Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain Answers
Resolved Question: My H&H 9.3 and 27.0 and my Sed rate is 65.0. Also my RDW is high and MPV is low. I have been very fatigued?
I have osteoarthritis and COPD. After a car accident 10 years ago, was left with chronic pain in back and leg, as of several months ago I have been having pain in Bilaterally knee and right foot, but also just sore all over. I also have been severely short of breath even though I have increased lung function by 5%, placing COPD mild.
moreResolved Question: ODSP Will they reject me?
I am 18, I know I already qualify for the financial aspect of it, just not the disability part.
I have: "severe ADD with hyperactivity syndrome"
"R Foot drop"
"R talar Avascular necrosis"
"Osteoarthritis of the subtalar joint" (arthritis in my ankle)
"Small airways disease"
I have moderately severe chronic pain, and can not find work before I start college, in September.
I don't want to go on Ontario works, because I heard they treat you as an insignificant being.
I can walk, but I am very limited. 15-20 minutes at one time max. and only necessary walking through out the day. i wear a brace from my foot to my knee. Any walking I do worsens my arthritis for the future.
Am I likely to be denied the first time?
moreResolved Question: Are there specific medical marijuana strains that help relieve chronic pain, joint inflammation?
I have a very painful rheumatoid arthritis condition, as well as osteoarthritis. . I never thought I would, but I am considering trying something that is natural as apposed to the heavy medication routine that I am currently on. I also am trying to learn if medical marijuana causes inflammation in the body that could cause my immune system to worsen, if it is not taken in through smoking, but by other natural means. I am finding mixed information about whether this causes inflammation, and believe it is only when this substance is smoked, that it contributes to inflammation.
moreResolved Question: what are the differences between ibuprofen & acidameniphen?
My drs. took me off darvocet and vicoden and told me to take advil and tylenol. both of them hardly take the pain away and upset my stomach terrible. I have diverticulosis, osteoarthritis thru my whole body. Years ago, I took anacin (aspirin & caffeine) for pain. but now it seems aspirin is not good either. I also have chronic bronchitis. Could somebody help me please..........thanksyes, eric, I spelled it wrong........ you are funnythanks alot for your answers. You made me feel better and I am going to a Pain Managment doctor on March 1st. I just can't take all those meds that are destroying my stomach............
moreResolved Question: What Treatment Works Best for Osteoarthritis?
I don't know if there's any typical age for onset for osteoarthritis, but I'm 55 years old.I have arthritis throughut my body, and of course my hands. I'm taking acetominophen with codeine. The codeine makes me tired but relieves some of the pain after a couple of hours. I don't want to continue taking the amount of this medication if there's a good exercise regime instead.
Would Tai Chi for seniors work? Or would an easy Yoga be better? I'm in chronic pain and the onset was very rapid. I'd appreciate any advice.
moreResolved Question: Osteoarthritis pain relief?
I have been in chronic pain for years with osteoarthritis and need 2 knee replacement operations. Meantime can anyone recommend an effective pain relief? I've tried all the usual herbal remedies, tens machines, acupuncture, hypnosis, non prescription painkillers. I am currently taking Arcoxia and Tramadol. Tramadol really helps but the side effects drive me crazy - dry mouth and throat, a croaky voice, but it is the itching that's the worst, like something crawling all over my skin. I can't take codeine based medication and other painkillers prescribed to me have upset my stomach. Anyone out there know of a really effective painkiller without too many side effects that I could ask my doctor about?
moreResolved Question: Can anyone help with diagnosis of health issue described below?
I am 29yrs old mother or 3, have definitive dx of congenital bilateral dislocating hips (need dbl rplcmt), narcolepsy, cataplexy, interstitial cystitis w/ hunner's ulcers, brain dysautonomia from CO poisoning. I also have the following chronic sx: neuropathy in my finger tips and feet, pain n muscles and joints (early onset of osteoarthritis), nodules on skin, extreme sensitivity to smells, low range bp around 108/60, dizziness upon standing, motion sickness, raynaud's phenom, recurrent shingles, sob, easily contract staph and strep skin infections, slow to heal, fatigue w/ intermittent insomia, memory loss both some st & lt, also had pelvic organ prolapse resulting in surgical repair such as hysterectomy, tvt, etc. which my body rejected the graphs used and cause numerous problems.
I am at a loss of what to do, I had to switch family dr and when I go to dr or any medical facility other than my specialist I am treated like a drug seeker and hypochondriac! I know my sx are real th major onset was 8yrs and over the past 6months my sx are so severe I can no longer ignore them. I have tried to research syndromes and diseases because I know that all these sx have to fall into something or maybe I'm a case study all alone. Its very frustrating to live like this at 29 and I just don't know what to do anymore. I also seem to have adverse reactions to almost every medication so I try to steer clear of those also. (Sorry if seems like rambling...also adding details as I think of them. will gladly answer any ? to further detail) Anyway, hope someone out there might have some insight and help point me in right direction....Thx!Saw neuro at onset but not since, they didn't find anything at the time but since that time have found out med hx ie co poisoning and sx have become mush more severe.
Currently see urologist weekly for bladder tx, ortho for hips, fam dr is internist but a crappy one & sleep specialist. Someone rec rheum'gist & ortho suggest genetic testing his concern is connective tissue disorder like ehlers danlos on wait list but growing impatient...need to find shorter avenue for dx if there is one...give this further info anymore suggestions?? thx again for any and all insight!
moreVoting Question: How bad is it? What's really going on? Diagnose me.?
A lil' background: 39 yr old female. chronic back and neck pain for years, since 1991ish. Last 4 yrs: weak, tired, depression, elevated cholesterol, Osteoarthritis,menopause.
In Aug/2008 TSH was .61 & FSH @ 68.7f . Aug/2009 TSH is .27 ,T4 1.0. noduals on both sides of thyoid and goiter is present. Thyroid function at 24 hrs is 18.7%.Thyroid function of the lower aspet of normal.PCP wants me to take 25mcg of synthroid. Should I?
NOW on to the back:XRAY RESULTS>Straightening of the cervical curve, spondylosis abd invertebral disc space narowong at C5-C6: Thoracic spine=spondylosis of upper spine and cervical spondylosis. Lumbar=
5mm of posterior spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1. Marked invertebral disc space narrowing and endplate sclerosis at L-S1. Mild diffuse lumar spondylosis. Sclerosis of sacroiliac joits bilaterally.
