Not being doctors, we can't offer any advice as to how to cure your headache. But we can make some suggestions with respect to removing your wall paper, which may solve both problems.

In addition to patterns that you are not happy with, wallpaper in poor condition, multiple layers of wallpaper and flocked wallpaper must be removed before you can hang a new covering. If the existing material is strippable, it will come off easily when you pull at a corner or seam. Before removing non-strippable wallpaper, break the surface of the covering by sanding it with very coarse sandpaper. You can also score the wall by scraping the wallpaper with a hand saw's entire cutting edge. Do this all over the surface and in various directions. To remove the paper, use either a steamer (which can be rented from your local paint or wallpaper store) or a garden sprayer.

In both cases, the active ingredient is water, but there are concentrated solutions available that will hasten the process by helping to break down the old glue.

A steamer converts water to steam that runs through a hose to a device that you move along the wall. This allows the steam to penetrate the covering. To use a garden sprayer, fill it with very hot water and spray the water onto the wallpaper. You will be able to begin removing the paper in a matter of minutes using a broad knife and working from the top down.

If several layers of paper exist, it's a good idea to remove each layer separately. Extreme caution should be employed so as not to damage the drywall below. This may be virtually impossible if the wallpaper was originally applied to a raw unprepared surface. In this case, you will need to repair the wall with a spackling paste or drywall compound. After all the repairs have been made and the surface has been thoroughly sanded, apply a coat of flat, oil-base enamel undercoat (or primer/sealer). You are then ready to install your new wallpaper - and hopefully cure your headaches.