[SteadyasSheGoes]

I have had this pain in my chest/shoulder for over a year. It's a strange pain to describe really. It manifests in my left shoulder...will get twinges in my upper chest, left breast area. Sometimes in my ribs... where it feels like a "bubble" or a marble moving around in my ribs. Sometimes it feels like it's going straight through my body and out of my back.
I have had x-rays and CAT-scans of my chest; been to a pulminologist and have PFT's done. I have asthma, which I already knew but it's mild according to the tests. I am a veterinary technician and just found out that I am allergic to dogs/cats but I take Zyrtec and honestly, don't seem to be all that affected by my job. I don't even get watery, itchy eyes or nose.

Recently it was discovered (through mammogram) that I have two lumps in my left breast. Having those biopsied next Friday but I don't think that's what's causing the pain as it's not every day pain that I feel. Some days are worse than others. A few times it was so bad that it sent me into a panic attack and straight to the ER where they did cardio work ups (because it's chest pain after all); all which came back fine!

About a month ago, I started getting this horrible pain in my right elbow and down my arm from the elbow to the wrist. It hurt so bad I couldn't even pick up a gallon of milk without being in so much pain. I've had bloods done for RA - they came back negative. No one seems to know why I have the shoulder/chest pain...or the elbow pain (which seems to have subsided some). Occasionally I'll get pain in my ankles and knees. All of the joints are affected. I've also been tested for Lyme disease - also negative.

Any ideas? I know you all aren't doctors, but maybe if someone's had similar issues we can share stories and ideas.

[sabby]

That sounds like a painful thing to go through...and a bit scary as well.

Have you been tested for other auto-immune diseases? There are many out there that have overlapping symptoms. How about fibromyalgia? Have you been tested for that?

I sure hope you find out something soon. I know how frustrating it can be not knowing what is going on with our bodies.

Wishing you well!
sabby

[lorider]

That is a new one to me - sounds not exactly fun

I'm not sure what your pain might be caused by, but your mentioning the Lyme test reminds me that I've heard that all Lyme tests are not equal and that the "Western blot" is more accurate. I don't know if you're in prime 'tick country,' but it might be worth checking out?

I have fibromyalgia in addition to psoriatic arthritis (similar to RA) and have found that physical therapy specifically for my pain symptoms has helped a great deal. Maybe this could help you to manage your symptoms while the docs are figuring themselves out...? I'm including the link to my PT office which specializes in chronic pain, to give you an idea of the techniques they use: corephysicaltherapy (dot) com (slash) aboutusfaqs

Finally, I know that all inflammation/joint stuff is supposed to respond to an anti-inflammatory diet. I have found this to be true, however it is also a lot of work!

Well, I wish you the best of luck and if those docs figure it out please let us know-

Feel better soon,
Willow