MRI on lumbar= Conus is at L1. Impressions: Left lateral disc herniation at L4-L5 extending into the exit foramen and effacing the ventral aspect of the exiting left L4 nerve root causing left exit foramen stenosis. At L5-S1 one there is abnormal appearing signal in the adjacent vertabral body, possible degenerative arthritis change occasionally process as discitis can have similar appearance, should be correlated closely. At same level broad-based dsc bulging is present Mild bilateral exit foramen narrowing is seen.
I have been in PT for 5 wks. Helps some since I don't have to roll of the side of bed to get up. Started steriod shots Fri and go back for 2 more w/in the next 4wks. The pain is bad and limits me to certain physical activities BUT I deal w/it and stay as active as I can.
Will I be able to avoid surgery? How "big is the hernated disc since it is hitting L4 nerve? I've read that it isn't common for a disc at L4-L5 to affect L4 nerve. How fast will the osteoarthritis progress? Other than exersice, how else can I improve/slow down the process?My right side is also affected: lumbar back, & shooting pain going up from rt scapula area to shoulder and my right hand goes cold,numb, and at times can't pick a coffee cup.
moreResolved Question: WHAT is making me sick?
I have been feeling like I am 80 years old ever since I was around 12/13 I am now 22... I've gone to the doctors COUNTLESS times over the past years asking them what they can do for me, and it seems like if they don't have a medicine to cover up the pain, they don't really want to get down to solving the problem. All I need to know is the cause of this problem, and whether or not I can do anything about it.
My symptoms are:
Joint pain- I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis
Dizziness & Fatigue
Hair loss at times of stress
halonevus/vitiligo skin disorders
raynaud's disease, which is a circulatory disorder
joint locking
diarrhea
occasional numbness in toes
chronic yeast infections and UTI's
overall chronic candida (thrush)
I have googled all these symptoms and I have found a bunch of different things that come up. I have been tested for lupus twice and was negative. I am at the point of giving up!!! I NEED HELP! it is RUINING my life.Thank you all for answering--I really appreciate all the help at this point. I don't know how to reply since I just started using this thing so I will post more details.
Dr. House: I am unsure of my CBC. I remember last year they found protein in my urinalysis. I dehydrate easy, but I haven't noticed any dry mouth. I believe I bruise normally, but I injure easily--as in my muscles tear very easy, and since I have been pretty active my whole life I've broken quite a few bones. Two other symptoms I forgot to mention is that I have extremely bad cramps to where I've vomited and I found blood in my stool last week. I know, gross hah, but it really scared me. My body is trying to tell me something for sure!
thanks againDr. House:
I what I mean by joint locking is at times if I squat down my knees will completely lock so I can't get up. Almost as if the bones are stuck. Another type of problem I get is if I keep my joints (mostly my elbows and knees) bent for too long, they are extremely painful to straighten. As for all the testing they've done, I've gotten a general health check up--which I am unsure of what tests that entails--I've also had a test done on my thyroid which came out to be normal. I'm guessing my calcium levels aren't too high because I do not drink a lot of milk and never really have. I have started to consume more yogurt products because of my candida, but that is about it. I will be sure to ask about multiple myeloma...
I found a blood test result from last summer that I took because I don't have my current records on me:WBC 7.8, RBC 4.16
They found traces of protein in my urine.
I seemed to be pretty normal
You seem to know what you are talking about-Thanks for your help
moreVoting Question: Anyone tried Supple or Flexicose for Arthritis pain?
Hi, I am looking for a natural product for my mother who suffers from very bad chronic pain due to Osteoarthritis in her back, knees, and feet...I feel so bad for her as she is in excruciating pain all the time...anyone know of any good products that work? Have any of you tried the drink Supple or tried Flexicose? Thank you so much :)
moreVoting Question: I've been told that I have arthrosis at age 31. Is this something that I should bother seeing a doctor for?
I twisted my neck last week and ended up in the emergency room with a strained neck. The x-rays showed there were not fractures but the radiologist said that there was arthrosis. From what I gather, this is the same as "facet syndrome" and maybe a form of osteoarthritis. I could be wrong since the ER doc didn't know what arthrosis was and didn't bother to find out. I'm only 31 years old and am concerned about my chronic neck pain, which I've had for about 8 years. Is "arthrosis" something I should see my GP for? Would they even do anything about it? Honestly, I just don't want to waste money seeing another doctor to tell me there's nothing they can do. Thanks for the advice.
moreResolved Question: I am going to make an appointment with a pain specialist?
what should I expect? I have had chronic pain for 10 years of my sacroiliac joint. I have documented osteoarthritis and bone spurring in this joint. I had tried acupuincture, physical therapy 3 times, chiropactic, medications, and I take lidocaine patches every day.
This feels like my last resort.... what do you think he will do... my PCP is "afaid" to prescribe me real pain meds... but I am living in pain ALL the time and do not feel as if I can have a normal life. I must mention I am only 34 and have had this for 10 years.
What should I expect?I have had 3 shots in a year's time in the joint. The last one I had was 3 weeks ago and it's almost worn off already... I have done everything... which is the reason this is my "last" resort
moreVoting Question: Why does my tummy hurt?
I have had several scans of my stomach, including an MRI, an MRA, a CT scan, as well as an X-Ray, I've had a high point scan of my gallbladder & several blood tests that have ruled out Kidney disease & Liver problems. My stomach hurts on my right side, below my ribcage, right in my Gallbladder/Liver area.
I don't understand why all the tests come back normal, when there is obviously something going on there! Could it be appendicitis?
These tests have revealed Polycystic ovaries, acid reflux, degenerative disk disorder (in my back/spine), but nothing that explains this pain.
A little more info about me: I have Meniere's Disease (a chronic disease of the inner ear that causes vertigo, as well as many other symptoms. See here for more details:: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/meniere.asp)
I also have Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (for more info on TLE see here: http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/epilepsy_temporallobe)
As well as chronic Migraines, Osteoarthritis, & I'm blind in my left eye & deaf in my left ear.
Believe it or not, I live a normal life, & until recently, I was a full time nursing/ Medical Laboratory Tech student & I maintained a 3.8 GPA. I also worked full time.
