Chronic Pain

My question is where do i go, and how do i get better ??  I am 53 years old, diagnosis since in my 20's with arthritis, then to degenerative disc disease, then enventually told i have thyroid disease, with nodules on my thyroid.  My blood work is perfect i do not have RA although in examination most dr.'s are first to go with that, then blood test prove negative. The only thing consistently in my blood work is that i have a low white blood count, but since i am not sick, it doesn't mean anything (i guess) Once i had high liver enzymes, but that seem to go back to normal.  My hands are crippled with pain with nodules on top of each digits, with fingers turning. I had had 2 surguries in the last two years one with placement of rods, since there was absolutely no protective lining between cervical disk from c3 to c7 and the pain was over an 18 year period.  Recently had a micro-lamenectomy to remove bone growth pressure on my nerve, i have lost all feeling in my foot, and quite often do not feel the skin behind my thigh and knee. I wake up everyday in pain it goes from one joint to another, my wrist are in agony, i do not want to go to a surgeon they only do surgery and I cannot do this anymore, my family does not know this but i really feel like I can't go on anymore, i feel like my body is under attack by something (someone is missing the correct diagnosis) I eat well, no processed foods, i exercise as much as I can, but i always hit a stone wall, i tried weight training to build strength but that just adds to each joint's already fragile state. My thyroid medicene is constantly changing since my blood test are not consistent. Sometimes I think it is the medicene, they lowered the dose and know i feel worse though, and did i mentioned the menopause shoot me now, it is nothing like my peers, when i talk to others my age, I have up to 48 hot flashes a day with moments i think i am going to pass out. I know this is long and winded but i needed to vent, I need help I cannot live like this for another day.

[opus88]

I am so sorry for all your pain, it must be excruciating for you!!
I have osteo and DDD but my pain is no way as advanced as what you have and I'm sorry for I have no answers for you either, I wish I did.
I will urge you to post on the PAIN MANAGEMENT FORUM...there are many there that are more able to answer some of your questions.
God bless and keep searching.

[mel160566]

Hi.  It brought tears to my eyes to read your story.  My story is very similar, with numerous surgeries, several joint replacements already performed and several more on the cards, all the way from my fingertips through to my toes.  I suffer from chronic RA and almost every part of my body is affected.  The constant pain every single day takes it toll and is impossible for someone who does not experience it to fully comprehend.  I do understand how you feel as I too feel sometimes that it's all too much to bear, however I have 2 beautiful boys, 6 & 4, who I cannot imagine life without, so it's for them that I go on.  Be brave and keep seeking answers.  I've always found that you have to be a bit pro-active in terms of your own treatment.  It also helps me to remember that there are many more people out there who are far worse off than myself, although some days it's difficult to believe.  Hang in there.  Your family and friends need you.  

[edokeeper]

Have you tried going to someone who specializes in RA?  While your blood work may not show it, your symptoms sound like it.  Someone who specializes in treating RA will also be the one most likely to know what conditions mimic it.  You might also try an immunologist since your white count is low - they might know what other conditions than RA would cause your body to attack your joints.  

Hang tough.  Pain is exhausting.  It can drain all the joy out of things.  The only real way to fight it is to refuse to let it take away all the joy, to insist on finding some each day.  Attend a pain management clinic to see if there are techniques you can apply to daily life to help you live with your pain or reduce it.

My prayers are with you.