Pain in arm

[CvilleMamaOf5]

Last night before bed I started experiencing pain in my right arm. I've been having L'hermittes in my right side for a month but no pain. I thought maybe it was hurting because I was tired but I couldn't sleep all night because of this pain. All day I've had this pain. It hurts when I move my arm or turn my head. I've taked ibuprofen and tramadol but nothing seems to help.

I've also had a cramping like pain in my abdomen and it stretches across to my back... Anyone know what these things could be? Should I notify my doctor when I have new problems/symptoms? I'm new to this side of MS so any comments or suggestions are welcome. --Thank you!

[jen673]

Don't feel like you are bugging them, that's their job! - to help us and make if better if possible.  

It took several weeks for the Gabapentin to completely work, so give it some more time.  And if that doesn't work they can give you more - the dose you are on is very low.

Hopefully this relapse for us will start to get better and we can go on living our lives  and taking care of our children like we always have.  

My thoughts are with you:)
Jeny

[CvilleMamaOf5]

I called my neurologist and she said that they didn't want to give me any more gabapentin for this issue. I was moved up from 300mg/day to 900mg/day. I was on the 300mg/day for a month and no change so the 900mg/day I've been on for a week and no change. She said there is nothing they will do for me for this problem and I needed to just rest when I have new symptoms unless it involves my vision (which I have issues with daily).

I have 5 kids...when is there time for me to rest?! Also, I have worse pain when I lay down. She said she's never heard of the pain the way I'm describing it. I've had so many (including yourself) who has told me they've experienced this, yet they've never heard of it???

I asked if she wanted me to call when I had new symptoms since that was never discussed and she said I could if I wanted to but I don't need to unless it involves my vision. So, I guess this is the point where I just deal with it?! The pain med they gave me is like candy that makes me feel high...it doesn't take away or even dull my pain. So, why call if there's nothing they will or can do? I guess I'll just make the necessary visits and that's it. I'll have a nurse coming out soon and I guess I'll talk to them if I have a problem.

[drsdonthelp]

Ok, I am not a doc. nor do I have the expertise to give you the right advice but I have experienced the type of pain you are describing. It hurts like H E L L when lying down if the problem is in your neck. I had the pain in my arm, could not lift it up and cried everynight because I thought I was having a heart attack.
I had an MRI done and they found two bulging discs in my neck at the c5 c6 area.

I would mention this to your doc.
I feel for you, if this is what is going on... don't wait on these darn doc.s , tylenol or ibuprofin does not touch the pain.

Please keep us informed, and I wish you well,
Pam

[cainer]

yes id get it checked out!  i went through a simular thing- felt like muscle coming off the bone in arm- i could not  sit at pc- any- i couldnt use it -it hurt!  well did a c-scan and all -it was guess ms- the muscles-lessions -not getting the right signals?? i dont know but after about 6 weeks- was sooo much better. am fine now- but you never no,might have hurt yourself?

[CvilleMamaOf5]

@Pam-- It does hurt pretty bad. If I keep it in the same position it feels fine, but when I strain it at all, it hurts bad! It's mostly in my arm but for some reason hurts when I move my neck. I have a little pain in my neck but mostly discomfort. The pain is mostly under my arm and in my elbow.

@Cainer-- If I sit at the computer and type, it's fine, but when I take my fingers off of the keyboard, it hurts. Or if I look at the keyboard while I'm typing it hurts.

Needless to say it's causing other pains (like headache!) and my doctor said there was nothing to worry about or be seen for. They don't feel that I need pain meds for my migraines. They don't understand that I've had migraines since I can remember, at least since I was 4 or 5. So a lot of pain meds don't work for me anymore. The crap they gave me is like candy that makes my head feel cloudy.

I took one last night and my husband kept waking me up because I was talking crazy about pancakes and random crap like that. But I didn't think I was asleep. I felt totally awake but I also felt awkward. It's hard to explain. But I still had the pains in my head and arm.

But my doctor wants me to continue taking this??? Also, she didn't tell me I cannot nurse my baby and take it at the same time. I just happened to look it up when I got it and (as I was nursing my baby) saw that it can be very harmful to my baby!!! So, as you may assume, I had to quit nursing him. I know I won't be able to once I start the copaxone too so I guess I found it to be a good opportunity to stop.

Another bad thing is, this is the ONLY neurologist in my city and surrounding cities! What a monopoly they have here. Where else do I turn? Can my PCP help me do you think?

[drsdonthelp]

My PCP was the one that ordered the MRI of my cervical spine. She was the one that called me with my results and told me that I had a tear in the tendon, two bulging discs on c5/6 and impingement on my nerve. She then sent me to an orthopedic doc. for further workup. Luckily it healed up with out needing surgery. This was with me for about 5 to 6 weeks.
The pain was absolutely unbearable when lying down or leaning my head up against anything. I couldn't lift my arm up past a certain degree and it didn't hurt as much during the day. Mostly at night. I did not sleep at all! I couldn't get comfortable.
If anything, call your PCP. You shouldn't have to suffer.
I hope this eases up for you, good luck,
Pam