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356518 tn?1322263642

New members can introduce themselves here....

We welcome new members here everyday and alot of times new members will sit back and observe and read awhile before posting. By introducing yourself it helps us members get to know you and also welcome you to our wonderful community we have.

We not only support each other with pain issues but with everyday life and how the pain effects it. We have all had days when just need to vent and express out feelings toward dealing with pain and how it effects every single aspect of out lives. So feel free to do this.

I know all of our wonderful members will make you the new members feel welcome and at home here. I myself consider my friends here my MedHelp family.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask. We have many different features here including a pain tracker   http://www.medhelp.org/user_trackers/gallery/pain  that will help you keep track of your pain levels on a daily basis and you can even print it out to take to your Doctor's appointments to help them treat your pain.

We have health pages that will give you more information on pain and your medical treatments and so much more.
Med Help also has many more communities also - http://www.medhelp.org/forums/list

We all here look forward to getting to know you:)

Sandee1818 & Tuckamore
Your Community Leaders
153 Responses
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Avatar universal
hello everyone. Before I even begin, please bare with me as I am still druggy from all of these crappy meds. ok Monday 8/25 I have to see an Ortho specialist because last Sunday, 8/17 I fell and I have a Tibia Plateau Fracture along with torn meniscus. I have been in the hospital for 4 days and on the 3rd night they finally told me what was wrong because I was in agonizing pain. The first 26 hours I was in the ER crying, complaining and getting really angry because I felt like no one was helping me as the ER Dr.:s told me that the X rays and the CT showed no fractures or damages. As I was getting to the point of nowhere and more aggravated, the ER Dr.'s were putting more meds in my IV where I would literally  pass out  and wake up grunting in pain. I was getting up set with my kids, the nurses and certain nurses telling me to shut up because I was disturbing the other patients who had headaches. I was unaware that they put a constant drip line in me for the pain, I thought I had to only push a button to get some medication for the pain. one Dr. tells me to go home which at that point I did want to go home because there was nothing wrong, right? well arguing with my son to come home he finally told me ok, get up and walk out. well the reality kicked in me I couldn't put my foot on the floor. So I said to the nurses and Dr.'s  please, if I don't have anything broken I might have a tear in a ligament because this pain is unbearable. So another Dr. said they had to admit me to have an MRI. Finally hours later, I was  in my room and off the heavy drugs from the ER. On Tuesday 8/19 they send me a PT to walk with the walker and for what,  I'm still in pain! Tuesday afternoon I get the MRI done, and late in the evening 3 DR.'s come in my room and so I say, what's the good news? the same way the ER dr.'s were telling me. the DR;s look at each other and they say " YOU WERE RIGHT"! OK I was right and....? The pain I am feeling is real and not in my head or acting like a junky for pain medication.That was the way they made me feel in the ER!  They said I have a long vertical fracture on the tibia with a torn meniscus. So I told them I'm happy that there is something but up set because of the pain but more importantly I told them to compare the MRI with the x-rays and CT scan, one Dr. said that is what they are going to do, I even told them if or maybe it was not seen because the Dr.'s were tired and ready to leave and change their shift and or they didn't take my pain seriously. the Dr.s didn't give me no answer I would love to get my ER x-rays and see for my self. Wednesday night 8/20 I came home with a full leg brace and they told me I CANNOT put any weight on it, gee...and for 2 days they sent me a PT to walk with a walker which I already knew how from my hip surgery.. ok now I am in bed with my leg lifted to reduce the swelling but the pain is still there and I don't know why but the pain goes all the way down to my ankle. Now what really concerns me is that on this very same leg I was suppose to have a bone graph surgery because when I had my total hip surgery the stem in the femur bone has always been loose causing  pain 24/7 and I was also scheduled to have a total hip surgery on the left leg. Here is where I need real help, when I get off the bed onto my wheel chair I hear and feel a clunk/thump/pop noise exactly where the hip stem ends (where I needed the graph surgery). I had no x-rays, MRI or CT above my knee. when I fell all my weight landed on this leg, I am afraid I might have damaged the area where the loose stem is, and also half of my right buttock side is still numb since the fall. could I have damaged the bone, stem or any nerve in my upper leg? could that be a possibility? And why is my rt side buttock numb? Please can someone willing to be nice and help me here? I don't want to have to go back to the ER. oh yeah and on Monday the 25th the visit is only for the torn meniscus. thank you so vary much.
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Avatar universal
Methadone is not that good for pain. you need something like hydrocodone 20mg and lortab 10mg they work great for pain. I take them daily due to very bad back pain
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2073693 tn?1333125546
I'm new. So far members are very nice. I don't work and have alot of time on my hands.
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Avatar universal
I am claire and I am 13 years old. I just had arthroscopic knee surgery do I will need help knowing what is normal or not. so if anyone wants to help, id love it:)
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Avatar universal
Hi,

I'm new here.  I've been lurking over the past couple of weeks.  I'm looking for information and support for pain.

