[harbaughjb]

I've been in pain for a LONG time. Many times, I was accused of faking or blowing things out of proportion to get attention. Every time I went to the hospital or doctor in pain, they haven't found anything in my bloodwork, stool samples, or scans that show anything. I haven't been diagnosed with anything physical. I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD...but it all gets wrapped up into my high-functioning Autism (basically Aspergers).

Some people keep saying it's because of my depression. But, I don't feel depressed on the days I have energy. I feel really depressed because I'm tired, unable to do anything, etc. I'm struggling to eat because of symptoms that appear similar to Crohn's. However, I haven't been able to get a GI to look at me (even went to the hospital and BEGGED them...they said I needed a scope but wouldn't be able to get a GI to see me unless I was dying). I can only really keep POTATO in my system, besides water and SOME soda. And, despite having a high-carb diet and soda (the only things that don't give me extreme diarrhea and pain), I've lost 4 lbs this week. I HATE it when people say 'at least you're losing weight'. I'm so MAD that I lost weight! Okay, yes, I'm overweight (after having two kids, it was hard to lose the weight). I'm 200 lbs at 5' 2". But, I'd rather lose the weight with exercise and HEALTHY eating. It makes me upset and depressed I'm losing weight simply because I'm not eating and am losing nutrition. You know?

I'm in a lot of pain in my hips, shoulders, and back, too. Everyone says that exercise will make it better...but how is it going to get better if walking and doing things in a day that make normal people a bit tired exhausts me COMPLETELY and sends me into a fit of pain in my hips, shoulders, back, feet, legs, etc? It's HARD. And, I don't have anything to help with the pain. No meds, no pressure point therapy...nothing. It's really frustrating, since I'm already tired with the lack of food and in general. I want to be ABLE to exercise...but when I do, even if it's easy on the joints, it HURTS. I always feel in pain. Some days are just more tolerable than others.

My husband is a joy in my life. I love him, and I feel like he's one of the FEW that understands how hard I try to get through this. My parents seem tired of all the 'excuses' I have for why I can't or don't do certain things (eat veggies hurts, exercising hurts, too tired to do much, etc). I've gotten into arguments with my brothers over my unhealthy eating. They don't seem to understand that I can't EAT healthy if I want to not be in PAIN.

Sigh. I just need someone to give me some advice...something I can talk to my doctor about? Pain management? Anything. Even just someone to say 'there, there...it'll be okay'.

My doctor is working on the referral to the GI, a referral to physical therapy (fibromyalgia is a possibility with my history), and a referral to a pain clinic. She's been great in trying to help me figure out what it is...but she can't prescribe narcotics. She's a nurse practitioner.

Again...just looking for help, advice, or support. Anything will help. Thanks.

[Ms.Beans]

are you on any meds?

[harbaughjb]

Originally Posted by Ms.Beans

are you on any meds?

The only medication I'm on is .5 mg of Ativan for the occasional anxiety, 20 mg of fluoxetine for depression, and bentyl for the spasms in my abdomen (though, it really doesn't do a heck of a lot).

[llleeelllaaannneee]

Hi
Chronic pain is super individual, one would think it'd be easier to diagnose and treat but I know many have no test that confirms a diagnosis and if one has a diagnosis what works for them doesn't work for another. That's the maddeningly frustrating down side.
The upside is that there are a lot of things to try and there is hope! I firmly believe that western medicine makes too much of a mind/body distinction and when it comes to chronic pain it serves no one to separate the two as distinct categories. I was in terrible pain for about 4 years and it's only now just become manageable.

Things that helped me:
I didn't realize I had allodynia (things hurt that shouldn't). Many with fibromyalgia and neuropathy (I have neuropathy but really identify with how people describe fibro) have this. I simply can not wear clothes that "fit", my clothes can not press on my body without causing me pain. It's pretty absurd. The wrong pair of socks, underwear, anything will result in pain. It's frustrating because I never know for sure until I wear something if it'll be ok but I'm so thankful jumpsuits are in style again! I like pants and thought I might be stuck in dresses forever. I'm so blown away by what a difference finding and wearing lose clothing has made that I want to share it with anyone that has unexplained chronic widespread pain!

I love yoga but had to stop going to classes because of the pain. I like stretching but most of the time I felt like I was just chasing the 5 minutes of relief I might get from a good stretch. A foam roller tho has been awesome for my hip pain. They're relatively inexpensive (I think mine was around 25 but you can get for less). I love the foam roller because it's the thing that finally unlocked the chronic muscle tightening from spasms in my hips.

I tried many meds. Tramadol, cymbalta, Effexor, Elavil, Benadryl, Tylenol and NSAIDs but gabapentin was the one that helped me most. I'm not saying gabapentin is best but that I finally found something that worked and not to give up hope if the first things don't. It took about a year for the pain to unwind until it really felt manageable but I've even started lowering my dose and I'm ok.

The last thing I'll share that helped me was diet. I don't mean some fad restrictive thing or lose weight. I've gained 30 lbs since this all started and I've never felt better even tho I'm technically "overweight " now. But, I think I had nutritional deficiency or something!?? I've read stress depletes our nutritional reserves so it makes sense. I've also read about low Vitamin D and Bs corresponding with chronic pain. But I'm not great at taking vitamins daily so I found a probiotic food I like, plain yogurt and drink v8 juice. I do take a B complex regularly and have even read about a study showing it reduced pain. Lastly I take magnesium. It's amazing that it is the most effective thing for me for restless leg and it's calming.

Please excuse my long reply. I'm feeling a bit scattered but wanted to share some support and hope.

Super sorry you're dealing with this. I know how disruptive to all areas of one's life chronic pain can be. I'm wishing you well.