Looking for answers to pain

[Frenchi29]

I have pulling pain in chest on left side, pressure pain in back on left side, soreness on left side, pain & numbness on left side, hurts to breath.  severe pain when trying to lift left arm, along with numbness and pain in left arm and fingers.  It hurts when I cough, sneeze and when moving, or just being still. Unable to sleep on right or left side.  Morphine nor anti-inflammatory meds help.  Doctors can't figure out whats wrong, Spine MRI's, heart test, chest xray's and still no diagnosis. Orthopedic doctor thinks I need the Mayo clinic with a team of doctor's so not to exhaust my health insurance.  It is difficult to dress, comb hair, work or do house chores, even driving is difficult, because it hurts to turn or reach. Looking for suggestions to help doctors figure out what this could be, tired of hurting and not being able to do normal things.

[Tuckamore]

Wondering how you are doing and what your physician had to offer.

Thinking of you,
~Tuck

[jennerfennerbenner]

how did you make out?

[Frenchi29]

Thank you for the information.  I will definately speak with my doctor tomorrow.  I have 2 hospitals within 2.5 hrs away. Shands a teaching hospital and the Mayo clinic.

I feel I am closer to finding an answer.

Frenchi29

[Frenchi29]

Thank you jennefennerbenner,

I will definately speak with my doctor about this tomorrow.  We have 2 hospitals that I can get to, Shands which is a teaching hospital and the Mayo clinic.  Both are about 2.5 hrs away.

Again thanks

[Tuckamore]

Hi French,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am so sorry to hear about your very painful symptoms. My heart goes out to you.

I also know the frustrations that come with an elusive diagnosis. The waiting and wondering can be discouraging and trying to say the least.  I agree that the Mayo Clinic may be a good resource for you.

Jennifer has a good suggestion, Chondritis is inflammation of cartilage. It can take several
forms such as osteochondritis and costochondritis. Costochondritis generally feels like a MI (Myocardial Infarct) or heart attack. It's usually not as extensive as your symptoms. However if it has not been investigated or considered it should be.

An Inflammatory Process, and there are many.... should also be considered. The suggestion to consult a rheumatologist is a good one also. A team at Mayo or even a large well known teaching facility/hospital may be your best bet.  

I wish I had better answers for you. I only hope that you continue to pursue a diagnosis... and don't loose hope. Someone out there will take a look at your symptoms with different eyes and come up with the right DX.  

I wish you the best and hope that you will let us know how you are doing. The journey through Chronic Pain can be lonely at best and we are here to listen and support you.

Peace,
~Tuck