undiagnosed pain

[aspenwind]

I have had chronic pain in my upper back where your ribs are like cracked ribs on my backside. I also have pain that is around my kidneys and moves to the front lower part of my abdomen. I have an surgical abdominal hernia 4.6 cm and a 6 mm kidney stone on the right kidney non obstructing. They also saw several cysts on both kidneys. This was done from a ct scan w/wo contrast. The doctors say none of this is cause for my pain. I am exhausted from no sleep because the pain in my upper rib backside area wakes me up. this has gone on now for 4 months. Any ideas is greatly apprecaited as I am out of options. I am 56 yrs old white female. Thank you

[TrudieC]

I would suggest you also try visiting a registered therapeutic massage therapist who is experienced in myofascial release.  I have Lupus and my fascial tissue attaches itself to connective tissue and causes a lot of pain, especially around the areas you mentioned.  The relief is amazing if you find the right practitioner.  Our body will often compensate and protect areas by laying down fascial tissue and this makes a lot of sense in your situation.  It is worth a try as you explore other options.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Aspenwind,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am so sorry to hear about your undiagnosised pain. I too went a very long time knowing I had pain and physicians looking at me like I was crazy or a drug seeker because they could not find the cause. I feel your frustration!

I have a cyst on one kidney and just passed a 6mm kidney stone that had nothing to do with my chronic pain. I also had a huge hernia repaired with mesh that went from my abdominal mid-line into my back, also not the source of any significant pain. So I tend to agree that these factors may not be causing your rib pain.

Have you had an MRI of your spine? If not I suggest your request one from your PCP. Are you seeing or have you seen a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy)? It was a DO that finally diagnosed me. I highly recommend DO's, a newer grad that still practices manipulation and I prefer a female. She removed the "labels" other physicians had placed on me and finally made me feel like I wasn't crazy or "imagining" the pain.

Whatever you do keep searching for the reason you are experiencing pain. I didn't and because of that my condition cannot be successfully treated. Don't let this happen to you.

We are here to support you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will watch for your updates with interest. I hope you will become an active member of our community. Take care and best of luck to you in your search.

Tuck

[sandee1818]

I know it is frustrating when you KNOW your in pain yet the doctors can't find the cause. All I can say is do not give up. Keep having them run all the test needed to find the source of your pain and in the mean time make sure they are treating your pain! If they are not find yourself a new doctor that will listen to you.
Please keep us posted on how your doing and what the doctors are doing to help you:)
Your more than welcome to vent here anytime you need to:)