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Hi all,

I recently had a NCS and EMG. The NCS was only done on one of my arms and one of my legs. The EMG was done for my arm. I was confused by this because wouldn't nerves need to be tested in specific locations? The doctor said that it doesn't matter where they do the testing on the body because if you have a neurological disease, the symptoms will present everywhere. The office I went to told me they don't do skin biopsies (for SFN) and that I would have to consult a skin doctor if that's what I wanted. I also have a clean MRI from lumbar, thoracic and cervical. Normal blood tests, etc. So, I don't have multiple sclerosis, but I still have burning, numbness, tingling, and pins and needles.

My symptoms began as back pain that was mainly an aching, possibly due to repetitive strain from life activities. It's hard to remember the exact timeline for some of them since I didn't keep a symptom journal at the time. I also have asymmetrical leg/hip strength from a minor injury a long time ago. I started experiencing nerve pain when one day I was doing a "sit and reach" stretch and my back began burning. It was intense and searing, happening basically 24/7 afterwards no matter what position I was in. It wasn't as intense while walking but I always felt it if I was sitting or laying down. This burning sensation lasted for many months and has since faded. Since then, nothing has been the same. Got sent to PT and they didn't really have any answers for me but gave me some exercises. I had someone tell me I probably had a herniated disk that resolved itself, but my MRI doesn't really match up with that?

I had a hard time sticking to my PT regimen as I had many other stressful life events going on at the time. Because of this, my symptoms have progressed in a strange way. I feel a loss of sensation internally which is the most jarring. I have a hard time even feeling muscle activation/strain when doing exercises and stretches which has never happened to me before. I noticed my posture change and I always felt myself leaning on my left side. I have since developed leg weakness and get sharp nerve-like pain basically everywhere, even my face and groin. It comes briefly and goes away but it happens several times everyday. I also have burning in my thighs and hips sometimes. Along with pins and needles in my hands and feet. It feels worst at rest. This has all happened over the span of probably 3ish years.

I am currently seeing medical professionals so I am not seeking medical advice, but would like some input if anyone has experienced something similar. Could my symptoms be due to just muscular imbalances? I can't believe I don't have a pinched nerve or torn something somewhere. I have never been injured like this before so I feel a sense of frustration that there aren't clear cut answers and that all my tests come back normal despite having symptoms. Sorry for the essay. Thanks for reading.

i’ve really been struggling with a lot of nerve pain lately. i was prescribed cymbalta and it stopped working and i had a horrible time tapering off (nausea, brain zaps, gained weight) the gaining weight has really been making me struggle so i decided to give myself a hair cut like a normally do, went a bit too short and now i’ve bangs which i actually really like them now that i see them. i just don’t really have anyone to tell. thanks for reading :)

I herniated my disc, the very bottom one and needed 2 back surgeries almost a year apart from each other. I never had any recovery after the first one and could barely walk and needed help out of bed after. The issue I’m having now is that this has turned into issues with my knees and ankles, now I’m having issues with my upper back and my shoulder too. It takes all my psychological and physical energy to keep moving now so I don’t get worse. I stretch, lift weights, and do cardio as much as I can now just trying to make a difference and recover. It’s like too much to keep up with though doing pt exercises for my legs, lower back, upper back, shoulder, cardio, and weight lifting is a lot to keep up on especially when it hurts practically every time you move.

Doctor have been no help really they say I have bursitis in my joints and there’s nothing to do about it except short term treatments. I’ve been told I’ll just have to accept I’ll be in pain but why is it spreading and getting worse. It doesn’t matter if I rest or exercise the pain isn’t getting any better. I feel like I’m screwed, I don’t get any pain meds it feels like my whole body is just falling apart. I was just hoping I would recover if I put in the effort but I’m worried I’m just going to be in pain my entire life now. I just don’t understand why this is happening and why it’s not getting better like I was told it would.

