Headache syndrome

[Christabel]

After evaluation by an ENT and neurologist, what I thought was chronic sinusitis has been diagnosed as a "headache syndrome." I've been prescribed lymphatic drainage massage, which sounds awesome. But I've also been prescribed nortriptyline which I thought was something I was only supposed to take as needed. Turns out it's an antidepressant I'm supposed to take every day. I really don't want to - been there, done that, have my reasons.

 

Has anyone enjoyed relief from migraines or other headache problems during/after a Whole30?

[SugarcubeOD]

Headaches can be exacerbated by inflammation and poor eating habits... especially if you have a particular food that is a trigger, so it's likely that you may experience some relief or mellowing of your symptoms from Whole30.  I would talk to your doctor about delaying taking the meds until after your 30 days are up and see if he/she can either change the dose or give you something that will work on an as needed basis if you do feel relief when you're done...

[Christabel]

Thanks for your response. My plan with the meds is wait until after the Whole30 and after I've had some of the lymph drainage treatments, then re-evaluate how I feel about the meds. I've had just horrific experiences in the past with antidepressants and which of the two evils I prefer is really not an easy question. I want to be sure before I risk going down the rabbit hole again. It took years to get out the last time. Nothing against people who benefit from them, I just know from experience that I'm not one of them. 

[SugarcubeOD]

Thanks for your response. My plan with the meds is wait until after the Whole30 and after I've had some of the lymph drainage treatments, then re-evaluate how I feel about the meds. I've had just horrific experiences in the past with antidepressants and which of the two evils I prefer is really not an easy question. I want to be sure before I risk going down the rabbit hole again. It took years to get out the last time. Nothing against people who benefit from them, I just know from experience that I'm not one of them. 

I don't think anyone is thinking you're judging people that are on anti-depressants (as a person who IS on them, I certainly didn't feel judged ).

That said, I think this is a good plan.  You may want to do a food log or journal to mark down not only what you ate but how you felt and what the degree in severity your headaches were so that if you choose to re-intro, you'll have really good info... as well, it would be easier to talk to your doctor about a different treatment plan and possibly different meds if you could bring that journal with you for concrete evidence of symptoms related to food.

 

One thing I do want to ask... do you have other medical issues?  The reason I ask is that if you do have other gut problems or hormonal issues, your body may prioritize healing them, causing a delay in possible reduction of your headache symptoms.  Bear that in mind...

[SugarcubeOD]

Oh and speaking of lymph drainage, have you considered Dry Brushing?  Take a google of it... might be helpful to add to your treatment plan.

[leslie706]

I know the idea of taking an antidepressant is scary, but I was prescribed that while having three brain surgeries. I did a lot of research on it and nortryptiline, is only an "antidepressant" at higher levels (much higher) than what they prescribe for headaches. The way it works as an antidepressant is to block chemical signals. That's the way it works for headaches too, you just don't need as much.

Good luck with it! I know it's scary, but chronic headache is miserable.

[Christabel]

I've taken more types of antidepressants in the past than I have fingers and toes to count them on and they effed me up to where I was 5 times worse off than I was before I started them. I'm extremely hesitant to take any type for any reason. If you'd walked my road, you would understand. The damage still hasn't been undone.

[Christabel]

Oh and speaking of lymph drainage, have you considered Dry Brushing?  Take a google of it... might be helpful to add to your treatment plan.

 

I've tried it in the past but would never do it consistently enough to enjoy much benefit. In the AMs it's all I can do to shower, dress and maybe make a lunch.

[SugarcubeOD]

I've tried it in the past but would never do it consistently enough to enjoy much benefit. In the AMs it's all I can do to shower, dress and maybe make a lunch

I do it in the evening... some people say that it's invigorating but not for me... if you wanted to try it again, try doing it before bed and then take a nice relaxing rinse off shower?  Might be a nice bedtime routine that may help relax you... and for people with headache issues, relaxation is always good

[praxisproject]

Keep a food log and if it's never been reviewed for you, you might want to do a couple of blood sugar tests when you're feeling well and when you've got a headache. Some people are triggered by drops and spikes.

 

I have had huge improvements to my health on W30, including to my chronic sinusitis.

 

However if you still have any wisdom teeth, I'd recommend getting them out. Mine were "fine" on all scans etc, but on removing them I lost a number of symptoms.

 

It upset my dentist quite a bit that they looked okay but had been making me sick, including some pounding headaches.