Struggling with My Diagnosis: A Frustrating Journey
At 27 years old, I've recently welcomed my second child on September 4th, 2025. Standing at 5’3 and weighing 118 pounds, I've encountered numerous health issues in the past, particularly with hypothyroidism. However, my current battle is with a relentless headache that has plagued me since October 2025. Initially, this headache was accompanied by pain in my eyes, though I’m unsure if that's still relevant to my situation now. Upon visiting my ophthalmologist, I was informed of inflammation in both eyes. He prescribed a steroid which alleviated the eye discomfort, but the headache persisted. I first noticed the headache late one evening before Halloween on October 28th, when we were preparing to take my daughter out. Despite trying both Tylenol and ibuprofen alone and in combination, even at maximum dosages, the relief is temporary, and the headache always returns. I've consulted with two primary care physicians. The first was unhelpful and left her practice with barely any notice, attributing my symptoms to high blood pressure headaches and hormonal changes due to my postpartum status and breastfeeding. While my blood pressure is generally stable, it can spike at times, particularly with a three-year-old and a five-month-old in the mix. My second primary doctor quickly prescribed propranolol, but I haven’t taken it due to a medication-phobia stemming from past experiences. She diagnosed me with migraines based on my lab results, which mostly came back normal except for elevated iron levels. I was advised to discontinue iron supplements, though I don’t take any, as I consistently deal with anemia. I initially requested the lab tests hoping to reveal anemia. My thyroid levels were acceptable at the last check around November. The doctor performed a full blood count and metabolic panel, among other standard tests. My MRI was reported as normal aside from indications of microvascular disease, and she insisted that everything pointed to migraines as the issue. When I inquired about further testing to investigate the root cause of my headaches, she dismissed the idea, insisting that additional labs wouldn’t yield any useful information, firmly believing it was a migraine. Yet, I’ve been confronting this headache daily since having my daughter; the pain is all-consuming but currently manifests as a dull ache at the base of my skull. There’s no accompanying nausea, but I have experienced nasal drainage for several months. However, my physician reassured me it wasn’t a cerebrospinal fluid leak. My neurologist examined my reflexes and attributed my symptoms to postpartum issues, encouraging me to stay hydrated, maintain a proper diet, and get enough rest. He recommended magnesium and riboflavin, suggesting I could consider stronger medication if I wished, especially since I'm nursing. The entire consultation lasted about 15 minutes, and he hardly inquired about my background or concerns. Despite acknowledging that migraines are common, I felt dismissed by my primary doctor, who wouldn’t even refer me to a specialist without my OB's prompting. She simply told me to take the propranolol because my tests appeared satisfactory. I, however, don't feel fine. My life has been dramatically affected; I cannot engage in activities I once enjoyed, and the persistent pain leaves me feeling grossly misunderstood. I have an instinct that something is amiss. This doesn’t resemble a typical migraine, and if it truly is, something must be triggering it that remains undiscovered.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 10:41:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing struggle with these debilitating headaches and the frustration of feeling misunderstood. It’s important to take your symptoms seriously, especially as they are impacting your quality of life significantly. Let's break down what you're experiencing and discuss actionable next steps.
Main Points:
- You have a persistent headache and eye pain that may be related to postpartum hormonal changes and stress.
- Your doctors suspect migraines, but you feel there could be an underlying issue that remains unidentified.
- Current treatments haven't provided lasting relief or addressed your concerns fully.
Explanation:
Your situation seems complex, especially considering your postpartum status, previous health conditions (hypothyroidism and anemia), and the impact of two young children on your daily life. The symptoms you've described also, unfortunately, are common among new parents, particularly as your body adjusts post-delivery. However, since the headaches have persisted for an extended period and are affecting your day-to-day activities, it would be wise to consider a more tailored approach.
Your elevated iron levels, stable thyroid function, and normal MRI findings suggest that while some potential causes of your headaches have been ruled out, there may be other contributors still to explore. Some possibilities might include tension-type headaches, migraines triggered by stress or hormonal shifts, or even potential sinus issues related to your nasal drainage.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Detailed Headache Diary: Start recording when your headaches occur, their intensity, duration, and any accompanying symptoms (like nasal drainage, visual changes, etc.). This data can help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and possible triggers.
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Explore Non-Medication Options: Since you have a medication-phobia, consider discussing non-pharmacological strategies for migraine management:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Focus on maintaining hydration, a balanced diet rich in nutrients, and regular sleep patterns. This can help stabilize your body and potentially reduce headache frequency.
- Stress Management: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercises. Even short periods can help mitigate stress and enhance your overall well-being.
- Supplements: As suggested by your neurologist, consider adding magnesium and riboflavin with your doctor's guidance, as they may help reduce migraine frequencies.
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Consult a Headache Specialist: If possible, seek out a headache specialist who can provide a thorough evaluation and explore treatment options that may not have been fully addressed, like potential triggers related to diet, lifestyle, or hormonal imbalances.
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Monitor Blood Pressure and Anemia: Continue to keep an eye on your blood pressure and ensure you are addressing any anemia concerns, as they can both contribute to overall head wellness.
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Communicate Your Concerns: If you're comfortable, express to your primary care doctor your feelings of being dismissed and the impact of your headaches on your quality of life. A collaborative approach may prompt more in-depth evaluations or referrals.
It's commendable that you are advocating for your health. Stay persistent in exploring your symptoms, and please remember you do not have to manage this alone. If there's more you wish to discuss or any particular area you'd like more information on, feel free to ask!
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