If you've been following this blog you know that I'm pregnant and if you know me well you know that I suffer from migraines. I take or did take imitrex before I was pregnant but for obvious reasons am unable to take that now. I spoke to the Dr. about what I could take and he gave me the dreaded answer of only Tylenol, which doesn't do jack for my migraines. So after having one for four days I was unable to sleep and decided to call the nurse for any tips she might have. She asked me if I had taken any caffeine with my tylenol. I had not because I don't typically drink caffeinated drinks. She told me that Excedrin Tension Headache is just acetaminophen with about the amount of caffeine you would get from a cup of coffee. I never got this tip from any nurses while I was pregnant with my last two children, and I wish I would have known! I took the gelcaps today and THANK GOODNESS, they actually worked! I still feel a little bit of a headache but it's nothing like it was, and I can sleep tonight! I'm was so grateful that I called the nurse back and thanked her. It really does make a difference when you find someone who actually cares and will try their best to help you.
With that being said I know that caffeine is still not the best for the baby but it is a lot safer than any prescription meds. I figure I will put up with the headaches and only take the excedrin when they persist or keep me from sleeping. Luckily when pregnant I don't tend to get as many.
I use to get really bad headaches when I was pregnant with Leah and my Dr. told me to drink Pepsi as much as I like for two reasons 1. Better then big drugs 2. Moms that are in pain are crazy, cranky, bad moms and Andrew deserved to have a Happy Mommy! So just do it for Bonk and Wyatt. I am sure that they like having a happy mom.
ReplyDeleteHow awful! I'm glad that you found something that helps. Thanks heavens for that nurse. I got a spinal headache after the twins and something similar after Lainey and that's what they told me-lots of caffeine. So it was weird to down a two liter of coke all by myself. I don't normally touch the stuff either.
ReplyDeleteSo glad it helped! Now if there was as simple a solution for nausea...
ReplyDeleteExcedrin is magic. I wouldn't feel bad about it not being good for the baby. You not sleeping is also not good for the baby, right? Gotta keep it in balance.
ReplyDeleteOh yuck! As soon as I read that you get migraines, I thought of Migratin. It's what my doc prescribed me when I was pregnant (and nursing) and couldn't get rid of my migraine. (It's also Tylenol w/ caffeine) I hesitated taking it because caffeine withdrawal actually induces migraines in me but it was a lifesaver! I only had to take two doses to to get it to go away. So glad you found something that works too!
ReplyDeleteIsn't pregnancy fun!?! :)
So glad you found something that worked! And, yes people who actually care about your well being are such wonderful finds!
ReplyDeleteI took Fiorinal when I was prego, it was on the "safe" list. Hope you find something that works.
ReplyDeleteOh man.. I wish I'd known this about 9 months ago! I just suffered through & tried Tylenol, which really does nothing!! Thankfully I didn't get as many after the 1st trimester...but I'm still not sure I ever want to get prego again. So glad your nurse helped you out!
ReplyDeleteMy sis-in-law also got really bad headaches when prego and she always drank coke to help it. Glad you found a remedy that works! (and don't feel bad about it. Your baby will be FINE!) :) Wish I could be there to see your cute growing belly!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, and Brian waves "hello" and missed you! ;)