Why is the "meralgia parasthetica" worse when laying on my back?

[marshalzmom]

This is definitely a living nightmare.  So sorry to hear so many people are going through this type of situation.  I just turned 37 yrs old and have been dealing with the pain, burning, numbness, itching, stabbing, and etc for almost 7yrs now.  Docs did an EMG on my right thigh where pain is and said meralgia parasthetica 7yrs ago.  Still NO relief... extent of burning and pain comes and goes.  How is a person supposed to exercise and lose weight if they can't move without feeling like there is a curling iron in the thigh?  I have degenerative disc in C3-C4, and L3-L5, spinal spondylosthesis, spial stenosis, meralgia parasthetica, sacroliliac disc dysfunction, fibromyalgia, asthma, AND often depression.  Unfortunately still no relief.  Supposed to have a new MRI this Friday (full spinal) and am terrified because I can't lay on my back 5 minutes and its estimated to take 2 hrs.  Lot more to my story but just any suggestions to a little rest that works would be so much appreciated.  Blessings to all....

[Ricobord]

My Mom has major back and disc problems and has been able to go to an Open MRI where she could sit upright. Do you have such a facility near you?  It might be worth driving farther than usual.

Another thought... Many people with Lyme are misdiagnosed as having Fibromyalgia.  Have you ever been checked out for Lyme or any other tick borne infections?  They are not as common in the South as in the Northeast, but they're not common here in California either and I still got it.  Do you remember a tick bite or rash a few days or weeks before your muscle pain started?  Many people don't see either.  Also, many people who've had it over a year test negative on standard blood tests, making it more difficult to get a diagnosis.

Obviously, Lyme wouldn't have anything to do with disc degeneration or stenosis, but it has been known to cause back pain and muscle pain, both of which can exacerbate existing back issues.

I'm so sorry you're in so much pain. Hang in there!

[tschock]

I can understand your concern.
Is it possible for them to give you some sort of sedative/pain killer?
With some tests this is possible, with others ( depending on what they are looking for) it isn't.
I'm not sure if you have voiced your concerns to them or not, but if you haven't, now would be the time to do so.
I find that most places are very accommodating...and they will do what they can to make you as comfortable as the testing allows.
Perhaps pillows ( under the legs ) may help?

I'm not too sure what they can do for you, but it never hurts to ask...it only hurts to NOT ask.

Hopefully someone else can give you a better idea.