Chronic (almost) all over body pain

[Imtan]

What is it and how can I get rid of it? About 4 months ago I started getting pain (first) in my lower back then from my butt to (but not including) my knees (back of legs) and neck, shoulders, and upper arm pain. Basically every part of me (except lower legs and feet and lower arms and hands) aches. I can't bend down or crouch or even dry my feet after a shower...the pain is so bad.  Have had blood tests (all clear) and when I wake (if I sleep) I feel like I've been run over by a train and can hardly get out of bed. When I lie on my back on the floor I feel no pain and it's great. I drive (automatic) a lot in my job - which I have been doing for the past six years. It's really getting my down and my 'up' personality is starting to go 'down'. HELP please. :-)

[Imtan]

Thanks very much for your feedback - I've noted the 'conditions' (why do they all have such complicated names?) and will look them up on the net.  The pain is not from an injury although I did do a lot of heavy lifting last September, but it's not the same pain that you get when you strain muscles and I'm sure it would have gone away by now. The pain started in my arms, then went to the legs and lastly the neck, and is so much worse when I haven't moved for awhile eg: driving or sleeping.  I don't suffer from fatigue but just find it hard to sleep properly as the pain wakes me.  Thanks again for your input - what a great site. Tanya :-)

[LazyMoose]

In addition to fibro info above.

You have to ask yourself if the pain started in one area like lower back and spread to other areas, that could possibly be an injury.

You had blood tests?

For ankylosis spondylitis ? - certain gene is present, detectable

Or hypo thyroid ? - the most undiagnosed disorder there is? It happens gradually.

Many only associate hypothyroid with weight gain and tiredness. The symptoms vary greatly, some suffer from all over unexplained body pain, just like in Fibro cases, with great fatigue and sleep problems. Although TSH is the most popular blood test's it is inaccurate. What you  need to detect low thyroid is what is called 'Free T3 and Free T4'. Many suffer for years as modern doctors are reluctant to use these tests first in order to save money. And you need to be in the mid ranges or higher, as most are sick in the low end of the so called 'acceptable' ranges, a subject of controversy world wide.

Many that had these tests do not understand the interpretation, as many health professionals do not either. Many are said to be fine in the firsts stages, but if they had thyroid antibody testing along with the above mentioned, that would relieve thyroid disease has started.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Imtan,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us but very sorry to hear about your pain.

Fibromyalgia often presents with the type of symptoms you are experiencing. I am far from and expert and there are not physicians on this forum....but generalized pain and aching is often a Fibro.

You are always welcome here but you may want to post your question in our Fibromyalgia Forum. Here's the link:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Fibromyalgia---CFS/show/44

There are other conditions, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that may be responsible for your pain and fatigue. See a physician that specializes in these areas. Sometimes a rheumatologist can be beneficial or point you to some one that can help you.

I wish you the very best and hope that you will let us know how you are doing.

Take Care,
~Tuck