Bowel Movement Headache

[Mamadigs]

Found the thread about the subject and glad to know there are others like me.  The headaches with bowel movements are a new symptom for me!  Had peritonitis from a "gone bad" gallbladder surgery which left me with a ton of abdominal adhesions.  Was diagnosed with IBS 12 years ago.  Would have a bout 4-5 times a year until 2 years ago.  I had a ischemic colitis attack (really a good time).  The IBS attacks were happening about 2-3x per week.  (intense spasms that would evcuate only solid waste).  I never could find a trigger.  Bentyl rules!  Had surgery October 2012 to removed ovaries which were densely adhered to ureters (have two there) and pelvic sidewall on right.  Ovary on left was adhered to colon and pelvic sidewall on left.  Small bowel adhered to vaginal cuff.  Colon on left was adhered to abdominal side wall.  Small bowels adhered to omentum.  Learned lots of new body parts with the surgery.  Was readmitted with a left-side partial impaction (ileus) after the surgery.  I was fairly good until December.  Then all the symptoms came back with a few "special" others.  Like severe dyspepsia (I can't burmp) and have pain under my right rib.  Had every test imaginable (of course all negative) and was told there was nothing that can be done for me.  Last week, when having my weekly bowel movement I got an excrucating headache (surpassed migraine status).  Scared the life out of me.  Doc said it could be pinched nerve in neck.  Monday it happened again and with each bowel movement my headache got worse.  Thought my brain would explode.  Went to ER and they did a CT scan which of course all is fine.  Doc is going to send me to a neurologist.  Anyone know if abdominal adhesions could cause this?  Of course before the surgery, all the docs thought I was nuts because all the tests were negative.  I am just so exhausted from always being in pain.  This is my first post and apologize the the length.

[patient915]

Good, I hope your appointments go well.

[Mamadigs]

I'm going to bowel specialist at a major teaching university tomorrow.  I'm curious to see what he has to say.  He is a "top doc".  I feel like there is just one thing everyone is missing that ties this all together.  My PA is leaving the practice.  So now I have to start fresh with someone new.  I'm tired of telling my story to all these medical folks.  Hopefully, I'll have some luck tomorrow.  Then the neurologist on the 7th...

[patient915]

Ok, well I think you really need to see a doctor about this as atherosclerosis can have some risks.  I don't know of any way this could be related to your bowel movements.

[Mamadigs]

A young 51 and in fairly good shape, not overweight but could lose a few lbs...

[patient915]

It sounds like you might have some atherosclerosis but I don't really know much about this.  How old are you?

[Mamadigs]

Got the MRA...  have moderate narrowing of the posterior and anterior celebral arteries.  An enlargement of the anterior artery (distal?). AND vasulitis.  Not sure what all that means and how it is related to my bowel movements.  Anyone know???

[patient915]

Well, I hope you get through this attack and that you can figure things out soon.

[Mamadigs]

My normal is now around 115/68.  When I went to the ER on Monday, it was 134/88.  Most of my life (am 51) I always had low BP 90/60.  It went up a bit when all this started about 2 years ago.  I'll try taking my BP.  Woke up with a distended belly and feel funky and nauseous today.  So, I'm sure the cycle is getting ready to repeat.  Fun times for the holiday weekend.  Silver lining?  At least I won't be missing any work.

[patient915]

Well the vagus nerve is part of a lot of things.  One thing that you could try is taking your blood pressure during one of these "attacks" and seeing if it is different than your normal blood pressure.

[Mamadigs]

No, I never have to strain.  My spasms do all the work for me.  They did do a brain MRA yesterday but I don't have the results yet.  I am really scared to have another bowel movement.  The headache well exceeds migraine status on the pain scale.  Funny you mentioned a neurologist.  My GP mentioned something about a vagus nerve and set up an appt for June 7th.  When I "searched" though, I don't seem to fit a lot of the symptoms. I'm not sure what happens to cause a such a headache all of a sudden.  My other bowel symptoms have been going on for almost 2 years.

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  Do you strain during your bowel movements?  I think it is unlikely adhesions are causing this.  I think seeing a neurologist is a good idea.