I think my pain is worsening, and I'm scared.

[ChronicPain1]

I just don't know what to do anymore, it's a month to my EMG but I fear that it won't find the problem. My last EMG, and even my Myleogram were said to not show a significant problem.

My pain began in my shoulder and spread to my neck/arm with nerve pain. It's been called Cervical Radiculopathy, and it's torturous. On top of this a few months ago I started experienced sciatica symptoms down the back of my left leg in addition to my Chrondomalacia in my knees.

Now my right shoulder is beginning to hurt along with my right hand, and my right side (besides the right knee) has been the only way to get away from my pain. I'm truly scared and on the verge of tears...I'm 23 and want to live my life, if I had to suffer this in 30-50 years I could possibly accept it, but not now.

I can't sleep, the bed hurts. I can't sit in my recliner, it makes my pain worse. My job at a desk makes it worse, walking makes it worse...the pain meds I'm on help, but I need the underlying cause fixed and I'm afraid it's arthritis or something more serious.

[NoMoMeth4me]

Tuck is right about the DO.

I just had 2 months of PT and their treatment was unlike any PT I have ever gone through in 15 years of spine issues.
They used Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and I had NEVER heard of it or had it mentioned to me by any of my many ortho Doc's.
Their belief is that most if not all spine issues are caused by SIJD (sacro iliac joint dysfunction)

They also found that most people DO have SIJD who present with spine issues.

As I know Tuck can attest, SIJD is a HIGHLY painful and highly UNDERDIAGNOSED AND UNDERTREATED symtom. When somebody explains it to you it really makes sense. The manipulations really do help but can be painful but well worth it. I also now an SI belt which helps to keep your pelvis and SI joint in the correct position.

If you can find a PT who practices this I would HIGHLY recommend it.

So sorry you are suffering with incresed pain....We can all relate to that on many levels.

Keep posting, feel free to PM me anytime.

All the best.

Brian.

[ChronicPain1]

Yeah Red, the stress and mental state that comes along with this is the worst. I'm generally a goal oriented person and this has basically made all my goals for my life feel out of reach.

Instead of being happy to hang out with my girlfriend on my day off, I'm on the edge of bawling or screaming at the slightest prod and it's not me. I've taken it out on her and my family and I feel so bad about it, but this pain changes my mental state and drags me into a pit of stress and despair.

My desk job and working the overnight shift is definetly making everything worse, like you I also have sleep issues. I can't get to sleep after work from the pain and stress, and then sleep 4 hours sometimes. Now tomorrow I have to work 8 hours and then stay for 6 extra for some CPR training. A few years ago I'd have had no issues, now I'm stressed that I have to do this, as getting home gives a little relief from the agony.

I'm trying to get my EMG moved up so I can get the process moving faster, but my biggest worry is that it will show nothing and I'll once again be treated like a mental case.

[Red931]

I also know what you are going through. It is bad enough to have to deal with one pain issue than multiple issues at the same time.

I have been experiencing the same lately with nerve problems as well as sciatica from disc probelms and a torn rotator cuff. I have also been under a good deal of stress which makes the pain worse as you are probably also.

The difference is that I am just about twice your age so I can understand your frustration. I feel I am too young for all of this so I can imagine how you feel.

I spoke to my doctor yesterday and he told me to up my medication until I go in for surgery in ten days. I don't know that I want to do that yet but I only got 3 hours sleep last night because I am having the same problems as you are having. I can't lay down, sit, or walk without significant pain.

I know what you mean about the medication being less effective because of the pain intensifing also. If I were to increase my dose as the doctor suggested I am just going to be a zombie because I am already fatigued from lack of sleep and the pain itself.

I guess all we can do is hang in there together and hope for the best for all of us.

[Ghilly]

OMG, I feel your pain!  My whole mess started out with a cervical radiculopathy, and the pain was just indescribable!   The surgery I had (the Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion) helped the pain 100%, but the myelogram that I had before the surgery started the Adhesive Arachnoiditis that I will have for the rest of my life because the nerves in my spine reacted badly and got irritated and inflamed from the myelographic dye.  