I was born with non-cancerous tumors in my right leg.  I've had 8 surgeries to remove tumors (most of calf has been removed and the tissue behind my knee).  I've had 1 surgery to extend my achille's tendon (I had been unable to use my ankle).  I've had 2 surgeries to extend a tendon underneath my foot and fuse the knuckle is in two of my toes that had been severly bent from walking abnormally (from not having calf strength or ankle movement).

Just started to seek treatment for pain.  Thanks all!
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1682448 tn?1305294430
Hi my name is samantha, and i am a 33yr old women that has all sort of health problems. I have an a 11yr old daughter who lives with her father. My health conditions are scleroderma( CREST) , Fibromyliga and now to boot i have two bulge disks!!
I live my life to the fullest even with all of my problems, I have a great spouse who loves me for me and i'm very thankful for that!!!

If anyone would like to know more about just ask!!
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1680044 tn?1304761537
Hi,

My name is Bree, and I stumbled upon your forum when I was looking information about my pain medications, and I thought it would be great to have somewhere to go for support and to be able to ask questions.

I have had over 35 surgeries on my legs and feet, a few reproductive surgeries, then a couple years ago I had an incident with an ATV which resulted in doing a lot of damage to my back.  I look forward to meeting wonderful people who can understand where I'm coming from.

Bree
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Avatar universal
i am a new member and in need of assistance in finding information regarding false neg drug testing even though i take methadone 30 mg every day for chronic pain
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1673736 tn?1304180812
Greetings,
I am a new member here.  I have so much going on in my life right now, that I'm looking for a support system. I have had post thoracotomy pain for nine years now. Last November, I fell out of a non-moving train -about four feet, and hurt my back and had lost consciousness and a seizure.  I am still recovering from my back pain. I am finding that dealing with the back pain and the lung  pain is challenging.  I have a good pm dr, although he is pushing me to have a rhizotomy done in his office, because he just learned how to do them.  My research has led me to believe that this is not the best option for me, and I am concerned about his lack of experience.
I have just left my husband of 13 years who has a progressively worsening alcohol addiciton.  He would get verbally abusive, when he drank and would get very self absorbed.  Moving out was the hardest thing I've done in a long time, since I still love him dearly. We are trying to work things out, but I don't see him trying to work with his addiction.  My heart breaks over this.  But leaving that stressful household was the best thing I could do for my health, as my stress levels were extremely high most of the time.
I am looking for a support system that can help me take care of myself and to remind me that changes happen slowly, one step at a time.  Thank you all for reading this.
Lilyrose77.
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Avatar universal
I am new, and not sure if I am doing this correctly.  If I got it wrong, please let me know how to post an intro.
I have been fighting abdominal pain for about 16 months now.  It seems to have been an unexpected result of successful shoulder surgery I had in Dec. 2009.  Nothing against the doctors - I think my body just reacted poorly to the anesthesia.  
Anyway, the fancy doctors in San Francisco finally gave me a diagnosis of visceral hypersensitivity (in other words I feel pain from normal digestive activity).  
I don't want to have to take pain medicine - am terrified of becoming dependent on it - but the pain has taken over my life.  I can't work anymore, and am trying to get disability until I find a solution that will let me eat without being doubled over in pain for the next few hours, but that will still let me function.  The meds tried up to now have either not worked, made things worse, or left me with a brain made out of oatmeal (watery oatmeal at that).  
I am really sensitive to medication, which is one reason there is such a problem finding a solution.  Percocet works, but since my pain is in my stomach, anything I have to swallow is a challenge.  Also, it knocks me out.  I keep telling my doc, just figure out a way I can avoid eating or drinking and I will happily go away and stop bothering you.  
I asked for a referral to a PM doctor hoping for a non-medical treatment (biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy or something along those lines), but he really wants me to give the fentanyl patch a try.  I was just started on a 12 mcg Fentanyl patch, after having a big over-sedation issue with the 25mcg strength.  
Anyway, that is me in a nutshell.  I am glad it is spring.  Maybe more sunshine will help us all feel better - at least those of us in the northern hemisphere.  
TAM
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687729 tn?1397992727
This is a wonderful website.  I got on IGuard a couple years ago when I went through withdrawal for methadone addiction.  The friends on made here on the Internet made a lot of difference to me.
Well, now, my second back fusion never healed, I've been fused from T-11 to L-4 and, eight months after my 4th back surgery, I am back on narcotics and Physical Therapy.  Where do we go when we are in pain and lonely?  We look for friends.  I'm back and I appreciate all of you.
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Avatar universal
Hi all,

28 year old male from the Netherlands. I studied language and history (see profile), and am currently looking for a job that does not involve computers or other repetitive movement, because I have chronic pain in the right side of my body (the arm in particular).

