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Burning Pain
Background: 43 yr old male, moderate general health, gall bladder removed in 1999. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia (fm) in 2000 by Univ of NC. Primary care physician prescribed mutiple, concurrent doses (22 times in just over 2 years) of fluroquinones antibiotics (Cipro,Vancomycin)to "combat infection" that he feels causes fm flare ups. Each time reaction was worse (burning, redness, muscle pain, hormonal inbalances (low) all of which dr says was normal. Each course of antibiotics was followed by loading dose of prednisone and probiotics. Now the burning has stayed over a year - feels like a BAD sunburn. Skin is sometimes bright red, with tingling, muscle twitches, sensitivity to touch, no sweating AT ALL even when significantly overheated. Bloodwork is normal. Skin biopsy is normal. Large nerve fiber tests are normal. The burning is sometimes unbearable, resulting in loss of job, and inability to do normal life activities. Opiates provide little to no relief and are not a desirable option. IV Lidocaine provided no relief and during treatment, made symptoms worse. Currently on 600 mg neurontin tid, 10 mg ambien for sleep, klonapin for anxiety. Anti-depressants make symptoms worse and add other unpleasant side affects. Desperate, almost out of options and need any suggestions you can come up with
A related discussion, Has anyone had the Non-Invasive Surgery to Decompress the Occipital Nerve? was started.
Update to original post: The burning continued unbearable and finally a family friend who is also a physician wrote a script for a pituitary MRI. The MRI shows a growth on the pituitary gland approximately 6mm in size. A dynamic MRI has been scheduled for tomorrow. The neurosurgeon has not encountered symptoms such as burning due to a tumor so we do not know if the problem is due to the tumor or not. Further updates to follow after further testing is completed.
I was interested in your comment about "Concerning the burning, I have suffered with chronic pain \fibromyalgia for 9 yrs now the burning attacks only the right side of my body[kind of like my body lives in 2 different worlds]however the numbness and tingling does attack left side occasionally.
I have told three neurologists that it feels like my body is split in two, with my left side being affected with more numbness, pain and tenderness. Only my right arm and hand seems affected on the right side. Today my right hand had cramping pains in my thumb, fingers and wrist and it felt very weak. I don't have a diagnosis for any of my neurological symptoms but they seem to be progressive, yet all clinical testing to date has been normal. The last neuro recommended that I have an MRI of my lumbar spine. I have already had two MRI's, EMG's EVPotential Test, EEG and extensive bloodwork but everything is normal yet I slur my speech, have an awkward gait, hypersensitive nervous system, very brisk knee reflexes, stiffness, tightness, inner vibrations, shooting pains and twitching. Lately my lips tingle and my left eye twitches, two more disturbing and mysterious symptoms, with no explanations. My B12 levels are normal but I am getting B12 injections just in case as Pernicious Anemian and MS runs in my family. It may take five years or more before I find out what the cause of all this is. I am a female, age 57 and was perfectly healthy until the late summer of 2001 when the leg and foot cramps started. The toes on my left foot are numb, which affects my walking and I have left sided weakness, which I think makes me feel like I live in two different bodies. I was interested to hear that another person feels the same way, yet the neuros have never heard that one before.
Take care and have a good summer.
The Canadian.
I have told three neurologists that it feels like my body is split in two, with my left side being affected with more numbness, pain and tenderness. Only my right arm and hand seems affected on the right side. Today my right hand had cramping pains in my thumb, fingers and wrist and it felt very weak. I don't have a diagnosis for any of my neurological symptoms but they seem to be progressive, yet all clinical testing to date has been normal. The last neuro recommended that I have an MRI of my lumbar spine. I have already had two MRI's, EMG's EVPotential Test, EEG and extensive bloodwork but everything is normal yet I slur my speech, have an awkward gait, hypersensitive nervous system, very brisk knee reflexes, stiffness, tightness, inner vibrations, shooting pains and twitching. Lately my lips tingle and my left eye twitches, two more disturbing and mysterious symptoms, with no explanations. My B12 levels are normal but I am getting B12 injections just in case as Pernicious Anemian and MS runs in my family. It may take five years or more before I find out what the cause of all this is. I am a female, age 57 and was perfectly healthy until the late summer of 2001 when the leg and foot cramps started. The toes on my left foot are numb, which affects my walking and I have left sided weakness, which I think makes me feel like I live in two different bodies. I was interested to hear that another person feels the same way, yet the neuros have never heard that one before.
Take care and have a good summer.
The Canadian.
