any ideas on what I can do?

[Pamela H in Texas]

Okay, so after multiple days of headaches and taking everything under the sun for them, I went to the doctor today.

Doc refuses me more medication and wants me to go to neurologist. I try another doc as I've had issues with this doc before and hoping for help. That doc says that with my history I have to go to neurologist.

Has NO ONE ever had a 5 day headache before and understand I just want RELIEF?

The last time this happened (a year ago), the hospital gave me a CT scan (clear) and a shot that put me to sleep for 3 days but relieved my headache within 30 minutes. However, hospital considered this a non-emergency and I couldn't spend that sort of money for an uncertain result especially since it's unlikely my insurance is going to pay for a FOURTH head scan in 2 years (since the stroke in May '06).

Anyway, all that part was just venting. Does anyone have any ideas what to do when various otc and prescription meds won't kill a headache?

[lynn]

chiropractor or accupuncture? Do you live some place that got warm fast, perhaps allergy's with things blooming? I wish I had more to offer. I hope you find relief soon.

[Peek a Boo]

I vote for a chiro followed up by a masseuse :D

and check out some stuff called CALM --it's a CALcium-Magnesium powder. dh drinks it at night and swears it calms him down. It's billed as an anti-stress drink.

the only side effect if you "overdose" is diarrhea :-)

[ConnieB]

If you had a stroke less than 2 years ago, I would think that a doctor knowing your history would take some action with a headache that has not gone away for 5 days. I do understand him not wanting to prescribe more meds....since you don't know what is causing the pain and with your history, but just sending you home. Wow....I'd be looking to get a second opinion.

I don't know that I'd go to the ER unless the pain is intolerable (which I have to guess it's not if you can type at a computer, i.e. form thoughts, it sounds like it's horrible, but not debilitating if that makes sense). If it gets worse, I'd definitely have someone take you in, even if it does turn out to be an expensive mistake...better safe than sorry with your history.

At the very least, contact your insurance company and ask them for a referral to a specialist.....they'd have a series of tests that they can run to rule out many things before they treat you.

Good luck!