My dd 12 has had a headache since Sunday with no real relief. We've tried ibuprofen, Excedrine Migraine, and Aleve. We currently have no health insurance, but I'm really feeling like I need to take her to the doctor. She has a bit of a cough, but no congestion or runny nose. Her temp has been 99 to 100- not high, but not normal. She's tried sleeping it off, with no success so far. Pray for wisdom to know what to do. Extra medical expenses would be a huge burden right now, especially if it invloves more than a routine visit.
I'm not a doctor or even remotely related to one, but if she were my child, I would think that she had a sinus infection. The infection could be in a place in the sinuses that is draining down her throat causing the little bit of cough, but not stuffing up her nose. I'd see if a decongestant helps her headache. (Tylenol Sinus use to be my favorite for a sinus infection.) If that does relieve her headache, then you'll still have to go to the doctor to get an antibiotic unless you have a nice doctor who will help you out via the phone.
I'm in agreement with Alice. I used to get them all the time when I was young. The infection will get to the high fever stage if let go, though. If you are able to get her in to the doctor's office today, or a walk-in clinic, I'd certainly try before Christmas. Doctor's offices will often give free antibiotics to people with no insurance. Praying for you to have wisdom and for your daughter to feel better TODAY! (((hugs)))
Yes. I would agree on the Sinus infection!!!! I have this happen to me ALL the time and my nose is never a problem!!!! Sinus infections that are high up in the sinus can cause a wicked headache and no other symptoms! Get a great decongestant. And for temporary relief, take a hand towel, wet it, microwave it for about 1 minute. Place on her face. (well, if it's too hot...let it cool a little). This always works for me. Another option is a neti pot - but those are not for everyone! I have not yet been brave enough to try it, but my sister swears by them! Praying for her, that it would release before the holidays.
Thanks ladies! I'm taking her in today. If it is a sinus infections, she probably needs antibiotics. Sam's and Target have $4/$5 antibiotics, so hopefully the visit is all that is going to be costly. I very rarely get headaches, so I have no idea what she's dealing with. She missed two days of swim practice this week (goggles made her headache worse), and that is SO not like her. I'd hate for her to be miserable all weekend, so we'll just go in to have it checked out.
With that clue, then it most certainly is a sinus infection...she'll feel 100% better after a dose or two of antibiotic. The relief will be a great Christmas present!
Oh poor thing. yes, I agree sounds like sinus infection for sure. Next time start her on tyenol sinus and you will see a big difference right away. I hope she is better for Christmas.
As an FYI for headache relief: try ice packs at the base of the neck. Sounds weird but as a migraine sufferer, it works. It does sound like a sinus thing though. NASTY pain. Praying for relief and for you guys to have a Merry Christmas
I took her to the doc. He said she had some symptoms of a migraine, but lots of drainage, leading him to diagnose as a sinus infection. He did say it was viral, not bacterial, so he gave her a decongestant (FREE SAMPLES!!) but not an antibiotic. Thanks for all your input. You ladies were right!!
So glad she is getting some relief by now. And very glad for your FREE SAMPLES!!!! Merry Christmas!!!
Sixcloar, Motrin has a migraine relief tab that works wonders (I've tried many over the counter remedies and that one has been most effective). The "Head on" sticks work wonders (if you can't find one, Vick's Vapo Rub works as well). Ice packs at the base of the skull are amazing relief as well. So happy that it isn't anything more serious and thankful that they were able to help you. Hope your daughter is feeling better
So far, the decongestants/Aleve haven't given her relief from the headache. If she isn't feeling better tomorrow, I think I'll give the doctor a call. I'm going to make her try the ice pack after we get home from church this morning.
Ice pack at the base of the neck, quiet dark room and Vick's Vapo Rub on her temples (or head on). Praying for relief. God bless her
I have a friend at church who uses peppermint oil on her forehead for headaches. She says it helps her every time she has a headache. She rubs it from temple to temple. I haven't tried it but one of my older daughters did and she said it helped her, but the oil burned a little right after she rubbed it across her forehead. I used to have bad headaches so I know how awful it makes you feel. Praying your daughter gets relief soon.
Try either a netti pot or some grapefruit seed extract. I have very good luck with the GSE. It either stops my sinus infections completely or severely cuts down the pressure from them. I also secont the peppermint oil. I get migraines so I understand how intense they can be. Unfortunately, for me, if it is a migraine, if I dont get it right at the beginning then I cant do anything for it except let it run it's course
I just thought of another suggestion my pediatrician had for ds, give an antihistimine (allergy med), it helps to open up the sinuses which helps with drainage and drying out the sinuses.
I have a great aunt who lives in England and I remember only a couple years ago her sending some kind of menthol 'thing' to mom to give to each of us (my two sisters, brother and I are all plagued with migraines). I can't really even describe it but I know it didn't last for long (we used it so often). Really neat the non-medicinal things that can be found for common problems. Sixcloar, what ever you choose to do for your daughter, I really hope she's getting some relief. No one ever wants to see a child sick in any way :love:
I think we are starting to see some changes. She started having a more productive cough today and says her headache feels more like a "normal" headache. She's been more active today. Hopefully, it's the beginning of the end. I'm going to look for peppermint oil for the future for sure!!
Six, my dh is plagued with headaches, some regular, some migraine. If he can catch it soon enough, this helps: one extra strength Tylenol (or the generic equivalent), one extra strength Ibuprophen (or the generic equivalent), plus a cup of coffee, then lie down for awhile. For a 12 year old, you might go regular strength tablets with a half a cup of coffee, I guess.
