Spinal Headaches: Migraines after C-Section

Thanks Nicolete and Claire. Unfortunately i only begun having the headaches on day 7 after being discharged and started taking pain killers by the time i calle dthe Mowbray Maternity where i gave birth they said the Hospital only dealt with cases until day 7 (as i had called on day 11) so they said i should call Groote Schuur and well i thought i had already done 4 days thats when i switched to Ibubrufen 400mg and i am now taking tice a day and i feel fine. I just ddnt think i would managed to start afresh at a totally new hospital for the blood patch. I just hope they just go away the pains asi dont think i want to continue with the pain medicines. Hoepfully the headache just goes away

community.babycenter.com/post/a26130689/...headache_blood_patch

Just thought these comments were useful

Yay - that's exactly what I was talking about. Thanks Claire - now at least I know I'm not going crazy!!

Hi Thamu,

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. As someone who suffers with migraines, I know your pain! Not fun with a newborn.

There is something they can do if the headaches are really bad...it's called a patch. Basically, they inject some of your blood onto the sight where the fluid is leaking. Your blood clots and closes the leak. This is only done in extreme cases...so keep it in mind if the pain doesn't go away. I think the anesthesiologist would have to do it

Here's the article on it:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidural_blood_patch

I also had a really bad headache and my gynae prescribed Cataflam for me - brilliant little blue tablet you dissolve in water - worked a treat. I seem to remember her saying that if your headache is because of the spinal and it is really incapacitating - there's something they can do - I wish I'd paid more attention - but my head was too sore - I think they inject something back into your spine somehow to increase the pressure - since the headache is because of low pressure because of the leaked spinal fluid??
Now please don't attack me if this is TOTALLY wrong - but I remember something like this in my haze of new baby and headaches and caesarian etc. I think it can only be done very early on too. Anyway - I just took the Cataflam and it really helped.
Sorry to be so vague!! In fact now I'm considering just deleting this post!!!!!
Good luck with your headaches - I hope they go away soon. I also recall that lying flat help - which gives you time to have some skin on skin cuddles with your little one, while you nurse your head!

Thanks MommyN, love her to bits, she is currently my life.

i dont really know i am hoping i wake up tomorrow morning and the pain is gone. i can even begin to imagine how it is for you with these headaches this is the first time i have had the migraines and they are terrible and for you to live with them thats terror at its worst. Will try especially the rest, i need that above all.

Firstly, your baba is beautiful!

I had head aches after my c-sec. But then again, I have alwys suffered from headaches and migraines. THe best thing about being pregnant for me both times, was not having migraines. My migraines are defnitely hormone related - I could even predict them because of where I was in my cycle. The epidural can cause headaches. I dont know what caused mine, I also developed a thrombosis, had pretty low blood pressure, had depression during and after birth, had an emergency c-sec after a wonderful first natural birth, had a toddler at home while my son was in NNICU for 3,5 weeks, etc etc etc, there are som nay factors so who knows...?

But I defnitely know of a few mommies who suffer from headaches after a c-sec. I found an anti-inflammatory worked best for me, so perhaps the ibrufen is better - but I am no Dr so just what I feel. I take an anti-inflam that is safe for breastfeeding.

Good luck, and dont hesitate to see someone regarding the headaches. I know its a mission to get to the hospital etc, but perhaps you could speak to your clinic where baby will be weighed and vaccinated?

Also, try rest and in particular keep your legs up above your heart, try get the blood flowing when possible - dont do a gym session of course, but regular movements similar to what they tell you to do when flying, just things I can think of! I know its difficult with baba, its a crazy time, but look after yourself too!