Dialysis Headaches ???

[CMWest]

I am a relatively new to dialysis (2 months), I'm a diabetic in my mid forties, in good health with good A1c's (6.6) good blood pressures on and off the machine and still going to the restroom. My issue is terrible and constant headaches, feels like massive pressure behind my eyes, pounding and everlasting.  I take about four aspirin a year, since dialysis I could take ten a day with little relief. My Doctor has not had many ideas, can anybody relate ???  Is there any med's for this extreme pain ????
I don't know how much more of this I can stand, so far the gains don't outweigh the pain.

[jbeany]

Have they tried adjusting your dry weight?  If you are still urinating, they may be taking off too much fluid.  That leads to headaches for a lot of dialysis patients.

[Savemeimdtba]

I had a lot of problems with headaches during dialysis as well... (haven't had one since starting PD, just realized that).  I took metoprolol for my headaches and it seemed to help (but it also lowers blood pressure, so I had to stop).  There are plenty of drugs out there... maybe go see a neurologist and try some of the migraine meds (what you have sounds like maybe cluster migraines?).  I'm not a Dr. of course but I definitely recommend talking to someone and trying to get it under control.. I know how bad that suffering is plus with the added bonus of dialysis going on as well.  Any relief would be welcome, I'm sure!

[TeenHatesDialysis]

When my daughter started dialysis she got a very bad sinus infection and the only symptom was pressure behind her eyes. The Neph just said headaches come with dialysis. Her PCP gave her some strong antibiotics and then her headaches were reduced to dialysis headaches which seem to be controlled by extra strength tylenol.  It is very frustrating at times when you are hurting so bad and the docs can only say, "I don't know, it is very confusing"  There are some truly great docs out there, very passionate about their work, finding cures or at least easing discomfort.  Don't stop looking until you find a couple of great docs.  Don't settle.

Where are you located?  Maybe someone on board knows some great docs in your area.

Sending you positive vibes to make those nasty headaches go away!!!! 

[Rerun]

Go to a general practitioner and see what he/she has to say.  A Nephrologist relates everything to kidney/dialysis problems. 

Lay down and rest when you need to.

Watch taking too many Aspirin.  Take Tylenol.

[G-Ma]

I had told my Neph that I had dialysis headaches and he said...my dear, they are Migraines....he said people don't know what a Migraine is until they have the Dialysis one, right...I've had both.  Mine generally happens if too much fluid comes off and my system ""gives up"" quite a bit extra fluid sometimes .1 up to .6 kilo and that one does start the ache.  Yes, watch the asperin..better off with Tylenol.

[Wallyz]

It can be fluxuation in BP or dehydration.  Raise your dry weight, and watch your salt and fluid intake.

[Lucinda]

I started dialysis about four weeks ago and I have only had headache-free dialysis for the last two session.  Because I am still losing fluid on my own they stopped taking fluid off and the headaches started immediately.  My guess is that they are taking off too much fluid....leads to dehydration.  My headaches felt like I had a really bad hangover without the alcohol.  Hangovers are basically dehydration.  Dialysis headaches are the worst.  Ask questions and change your dialysis prescription until you get to the bottom of it.  xx