Back when I was dealing with the Cervical Radiculopathy, I was able to control the pain with Vicodin ES.  Three pills a day, one  in the AM, one during the afternoon, and another one at bedtime.  And I thought THAT was a lot! I had no idea that 15 years later I would be living on oxycodone at many times the dosage that I was taking of Vicodin!  It just goes to show, we never know what life has in store for us.

I had another EMG a month and a half ago.  The nerve damage is now so severe that in two places on each leg the doctor couldn't even get a reading!  Yikes!

Ghilly

[ChronicPain1]

Thanks guys, and Tuck I should see a DO, you're right. At this point I'm ready to try anything from acupuncture to hypnotherapy. One of my MRI's did show a bulge at C6-C7 with signs of DDD, but the doctor still said it wasn't enough.

I've had numerous medical issues in my life, from a gastrointestinal problem for years when I was in middle school, to kidney stones at 10 and 13 and others...but nothing compares to this. Physical therapy is basically useless for me, and even the pain medications are becoming ineffective for me, not from tolerance but because the pain is getting worse.

I just don't understand how this can be happening. Perhaps the desk job has made my discs shrink, perhaps smoking....but many people do both of these and don't have these problems so it doesn't make sense to me. I feel like I'm on the route to disability if it continues as it is, and I can't accept that. I want to live my life, and I feel like it's all becoming hopeless.

Is it too much to ask to be mostly pain free? Even if I had only 20% of my current pain I'd be ecstatic, but I feel like if they solve this something else may happen.

I wish you all the best at solving your issues...no one should have to go through this.

[Patrick_T]

Hi CP,
I do understand how you feel and what your going through. I was told my back "doesn't look as bad as it could" and was so angry. How in God's name could a doctor tell me that? I decided to get a second opinion and was told it didn't have to look that bad to BE bad. I promise you there is help out there. A good, responsible doctor will understand that test's aren't always black and white. Things DO exist that cause bad pain that always don't show up on stupid tests.
Please hang in there and know your not alone. Many of us have been through similar problems. No matter what, be 100% honest with your doctors, give them great information and NEVER give up. You have us all to support you.

Warmest regards,
Patrick

[Tuckamore]

Hi Chronic Pain,

Good one Mollyrae, "the "Undiagnosed Club." I love it!  And isn't it the truth!

An EMG and Myelogram don't have to be positive to prove you have pain. And you wouldn't feel any better about your pain if you were fifty!  Neither would it be easier to accept. Ask any one here if because they are 47 or 55 or older if their pain is easier to accept or deal with because they are not twenty? I was just seven year older than you when my CP began. Now that I have reached fifty it not any easier to deal with.  

I have chronic severe sciatic pain for years. It is caused from a very dysfunctional SIJ. As I have said many times on this forum, it was a newly practicing D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) that diagnosed my condition. I highly encourage you to consult with one. They receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system-your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of your body mass. This training provides them with a better understanding of the ways that an illness or injury in one part of your body can affect another.

Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is incorporated into the training and practice of osteopathic physicians. With OMT, the physicians use their hands to diagnose and treat illness and injuries along with all the medicines and other things a MD would provide. I could not function without OMT. I doubt I would be walking today had I not found this wonderful physician. If your PCP cannot determine what is going on with you it is time seek a second opinion rather you take my suggestion or see a MD.

You know we are here for you. Keep posting and please remain active in the community. I am so sorry that you pain has increased and is in new locations.
Peace, Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Welcome to the "Undiagnosed Club". There are many of us in your shoes. Just yesterday and because I have been so sick lately, my Mom showed up at my door and told me that I was going back to the Doctor whether I liked it or not.

I feared that my Thyroid has been causing me issues with the swelling in the neck along with other symptoms....actually felt like I was dying. The Doctor ran MANY blood tests to find that she couldn't find "the problem" at the moment. She was concerned though, my heart beat is not regular...skips beats.

I guess what I'm saying is that my symptoms have been going on for months and like you, there is no diagnosis. It's flusterating to say the least. I feel for you and want you to know that your not alone here.

Try and keep your chin up. There is an explanation, they just have to find it.

Take care,
Molly