With the recent pain in my side, I do OK, but keeping up with my kids & my husband is about all I can do. I can't go to the gym as much as I use to & my housework has fallen behind on more than one occasion.
If I can live a completely normal life with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Osteoarthritis, Meniere's Disease & chronic migraine, I feel confident that I could resume that if I had a solution to this horrible pain in my side!
Any clues would be great! I really prided myself on being able to maintain through all the problems that have come up & it seems silly to me that a pain in my stomach/side could debilitate me as much as it has!
Thanks!Thanks for the response, but I actually drink loads of water & I eat soup, & oatmeal at least 12 times a week! I actually live on Ensure & Slim Fast drinks when I'm in school.I think it may be appendicitis! Please help!!!
moreResolved Question: Can I be denied disability benefits for refusing to take pain medications?
My apologies if this gets lengthy.
I've had rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and palindromic rheumatism (a very painful form of inflammatory arthritis) for 4 years now, along with overwhelming fatigue (I am chronically anemic), occasional gout, and sciatica. I take Methotrexate, Prednisone, and Ibuprofen to help control my diseases and relieve my symptoms. Other than Ibuprofen, I take no pain relievers, preferring to deal with the pain as it comes.
I have a very good reason for my refusal. I am in my mid-40's and will have these conditions for the rest of my life. That's 30-40 more years, barring accident or terminal illness. I prefer to save the pain meds for when I *really* need them, as my conditions will only become worse.
My mother has been using pain relievers for 7 years due to severe osteoarthritis, and she has developed such a high level of tolerance that she no longer receives adequate relief. I've got a lifetime of disease and various surgeries ahead of me, and am hoping that, by avoiding pain relievers now, I will be able to obtain adequate relief in the future. In short, I am afraid of developing a dependency. I want to wait.
I *am* obviously able to function, but as with any chronic illness, there are limits to my abilities. Many things I can no longer do, and those things which can be accomplished are done so as I am able. I require modifications to my routines, tire easily, and encounter all of the normal obstacles that come with chronic illness.
Also, my feet are in serious need of surgery, but I have only recently received medical assistance. I see my Rheumatologist in April, and at that time, I will ask his advice concerning my feet.
Anyway, after applying for disability, I was given an appointment with one of their physicians. I see him next week, and I was wondering:
What can I expect from this physical?
Can my refusal to take pain medications keep me from receiving disability?
I *do* realize that my physical condition may not meet the requirements for disability, and I am prepared for that. Although, with my feet as twisted as they are, the difficulty I have in walking, and my inability to wear shoes (I can wear only men's slippers) I feel confident that my feet will be considered a disability.
My main concern is refusal of pain meds. Can I be forced to take them?
Also, my rheumy has never discussed treatment with biologics such as Humira or Remicade. Can they insist that I try more aggressive treatments?
My apologies for the length, all the questions, and the general disorder of this question. I'm just really worried about all of this. I'm not well educated on this entire process, and I'm hoping someone here can help me.
Thanks so much for your time. It's appreciated.((( gentle hugs, Sondra )))((((( Angels )))))
Thank you.((((( ELJ )))))
I so admire your ability to cope. Love you bunches. :)
((((( Pirate )))))
When I was first diagnosed, I was prescribed Naproxen. It gave me heart arrythmias (sp?) and was discontinued.
Yes, surgery on my feet *would* make a difference. However, that would not change my ability (or inability) to reach (my elbows are gnarled, and my arms are permanently bent.)
Neither would that change the fact that I cannot grasp, lift, carry, squat, get on or off the floor without help, climb stairs without great difficulty, (my knees are no better than my feet), walk distances, etc.
It's good to know that I cannot be *forced* to use pain meds, and that my refusal will not be held against me.
I don't have an aversion to biologics. It's just never been discussed.The palindromic rheumatism is such an extremely painful form of arthritis that I have not found a pain reliever that works, with the exception of Dilaudid. Not even morphine will touch the pain. I have been hospitalized for this in the past -- it's that bad.
When I am hit with a PR attack, I just go to bed. Doctors are very reluctant to prescribe Dilaudid due to it's addictive nature, aside from the fact that it puts me into a stupor. It's like being on a major drunk.
They *will* prescribe Vicodin, but if I were to take it for PR, I'd get as much relief with a baby aspirin (which is no relief at all).
The normal aches and pains of RA and Fibro I can deal with. And so, I am reluctant to use pain meds. I know that in the future I will not be able to cope with the daily aches. At that point, I'll be glad to have these medications available. I just fear becoming tolerant or dependent, because I see what this has done to my mother.
Thanks to all for the advice.((((( Blue Chaos )))))(((((( UP ))))))I can't choose a best answer. I'm sorry, but you've all been so kind, helpful, and sincere...
I appreciate everything you have done to help. Thank you.
((((((( group hug )))))))
moreResolved Question: Im wondering what my chance of getting ssdi is?Im 41 years old have osteoarthritis in both knees?
I have had alot of surgery's but they haven't helped,the doc's want to wait as long as possible for total knee replacement cuz of my age.I worked all of my life in a factory 12 hr shifts. I haven't worked for 3 years now.Im waiting for alj hearing now.Im on a high dose of fentanyl pain med i've been on this for 2 years now it does help the constant pain,but it has bad side affects.i have also been seeing a mental doc (counselor) for 2 years due to depression from the chronic pain i also take anti dep. meds.I have good doc support from both doc's.I also have allsup handling my case.i have gotten some great answers from everybody,thank you .I do hope to get the knee's replaced soon im sure that will help,i do also have arthritis in other joints including my back.I havent worked for allmost 3 years now and i doubt i could ever return to my previous work.Is it possible to get the ssdi now untill i get surgerys done and maybe then return to school for a job that i could do if im able?I will have my hearing before ALJ soon should i express interest in returning to work if my situation improves ?I really do need the ssdi for awhile till things improve im really desperate finacially ,I was getting LTD for 2 years but there was a limited time period for arthrits.
moreResolved Question: Are magnetic underlays effective for relief of pain?
Have you had any direct experience of their use? Which ones are better? Here is one report I found which is inconclusive:
www.magneticexperience.com.au/magnetic_underlay.php
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Magnet therapy
What's the evidence?
Contents
Magnet therapy
What are the claims?
What's the evidence?
What about the products?
What are the alternatives?