My story in short: In May 2007 (in an emotionally turbulent time for me) a chronic pain developed quite suddenly in my right arm, all the way from my shoulder to my fingertips). In the years before I had had some periods of mild RSI and back pains, but this was of a completely different order. After almost 3 years of struggling with this and doing fitness and various exercises to no effect, a chronic pain developed in my right leg (again quite suddenly and in a very stressful period). It was triggered during a race at long distance running (I'd been running for about 45 minutes). Since then the pain in my leg has slowly been getting worse, just like the pain in my arm. I have some pain in my back and right side of my torso as well, and in the last couple of weeks I seem to be developing a chronic pain in the right side of head (mostly in the jaw). I think I grind my teeth in my sleep too. Lately I've also noticed that my right pupil is constantly quite a bit larger than my left pupil (I think this might be connected to my other problems because of this post: http://*****************/question/index?qid=20110116192706AANmnhU).

I've been to various doctors and have had some scans and strength tests (on which nothing abnormal has been found). I'm  going to the gym twice a week to do various exercises, and I'm going to a psychomotor therapist once every few weeks. So far, all this medical help has not relieved the pain at all. The only thing that really seems to help is to keep moving; however I'd like to sit down sometimes and I have to sleep, and then the pain comes back quickly. I take amitryptiline as a painkiller to very little effect.

I've recently asked for an appointment with a neurologist, which is now scheduled at the end of June (apparently the earliest they could do).

I personally think stress and chronic overstraining of muscles could very well be causes of my problems, so I try to avoid those two factors as much as possible. I try to spend as little time at the computer as possible, I make sure I get enough sleep, eat well, and stay fit and healthy in general. So far all this has not led to any significant improvement. Lately I've been starting to pay more attention to possible neurological causes, and the development of pain in the right side of my head, and the large right pupil seem to me to confirm that maybe some muscles are pressing into some nerves.

Anyway, I hope my story and the symptoms ring a bell with some people, and any advice on what I could do (in regards to therapeutical methods, medicine, food, exercises, etc.) to alleviate this pain is greatly appreciated! It's only been getting worse for 4 years now, it's time to change that around.

Regards,

David
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Avatar universal
Can u tell me what the dif is between oxymorphine or m s cotin?
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Avatar universal
I am a wife and mother to 4 kids plus 2 step sons and my 2 loving dogs. I had back surgery in june 2010 and am still in alot of pain i have 2 other disk that are herniated they are wanting to do surgery on after surgery they put me no lortabs when i went to see my pain management dr they put me on percocets 7.5 2x a day they are not helping the dr didnt want to increase me yet to see if i was goin to have to have surgery again now they are sending me to physical therapy percocet make me really mean my husband says lol i told the dr so now its a waiting game i dont see him for 2 months what is the next step after percocets
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Avatar universal
I am a new member. At the moment I am in pain from an accident a year ago. Whiplash and bulging disc at C5/C6. I have a constant burning drawing pain from my right shoulder blade up into my neck and occiput. Some cervical disc degeneration. I have tried Chiro, PT, epidural steriod injections, facet inj, rhizotomy, occipital pain blocks, and a trigger point injection where the doc PUNCTURED MY LUNG. Bilateral BC w mastectomies in 07, broken ankle past October.  I am currently on Butrans patch (5) Ultram, hydrocodone, trazodone, & ambien. I have been trying to get off of ambien and decrease the traz from 100 to 50 at night. Also want to quit butrans, but don't know what to expect. I am currently back in PT and feel I am making some progress, but it is a slow go and I am feeling discouraged. My pain isn't extreme, but always there. (Unless i take meds.)
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Avatar universal
Sandee and Tuckamore:

What's the problem?  I've been an MH member for quite some time. Every now and then I pop over to the PM forum. Recently, I posted on three threads. Two of the posts were deleted. One just last night and it was a sentence!!!   If you would prefer I not post here then send me a PM and explain your reasoning.  

