don't know where to turn

[JEANNE545]

For the past few years I've had NECK PAIN, FACE PAIN, EXHAUSTION, INSOMNIA, LOW GRADE FEVER, cough, I am now taking twice weekly allergy shots and the ent says all my problems will go away once I"m at the maintenence level.  I was tested for sleep apnea, it runs in my family, don't have it but didn't get enough REM sleep in the test.  Am taking pills to sleep.  Just switched gps and learned my innards are falling down and I have ELEVATED KETONES AND SUGAR.  Also my neck is straight where it should be curved and I'm getting physical therapy for neck/shoulder tightness and posture.  Further tests are being conducted and I"ll be having an ultrasound done in a few weeks.  Does any of this make sense for any kind of treatment?  I am so tired all the time and sick of not feeling well.  I'm only 54 and look healthy, feel I"m not being taken seriously.   Some one asked me if I was tested for lyme disease, I' have had ticks on me and was bitten a few years ago.  Please help me, I am having trouble functioning in my job and at home as I am either in pain or exhausted.  Thank you, Jeanne

[dana007]

I understand, everything is so personal. I find though, the most people that understand my suffering are the people online that have the same things as me :)

question Re cough: are you on any blood pressure medications by chance?

5 hrs of sleep is great!! If its consistent, it should really help with your pain levels--what a cycle it is!

if you every need anything don't hesitate to write a personal email to me through here :)
Dana

[JEANNE545]

Thank  you so much.  I hesitate to write too much on the internet so I really appreciate the detailed answers you gave.  I am taking your suggestions regarding, testing, massage, diet, jaw, etc. seriously.  The pains and cough (forgot to mention that) seem to be worsening, but today and yesterday my attitude and outlook are better. It must be because of the sleeping pills.  They give me a solid block of 5 hours of sleep a night.  

Thank you again.

Jeanne

[dana007]

Hey there!!
I have a few suggestions for you. I'm a 25 year old woman with major face and neck pain caused from my TMJ-- my jaw-- essentially, so yo u should get that ruled out ok? I would speak with your physiotherapist about myofacial pain and TMD disorders and see if they can do anything there, but I would seek out a TMD specialist. Have you had any dental trauma/accident/bitin problems before??

Also, I have a difficult time sleepng as well. Pain is hand in hand connected with sleep. I would suggest speaking with a psychologist-- I don't mean to think you're crazy or anything like that (I see one too which was referred to me for my pain)
. They can help you with your frustrations also teach you techniques on relaxation and sleeping.

An ultrasound would be a specific test to see how your abdominal organs are doing--this sounds good. So does the physical therapy you're going for. I went to three PTs in the matter of 10 months looking for head/neck releif of pain, unfortunately I found none..

I would also suggest going for some MAJOR massage therapy. This I think is the MOST HELPFUL thing most of us can do for ourselves on a regular basis. It does so much for the body I wouldn't know where to start. It may be painful because of the sensitivity in the areas that have pain, but likely its muscular and needs to be treated, get the knots out, get thingsin their proper working structure and it helps me a LOT, its the only thing that does. Please go for this!!! And make sure its a massage therapist that does DEEP massage (therapeutic), not just a superficial relaxation one ok?

Also, ketones and sugars, were those founds in your urine? What I would do is get your MD to find you a good dietician. Ketones and sugar in your urine can signify the start of diabetes which should be followed up with more testing of your blood. What you can do in the time being is help yourself. Make sure you exercise DAILY. The only thing that can help you so much is just starting to make it a routine. I mean 15-20 mins a day to start, and to start eating WELL, and I mean following the American FOod Guide, which encourages a balanced meal. I would suggest going to spark people which is a website- please google it, its a fantastic place where people go (kinda like this forum) for exercise and diet help :) I'm a nurse, and what I do know about diabetes is that if its the adult onset, it can be reversed by diet and exercise for MANY people, so give it your best shot, and it will help your pain along the way!! Endorphins, or the feel good hormones, are released and it encourages you to do more and gives you energy, helps you sleep.. on and on and on... the list goes!!

As for the ticks, or lyme disease, I'm really not sure about that, but it should be ruled out if nothing else can be found, right? Just keep fighting foryourself. you deserve good care. I felt that no one believed me (still do with my GP) but screw them!! They don't know how you feel, find one that does, ok? you need to have trust in your doctor as much as they have to trust you in what you're telling them!!

Also, because I told you  pain and sleep go hand in hand, make sure your pain is low at night. Take an analgesic 30 mins-1hr before bed and put a nice hot pack on your neck and do something relaxing ok? Sleep is still hard for me, but we gotta try :) Hang in there!! Write me a message if you like,
Dana

[kittyluv1]

Your symptoms are complex and appear to be very generalized as opposed to a specific body part (ie back pain).  The complex of symptoms could be related to a fibromyalgia type of condition, which unfortunately is difficult to diagnose.  
Hopefully additional diagnostic tests such as the planned ultrasound will provide further information for your physicians.  
Any symptoms which have been present for any length of time do cause concern and we are here to provide support and a place to vent your frustration.  Treatment recommendations are beyond the scope of this forum.  We do hope you find some resolutions soon.
Best wishes ----