Constant headaches and anxiety

[Mum2SweetCs]

Hi all need some advice.

I think since dd2 was born i have been getting constant health issues of just feeling unwell, tired.

Anyway the last 4 weeks i have been getting headaches starting around my temple.

The problem is this has lead me to overthinking that i have cancer or something very serious.

Which in turn causes me anxiety and more headaches.

I have been to the docs a number of time and at first said it was an ear infection so went on ceclor antibiotics and then maxolon and basically taking panadol everyday.

I am still breastfeeding.

Anyway i cant sleep well anymore worrying about my kids and my failed health.

Ive gone to a sec opinion doc and had a ct scan and blood test awaiting results.

How do i not worry??? Im feeling so down and thinking way too much.

Thanks for reading.

[Calluna]

it could be a tension headache caused by the anxiety. Have a look at the symptoms for post partum anxiety. It may be the anxiety causing the headaches rather than the other way around.

[Lenny]

Kelly had something on bb about neurolinguistic programming. I will try to find it for you. That isn't going to help the headaches but it might help you stop the constant worrying and stressing. Which perhaps are exacerbating the headaches.

I was always dubious about osteopaths but after a constant headache for nearly a month I saw an osteopath and she started my road to recovery. I get migraines anyway, but this was different and do not respond to my usual medication.

Have you talked to the doc about the anxiety? Or just the headaches?

[myturn]

I agree with the osteo. I was having heaps of headaches and the osteo has really helped with that. Definitely might be worth chatting with a psychologist about the anxiety as well Physically difficulties scan be exacerbated by your emotional wellbeing, so it's worth exploring that, but you need to rule out the physical symptoms.

I'm not sure about neurolinguistic programming though, my understanding is that there is very limited evidence base for the effectiveness and it is very expensive. This link is a 2012 article reviewing the literature... I hope it's okay to post as it's a .gov link..... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/

it's hard work dealing with all that xo

[Mum2SweetCs]

Thanks ladies.
To be honest i have not discussed about my anxiety to anything. Not sure i just thought it was all part of parenting but it has gotten worse since dd2.

I will get my results for a couple of tests tomorrow. Hopefully that will ease my anxiety

[Frangipani Lou]

It might also be worth talking with your dr about what else can help your anxiety. It can be really debilitating. Medication has taken 95% of my anxiety away and naturopathic herbs are working well too.

[AnyDream]

Good luck with your test results. Other things to check - get your eyes tested (eyesight can change during & after pregnancy) & see your dentist to check for impacted wisdom teeth &/or signs of jaw clenching/grinding. Also, check for sinus problems. It's the Dr's job to rule out more sinister causes, but it's usually something simpler & treatable. Definitely chat to the doc about your anxiety & insomnia too, as they are treatable as well. And give yourself a pat on the back for speaking up and taking some steps to investigate this.

[AnyDream]

PS I second the osteo recommendation, and even any massage you can get to help ease the physical tension. And read up about magnesium - it has an amazing calming effect, I've found it really helpful in managing stress & anxiety.

[Lenny]

Yes, I take magnesium often. I forget that sometimes.
I don't know about that and bf though? Pay to check. Magnesium does help headaches, and tension.