Conerning the burning, I have suffered with chronic pain \fibromyalgia for 9 yrs now the burning attacks only the right side of my body[kind of like my body lives in 2 different worlds]however the numbness and tingling does attack left side occasionally. Here is my input the combination of ading DM dextromethorphan at equal mgs to a narcotic or sometimes 1.5 x
helps my burning very very much...I discovered it when i had a bad flue and was taking tylenol cold remidiey if you are like me after 9 yrs I take a double shot of most recomended dosages to even touch my symptoms. I have had to search to find drs. who would believe me and then also help me. I take 150mgs of er morpheine each day and the same of dexalone or cold remedy. I find it very helpful to cleanse [fluid flush bowls] and discontinue all meds for 2 days or as long as I can stand it 4 days. every 3 months. It has been a moral downer for me to have to put this kind of garbage in my body, however with it I can go camping and play with the kids go visit people and hold a part time job and everytime I try to ween off and live wih the burning i can but all I can do is lay around and deal with the pain. if you ck out dm onthe internet you will find there have studies with it and others besides myself using it for help....look for the full page add on the fibromyalgia magazine 1st issue from DEXALONE must be alot of coughs with fibro you never heard about right, but think about that tingling burning sensation you get that makes you cough ......works for me....if you receive any help please e mail me direct at above or at harper_traughber***@****
helps my burning very very much...I discovered it when i had a bad flue and was taking tylenol cold remidiey if you are like me after 9 yrs I take a double shot of most recomended dosages to even touch my symptoms. I have had to search to find drs. who would believe me and then also help me. I take 150mgs of er morpheine each day and the same of dexalone or cold remedy. I find it very helpful to cleanse [fluid flush bowls] and discontinue all meds for 2 days or as long as I can stand it 4 days. every 3 months. It has been a moral downer for me to have to put this kind of garbage in my body, however with it I can go camping and play with the kids go visit people and hold a part time job and everytime I try to ween off and live wih the burning i can but all I can do is lay around and deal with the pain. if you ck out dm onthe internet you will find there have studies with it and others besides myself using it for help....look for the full page add on the fibromyalgia magazine 1st issue from DEXALONE must be alot of coughs with fibro you never heard about right, but think about that tingling burning sensation you get that makes you cough ......works for me....if you receive any help please e mail me direct at above or at harper_traughber***@****
Without labs it is impossible to say with certainty what is wrong with the patient. As it is, my hunch tells me he is either having an allergic reaction, a fungal infection, a nematode infestation, a chemical irritation, or a combination of these.
Without labs it is impossible to say with certainty what is wrong with the patient. As it is, my hunch tells me he is either having an allergic reaction, a fungal infection, a nematode infestation, a chemical irritation, or a combination of these.
I'm a 45 year old female, and I have experienced chronic burning sensations mainly on the upper right side of my head for over a year. In the beginning it was pretty continuous and I would also get occasional jabbing pains that would feel like someone was thumping sharply on my head but from the inside out. There is pressure too. I would feel a bit dizzy with quick head movement. Very rarely would this happen on the left side. For years though I have had what I call a sunspot in my left eye, even before this all started and I have been told to live with it, digging around could cause more problems. I also get pressure in my temple area, but never any pain on the front part of my brain or head, until recently. I now get pain/pressure behind my right eye then in my brow area and then on the upper right side of head and sometimes nausea. Of course whenever I have any pains, I think the worse, and this is truly scary since I have not had an exact diagnosis from any of the 3 neurologists that I have seen. I have tried to get into Mayo, but due to insurance it's a no go. I have been on (excuse the spelling) gabitril, toprol, methocarbomel, carbamazopine. Currently I am taking kepra, acetazolamide, lexapro, welbutrin xl & furosemede. I have MRIs every 6 months since I do have a lima bean size cyst in my right cerebral ventrical (where spinal fluid is) and it is not causing this problem. So what is this????? Thanks for any feedback.