Doesn’t help that I’m dumb as shit and let my disability insurance expire by not updating them because my doctor said I would recover soon. Now I have no income on top of it unless I get social security. I don’t think the doctors understand how much pain I’m in they just say I’m young and healthy so I’m fine. I don’t know how to explain my pain level and it’s like pulling teeth to even get them to document anything. I haven’t even got to see a doctor who’s done with training besides specialists because I’m on Medicaid and they keep on leaving so I’m constantly seeing different doctors. Sorry this got much longer than I intended but honestly pain isn’t even the issue I just want to be able to work and take care of myself again. I’ve basically given up on the medical system at this point, I’m pissed they waited so long to do anything.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a bit about why I’m developing this app and ask for your feedback. My family and I have all struggled with poor posture and related pain over the years, but one of my family members in particular has been dealing with severe back pain for the past 15 years. He’s seen countless doctors, tried physical therapy, and followed different treatments, but despite all of this, his pain hasn’t gone away. The biggest challenge, we’ve found, is the lack of ongoing reminders and support. Without regular motivation and gentle prompts, it’s hard to stay consistent with managing the pain.

This is why I’m working on an app that combines personalized workout suggestions with emotional support messages, all designed to help people like my family member (and maybe you) manage chronic pain more effectively.

The app would include:

• Personalized workout suggestions: Exercises tailored to your specific pain areas and mobility restrictions, focusing on gentle movements to improve posture and relieve pain.
• Supportive messages: Regular reminders, motivational messages, and encouragement to help you stay engaged with your wellness routine.
• Pain tracking: Track your pain levels, symptoms, and activities, with the app offering insights and adjustments based on your logs.
• Mental health support: Daily check-ins to help with the emotional toll of chronic pain, along with relaxation exercises to reduce stress.

I’d really love your input on:

• Would you find this type of app helpful for managing chronic pain?
• What features would make an app like this most useful for you?
• How do you stay consistent with pain management, and what tools have you found helpful?

Thank you so much for reading and for any thoughts you might have. Your feedback means a lot to me, as I’m hoping to build something that truly helps people with chronic pain live better, more comfortable lives.

I (43F) had a cervical ESI done two days ago to treat a flare up of a pinched C6 nerve. (The flareup started a month ago and hasn’t calmed down.) However, the SI did something to aggravate the C6 nerve, and now I am in unrelenting nerve pain. I am on a bunch of prescription meds (diclofenac gabapentin and oxycodone) but nothing is touching this nerve pain. I am basically non-functional all I do is walk around in pain and I can’t participate in any of my family life or work. I’m having trouble sleeping too.

I am not looking for medical advice, but I am looking for hope. Has anybody ever experienced anything like this unrelenting nerve pain? How long does it take to heal? Does it ever get better?

Honestly, if this is the way that my life is going to be from now on, I don’t want to live it

This has been going on for years with no answers yet.

I have right shoulder pain and arm pain from computer overuse. I had a MRI and it showed a possible tear. I’ve been in strengthening therapy for this.

I have right hip, sometimes burning sensation/pain that radiates down my leg and front of my leg.

I have right back pain that wraps around to the front of my body and upper right side of my stomach.

At first i thought it was an organ. I’ve had two abdomen ultrasounds, one ct scan of abdomen all clear but small polyp on gallbladder they are watching. Bloodwork fine. Polyp the same and I’ve had two ultrasounds of liver/gallbladder where they are watching this. I’ve had a colonoscopy as well all clear.

The front side of my abdomen is what bothers me more gives me anxiety like it’s something sinister.

My general doctor thinks it may be sciatica or psoas. Any thoughts?

They say "Pain let's you know you're alive." I get that reminder 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.

I live with Chronic Pain.

Greetings.

I've been feeling so unwell for about more than a week now or so. It started off with a headache and head pressure, nausea, extremely low energy, back pain, leg pain, dizziness, shakiness and persistent low-grade temperature. The temperature is sticking around for 6 days now and it's constantly around the 37.1°C and 37.6°C. Yesterday, I even started retching and also, lost my appetite.

I visited doctors and the ER, but none performed any tests. So, I went to the private laboratory and they sent me the results and this is what I got. If any of you could help me out.

BLOOD: High sedimentation rate. Low leukocytes (both in classic and differential blood exam). High GFR. My TSH levels dropped a little but not under the reference rate. My calcium levels are slightly closer to the higher reference rate. Normal CRP. Extremely low levels of vitamin D. FSH levels higher than LH.

URINE: Leukocytes in urine. Ketones in urine. Amorphous urates in urine. Protein in urine.

I take Norco for pain. I break a 10mg in half and take it in the morning. It is just enough to take the edge off. Is there an alternative out there? Cannabis? Microdosing mushrooms? Ketamine?

