anxiety causing pain

[jude23]

For a year now developed many "injuries" in lower back, upper back shoulder and chest muscles that have sent me in the er more times than I can count. Sometimes I would just wake up with strange pains, spasms. Last 5 years taking care of elderly sick parents...lots of stress. Also had severe tmj years ago and lost alot of weight. Doctors attributed all of these pains to my low weight...but all my labs are good. Have every test run...so far all normal. All xrays normal. Now I am so hunched over,with exteme muscle tightness in chest and upper back. Haven't been to physical therapy in 2 months which makes me more stiff. Cannot even lift arms over head anymore due to atrophy. Anyways...doc thinks it is all stress/anxiety. I am not depressed....but angry that I am in constant pain. Now have extreme anxiety/panic because of the pain. Doctor wants me to try cymbalta 20mgs with 2..5 valium until that kicks in. He also said i can take ultram with it (which has helped before), but pharmacist says there is a severe interaction. My question is ....would you do the cymbalta( tried 1 day and made me extremely sick), or do the ultram/valium route? I need to get back in p.t soon. the stiffness is unbearable and anxiety makes it worse.Also I am starting to get some counseling. I have gone from a active productive 42 year old to a practical invalid who can barely walk up the stairs and can no longer drive because i cannot move my arms to steer. Any advice? Thank you!!!!!!

[toejam_muncher]

i'm sure it is a lot of stress. infact, i can't imagine it. my aunt took care of her son for all of his life until he died at 34...he had a disease and wasn't able to take care of himself. i think admire her strength more than anyone i know. she also has anxiety issues, but her's have more foundation than my own. i can't imagine the things she went through taking care of my cousin...but really i guess thats what we do for the people we love. anyway...outside of meds, you may ask the doctor about foods or vitamins that may be good for your muscle pain. it really couldn't hurt to explore that avenue. even if it doesn't work, you haven't lost anything. as far as which direction to go with the meds...i couldn't tell you. i know nothing about those. what does your doc think will work better? if you trust your doctor...go that route. it can be changed if needed. otherwise, maybe try to find a second opinion.

[RubyWitch]

You are carrying a very heavy burden and it sounds like you have no help with your parents. Being a caregiver is one of THE most stressful jobs there is, even more so when it's someone you love. And doing all of this with chronic pain would drive anyone near the edge.
I think with all the physical symptoms you've described, you should see your doctor for a very thorough examination. You should also discuss with him/her your emotional state of mind. I think therapy and a short course of anti-anxiety meds and even possibly an anti-depressant may help you. You need to get back into PT as well if you are noticing signs of atrophy and can barely drive. You sound like a case of classic "caregiver burn-out!" You've been taking care of everyone except yourself. It's time to get just a little selfish here and get your own health back. Is there any respite care in your area? Check with your doctor or local hospital........they often have resources available.
Since I am NOT a doctor, I cannot advise you about which meds you should or shouldn't try, that is for you and your real doctor to go over in detail. But know that there is much out there that can help you.
I admire what you are doing, but sometimes we have to put ourselves first.
I wish you the best and hope you let us know how you're doing. You can always come here for support.
Peace
Greenlydia