would more testing help?

[gary7]

I have had chronic pain for almost 6 yrs. now. When it first started, I saw every sort of doctor and had all sorts of tests done. It cost alot of money, time, and they never found out what was causing it. Plus, some of the doctors got very rude when they couldn't find anything. About 2 yrs. ago the pain started to be more manageable. I was able to do things without always hurting. But about 3-4 months ago, it got worse again. The pain is awful. My neck, back, tailbone, ankles, knees, hips, not to mention the muscles in my legs, all ache horribly. I can't sleep much past 3 a.m. because it hurts so bad. I have stopped doing most things because the pain gets so bad, it makes me cry.  I am 37 yrs. old, the pain started about 3 months after I had my son. The only medication I am still on is methadone, we don't have insurance to afford the others and they weren't working that well anyway. The methadone is not helping all that well anymore,either. It was the only painkiller that worked after trying several different ones. I can't keep going on like this, but I feel like having more tests is a waste of money. Does anyone have any ideas or similar experiences? I just don't know what to do anymore. Thank you.

[DavePrime]

NEVER give up.  I don't know what is causing your pain, and I can truly relate to your experience with doctors being rude.  If they fix it they seem to think you are faking it. *sigh*

The one thing I am concerned with is the fact that your  methadone dose is no longer sufficient.  It is common with people in true pain to require gradually increasing amounts of the same drug in order to have relief.  This is caused by dependence on the med, NOT addiction!  Think of it this way:  What would you do if you had leukemia and the drug to control it stopped being as effective?  You would ask for an increase or a change. Right?  Why treat your pain any differently?  There is nothing wrong with having your meds adjusted every once in a while.

I too suffer from chronic pain.  i require an adjust about every 11 months or so.  Iknow the time is coming when i find I can no longer do even the minor things I do now.  When that happens, i see my pain doc and ask for an adjustment.  he will look over the records and give me an exam.  If he agrees i get it. (Which he normally does since he knows I hate the friggin' things.)

Don't be afraid to ask for RELIEF.  A good docotr will look at your history and make the change.

May you find peace in your situation.

Daveprime

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Some of the conditions with widespread body and joint aches are fibromyalgia(a disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tactile allodynia(pain even on touching)  ,chronic fatigue syndrome(often manifests with widespread myalgia and arthralgia, cognitive difficulties, chronic mental and physical exhaustion)  ,polymyositis (means 'many muscle inflammation') and polymyalgia rheumatica(an inflammatory disorder that causes widespread muscle aching and stiffness, primarily in your neck, shoulders, upper arms, thighs and hips. It literally appears overnight, but the cause may be a problem with the immune system, perhaps involving both genetic and environmental factors).
Complete physical examination along with investigations like ESR blood, platelet count Rheumatoid factor, creatine kinase,electromyography and muscle biopsy may be needed to make a diagnosis.Pls consult a physician for that.

Hope it helps.Take care and regards.