what can I take for headache before surgery?

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mom3band1g
mom3band1g Member Posts: 817
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I am having headaches every flippin day.  Started Friday and it's now Sun morning.  I go to bed with one and wake up with one.  I am pretty sure it's due to stress/tension.  Dr told me no asprin products for the 7 days leading up to surgery.  I am scheduled for this Thursday.  I am miserable and really hurting.  I am prone to migraines.  I did a snort of Imitrex Fri night and agian Sat morning....I can't take Imitrex everyday.

help.

thanks,

k

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2010

    Tylenol does not have the same properties as ASA. Google it all and find out. It is for bleeding purposes - to not have aspirin.

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  • Bren-2007
    Bren-2007 Member Posts: 6,241
    edited March 2010

    You can take Tylenol or any narcotic med w/o Aspirin or Ibuprofen.  You can also take a sedative (Ativan, Xanax, Trazadone, etc.), just tell the anesthesiologist what you took, when and how much when you arrive for surgery.

    That is what my doctor and anesthesiologist told me.

    Can you take something for allergies as well .. not saying you have allergies, but it might help a little with the headaches.  I would also recommend a small dose of Ativan, Xanax or Trazadone for your headache as well.  If you're taking Imitrex, you must be prone to migraines or cluster headaches.  My heart goes out to you.  They are so painful.

    Hugs,

    Bren

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  • mom3band1g
    mom3band1g Member Posts: 817
    edited March 2010

    Thank you ladies!  Yes, I am prone to migraines and it does stink.  I know it's stress related.  I'm thinking Tylenol PM will do the trick at night.

    thanks again,

    k

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited March 2010

    The only caveat is that often they do not allow patients to take anything oral from midnight before the surgery.  This is to prevent regurgitation into the lungs during the operation.

    If this is a concern (i.e. you are concerned about getting a headache the morning of surgery), they do make acetaminophen suppositories (650mg) over the counter.

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited March 2010

    Agreed, they don't want you to take anything which will increase bleeding/interfere with clotting.  Tylenol is OK, it doesn't have those properties.

    I didn't have a headache the day of surgery, but I did take a Xanax because I was freaked out about the wire placement.  That was OK, too - my surgeon gave me the prescription.  I let the anaesthesiologist know.

    I asked about taking the Xanax if I couldn't drink anything after midnight, they said a small sip of water to take the pill was OK, and anything I might unintentionally swallow while brushing my teeth, but no more than that.  I don't remember if I mentioned that to the anaesthesiologist, I might have.  I didn't have any problems related to it. 

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited March 2010

    You're right - sometimes they make exceptions - it depends on what you are having done, what anesthesia  and route they are using, if your swallowing reflex is impaired, etc.  I have had some procedures where they definitely want me NPO after midnight (nothing by mouth after midnight), but other times I can eat up to a few hours before.  (It also depends on what time of day you have the surgery.)

      My friend, a recovery room RN, has said some people have to be rescheduled when they have not followed their pre-op instructions.  I think this chiefly is when they ate breakfast on the morning of surgery, but, again, it depends on the circumstances.
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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited March 2010

    My surgery was about 3-4 hours with general anesth, and a lot more involved than an average lumpectomy.  The anesthesiologist didn't decide what type he'd use until after he met me and we discussed things, just before surgery.  Then he couldn't get a vein, so he changed plans and I ended up breathing nasty smelling gas from a face mask until I was out - a side effect supposedly being that it would make my veins enlarge a bit making it easier to get the IV in.  I guess it worked as planned.

    I took the pill pretty early in the am, let's say 8am-ish.  My wire placement was at 9:30 am,  "real" surgery was 1:30 pm.

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  • mom3band1g
    mom3band1g Member Posts: 817
    edited March 2010

    I have to be there at 8 for the SNB and the mast is scheduled for 1.  A very long day.  Feel sorry for my hubby!  Thanks for all the suggestions.  If the Tylenol PM doesn't work I will call my bs for something.  I didn't think I was really stressed but I guess I am more than I thought. Not surprising!

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  • dsj
    dsj Member Posts: 277
    edited March 2010

    I am also prone to headaches (migraine, tension, and sinus) and have found that caffeine really helps.  d

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  • joyko
    joyko Member Posts: 104
    edited March 2010

    K ---

    I hope you are feeling better by now.....and your headache has disappeared!!!  I am thinking of you this week --- and I am praying that all goes well with your surgery!!!    I know that soon I will be on the same road you are on now --- I am waiting on a surgery date!  Please keep me posted ...

    Many hugs....

    J. 

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