The placebo effect
Electromagnetic therapy
The bottom line
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The big question is, do magnets really work? The answer is complicated because the more you look, the less everyone seems to know. There are some limited studies on static magnet therapy — including some that were double-blind (a highly respected method where neither patients nor researchers know who is using the trial therapy vs a placebo) — but the results are equivocal: for every positive result there’s a negative study that shows nothing.
The first study to cause a real stir was done at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, in 1997. Participants were 50 patients suffering from post-polio syndrome who had been experiencing pain for at least a month. (This is a condition that can afflict adults who had polio as children; it manifests itself as muscular and arthritic pain and muscle weakness.)
The researchers asked them to rate their current rate of pain on a scale of one to 10. They then taped magnets (or placebos) for 45 minutes to the area where pain was triggered. The patients then rated their pain again on the 10-point scale.
The results were clear: of the 29 patients who had a magnet attached, 22 experienced an improvement in their pain levels, compared with just four out of the 21 who had the placebos. On average, the magnet patients experienced a 54% reduction in pain, compared to 12% for the placebo group.
This study has since been faulted — there was a disproportionate number of women in the trial group and the strength of the force exerted by the devices wasn’t measured exactly — but it was the first to make the medical community think there might be something to magnets. Another positive result came from the University of Virginia in 2001, where magnets were trialled as a treatment for the pain associated with fibromyalgia, a rheumatological syndrome associated with widespread pain, fatigue, fitful sleep, depression and anxiety, for which there are few effective treatments.
Two different magnetic underblankets (or placebos) were trialled by two groups of patients for six months. The results seemed to show that those using a ‘functional magnetic underlay’ (which provided whole-body exposure to a uniform magnetic field) had the greatest pain reduction, and researchers noted the effects were most likely cumulative. However, the results for each group weren’t different enough to be statistically significant.
Since then there have been a couple of other studies showing positive effects, including one this year — a small pilot study at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, which found that after four hours, magnets were effective (compared to placebos) at reducing the pain of osteoarthritis in the knee.
On the negative front, a study at the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Centre in Prescott, Arizona, in 2000 used magnets to treat chronic low-back pain by placing magnets (or placebos) on the affected area for six hours a day, three days a week for one week. It found they had no effect.
Nor did magnets make any difference in a study in 1997 as a treatment for plantar heel pain, when they were placed in moulded shoe insoles for four weeks. The group with magnetic insoles showed no greater improvement than the group with regular insoles.
A third study in 2002 at the Oklahoma College of Medicine, using magnetic disks (or placebos) strapped to the wrists for 45 minutes as a treatment for the pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, found no significant difference in effect between the magnets and the placebos. But the placebo group and the magnet group both reported an overall improvement in pain levels, indicating that the placebo effect was alive and well (see The placebo effect).
Overall there doesn’t appear to be a trend one way or the other, nor can the studies be easily compared. Some looked for an effect in a short space of time, while others involved weeks of use. Each used a different product and different-strength magnet. Each treated the pain associated with a different condition. The groups weren’t always gender-balanced (which is particularly important when studying pain and complementary medical treatments). As far as we can tell, none of these studies appears to have been replicated, nor is there a large enough body of scientific study to rule out the placebo effect
This page last reviewed September 2004
moreResolved Question: how can we get reassigned to a new base?
We are currently at Hill AFB and due to recent medical conditions, traumatic brain injury and chronic pain and osteoarthritis living here had deterioted my health so much that I have had to file for SSDI. My husband (E-4) is an F-16 Avionics Technicion and there are limited bases to which he can go to. what would be the best way to deal with this or try to get to another base. He has suggested going to a Korea to have his pick of base but at the same time I cannot take care of myself. So basically I feel as though I will just have to "deal" with the health issues the best to my abilities or find a way to get out of here to warmer climates. Any help and info is appreciated along with personal stories and ideas. I'm lost to where I shoud even begin.I have not won my disability case so that is another long wait in itself
moreResolved Question: I take medication for chronic pain and..?
take several meds for chronic pain. I have osteoarthritis from scoliosis (repaired but still my back and hip are not right) and have bone osteophytes and air (whatever that meant on the CT scan) and get SI joint steroid injections every few months. However, I take Soma, Motrin, and Vicodin quite a bit.
The Vicodin obviously is addicting and I try and keep my pills in control. However, is it a BAD thing that I feel mentally good besides physically better with this medication? Is this considered an addiction? I have not had any addiction problems but I am always keeping a "watch" on myself and hold myself back.
I plan on seeing a pain doctor. I am only 34 and have had this problem since I was 25 (not the medications, just started those last year).
Any advice or similar stories appreciated.
it scares me that I tend to "look forward" to the time when I can take my pills.
moreResolved Question: I take medication for chronic pain and was wondering...?
I take several meds for chronic pain. I have osteoarthritis from scoliosis (repaired but still my back and hip are not right) and have bone osteophytes and air (whatever that meant on the CT scan) and get SI joint steroid injections every few months. However, I take Soma, Motrin, and Vicodin quite a bit.
The Vicodin obviously is addicting and I try and keep my pills in control. However, is it a BAD thing that I feel mentally good besides physically better with this medication? Is this considered an addiction? I have not had any addiction problems but I am always keeping a "watch" on myself and hold myself back.
I plan on seeing a pain doctor. I am only 34 and have had this problem since I was 25 (not the medications, just started those last year).
Any advice or similar stories appreciated.it scares me that I tend to "look forward" to the time when I can take my pills.I am using soma right now because I had one of my "episodes" (where I pull out the muscle/joints). i also use it for restless leg syndome (doc said it was ok)I have taken many different non-narcotics including ultram. It did not work any more than, say Motrin does.I have also taken celebrex but that didnt do anything...
moreResolved Question: i had a CT scan and was told i have degenerative changes in my L5 and S1. what does this really mean?
i haven't seen the doctor yet since (long wait times here in some places in ontario, canada) and the nurse who called with the results just told me to look it up online.
can anyone tell me what this really means? does it have a name of its own? i read that it means it's osteoarthritis if it's showing up in a CT scan already. i also read somewhere that it's spondylosis but somewhere else that it isn't.
i have chronic back pain (and have for years. i'm 30 now) and have to get a job after being off for a year due to other health issues. is there anything i shouldn't be doing? is this something that gets worse no matter what and at what rate?
thanks for any info.just to add: i was told 10 years ago that i have spondilolithesis and spina bifida (occulta which i understand to be the lowest/least affecting form of it).
moreResolved Question: Please Help! Aching, Heavy, Pitting Edema legs - causes?