Thanks

Backstory: I (33M, 5’5, 150 lbs) punched a solid object after a bad mental health day in May 2023. My hand swelled the next day (4th and 5th metacarpal) and went to the doctor (a week later), but she didn’t think I broke anything and just sent me home. After about a month or so my hand felt ok and I wasn’t in any pain, except a sharp pain when someone would squeeze my hand really hard or a brief if I contorted my hand in a weird way. The rest of that year was no problem… I bowled, played guitar, built ikea furniture, no pain.

Fast-forward 12 months (May 2024) and I start to feel an ache while I’m using my computer… and now at 18 months later, it’s in 24/7, 6 out of 10 pain and I am struggling to get answers. My X-ray and MRI aren’t showing anything (like a boxer’s fracture) and I have a CT scan pending results… I’m almost hoping that it shows an old break but previous scans have shows no evidence of this.

Over the summer, an ultrasound revealed that I have synovitis and tenosynovitis in the problem area, but my second opinion doctor isn’t convinced given the timeline. Also I had cortisone shots that didn’t help. So we’ll need to investigate that further. But he literally said he’s never heard of a story like mine before…

So now I’m wondering wtf is going on with my hand?? I’ve tried bracing, rest, ice, massage, NSAIDS, and nothing is helping. I mean is there a chance that I could’ve broken my hand and it still wouldn’t be showing up all the scans? Could painful synovitis appear a year after an injury? I’m going to push for nerve tests and rheumatoid arthritis tests if the CT shows nothing.

I just feel so blindsided because I had a YEAR without concerning pain. Like I said, I had those moments where if you squeeze my hand it hurt, but that was a brief moment. But I’m really struggling mentally, and trying to hold on to hope that this can be resolved somehow.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Any shots in the dark? Even anything I can raise to the ortho doctor would help. Thanks so much in advance.

Also extra info: not a smoker, don’t take medications.

I won't go into all my issues or injuries but i was wonderingof anyone can help.

I had a L5,4&3 nerve block 6 weeks back that has already started to fail. Struggling to even put on tens pads and naturally the PM team won't prescribe anything more than Dihydrocodrine.

Can anyone recommend a half decent tens belt for the lower back which I could instead attach to my tens machine to make this easier before bed ?

Recommendations would be very welcome, thanks.

Hi! I'm hoping someone might have some insight into what's going on with my son, as the doctors so far are without any ideas.

His symptoms: Constant pain in the back of his legs, both legs, mostly concentrated in calves and ankles but sometimes into upper legs. Started at age 10 or so and has continued every day since, sometimes at level 8 (his words, though he hasn't really had anything traditionally painful like a broken leg to compare it to). Hurts most when he is sitting and concentrating. He describes it as aching, too deep to effectively massage. No shooting pain or numbness. Extreme cold helps for a half hour or so. Not helped by gabapentin. Has tried PT, chiro, acupuncture but nothing has been notably helpful. The only thing that seems to make it go away is when he cracks a certain part of his leg or knee (he can't really describe it, just a "pop" and he gets relief for a while).

He has minor scoliosis. One x-ray showed spina bifida occulta, but MRI didn't show anything and neurologist also saw no signs. All bloodwork normal. Cardiologist normal. Neuro tests normal.

Has anyone out there experienced something similar and gotten a dx?

I started on both medications for some mystery rashes that appeared all over my body. They stayed for quite a while but they're going down now. Not the point but after just a couple days on them, I feel so weird. I feel like I can feel my heart beat so much more if that makes sense and I feel so sensitive, I can't bring myself to act like just myself. I don't know, this medication is kicking my ass and I just wanna see if anyone else understands this weird experience

Totally forgot to mention but istg my face looks different, I feel rounder?

So my doctor just switched me to the patches. I’m 3 days in about to switch my patch. Idk how I feel about it. I don’t think I’m getting the same relief and I can’t get it to stick to save my life. Anyone have any tips on where the best place to stick it is and how best to utilize it. Any insight would help.

If you are in doing well how did you come off pain meds? Did anyone do a wean? Did you feel withdrawals with weaning?

Last time I posted a poem in chronic pain it was for my really busted up ankle. Now I have an auto immune disease forcing new flavors of suffering down my throat. I tried posting in my long covid community, but they did not seem to like it. Let me know if anyone can relate.