Hi My name is Ally and I need some help, I have a burning sensation when soeone even brushes my skin, I am supposedly getting closer to getting diagnosed, But it has been 2 years and I am still just hanging on for a doctor to say that's it! I am a workers comp case, and the insurance is horrible. I get to see a neurologist once a year, and he says it's RSD/CRPS. complex regional pain syndrom. Since it all started I have had pain in the wrist elbow, shoulder and neck. Most of the pain is achey and burning. It's very distincive burning pain that radiates where ever it seems to want to hurt me. I am at such a bad place right now. i have no answers, I am severly depressed, i saw others talking about this ... But to add into the conversation, Where ever it burns most and hurts most I have started to develop little red dots that get bigger over time. They are wierd they don't puff out of the skin, but they are very bright. My doc. kinda just blew it off and said it was nothing, but it has got to be connected, i got one by my eye lid about a year ago and now it's getting huge. I have developed TMJ and migranes like nobody's business. The burning is wierd. Sometimes my ear will just stop working and I will just hear buzzing and high pitched noises. I don't know what all this means. But if any of you guys have similar things going on can you please let me know. My doctors arn't much help. they give me pain meds and then send me home. I am lost, mayeb someone can get back to me.
alyssa.***@****
My who name is just that Alyssa Gilger
I am 22,
thanks so much.
alyssa.***@****
My who name is just that Alyssa Gilger
I am 22,
thanks so much.
Lack of Vitamin D Linked to Pain - Fibromyalgia News
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
Dec. 10, 2003 -- There is new evidence that small amounts of unprotected sun exposure could be good for you. Earlier studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk for several cancers. Now comes word that it may also be a major cause of unexplained muscle and bone pain.
In a study involving 150 children and adults with unexplained muscle and bone pain, almost all were found to be vitamin D deficient; many were severely deficient with extremely low levels of vitamin D in their bodies.
Humans tend to get most of their vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, so those who avoid the sun completely or who always wear sunscreen to protect themselves against skin cancers are at risk for vitamin D deficiencies, says Michael Holick, MD. Holick runs the Vitamin D Research Lab at Boston University Medical Center.
"I think the current message that all unprotected sun exposure is bad for you is too extreme," he tells WebMD. "The original message was that people should limit their sun exposure, not that they should avoid the sun entirely. I do believe that some unprotected exposure to the sun is important for health."
By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
Dec. 10, 2003 -- There is new evidence that small amounts of unprotected sun exposure could be good for you. Earlier studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk for several cancers. Now comes word that it may also be a major cause of unexplained muscle and bone pain.
In a study involving 150 children and adults with unexplained muscle and bone pain, almost all were found to be vitamin D deficient; many were severely deficient with extremely low levels of vitamin D in their bodies.
Humans tend to get most of their vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, so those who avoid the sun completely or who always wear sunscreen to protect themselves against skin cancers are at risk for vitamin D deficiencies, says Michael Holick, MD. Holick runs the Vitamin D Research Lab at Boston University Medical Center.
"I think the current message that all unprotected sun exposure is bad for you is too extreme," he tells WebMD. "The original message was that people should limit their sun exposure, not that they should avoid the sun entirely. I do believe that some unprotected exposure to the sun is important for health."
A few years back, I developed burning sensations in my hands, forehead, calves, and feet. One or two mugs of green tea every day for a few weeks cured it. I actually notiecd a difference within a few days. It was really quite amazing, especially to a guy like me who puts a good deal of faith in the scientific method and modern medicine. My apparently kooky symptoms alluded all of the physicians I saw (at Harvard University, no less). The tea treatment was a total coincidence, I just happened to have received a bag of green tea from my father who had just returned from a trip to China.
I later found out that tea prevents bad bacteria from adhering to the lining of the colon, and is therefore very good at treating lower GI infections (which I believe I had due to um...let's just say "other" GI symptoms I was having at the time).
Your reaction could also be to the quinolone itself. I'm sure this has occured to you, but you might want to check out what this doctor has to say about these drugs. He seems credible.
http://www.medicationsense.com/articles/july_sept_03/reactions_cipro_other.html
Best of luck,
MW
I later found out that tea prevents bad bacteria from adhering to the lining of the colon, and is therefore very good at treating lower GI infections (which I believe I had due to um...let's just say "other" GI symptoms I was having at the time).
Your reaction could also be to the quinolone itself. I'm sure this has occured to you, but you might want to check out what this doctor has to say about these drugs. He seems credible.
http://www.medicationsense.com/articles/july_sept_03/reactions_cipro_other.html
Best of luck,
MW
Hi Sherry:
I am 45 and have MS, have been diagnosed for a year,after waking up on March 29, 2003, with this bizarre burning pain in my left pinky finger that spread to my whole body by evening, but my Neuro tells me the burning is not MS, but something else, but doesn't know what.
He put me on 300mg Neurontin tid, which ended up at 600mg Neurontin qid(4x's) in 2 months time, and in January it got so bad in my left hand and pinky finger that I was sent to an orthopedic surgeon, who said my Ulnar nerve was damaged, so they did surgery and moved that, which helped me make a fist again. Burning is still there.