Ok, I've finally given up in my search for answers. I'm hoping someone out there can give me some ideas of what could be wrong. I have had pitting edema in my legs for about 3 months now. I've been to the doctor numerous times and have ruled out my kidneys and heart...which is good....but, it's driving me crazy as to what this could be.
Here's some history: I have a whole host of existing medical conditions, which are probably not related...but, I'll list them just in case. I have:Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Osteoarthritis, Depression / Bipolar, GERD, Barrett’s Disease, Hiatal Hernia, IBS, Urinary Incontinence, Seborrheic Keratoses. These are confirmed diagnosis. I take the following medications: Lamictal, Paxil, Elavil, Diclofenac, Flexeril, Lortab, Omeprazole, Protonix, Detrol, Ultram, and Oxycodone (when needed). I am a 40 year old female that is 50 pounds overweight.
Like I said, the heart and kidneys have been ruled out. I've been careful about reading labels to ensure my sodium intake is around 1500-2000 mg per day. That has not made a difference. I've stopped taking the Dyclofenac for a couple of weeks since that has been known to cause edema. That didn't make a difference either. I also stopped taking my Detrol for a couple of weeks as I was allergic to Ditropan and thought maybe I've suddenly developed an allergy to the Detrol as well. This also has not made a difference. I was on Lasix for a few days, but it didn't make any difference in the edema.
I had testing about 1 1/2 years ago that showed I had an enlarged liver and cyrosis (non-alcoholic). At that time a Liver function test was done and it came back normal. I asked my doctor if that test had been run again with the other testing since the onset of the edema. She said since it was done before, it doesn't need to be done again.
She's an awesome doctor! I've been seeing her for years and she has been wonderful with all of my medical conditions. So, I trust her. However, when I asked last week what else we can do or what other testing can be done, she said that sometimes these things just happen, especially to women over 35 and that the heart was her main concern with this. She recommended that I get some compression stockings. So, I have ordered some, but they haven't come in yet.
My real concern is that perhaps we're missing something that could be very important. I don't think it's natural that someone should have to wear compression stockings for the rest of their lives. And I'm in an extreme amount of pain with this. I have a career which requires me to be on my feet for a couple of hours at a time. I try to sit when possible, but even when I'm not on my feet much (like on a day off), the edema is still there. My legs feel so heavy and constantly ache. The pitting is so severe at times that an indentation has taken a couple of hours to return to normal. This happens mostly on the days that I work.
I'd really like some input with ideas of what I could be missing. I've been doing research for 3 months now and am very frustrated. Any input/ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, I know I need to lose the 50 pounds...that goes without saying. I had never been overweight until 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with all these medical conditions and started on all the medications. So, if there are any other comments not related to my weight, they would be greatly appreciated.
moreResolved Question: Needing detailed info to connect diseases to each other?
I have had a discectomy at the L4-L5 lumbar spine area of my back for sciatica and since then I have been diagnosed with numerous other diseases. I am trying to find facts that can show that the diseases I have now were caused by my initial back injury. I now have Degenerative Osteoarthritis,degenerative disc disease, Lumbar and Cervical Spinal Stenosis,Chronic Pain Syndrome,Fibromyalgia,Osteophytes on the spine,numerous herniated discs in my neck and lower back with pinched nerves and Sciatica again.This all started with an injury to my lower back at the L4-L5 location 25 years ago and has progressed to all of these conditions today. Is there anyone out there that can tell me where to go to to get the info to determine if all of these diseases are a result of my initial injury to my lower back ? I need to prove that these diseases are all related to my back injury and is a result of this injury. If anyone can guide me to the right place for the info or a person that may be able to help me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks All, MJ12
moreResolved Question: Osteoarthritis vs Lumbar Sprain and Strain?
My doctor and neurologist both discuss my condition with me as secondary osteoarthritis, and chronic pain I have been living with since March 2007...but yet all my health claims state lumbar sprain and strain. I have pain and stiffness if I am imobile for more than one hour, cannot stand for long periods of time without severe and sharp pains, have shooting pains and tingling in my hips, buttocks and thighs. I had a previous injury in college in which I was told I bruised my sciatic nerve, and had periods of the loss of feeling from the waist down (almost like being plunged into ice cold water) and was unable to stand...these episodes would last up to a few hours at times and occurred for almost 6 months. I have been on opoids after failed trials of NSAIDS for over a year now, once the x-ray confirmed "degenerative disc disease." The pain management clinic tells me I'll be lucky if the opoids handle 20% of my pain, but then state I do not have a debilitative condition. ?? My MRI and x-ray both indicate arthritis. I went through 8 months of physical therapy for my back and neck, only to be sent back a second time for my hands (with 24/7 splints) and also for my neck (in my appointment today). I tested negative for rhuematoid arthritis. I have had multiple problems with dizziness, nausea, headaches (migraines), numbness, pain in the arm and chest, problems hearing (and was recently diagnosed with neurological hearing damage), fatigue, insomnia, depression, muscle spasms in the neck/back/buttocks, and memory loss over this past year. During the time I took NSAIDs my blood pressure was extremely high. Is there a difference between these terms? Or are all these terms related to the same condition? Are the doctors downplaying my pain treatment, or under treating me for pain? Are the doctors missing something here?
I'm only 36 years old and can find virtually nothing online that can help me with this, secondary osteoarthritis.
moreResolved Question: Is this a NANDA Nursing Dx??"Chronic pain r/t osteoarthritis of knee as evidence by swelling of the joint.
moreResolved Question: Help needed - What kind of doctor do you get when you have...?
What kind of doctor do you get when you have Spinal Stenosis, Osteoarthritis/ Degenerative Disc Disease??? See I have all these and I have been having problems for a long time now and it just seems like it is getting worse. They keep doing tests for other things or stating it is depression (in which I only had post brain surgery) or it is in my head. The neurologist states that. Every neuro states something different. I am in chronic pain & I am only 35. My MRI's state that I have these things to the extent that a person of my age range shouldn't. Plus there is something else there. So besides a neuro, what kind of doctor treats this? I cannot believe that with the symptoms I have they are not using this as the prime cause. It has to be with the symptoms I have. Just to name a few (I have so many more): Leg pain, back pain (up & low), neck, shoulder pain, numbness, weekness, etc...it goes on. I need to find the type of doctor who specializes in this area. Thank you.
moreResolved Question: What to take or do for chronic mid-back pain? Help?