This disease is like being wrapped in barbed wire. The more you try to accomplish or escape, the deeper and longer the cuts become. Resting on sharp wire is challenging but might allow some wounds to heal. One might even start to learn where the wire gives, providing us opportunities to function ever so slightly. When we need to push past these limits, the razors around us tighten, tearing open the once closed wounds. We bleed and suffer once more, at times even greater than at first.

Coming from France with universal health care, and living in Quebec (which isn't at all at the level of France in term of medecine), I know the medical system in the US is horrible. I have chronic pain and lately it got worse sadly. I'm surprised I didn't see any post about the elections or the results out there, when it seems for me the link between the state of the medical system and politics is very tight. I had access to one of the best system for my pain, and it reduced drastically. I'm sure I'll be at 0 pain one day. If I was living in the USA I wouldn't have such hope right now... For the americans from the USA : I'm curious why don't you say anything about it ? What are your views on the matter ? (Maybe you're in too much to even think about that and it's okay)

Just a rant. I’ve had upper abdominal pain for a year and my GP won’t even refer me anywhere. Just keep prescribing painkillers or other random medications like PPIs and antacids which doesn’t work. It’s seriously affecting my quality of life and they don’t care at all. I’m going to have to go private and sacrifice every penny I make.

Hello everyone! Hope y’all are having a good, pain controlled day. I have questions for those of you that use the Fentanyl patches.

Yesterday my doctor switched me from 30mg Morphine Extended Release (1 every 12 hours) to 50mcg Fentanyl Patch (1 every 72 hours). Fortunately, and shockingly, my pharmacy had them in stock and the cash price was only $54. On to my questions….

I have read that the very first time you put the patch on, it can take 12 to 72 hours for it to start working (my first patch has been on for about 16 hours now) because it has to build up in your skin and what not. Does that mean I have to place the patch in the same spot every time? If I put the 2nd patch on my other arm, does it basically start over? Or is it that it has to build up in your system and not so much in the skin? —————————————————————————— Is there an ideal area for placement? I have mine on the upper part of my right arm right now. It’s taped down to prevent the edges from rolling up and to cover it so my kids don’t touch it when they are climbing on me. —————————————————————————— Have you had to go to the emergency room while wearing your fentanyl patch, if so, did it change the way the doctors administered pain medication? I have several serious issues that periodically require a trip to the ER and 80% of the time I have to be admitted for pain control, antibiotics, and severe vomiting that leads to dehydration and weight loss. They always use a high dose of IV Dilaudid every every 3 hours to help manage my pain. Will being on Fentanyl patches change the way they do pain control or does it not matter? —————————————————————————— Last question, thank you for being patient and reading all of this. I had read yesterday that there is still a significant amount of medication on the patch after the 72 hour window. Have you ever kept your patch on longer than the 72 hours and did it still work? How much longer did you keep it on? I was kind of hoping to be able to make the patch last longer so that when it comes to refill time, if the pharmacy has to order the patches I’ll have a buffer for a couple of days.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this and thank you for any answers you can give me to my questions.

Hi, I'm looking for some ways people reduce their chronic pain when going up the stairs? My friend's lift broke and she struggles with chronic pain and going up the stairs. I'd like to know how other people reduce their pain or anything they use to support them to reduce their pain when going up the stairs.

hi!!! i 17F have been dealing with an array of worsening symptoms for the past year now.

after seeing a new doctor a few weeks back i got into a rheumatology appointment.

after all the joint tests (bending them and everything) she decided to refer me to a dermatologist for skin issues ( grey, white, purple and red skin discoloration in my hands and feet) she said she doesn't think it's blood vessels since she looked by my cuticles with a microscope and said it looks great but she's unsure of the swelling in my hands and feet and discoloration she also referred me to neurology, cardiology, GI and pain clinic. my family has a history of autoimmune disorders and fibromyalgia and my symptoms have been getting worse (i'll list them here)

pain in muscles/joints (knees, fingers, wrists, thighs and arms, lower back,shoulders and neck)

anemia, fatigue (horrible fatigue like, can't get out of bed, not being able to go to school , doesn't improve with sleep or rest)

hair loss (hair thinning, brittle, dry)

headaches

shortness of breathe (can't walk down the stairs without being winded and having chest tightness)

confusion/brain fog

weight fluctuations

overheating/ sun rashes/eyes hurting in light / hot and cold

digestive problems (constant constipation and abdominal pain, using the bathroom like one a month)

dizziness

pins and needles tingling feet/ blood pooling( feet and hands can turn purpley blue,grey, red and white also swell)

constant pain all over (almost an ache but not limited to an ache, throbbing/heated sensation?)

ringing in the ears

loss of appetite

constant infections (utis, yeast infections, cuts, scrapes)

i'm just wondering does anyone else deal with the these issues? did rheumatology not have the answers ?

all my blood tests that i've gotten from my primary doctor have come back relatively normal, currently have ruled out lupus

she's currently just put me under "amplified pain, discoloration of skin, swallowing dysfunction".

