SIJ pain

[TXGirl25]

For about the past six months I've been experiencing a lot of pain in the Sacral Iliac Joint.  Its on both sides but never at the same time.  Some weeks it hurts on the left side and then will all the sudden switch to the right.  Its very hard do describe my pain...its not constant but more like a jolt or stabbing pain.  I've been to 3 different doctors and they have all prescirbed steroids and muscle relaxers which do not help.  None of them understand that its still hurts.  I've had Xrays and MRIs which didn't show anything abnormal. Its like if they can't see anything on a diagnostic test than there can't be anything wrong.  If anyone has had any experience with this please let me know.  I need relief!  It hurts when I sit for long periods of time and it also hurts when I walk.  I can't find anything to do to relieve the pain. I have tried crunches, back excercises and stretches to no avail.  I'm getting very frustrated.  I need stronger pain meds but no one believes me that I'm really in intense pain.  I could bare it at first but as the days of pain go on my mental capacity for it diminishes.  I called a pain management clinic but I have to be referred by my Family Practice doctor.  (who thinks this is all in my head) HELP! please!

[Tuckamore]

You indeed are not crazy. I felt that way also until I was finally diagnosed.

I am sorry that you are experiencing so many health issues right now. Sometimes it seems we are hit with multiple things all at once. It can be discouraging.

Don't be quick to jump to conclusions with the mystery area on your kidney. I know how frighten those mysterious areas can be. I have had cysts on (not in) my kidney that come and go. I've had one now for several years and it's harmless and does not require medical intervention.  

Hang in there. We are here for you.

[TXGirl25]

This past week I started gettin pain in my buttock and left thigh.  Almost disabling pain in my legs.  Its hard to walk and almost have to limp... This is getting out of control.  I'm taking 600 miligram Motrin and its not helping.   I must find a doctor soon but I'm also dealing with a "mystery area" on my left kidney so I'm been out of work a lot for that.  Possibly a tumor but atleast its on a removable organ.  Anyway...Lots of health issues lately and I've never been one to be sick or miss work.  I feel like I'm aging too quickly or I'm falling apart all the sudden.  My two year old deserves a mom that is pain free and healthy so I have to find a way to get there. Thanks for the doctor info and making me feel like I'm not crazy.

[Tuckamore]

Hi TXGirl,

I have severe SIJ and am disabled due to it. The pain is horrid and I understand your difficultly describing it. It's more than just the SIJ area, it extends into other areas.

I went years undiagnosised. SIJ Dysfunction is often "missed" by physicians and dismissed as a possible cause of extreme chronic pain. I suggest that you consult with a Doctor of Osteopathy that preforms OMT (osteopathic manipulation therapy). You'll have to either do an internet search and/or make calls to find one that does OMT. It is the only relief that I have found. If the joint is not aligned properly it will cause even more than normal pain. My PCP is a DO. I require treatments every few weeks or more just to tolerate the pain.

It is not all in your head and finding a physician that will recognize that may be a challenge. I would not stay with a PCP that did not beleive I had pain. I did that for too long.

I also take opiates daily but I see by your other posts that you have had problems with them in the past. It doesn't appear to be an option for you. Hopefully with the the treatment of a good D.O. you will be more functional and have less pain.

Best of luck to you. If you have any specific questions please feel free to send me a PM. We'll look forward to your updates.

Good luck and take care,
Tuck