I was diagnosed five years ago with osteoarthritis in my spine. I’ve had the spinal taps and I’ve taken all sorts of drugs, which have never worked but gave me a good high! My pain effects mostly the mid right section of my back. Mostly muscle spasms. The muscle “ Tinder Loin,” area stays swollen on that side and tender all the time. I feel popping and cracking. I know that this can’t be right. Sometimes massage helps but that area of my back really hurts when pressure is applied. I’m in pretty good heath otherwise and not too over weight. I’ve always been active. I’ve done the exercises but even to this point I’m in pain. Any suggestions would help!
moreResolved Question: Is there another antinflammatory?
I have chronic knee pain from what is probably osteoarthritis. Aspirin just isn't working to alleviate the pain from walking and standing. Short of going to the doctor and getting a prescription, is there any other anti inflammatorys that might work better for getting rid of my knee pain?
moreResolved Question: Hey Boomers! What are your aches and pains?
As a former flower child in the late '60's, I never thought for one second that I would become a regular "shipwreck" as I grew older. I am now being treated for: Weird bone disorder (had 60 fractures) 4 surgeries on left leg/hip in 2006: irregular heart beat, inherited from my Dad. We have matching pacemakers. Carpal tunnel in both wrists (just had surgery on one); hearing loss; peripheral neuropathy; a bunch of sleep disorders; chronic depression (in remission); Monoclonal gammopathy (It's a blood problem that could turn into bone marrow cancer in the future.) "Good" ol' osteoarthritis all over the place; and a whole slew of other minor medical problems.
So what wonderful medical problems do YOU have that have crept into your life?
moreResolved Question: Ascending aortic aneurysm?
I have been told by 3 different cardiac surgeons that if they operated on me my chances of dying would be 95% and if I did survive I would be a vegetable. The following is a list of my ailments. Since they all belong to a major HMO I'm wondering if what they are saying is true or if they are just saying that to save the HMO money. I'm on Medicare and Medicade so I don't have money to get opinions outside of my HMO. Anyone know?
Congestive Heart Failure
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Ascending aortic aneurism of 5.50 CM COPD
Aortic Regurgitation
Sleep Apnea CPAP setting at 14 CM
Restrictive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Lower Back Pain & Sciatica
Major Depression/Anxiety/Panic attacks
Osteoporosis/Osteoarthritis
I was told that with everything combined surgery is out of the question and I should just enjoy the rest of my life.
moreResolved Question: what causes chronic white knuckles?
I already know I have Raynaud's Disease. But the knuckles on both my hands turn bright white when I barely bend my fingers. They also look larger to me. I have a bone spur on the top of my left hand. Would the white knuckles (looks like my skin is very thin on top of my knuckles when I bend my fingers) be more indicative of osteoarthritis or reumatoid arthritis, possibly? No real pain, just stiffness. Thank you!
moreResolved Question: Arthritis and Pregnancy/Childbirth/Children?
I am 27 and have lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 12 years
I have had a wrist fusion,developed osteoarthritis in both elbows etc'
Me and my partner would love to be a parents sometime in the future,he is very supportive.
but as you may understand, I do worry alot about how my condition would affect this .
Are there women in my situation who have arthritis and went on to have children?, what difficulties did you face?, how did your condition affect you being a parent, any tips or advice?
How was pregnancy/childbirth?
I often wonder about childbirth .. I tend to be in a lot of pain which I try my best to manage and wonder how I would cope with the pain of childbirth also.
Is natural childbirth more difficult for someone who lives with chronic pain? Were doctors/midwives understanding and sensitive to this issue during childbirth?
I appreciate your help :o)
moreResolved Question: becoming massage therapist okay I'm shy?
okay well you guys I want to become a massage therapist. I felt this bubbly thing in my soul when I was helping my poor ohh father from back pain. My dad has chronic back pain and my mother has osteoarthritis, and I badly want to help them get better! I just feel like apart of me is shy though. If I were to touch other people and I haven't been big on extrovertness Iv'e always been an Introvert I don't know I'm kinda afraid touching other people sort of because I dont want them to complain on me and when you are touching people that is intimate in it's self, but I like the fact that I'll medically help someone with pain I love the feeling of satisfication when someone thanks me! I would love to help not only my parents but others what do you think? do you really have to be an Extrovert and outgoing for this line of work Massage Therapist or anyone is allowed to comments thanks for any feeback another thing I think I have anemia so my hands get really cold would this affect my career?
moreResolved Question: Why do I only feel normal on methadone?
I have fibromyalgia, DDD, spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis. I am 43 years old. I started having terrible pain about 15 yrs ago after a bad fall and have had 3 more bad falls since. My pain became chronic about 5 yrs ago. I am on ambiem, cymbalta, tramadol (8/50 mg tabs per day) and Soma. I have never been involved in any internet blog/forum. The pain clinic prescribed me w/methadone about 2 yrs ago with vicodin for breakthrough. About a yr ago I was up to 80 mg/day. The last 6 months I have had NO ambition or energy. 2 weeks ago, I stopped taking the methadone on my own. I know that is risky but I could not stand life as a zombie. I tappered down to 20 mg/day and the last week to 10 mg/day. Then I stopped totally 2 weeks ago. The 1st week was not too bad but I was weak & achey. This past week has been awful. Terrible stomach problems (I started on milk thistle to clean my colin), and pain behind belief Just about 4 hours ago, I gave in and took 10 mg. I feel normal with no pain.
moreResolved Question: What does a 20-year-old athlete need to do for bone and joint health?
bio: male, 20 y.o, 5'7" 165-170 lbs (water weight chg).
family history: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
personal history: knee pain, chronic, age 12-pres; swollen & painful clavicle joints, sporadic, 15-pres; wrist pain, sporadic, 16-pres; tibial stress fractures 18-19; hip pain (L), 18-pres.
activity: baseball at 12; running, marching 17-18 (military); Judo 3-4 hours/week (see http://www.judoinfo.com/techjudo.htm) at 19-pres; running approx 1 mile 3-4 times/week, past 6 weeks.
diet: high meat, cheese, milk, chicken, bread, cereal, peppers, onions, black tea, water (in excess at times); low fruits, vegetables; zero pork, shellfish
prescriptions: rigid orthodic boot/shoe inserts
I believe that I have developed another stress fracture in the past six weeks, even with my rather small amount of running. I know how to heal it, but I want to know how to prevent another.
