Saturday, August 13, 2011
Is there any suggestions to help with chronic pain?
Hi, I am 38 years old. i have been suffering from chronic pain for about the last 10 years. It started with a dull ache in my low back and right hip. it has slowly progressed over the last few years to effect my entire body. i have seen many specialists and other doctors. i currently see a pain management specialist who gives me epidurals and meds to make the pain tolerable. i have had many tests including ct scans, MRIs, lab work, etc. I do have a bulging disc in lumbar spine (l5-s1). one doctor even told me that i had fibromyalgia and medicated me with lyrica, flexaril and antidepressants. this was ineffective in the pain control. later the doctor told me i didn't have fibromyalgia but she didn't know what i had. things that i have been tested for that have been ruled out, Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and various other autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, and thyroid issues. the only other health issues that i currently have are hypertension and hypokalemia (caused by diuretic use to treat hypertension). to describe the pain is hard. it is constant most of the time although the intensity does change. most significant areas of pain are low back, hips, knees, the entire right leg, both shoulders and neck. i have decreased flexibility and mobility. the pain does interfere with my daily activities. most of the time it is just a nagging ache but other times i can't hardly function. methods i have tried to aleviate the pain include chiropratic adjustments, physical therapy, mage, exercise (yoga, tiachi, pilates), traction, epidurals, cortisone injections, heat, ice, accupuncture and many, many meds including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxers, anti-inflamatory, gesics (narcotic and non narcotic). i have sleep issues r/t the pain. i have had a sleep study. i have purchased a new mattress with no significant change in pain or sleep quality. is there anything that i haven't thought of? is there something my doctor is missing? what have other chronic pain sufferers done to cope? it is draining me physically and mentally. my husband is very supportive but it wears on him to. it is not fair for him or my children to have to stop doing things they like to do because my pain interferes with the activities. i am desperate for answers or ideas. i will try anything. thank you for reading.
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