Can barely walk

[edahl874]

Since October 2007, I have had this diabiliting pain in all my extremeties, hips, and neck.  It started out that my hands and feet would get really swollen and I was extremely exhausted.  I could only stay awake for a couple hours at a time.  This went on for 4 months, and I saw 3 different doctors.  They all kept telling me I had the flu because they could not find anything else.  I went to a joint specialist who said that my joints weren't swollen so they didn't think it was arthritis.  

At one point my feet were swollen and blue and my hands were so stiff I couldn't straighten them out.  The nurse told me I was FAKING it!!!!! I could have killed her!  For a couple of months I really tried to take it easy.  I quit of my my jobs and stopped doing anything.  

This summer I had the pain on and off again.  About two weeks ago the pain has come back and very severely.  I can not lift my arms to do anything, even for a second, without my muscles burning.  My hands and feet are swollen and just throb with pain.  Yesterday it felt like I was walking with 30 lbs weights hanging off my arms and legs.  In the morning I am so stiff I can barely get out of bed without laying there for at least 45 minutes.

I am 20 years old, and now have ceased all physical activity because of the pain.  I am beginning to lose weight though because I can barely move and am too tired to eat.  No amount of caffeine can get me awake.

I also have acid reflux so I am limited to the type of pain killers I can take without having stomach problems.

HELP!!!! Any suggestions?

[PlateletGal]

I've also had some success with acupuncture and I aree... DO NOT GIVE UP and do not let people in the medical field accuse you of faking your illness when you know something is wrong and you are seeking answers.

[Humminbyrd]

My word!  My suggestion is to go to a Chinese doctor.  I was in dire straights once myself and the regular docs could not seem to find anything wrong with me or help me.  The Chinese doctor administered acupuncture.  She told me that it would take several treatments to work.  Well, I felt relief almost immediately as if a wave went through my body and a burst a dam.  I did go back and take subsequent treatments and advice on what to eat, etc.

There was no medical coverage for the Chinese doc as she was practicing Chinese medicine and had not gotten her license to practice in Canada yet.  She now has that license but still must practice her Chinese medicine separately, sad isn't it.  It cost me $250.00 for those treatments and advice; it was just about the best money that I have ever spent.  I was able to get on with my life and continue on with my journey.

Another note: I have acid reflux as well.  My Mom also has it.  She told me to just use Pepsid, that it worked the best for her. I did and it works for me.

I would also suggest that you find and take a "Chronic Condition Self Management Course, once you get on your feet.  I took one and it changed my life.

DO NOT GIVE UP.  APOLOGIZE TO NONE FOR YOUR CONDITION.  GRAB LIFE WITH BOTH HANDS AND WRING EVERY DROP OUT OF IT THAT YOU CAN!!!