing sub-cut unless there is some sort of allergic reaction to the formulation.That's what I would do anyway!
Good luck.....I'm sure you'll get it sorted soon!

[floopyjim]

Thanks John and Gillie, I'm not sure if the headaches are related to the infection I had or not. I am on my rescue antibiotics though. They are usually good at getting rid of the infection if I catch it early (which I think I have). After about 5 weeks of headaches, I actually feel headache free today! I guess talking about them has scared them off!

The doctor did think that they are not the usual headaches associated with a reaction, they see to be more like small migraines so I have been given triptans to help get rid of them. I will discuss it with the immunologist though, the last thing I want is to go back to the way I was - I am beginning to have more days well(well for me!) than ill so things are getting better.

[s162216]

Hi Jim, are the headaches improving at all?

I'm surprised that your GP thinks paracetamol may be a possible cause as I'm not aware of headaches being a side effect (quite the opposite in fact). You could also try taking both ibuprofen and paracetamol together as they work by two distinctly different mechanisms and as so are safe to take together (a pharmacist will confirm that in case you want to be sure - in fact it's a cheaper way of getting the same effect as a certain neurophen combination product), just don't take ibuprofen and asprin together as they do work by the same mechanism.

Let us know how it goes,

Sam.

[floopyjim]

Hi Sam, The headaches are better - the triptan's worked great. I have been getting increasingly worse hayfever over the last couple of weeks so I wonder if it's that that's caused the migraines?

[mothergoose]

How are you doing? How are the headaches.
Your Dr. Probably said to stop the Tylenol because of the effect of rebound headaches, he may have said no Tylenol but I believe this means no pain medications.
If the triptan's work then it is a different process going on.
Chest pains can be a sign of allergic reaction to things.