Help, Hubby having severe headaches

[shelly2612]

My hubby diagnosed in October of 2008. Eddie is complaining of headaches upon waking, we had this problem before and they gave him his bi-pap, his FVC's were in the low 60's in early june. He says he wakes up with the headache, but after going outside and exerting himself it goes away. He comes in and sits down to rest and the headache comes back with a vengence. He used to be able to put the bi-pap on and the headache would go away, now that doesn't work. He is refusing to trach or vent. What should I expect next, anyone have any ideas? He says if exerting himself gets rid of the headache then he will exert himself all the time. HELP ME HERE, did or does anyone else have this problem?

 

[joelc]

It sounds like the settings on his bipap need to be increased. I kept increasing mine until I got my trache and vent. The vent has been wonderful and no more headaches!

 

[GlenBrittle]

Hi Shelly,

I am not a stranger to headaches and migranes, but this sounds bassackwards to me.

What if hubby goes outside and sits down to rest ? Do the headaches come back the same as in the house?

Just trying to determine if its something in the house that he may be allergic to.

Glen

 

[shelly2612]

lol Glen, it doesn't matter whether he is inside or outside, if he sits to rest his headache comes back. I don't think he is allergic to anything in the house.

 

[GlenBrittle]

I was sincere about that question. I am allergic to dust , feather and kapok insulation (the crap they used to stuff old furniture with) . I think that shows my line of thinking.

If he does some deep breathing exercises , does that help ? Excuse me if I ask stupid questions , just trying to spark a thought that might help from others.

Like Joel says , if the BiPaP is increased it might help.

I think this is a conversation you need to have with a doctor or pulmo specialist.

Wish there was more that I could help with.

Glen

 

[shelly2612]

it was a legitimate question Glen, I am sorry if you thought I was making fun. I myself am allergic to alot of things, mostly animal hair. Eddie tries to do the deep breathing exercises, but coughs like crazy when he tries to do them. You questions are not stupid, and any input you have is greatly appreciated. We are seeing a new pulmo wednesday, hopefully he will be able to sort some of this out then. Thanks

 

[GlenBrittle]

Good Luck on Wednesday .
Glen

 

[bleonard4]

One other thing you might want to look into is adding some oxygen to his bi-pap at night if increasing the settings don't work. When you sleep your oxygen level tends to drop if you don't take deep enough breaths. This could add to daytime headaches.
Just a thought.
Barb

 

[shelly2612]

Eddie is already on oxygen because his oxygen levels are in the 70's

 

[shelly2612]

Well we went to new Lung Doc and he told us that Eddie's breathing had increased from 63%(at the als clinic in June) to 83%, his bi-pap settings went from 10/4 to 20/15, and they say his breathing has gotten better, this doesn't make any sense to me

 

[GlenBrittle]

The increase in the BiPap pressures are working the lungs harder. He is getting more oxygen. More oxygen means he will feel better , even have a bit more energy.

Well , its sounds logical ....

Glen