Unknown cause of painful symptoms

In the last year I have had 5 excruciating attacks in my right knee, yet I've never injured my knee in any way. The episodes seem to come for no apparent reason and typically last for 3 days. The pain is so intense that I cannot work or even stand for those 3 days. In fact, I roll around moaning and screaming when the episode is at its peak. It feels like electric shocks which hit every 2-3 seconds during the 3-day attack. However, there is no swelling or any other outside indication of a problem within my knee. After 3 days, the pain leaves as quickly as it arrived and I'm left completely exhausted. It has been as little as 2 weeks between episodes and as much as 5 or 6 months between. I am a grown man and my wife had to leave the room today as it was so difficult for her to see me in such intense pain. My family physician has sent me to an expert as he doesn't know what to do with me. I've had x-rays, a CT scan of my spine and am scheduled for an MRI. I don't know how I can survive anymore of these episodes and any insight would be greatly appreciated. I truly hope no one else experiences this, but if you have, please let me know if you've found any answers or even any pain killers that work. I've tried muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, and everything else my doctor has prescribed, but to not avail. I'm currently taking Tylenol 3's with Codeine, but they only put me in a fog and don't really help with the pain.

[essdipity]

Hi and welcome to the MS forum. I'm so sorry to read of your awful pain. What you describe does not really sound like MS, which doesn't affect the joints like that.

What kind of expert have you seen? I would think an orthopedic surgeon would be best. Depending on that outcome, then a neurologist. Are you having the MRI of your spine, or of your leg? Meanwhile there must be some med out there that can contain the pain. Keep working with your family doc on this.

I'm sorry I don't have better advice, but some of our other members may. They're a smart bunch.

ess

[HVAC]

I have MS and have not had anything like that with MS. I have had trouble with the ACL ligaments in my right knee when younger and that was the most painful thing I have ever experienced in my life.  May be you are straining them and do not even realize it.

Good luck,
Alex