Pain in the everywhere

[LN1021]

I am 58 yrs old and have been suffering with chronic pain all over my body for the past 2 yrs. Actually approx. 5 yrs ago I started with just being achy like every other female in their 50s so I just chose to chuck it up to age.  I have also suffered from headaches for the past 30 yrs going to neurologists and have been treated with maintenance pills for approx 2 yrs. I discontinued  that 4 yrs ago as it really did not help me. My problem now is this chronic pain, which I started to treat with physical therapy, my orthopedic thought that would help.  It did not. After that I went to a rheumatologist who after exam after exam came up with fibromyalgia but I did not have any of the tender points on examination, my pain did not hurt anymore upon touch, its just always there. It's hard to describe but I feel like I am being poked, achy, pulling, searing type of pain at all times. stiffness for the past 2 yrs with no relief except when my tramadol kicks in, which is what I have been on for the past 1 1/2 years, it gets me through my day. . I now go to a new rheumatologist  who says I do not have fibro, which I never thought I had in the first place and she is sending me for aquatic therapy, which feels wonderful when in the 95 degree water but long term same problems. I also go to a pain management center , they also come up with nothing.  I do have  a slight degenerative disc in my cervical area and a bit of arthritis but not to justify all of this constant pain. I have had blood test after blood test which all come back negative. I have also tried many different anti inflamatory meds which have not helped. The only med that did seem to give me some relief were steroids, which for obvious reasons only took 2xs.  I know antidepressants are supposed to help chronic pain but I'd rather not get addicted to another drug besides the tramadol to mask pain I need to know what is wrong with me.  I would also like to add that I have been a poor sleeper for the past 12 years which I am sure added to this condition , whatever it is.  So I am hoping there is someone out there that feels exactly like I do and can offer some advice, I would be very grateful.  I was a very active female and now everything is a struggle but I will push myself to continue to have a life.  HELP!!!!

[LN1021]

Thank you both so much for your quick response. It's comforting to have people who are going through very similar issues as yourself, although I am sorry you are.  I don't think people can quite understand what exactly your life is like on a daily basis when you are constantly struggling to get through a day.  Even the dearest and closest people don't quite get it, and how could they know.  
I will consider an osteopathic doctor, nothing to lose a this point, just a few more co pays. I'll pretty much try anything, but  will wait until I am finished with my aquatic therapy, I need to give that more of a chance, I have 6 more treatments.
I have not been evaluated for myofascial syndrome as far as I know, I don't know exactly what that is but will look it up.
Thank you again for your support and I hope you will both be feeling better soon and are on your way to recovery.
Take care and feel good.
Ellen

[Babs1469]

Hey there LN1021,. sorry to hear about all the problems with pain you are dealing with, As always I must say, Tuck is right on the money in my book. I have myofascial pain syndrome and it has been put under control with the anti-depressant Cymbalta and the muscle relaxant Soma. Everyone reacts differently to medications so you never know what might help you. Also, Just because something doesn't have a "name" at the moment, does not mean it doesn't exist. don't give up or think of yourself as crazy or whatever. what is real to you is real!!! I hope you find the answers you seek and I'm so sorry I can't give you a magic word to make it all go away. Keep posting here, the support really helps, trust me. Best of luck

XO
Babs

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to Pain Mangement Forum. I am so sorry to hear about your painful undiagnosed condition.    

I went years undiagnosed so I have empathy for what you are experiencing. I do not have the same type of pain that you have. Mine is a bit more localized. I went to many physicians searching for a diagnoses. Most physicians labeled me as a drug seeker or crazy. And actually I was beginning to doubt my perception of pain and sanity.

I wish I had a magic solution for you. I can only offer the suggestion that you continue to search. I've told my story many times here so I'll be brief. It was a D.O. (Doctor of osteopathy) that finally discovered the reason for my pain and diagnosed me. She currently treats me and though I am far from pain free I know that I am not crazy. If you have not seen a newer grad D.O. I would consider a clinical evaluation. Their education and special training can fit well with a chronic pain sufferer.  

Antidepressants are not addictive. Tricyclic antidepressants are the most common type of antidepressants prescribed for pain management. They are not certain why they are effective but it is thought that they may increase neurotransmitters in the spinal cord that reduce pain signals, these appear to have a local anesthetic-type property. Sometimes other types of antidepressants are prescribed but the tricyclic ones are most noted for their ability to help reduce pain.

Some ppl claim that they are very effective in relieving their pain. However they have not been effective for me. I have poor tolerance to tricyclics.

Have you been evaluated for myofascial pain syndrome? Some times it is used interchangeably with Fibro but most physicians beleive they are two different conditions.  Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic form of muscle pain. Tender points are different than trigger points. It may be something you want to ask research and ask your physician about.

It sounds like you have been doing all the right things but again please do not give up searching for a diagnosis. And please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. I hope you will become an active memeber of our community. Best of luck to you.

Take Care,
Tuck