I'm falling apart at the seams, but I'm not going to stop & stiffen up.
Changes to diet? Vitamins? Exercises?
moreResolved Question: What can I do about this pain?
I have chronic back pain due to 3 herniated (slipped) discs and osteoarthritis. I'm 29 weeks along now and I'm absolutely miserable! I was taken off of all medication from the start of my pregnancy and then they gave me Tylenol 3, and then Vicoden. I haven't taken anything but tylenol for the past 4 weeks and I can't get comfortable or sleep at all for the past 3 days.
Have any of you mommies had severe pain towards the end of your pregnancy and gotten relief? Any advice at all would help!
moreResolved Question: anyone with cervical degenerative disc disease? Had any success with physical therapy?
I have had chronic neck pain for the last 5+ years. I recently had a neck xray and found that I have degenerative disc disease (I believe this is or is related to osteoarthritis). I was wondering if anyone out there also has this and had success with physical therapy, chiropractic, etc....as opposed to surgery.. I would like to avoid surgery if possible. Any info is appreciated.....Thanks!
moreResolved Question: What exactly is osteopenia? What meds are prescribed?
I am a chronic pain patient with Chronic Osteoarthritis everywhere except for my shoulders, neuropathy in leg and lower back and DDD. New MRI showed Osteopenia among other things, but I understand them.
Oddly enough with everything wrong with me, my calcium test are always great.
Thank You.
moreResolved Question: Arthritis...?
I am a 47 yr old female who has chronic osteoarthritis. This has caused some neurological damage to my spine, resulting in the partial paralysis of one hand. I am in constant pain, I won't take narcotics for pain and was told yesterday by a rheumatologist that I needed a 3-part steroid injection in my spine every year, along with a non-steroidal daily medication. I've suffered back pain, etc all my life but it has progressed to the point that I'm nearly incapacitated a lot of the time now. I've been on sick leave from my job of 23 years for 10 months now. Does anyone reading this have the same condition and if so, how do you cope?Thanks LBee. By "chronic" osteoarthritis, I'm repeating what my rheumatologist stated to me. Also, the hand is already permanently partially gone. I have weak closing motion, but no opening reflex. Came about 10 months ago when I had to have a double fusion in the C5-C6 & C6-C7 area of my spine. No one, including me, knows if it happened before surgery or during, due to the amount of pain and weakness I was having prior to my surgery - I couldn't move my arm or hand anyway. And I have been directed to have pool therapy along with other pt to help strengthen my body.
moreResolved Question: Is it legal that a doctor diagnose you several chronic conditions put doesnt want to document them ?
I have been in about 13 different doctors for my extreme pain, after over a year being off work by the doctors one of them ordered a bonescan & I was diagnosed with DEGENERATIVE ARTHROSIS, DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN MY KEES AND FEET & PERIOSTITIS ATRIBUTTED TO ENTHESOPATHY, RSD, CRPS, TENDINITIS, SYNOVITIS, & AN UNHEALED FRACTURE ON MY FOOT, DEGENERATIVE OSTEOARTHRITIS & also I was told by the doctor Im flat footed. Im also having problems with my back & right hand because of my conditions side negative effects. I was told by one of this doctors I saw recently that my foot condition was severe & chronic & that there was nothing that could be done for my foot, no injections, or surgery. He said to me that i cant work in this condition because of the pain this is causing me. When Im ready to leave I ask him to please give me a copy of his medical opinions & diagnosis he just told me & he refused and said " I cant write all that, all I can write is CHRONIC FOOT PAIN. ?? is this legal ???Obiously people that doesnt have my conditions, wouldnt know how painfull it is even when your are sitting,but since just a very few people know the pain this causes so let me add some more info. Even when youre sitting this hurts a lot on your feet & knees for some reason they locked & is very painful even when youre sitting.My lower to middle back also hurts a lot now because of all the changes in my body & alignment this conditions caused.Is very easy for someone that doesnt feel the pain to say:Cant you find a job were you are sitting?Very easy to say.Most of these people that thinks like this are the ones that makes a huge deal & issue when they get a simple headache or get their period,is easy to try to force someone to work when it isnt you who will feel the severe,chronic pain.Take this in consideration.TheQ was is it legal to put something severe & chronic like is something very simple & not serious. Check the definitions & effects of this conditions first if you can.ThanksI also forgot to mentioned that Ive being off work by the doctors on Physical Therapy for over a year and on medication wich theyve changed several times, but it doesnt help at all. I have the objective evidence on MRI and a Bonescan that shows all this problems and conditions, but none of this doctor wants to as some of them have told me "compromise themselves by putting themselves in the line by declare me disable because you are too young. If you were 50 or 55 old with your exact conditions I would have problems"
by the way Im 29 with all this conditions that are normally comon on persons over 60 years old. I wonder if I have being discriminated because of my age.... All I know is that my conditions didnt care about my age....correction: they say that if I were 50 or 55 years old they would have no problems declaring me disable, but since Im too young they wont do it & put their name on the line.....
moreResolved Question: Can long term Prilosec use contribute to chronic back pain ?
I have been taking Prilosec for 10+ years for GERD and I am curious if there is any relation to its use and the onset of chronic back pain ? I have read about Prilosec interfering with calcium absorption and would like to know if there is a connection to osteoarthritis ?
moreResolved Question: I have chronic pain 24/7 and i wondered if there is anyone out there suffering the same with osteoarthritis?
Have suffered since i was 17yrs old with pain every day people like me suffer in silence as i think you have to feel this sort of pain to be able to the how bad it really can be.So it would be nice to talk to someone about it
moreResolved Question: What do you think of pain shots in the spine to manage pain?
I have osteoarthritis, fibromalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. I have had two cervical spinal surgeries. I have 4 or 5 discs fused with metal plate and screws into spine. More surgery may not help. No promise of good results. Also low back pain.
moreResolved Question: Can you get SSI for a combination of these health problems?
