Another Day - another side effect?

pattyanny
pattyanny Member Posts: 544
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi all! Maybe someone can help me with this one. I awoke yesterday with sharp shooting pain in back of my skull. I went to my regular MD, and he feels it may be nerve pain and suggested an anti-inflammatory. I tried over the counter (Motrin, Advil etc) to no avail. He suggested Celebrex, which I tried, but it really did not touch the pain. It feels like a shock, which comes and goes, intermittedly & constantly. Today I have pain on both sides of the back of my skull, and am sitting with an ice pack strapped to my skull which provides some relief. I plan on trying a hydocordone so I may get some sleep. I will call rad MD in the morning, but it is so painful,and now - frightening! Has anyone had this, or am the only "lucky" one? Lol!

Comments

  • thegirlfriend
    thegirlfriend Member Posts: 142
    #2
    maybe unrelated?
    Could this coincidentally be your neck out of alignment? Have you ever seen a chiropractor?
    sounds like you could have a pinched nerve in your neck maybe?
    I mean your body can just have normal stuff happen to it even though you are going thru this other garbage. Dont know if you have ever been to a chiro, or believe in their treatment, i believe wholeheartedly, so its just a suggestion.
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    #3
    Skull Pain
    Hi Patty,

    I had pain creep all up around my skull and ears for several days. I was put on 'Lyrica' which blocks some nerve pain and it seemed to help. My other Oncologist put me on Tramadol (Tramal) which is a narcotic and heavier option. Mine went away after several days.

    Apparently the radiation can mess with nerves lower down and during the healing process you can get a manifestation of pain in various places. Lots of weird things can happen in the post treatment time. It will generally be related to your treatment unfortunately.

    I hope you get a solution but your Doc should know or you could suggest the meds mentioned above to your doc.

    Wishing you all the best.

    Scambuster
  • SIRENAF42
    SIRENAF42 Member Posts: 202
    #4
    Neck Pain
    I have almost the same type pain. I always thought it was how my neck was positioned on the radiation table and then being strapped down with the mask. They put that neck rest thing down first and positioned my head with my chin up high, then strapped me down. I always told my doctor that my neck hurt after treatment, but was always told "it has to be that tight".

    My neck still hurts in the same area, one year after my last radiation treatment..... I have Tramadol for the pain, but rarily take it. Usually I just try and stretch it out.

    S
  • pattyanny
    pattyanny Member Posts: 544
    #5
    thegirlfriend said:

    maybe unrelated?
    Could this coincidentally be your neck out of alignment? Have you ever seen a chiropractor?
    sounds like you could have a pinched nerve in your neck maybe?
    I mean your body can just have normal stuff happen to it even though you are going thru this other garbage. Dont know if you have ever been to a chiro, or believe in their treatment, i believe wholeheartedly, so its just a suggestion.

    Thank you!
    Good idea girlfriend! Yes, I think I will see a chiro, but down the line a bit. Doc suggests I wait. It seems to be the muscles and nerves in the neck. He did give me a muscle relaxer which gave me some relief! Yay drugs! May God bless you, and keep you strong.
  • pattyanny
    pattyanny Member Posts: 544
    #6
    Scambuster said:

    Skull Pain
    Hi Patty,

    I had pain creep all up around my skull and ears for several days. I was put on 'Lyrica' which blocks some nerve pain and it seemed to help. My other Oncologist put me on Tramadol (Tramal) which is a narcotic and heavier option. Mine went away after several days.

    Apparently the radiation can mess with nerves lower down and during the healing process you can get a manifestation of pain in various places. Lots of weird things can happen in the post treatment time. It will generally be related to your treatment unfortunately.

    I hope you get a solution but your Doc should know or you could suggest the meds mentioned above to your doc.

    Wishing you all the best.

    Scambuster

    TrueI
    Ty Scambuster. Now I do not feel so alone. I spoke with Doc and he gave me a muscle relaxer, and ices pack seems to help. It was great to have some relief, even for a short time. It probably is nerve pain as you say, but he feels tension also. My Mom has Alzheimers and lives alone, so if you have ever seen the move "Ground Hog Day" with Bill Murray - I am living it! :( Trying to find a nursing home, get her an aide, and in general keep her safe. This to shall pass! Keep fighting the fight, and God bless for your reply.
    Patty
  • pattyanny
    pattyanny Member Posts: 544
    #7
    SIRENAF42 said:

    Neck Pain
    I have almost the same type pain. I always thought it was how my neck was positioned on the radiation table and then being strapped down with the mask. They put that neck rest thing down first and positioned my head with my chin up high, then strapped me down. I always told my doctor that my neck hurt after treatment, but was always told "it has to be that tight".

    My neck still hurts in the same area, one year after my last radiation treatment..... I have Tramadol for the pain, but rarily take it. Usually I just try and stretch it out.

    S

    Yes Sirena, I feel stiffness
    Yes Sirena, I feel stiffness too and try to bring my chin down to touch my chest, and side to side neck exercises, usually as I sit at the computer. Thank you for the reminder, I have not stretched lately, but medication helped a lot. Thank you! I don't know whay I would do without these great people on this forum. God bless Sirena! Patty

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