I know the "rules" of MH and I know I haven't violated any.  I think it's because I'm from the SA forum.  What say you?
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356518 tn?1322263642
Hi,
  I just wanted to thank you all for introducing themselves here and want to make sure you all are finding your way around. If you have any questions or just need to talk we will help any way we can:)
Thanks,
Sandee1818
Tuckamore
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Avatar universal
Hi.  I found this forum through search.  I live in California and have rheumatoid arthritis.  I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia (but not sure I have it) and I have thyroid issues.  I have a lot of pain, mostly in my feet due to the RA and related bone/nerve problems.
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Avatar universal
I'm already in the Fibromyalgia forum, I've had severe chronic pain throughout my body for many years now, and recently noticed that lumps or cysts form near joint stress points sometimes if I strain a joint. I searched for this symptom, and returned something about "brody's syndrome". Does anyone know anything about this?
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Avatar universal
hi im trying to find out about rsd and butrans patches and rsd
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1652672 tn?1301892346
Hi everyone,
After four years of being active, my knees crashed out on me, and after two years of scans, x-rays, emergency room visits, multiple physios and sports doctors I was finally diagnosed with Bilateral Chondromalacia Patellae/Patella-femoral Syndrome. A year of intense physio and an arthroscopy/lateral release later, I am no better. I cope with Endone, but for an 18 year-old, I have the mobility of an 80 year-old. The worst thing isn't living with the pain, it's being told by doctors, physios and surgeons alike that they've cured me and I should be pain-free. Surgery was probably the biggest mistake I've made, which served only to amplify the pain and destroy the tendons on one side of my knee. I feel lucky that I am blessed with general good health, but I wouldn't wish chronic and debilitating pain on anyone. I can't drive, wear heels, walk for longer than 20 minutes, run, use stairs or give anything less that 100% concentration on my balance at all times.

I hope to gain and give support in this community, it's nice to be in a place where chronic pain is not an imagined excuse.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello all,
                My name is Kim, and I have been a Chronic Pain sufferer for 10 years now. It all started with Right Pelvic Pain. Doctors gave me this med after that med after another. Nothing was helping the pain. Finally a Pain Clinic Doctor decided to try a Spinal Cord Stimulator. That has helped the pain alot, but now I suffer Back Pain. Oh, I have a "Mass" in my Right Pelvic area that No doctor seems to know what it is. All they know is that it is Not Cancer, and it Bleeds. Anyway, Now I am haveing alot of Digestive problems and have 4 tests coming up. I just know what it's like to be in pain everyday of your likfe, and doctors just don't seem to care.
Anyway, I am a Nanny of 2 Wonderful Grandchildren, a 4 yr. old boy, Ryan, and a 2 year old Girl, Reiley. They are my Life!! Well, them my Husband(Bless his heart for putting up with me) and my son. I try to live likfe the best I can. Some days are a real struggle to just get out of bed!!
So, that's a bit about me. I just want to share my experiences with others that feel the way I do. Take Care everyone!!
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Avatar universal
I am from the U.S. in Southern Arizona and I can only say I have experienced similar problems when I moved  from the North Midwest. As I doubt this may be your situation I experience something similar off and on. After going to the doctor several times he told me it was a combination of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, blood sugar and blood pressure change from over exertion...(a.k.a. Heat Stroke). After a lecture I went home and hydrated made sure I ate right and tried not to over exert myself. Time went by I felt started to feel better and it hit me even harder. So,I went to the hospital and due to my lung disease they thought to do an X-Ray just to be safe. Damn wind had kicked up fungal spore into my lung and I was diagnosed with Valley Fever. Neither of my experiences could apply to you...just thought I'd put it out there. Hope somebody from your region comes up with a better idea. Take Care.
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Avatar universal
hi this my first post after reading a few forums on several topics..first of all im frm south africa with a very bad health system and medical aid i cnt afford at this stage..my problem in short is neck nd shoulder spasms that seem to be caused by this uncofortable feeling in my stomach that ive had for mre than a year..for no reason at all i would suddenly experience dizziness, anxiety and stomach tightning up..this is followed by a muscle spasm in my back, shoulders and neck..it is severe that i have to lie down imediatly as it puts so much pressure on my neck and head that i want to faint..it only gets beter once ive taken am alzam and drink bicarbs or soup to sooth the stomach,them im left with an headache nd floating head affect from the pressure of the attack..ive seen a lot of dr's who diagnosed me with panic attacks..im prety sure its nt that cause it hapens at any time and in non stressd situations..thats just my intro and have a lot mre to share :) ..i hope sumone out there cn maybe recognise my problem and offer sum basic self test or advice..have a nice day ..
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