ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: SHunter59 on October 11, 2010, 08:25:50 am
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Hi all,
Haven't been here for a while because there was nothing new to report. Hubby had his 6 month follow up and MRI from his GK a couple of weeks ago and the Doc was very pleased. His AN has shrunk 10% and the Doc said "it definitely looks like it's been nuked" which is great. Hubby doesn't have to go back for another MRI for a year. Of course after this appointment he started to get really bad headaches. I think some describe them as "ice pick" headaches? He has never been a headache sufferer so these are really bothering him. I wanted to come here and find out if this is something that others have experienced post GK, this far (6 months) and if so will these headaches last?
Thanks in advance.
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I am so sorry your hubby is having those headaches. It is great news that his AN is shrinking. I have not been bothered by headaches after my GK. Hopefully someone will have some insight into this for you.
Grace
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I didn't have GK - I chose surgery - but it was an option for me.
When my doc and I discussed it, he told me that side-effects (which included headaches) could crop up for 12 - 18 months post radiation. So I'm guessing that the headaches are normal.
I'm hopeful they'll pass in time.
Jan
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I've started to have some intense but very short lived headaches - they are very localized in the back of my head on the AN side, and have a piercing feeling, but only last for ten minutes or so, then stop. I only have had this happen about 5 or 6 times, and only every few days, so I'm not worried about it. I'm not even sure it's AN related. This was not present until several weeks ago.
I've also been getting dizzy again more frequently. This is bothering me more than the headaches. I look forward to getting my first post GK MRI next month. I wonder what's going on in there!
Nancy
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I think that I've heard Phyl (ppearl214) use the expression ice pick headaches. You should contact her. She is ALWAYS helpful.
-Theresa (tsl)
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I think that I've heard Phyl (ppearl214) use the expression ice pick headaches. You should contact her. She is ALWAYS helpful.
-Theresa (tsl)
Thanks Theresa :-* :-* for the kind words.
Yes, I was diagnosed with 3 kinds of migraines, including "ice pick migraines"... those, nasty stabbing (like a steak knife or ice pick being jabbed in and out constantly) headaches that occur for brief time periods that float around to different sides of the head. I was diagnosed with them last year. I have yet to find anything that really works on them. I was referred to the local Headache Clinic in Boston (Faulkner Headache Clinic) and the neurologist that specializes in headaches diagnosed me with them. She did prescribe Indomethycin but I can't take it due to GI issues. I am on Neurontin (generic name: Gabapentin) and we have recently upped the dose due to (more than usual) persistant migraines to see if we could "break through it" to help them subside. I'm now on week #3 of the ramp up of Neurontin to see if it helps.... and suppliment with Tylenol (I cannot take Ibuprofen or Naprosyn/Aleve due to GI issues) so its helping a little to help "curb" the migraines, but still there... just more tolerable.
I hope this helps... and hoping you all find relief soon!
Phyl
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I had my last Novalis session on 1/7/2010.
Almost 5 months now. Have been having persistent headache for the last 3 weeks.
Was advised by doc to go on steroid if it gets bad enough. Apparently, it is common due to the swelling on the tumour following radiation.
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Since my last post, today is the second time I am having headache again. I am due for my 6 months follow up next week. But today's headache also makes me feels nausea. Trying to bear with it for the time being. Yes, headache is a problem 6 months after radiation. In fact, the first few months after my Novalis treatment, I did not have any problem with headache. It seems to be getting worse. See what the MRI scan and doctor says next week. I was just starting to get optimistic when the headache strikes. So depressing...
Novalis radio surgery last session on 1 Jul 2010.
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I have been plagued with headaches since GK, but they have improved greatly in the past year. I do have a past history of headaches, but had not suffered with headaches for several years. So, prior to going into the GK treatment, I was not sure if I would have them or not. I soon found out I was going to have headaches once again following GK. I have had icepick headaches and headaches that were on the right side (AN side) of my head. Both type headaches were not any kind I had ever had before. My headaches in the past were always over my eye, but these were headaches that I was not used to having. My headaches actually started the day of my treatment, but feel sure it was from the medicine they injected into my head. However, I had them follow from that period on, following treatment. I went on and off Medrol Dosepaks trying to get relief in the first 18 months. My head was so sensitive that if I were to go out in extreme cold or heat, my head would immediately start hurting on the right side. I felt like my head was a barometer/thermometer!! I was referred to a headache specialist, but it took a year (yes, a year) to see him. By that time, they were much better, so I opted to use Advil for pain relief, instead of using the prescribed Topomax. I needed something much stronger than Advil earlier on, but did not need it so much later on in the second year.
On a bright note, my headaches are MUCH BETTER. I am almost 2 and 1/2 years out and my headaches improved sometime after the first year and a half. I am really relieved. I still have some icepick headaches, but they are fleeting. I suppose I do have some head pain, but nothing that disrupts my life for sure.
I truly hope your headaches improves. It is very possible they will get better over time!!
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Hello,
I am new to the forum but I had the GK last June,2010 and now 8 months after I do get headaches once in a while. I think when I get really tired it triggers the headache. Usually if I put ice on it it helps . I also have balance problems, does your hubby have those too ?
Four months after my GK I got facial palsy, I am still dealing with that. I am told it should be temporary but it is hard to be patient. My friends always want me to go out and do things with them but I find it difficult to do all I did before my surgery. My husband and I go out once a week for lunch and grocery shopping or do errands and maybe once a week or so for dinner out. Other than that I just do not like going out and about. I had my first dizzy spell at church last March which sent me to the doctor soon to find out about my tumor. I went over my options and choice the GK. I am not sorry about my the choice I made but I was surprised I got the palsy. I was told after my surgery that the facial nerve was not damaged. I was told the palsy is due to swelling and it will take time for it to heal. Just know sure how much time.
I hope your hubby's headaches go away and he has a complete healing.