Head to toe, not in order of severity as this varies: Migraines, chemical sensitivity, allergies, other headaches, degenerative discs and spurs in neck, osteoarthritis in most joints, GERD, back problems, severe adhesions including endometriosis including unusual places, large and multiple fibroids making uterus the size of a 5 month pg woman, bp problems because of neck and enlarged uterus, cramps in neck, abdomen, legs, chronic pain, heavy irregular periods, polyps and tumors, anxiety, depression, and pstd/personality problems. And who can I contact in Calif. to get SSI problems worked out. Although I applied for reconsideration, I'm not in the system.I'm in the East Bay Area, California
moreResolved Question: I've recently been referred to a Pain Management Clinic, any suggestions.....?
on how to deal with the powerful meds that i have been put on.
I am chronic and will be on them the rest of my life. I have degenerative disc disease and have already had to have 2 removed (i'm 43), chronic osteoarthritis,nueroapathy and sciatica. I take methadone,tramadol,lyrica, and zoloft. Also prednisone once in a while for 2 wks at a time. Not handling all of this mentally. Does it get better?? Thank you in advance for your time.Dear AD..1968, I have been diagnosed by several upstanding physicians and I don't think that anything in my childhood factors in. I don't approve of you preaching scientology "malarcy" to me when I asked for advice.
moreResolved Question: Osteoarthritis? Is this related?
I was diagnosed with arthritis in my knees when I was 13 years old ... not Rheumatoid Arthritis, plain old regular osteoarthritis. I'm almost 25 now, and I feel like my left knee has about had it. For the past two weeks, my knee feels like it "buckles" ... for example, when I go down the steps and put my weight on my left leg, it feels like my knee is going to give out from underneath me. And I'm really in an awful lot of pain. The saddest thing is that I'm allergic to basically everything in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug family.
I've been to the ER, and they just tell me to see my family practitioner, and I can't do that because I have no insurance and can't afford to pay up front right now.
Has anyone else dealt with this problem? How did you handle it? And what can I do about all this chronic pain???
moreResolved Question: What is a stronger drug for pain management?
I am in sever chronic pain. I can not take anti-inflamitories / /NSAIDS for other medical reasons. I have tried vicodin, tylenol #3 and Darvoset. The first two do nothing, the Darvoset at its highest does just barely helps, but not enough. I am getting bounced around with refferals within my insurance plan and everyone I see says they can not treat the kind of pain I have, that I need a pain clinic. I went there and they said they will only do injections into the joints and that is all they do, so prescriptions or pain management. I feel like I am stuck. I have called all the dr's office, been to the urgent care and the pain dr, called my medical group and called my insurance - everyon tells me to talk to someone else!!!!!!!!! I am in so much pain and frustration. So, I was wondering if anyone knows anything else that might help me. The pain is from osteoarthritis in my hips.
moreResolved Question: sacroiliac issues from childbirth etc....?
I had scoliosis surgery years ago with rods, so my back is still somewhat crooked. Also, I had a large baby years later with horrid back later and could not sit on the floor for a year without horrible pain. I had a CT of the SI joints and was found to have osteoarthritis with osteophytes. I have tried physical therapy, acupuncture, medicines without a lot of relief. Any suggestions would be appreciate or any similar stories of chronic pain. I am only 32, so I can;t imagine myself in 20 years.
moreResolved Question: Has anybody every used a Pain gone Pen?
Has anybody ever used one of these pens? I suffer with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis and I was wondering if this would help me.
http://www.goldshield.co.uk/articlePainGone.htmLet me know how you got on with it and how long its effects work for. Also how long did you pen last you. They reckon 2-3 years.To the first answer: It would appear that the NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE in the UK have approved this piece of equipment as being very good. If they hadn't I wouldn't even be considering it.
moreResolved Question: UK Can I get this off my chest please?
Letter I wrote to the Daily Mail newspaper today.
am 51 years of age British born and suffering with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of both hips and the middle of my spine. I was also born with rotational scoliosis. I am unable to work due to my condition. The only benefit I am currently entitled to is £16.50 a week DLA (Disability Living Allowance) because my husband works. My husband is on the lower end of the income scale but this stops me from qualifying for income based Jobseekers. I do not qualify for contribution based jobseekers or Incapacity Benefit because I have not paid enough into the system. I also do not qualify reduced dental and eye testing, free prescription charges, council tax benefit or concessionary travel around the city of Peterborough where I live. I am in urgent need of dental treatment and I have had since July a new prescription for varifocal glasses which I cannot afford to get made up due to the cost. I am being denied basic healthcare.I rarely go out because the fares are so expensive and I feel unsafe walking with the wrong prescription glasses, I am prone to falling over. My husband and I have to account for every penny we spend even down to whether we can afford to buy essential things like toilet rolls, soap, toothpaste - items which most folks take for granted.
I get angry when I see people entering my country and qualifying immediately for Benefits which I am being denied. So many people have abused the benefits system for so long, that the Government has turned its back on its people in favour of people coming into the country. I am being forced to live from hand to mouth while non-British people are living it up at my expense. I have been a taxpayer for many years and until 2003 have never asked for a penny from anyone. Now when I really need help to live a normal and independent life I am being denied. know I am not alone there are many of us out there.I want to so badly return to work but I am forced to wait until the pain clinic in my area can see me. When I telephoned last week I was told that I probably would not be seen until January or February 2007 at the earliest.
I can truely understand now why disabled people are being victimised by the system.
moreResolved Question: How can I be relieved of chronic pain due to trigger points in neck and back? Or, do I have a brain tumor?
Any Doctors or Rheumotologists out there to help please?
I have lupus which makes my osteoarthritis in my neck and back worse. My Doctor told me I have malignant knots, and I was given trigger point injections in neck and back. He accidently stuck the needle in my lung, and I ended up in the hospital. (No law suit). - I have also been in physical therapy, message therapy, do yoga, and lift weights, I have been on medication to reduce inflammation and relaxe muscles. Nothing has worked. I have had this pain for 3 years straight. - I developed this problem after my husband died of cancer. Also, my aunt of 48 died after being diagnosed with 19 brain tumors. I am the same age, and I pay Kaiser $600.00 a month out of my own pocket to keep my health benefits. My Dr. visits and med's also cost alot of money. I am going broke and my pain is a 12 on a scale of 1 - 10. - Is there a specific test I shoud ask for, or can I get rid of this problem and live a normal life. I get dizzy and see stars!
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