Constant sinus headache: SE or coincidence?

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MzJ
MzJ Member Posts: 31
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I've had a sinus headache every day since Day 3 of Radiation.  The good news is that Advil Cold & Sinus and ibuprofen take the headache away. But the bad news is,  a few hours later, my head HURTS, right behind my eyes. No sneezing, no congestion; just pain.  It's been like this for 10 straight days now. I'm going to discuss this again with the doctor.   Has anyone here had sinus headaches during radiation treatment? What did you take? I've got 4 weeks of rads to go. I don't think I can keep taking Advil & ibuprofen 3 times a day. What if the headaches don't stop even after rads stop? Is this a permanent side effect?    

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited March 2010

    I doubt it. This time of year where I live.. ( humid areas.. not like AZ)... is sinus life... from now until Nov. 2010.

    Rads cause a lot of issues.. but not this...unless you are having gamma knife rads to the brain

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  • MzJ
    MzJ Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    Hi Estepp,  yes 'tis the season here too. I'm sure the weather is what brought the headaches on, but I fear that radiation is playing a part in why it's so hard to kick.  I think I read it weakens our immune system.  I worry about taking so much Advil and ibuprofen; I bet it's not good for my stomach and I'm building up a tolerance :(

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited March 2010

    MzJ, you might want to ask if this is a sinus infection causing the headaches. It's true that our imune systems are weaker durng rads so an infection is not a surprise, but it should be treated.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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  • MzJ
    MzJ Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    Hi Leah,  Thank you for replying, I appreciate it!   Yes, the rad nurses told me the same thing today.  They said it would be OK to take antibiotics during treatment.   It's good to know I shouldn't have these headaches forever.  

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  • June2268
    June2268 Member Posts: 1,202
    edited March 2010

    Hey ladies I too have suffered from severe headaches and I only had 2 treatments.....the morning after my 1st treatment I woke up with a killer headache that pretty much lasted all day and now I am on my 3rd day of constant headache and I  have had only 2 treatments....I too worry if this is going to be a long term SE....I pray not......I cannot live like this.....there seems to be so much they don't tell you......I am so frustrated and I have only just begun.......

     I will talk to the nurse on Monday and see what they have to say......I wonder what the connection is, how can this be?  This does not make any sense.......

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  • Ezscriiibe
    Ezscriiibe Member Posts: 598
    edited March 2010

    Sinus infections are a way of life in our area. If one has had a sinus headach, stuffiness, drainage, etc for more than 10 days then it's a given they need an antibiotic.

    We are so paranoid about what we are doing to our bodies with our treatments that every (what would normally be a very common) ache, pain or ailment we want to attribute to those darn SEs! 

    In fact, my husband has a sinus infection right now. He already took some antibiotics for it (a Z Pack), but that didn't knock it out. Now HE wants to say it's sympathy SEs!

    I told him to just call and get another round of meds before I have to hurt him! (the constant coughing and moaning is getting a little old! I don't make that much drama when I feel so bad I can't even get off the couch! LOL!)

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  • MzJ
    MzJ Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2010

    Unfortunately I still have the headache.  It's been 16 straight days now. On Wed 3/17 I saw my regular doctor; he gave me an antibiotic and said to stop taking Advil Cold & Sinus and take Mucinex Extra Strength instead. So now I'm taking that andI'm still taking ibuprofen 2 to 3 times a day.   I live in Cleveland and have had sinusitus and seasonal allergy issues all my life.  The thing that I find odd about the past 16 days is how consistent the headache pain has been. Usually for me, ear/nose/throat issues tend to move around between my head,nose,throat & chest.   This time I've got no other symptoms, no runny nose, no scratchy throat, no cough.  Just the headaches.        

    All the doctors and all the nurses assure me the headaches have nothing to do with the radiation treatment.  I've completed 15 of 30 zappings.  The fatigue is building and I definately blame the headaches for that.

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