Now, I have had severe migraine type pain in my head since the end of March, and the dx on that has come back as Occipital Neuralgia, so I will be going to a specialist to have those nerves electricaly buned to deaden them to finally stop the pain. You know what? Through all this hell, pardon the expression, but if any of you are in pain like I am, I am sure you can understand where that came from, I have found out that I have such beautiful, supportive friends.
In February, afriend took me to Homassassa Springs River, in Florida, out on another friends boat, they put a life jacket on me, we drove up the river to the warm springs area, and the two guys lowered me into the water, and a 10 foot Manatee came and played with me for over 2 hours. When I have "bad" days, and most of them lately have been, I try to go there in my head.
I hope you have a magic memory too, and I hope that helps you, I just wanted to share that with you and everyone else. Take care. Bright Feather
I am 45 and have MS, have been diagnosed for a year,after waking up on March 29, 2003, with this bizarre burning pain in my left pinky finger that spread to my whole body by evening, but my Neuro tells me the burning is not MS, but something else, but doesn't know what.
He put me on 300mg Neurontin tid, which ended up at 600mg Neurontin qid(4x's) in 2 months time, and in January it got so bad in my left hand and pinky finger that I was sent to an orthopedic surgeon, who said my Ulnar nerve was damaged, so they did surgery and moved that, which helped me make a fist again. Burning is still there.
Now, I have had severe migraine type pain in my head since the end of March, and the dx on that has come back as Occipital Neuralgia, so I will be going to a specialist to have those nerves electricaly buned to deaden them to finally stop the pain. You know what? Through all this hell, pardon the expression, but if any of you are in pain like I am, I am sure you can understand where that came from, I have found out that I have such beautiful, supportive friends.
In February, afriend took me to Homassassa Springs River, in Florida, out on another friends boat, they put a life jacket on me, we drove up the river to the warm springs area, and the two guys lowered me into the water, and a 10 foot Manatee came and played with me for over 2 hours. When I have "bad" days, and most of them lately have been, I try to go there in my head.
I hope you have a magic memory too, and I hope that helps you, I just wanted to share that with you and everyone else. Take care. Bright Feather
I have been having weird sensations in my head, and my head kind of feels like it is vibrating inside. I went to the doc. she said it was anxiety! She put me on paxel, I took it for two days and then I went to sleep and woke up with a burning pain in my head and all over my skin, it scared me so bad that I went to the er-they ran some simple blood test and came up with guess what-anxiety. I am so scared, I have a three month old baby and I feel like I am goigng crazy. I went back to the doc. she put me on a med that starts with a L. I really hope it helps. I keep thinking it is a brain tumor or something fatal and she assures me that it is not. It happens a lot when I wake up (I can't really explain all the sensations). Please if anyone has felt this or has any suggestions let me know. Thank you, Wendee
Y'all can look back and see my posts... I too also have the burning. Zoloft actually helped my burning!! But the first week I was on it - it made it more intense. But, after that week... it went away completely but, came back a couple of months later. My burning has not been as bad as it has been in the past, thank God, and I hope it does not return like it did.
Only thing I was told was Fibromyalgia symptoms or anxiety. Now, I have heard stories of anti-depressents causing more anxiety symptoms... if taking your anti-depressent caused burning - I'd be curious to see if it's anxiety causing the burning. ???????
I wish I had an answer. I have all kinds of strange symptoms!!!
Sherry
Only thing I was told was Fibromyalgia symptoms or anxiety. Now, I have heard stories of anti-depressents causing more anxiety symptoms... if taking your anti-depressent caused burning - I'd be curious to see if it's anxiety causing the burning. ???????
I wish I had an answer. I have all kinds of strange symptoms!!!
Sherry
The most important thing at this point is to obtain adequate pain control. For this I would recommend being evaluated at a comprehensive pain management center. Some of the symptoms you have described could be consistent with a small fiber or autonomic neuropathy. This could be missed by routine nerve tests. Ask if you can seen a neurologist who specializes in autonomic dysfunction. Good luck.
Although, I don't have your history of fm and multiple courses of antibiotics, I too experience a more intense burning feeling on my skin when I take anti-depressants. I'm currently being evaluated for sudden onset of a burning feeliong of pain on my skin and tingling in extremities. Clothes feel like sandpaper against my skin. I'm currently taking neurontin-300mg. I've also tried effexor, wellbutrin and prozac. Even a small dose of prozac, 2.5mg increases the burning feeling. I'm interested in the answer you receive, it might help me understand my problem with taking antidepressants and the burning pain.
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