Navigating My Mother’s Ongoing Pain
I must apologize for my language; I’m still grasping the medical vocabulary, given that English isn't my first language. I researched the terms online, hoping to convey my mother’s situation accurately. My mother, who turns 48 this year, underwent a Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) six years ago. Shortly thereafter, she began experiencing persistent headaches, particularly centered around her eye socket and behind her eye. She mentioned that she also had sieve cells removed bilaterally during the procedure. Since that time, she has been plagued by a headache at the crown of her head, which she characterizes as a sharp, burning sensation that penetrates deeply. We have ruled out migraine and cluster headaches, along with another type she cannot recall. The discomfort intensifies when she leans forward, engages in physical activities (even walking feels exhausting), and with changes in the weather (such as rain, cloud cover, or windy conditions). Unfortunately, no medications have provided her any relief. Numerous specialists, including dentists, ENT doctors, and ophthalmologists, have reassured us that everything is fine, yet we can't shake the feeling that something is seriously amiss. All her blood tests have returned normal results. We suspect there could be an issue with her superior sagittal sinus and transverse sinus. We’ve noticed a hematoma on her skull, and she has undergone several diagnostic tests, including EEG, CT scans, angiography MRI, regular MRI, X-rays, and an eye ultrasound. If you’re interested, I can share images of these tests. At this juncture, we are desperately searching for a medical professional who can acknowledge that there is a legitimate problem. We are tired of replies like "It can be like that" or "Everything seems fine."
Answers (1)
3/21/2025, 1:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand how distressing it can be to see your mother endure ongoing pain and to feel unheard despite thorough medical evaluations. It's clear that her headaches are impacting her quality of life. Given her history and the symptoms described, here are the main points to consider:
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Overview of Symptoms: Persistent headaches, especially following sinus surgery, can be complex. The sharp, burning sensation she describes, particularly with position changes or weather fluctuations, may indicate issues beyond typical headaches. Conditions like sinus-related headaches, neuralgia, or even post-surgical complications could play a role.
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Next Steps: While your mother has received several evaluations, it might be beneficial to approach her situation with a structured plan.
Steps to Take:
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Symptom Journal: Start maintaining a detailed diary of her headaches, noting the time of day, duration, intensity, any potential triggers (like weather changes or physical activity), and how she feels before and after these episodes. This will provide valuable information for any healthcare provider.
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Neurological Evaluation: Seek a consultation with a neurologist who specializes in headache management or chronic pain. It's important to convey her unique history and extensively document all symptoms and prior test results. This specialist may consider alternative diagnoses or recommend additional diagnostic tests that haven't been performed yet.
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Pain Management Support: Ask about referral to a pain management clinic where a team of professionals can provide a multidisciplinary approach, blending medications, physical therapy, and possibly alternative therapies such as acupuncture or cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help in managing chronic pain.
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Review Surgical History: Given her past surgery, a detailed review of her surgical findings and any post-operative complications could provide insight. It might be worthwhile to revisit the ENT specialist to discuss her current symptoms in the context of her surgical history.
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Consider Imaging Follow-Up: If there has been any development regarding the hematoma observed on her skull, follow up on that with imaging studies, as they may provide critical insights into her symptoms.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If you're feeling dismissed by current specialists, it’s completely reasonable to seek second opinions. Look for institutions or specialists known for treating complex headache disorders or chronic pain conditions.
Providing Support:
- Emotional Support: Ensure your mother knows she is not alone in this, and validate her feelings regarding her pain. Living with chronic pain can feel isolating, so your understanding and support are vital for her emotional well-being.
It's clear that her discomfort is real, and finding the right care team is crucial. Keeping a structured approach will help guide your next steps and advocate effectively for her health. Please let me know if you have further questions or need clarification on any point.
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