Just an update on my last post from few days ago.
I started to have tingling sensation on my scalp, started soon after my neck swollen 10 weeks after radiotherapy.
I have contacted Clatterbridge few days ago,they have sent me to a&e - no help - they didn't understand my problem and no surprise, only oncologist or radiographer could and they are not working in a&e, next day I have contacted my GP. But as it was minor scalp sensation I didn't requested any painkillers.
This morning at 5am I woke up with the most sensitive scalp, touch of a pillow was enough for me to almost cry in pain. Every inch on my scalp that grows hair.
Again Clatterbridge. Nurse said she remembered speaking with me last week and I need to phone nhs 111 to sort out GP phone consultation. I did. They made an appointment in my name and this afternoon my GP phoned me and prescribed gabapentin.
Then and hour later head and neck nurse phoned to check if I got any help.
I said that GP thought it's neuropathic nerve pain from recent radiotherapy and that I was prescribed gabapentin (it's used in nerve pain).
She said she would advise exactly the same treatment and it is common to get some nerve damage in places that didn't have radiation, as neck keeps loads of nodes and nerves that supply blood to scalp and they might get some damage.
So I am glad someone told me it is "late" side effect of head and neck radiotherapy, the only downside is that it takes few days for gabapentin to start working and I am already back at work (I am such an idiot thinking I am well enough to go back).
Hope someone can get a bit of reassurance.
Take care all.
Izzy.