It’s a long story, but essentially I’ve been taking 5 mg of oxycodone daily for five years or so. I’m running out of medication and I’m not able to get more. I have about six pills left. I know that I’m going to run out without getting more so I’m wondering what people would advise I do with my last six pills? I’m either considering dosing them down like taking a half a pill for 12 days, or skipping a dosage for an entire day and weaning off that way.

Additionally, Am I gonna have withdrawal symptoms and what could I do to slow them down or stop them? I know it’s a low dosage so I’m hoping it’s not gonna be bad.

Terrified of my 1st pain management appointment after reading here. My insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield decided they won't pay my dr anymore. When the pharmacy called him, he authorized refills. After Milton the pharmacy couldn't reach him & insurance sends me to healthMax. They said since I was not in pain management I could only get 3 days of medicine. Almost 2 weeks later pain management. The doctor Dr. Lubin, apologized to me! Hillsborough Ave in Tampa for those in the area. He will write my Rx I will pee whenever he wants a sample. Couldn't give one today because they are out of cups. LOL

Does anyone else have issues with family and friends not fully understanding or trying to understand what you are going through?

I’m a mid fifties male and have had chronic fibromyalgia and head/face pain for around 20 years. The fibro stinks, but I’ve managed to reconcile myself with it. My worst pain is my head and face pain. I have it 24/7 without exception. Every time I talk, chew, yawn, smile it hurts worse. Most days I’m at a 5-6 on the pain scale, but on my worst days, it gets much worse.

I’ve been married for almost as long and my wife is a good person and good partner. My small family are good people and very loving.

I do not think they ever truly understand how much I hurt, because well they couldn’t possibly since they aren’t in my shoes. I smile and laugh a lot. I take opioids to help with the pain because it’s the only thing I’ve found that helps. I try to remain positive, but inside I’m a mess almost daily. I express this to my wife and she says that she’s sorry. Everyone says that they are sorry, but I feel like they don’t really understand.

I work mainly full time. My job is very stressful. Stress makes me hurt more as I’m sure it does for most of us. When I come home I’m just drained and hurting worse. I have had issues with missing days at work due to pain. This has caused a lot of arguments with my wife and family. We are not in a great financial situation. I have to work, but wish I didn’t because of my pain.

Given all of that, are there others in the same situation who can relate ? I know there are no answers, I’m just looking for conversation or maybe some tips or anything.

I was born disabled. Chronic conditions getting worse. I’m not a candidate for the pain pump in the spine. I have degenerative disc disease. Anyone aware of what my options would be?

21F… I noticed this two days ago, I was sitting in bed and I got this aching sensation, no pain, just a weird aching throb feeling that comes and goes. I notice it only when I’m sitting (and maybe my back slightly more laid back).. I’m currently sitting again right now and I began to feel it again. My left arm feels a bit sore too right now but that’s probably because i have it propped up typing on my computer :/ I’m worried. My joints overall are always kind of sore. I have Graves’ disease and it has affected me too a lot on my body. What could this be !?

Long story short and for anyone who's maybe tried gabapentin for chronic pain. So, as of now We don't really know what's going on. In 2020, I caught Covid very early on. For months after testing negative I had all this weird information and pain.

After maybe half a year I recovered. Got covid a couple other times, didn't really suffer very much long-term except for maybe a week or two of being sick in those other onsets.

This last August, I caught covid again, and it was full-blown just like it was in 2020. It also turned into I guess sinus infection for a few weeks, so initially for two and a half months I have still been showing the exact replica of the signs and pain from 2020.

Ibwuprofen. Tylenol. CBD. NOTHING stops this pain.

I've had multiple blood tests ruling out no infectious disease, nothing of normal, heart looks amazing, lungs amazing, I've had x-rays look good of sinuses etc and been going into my chiropractor for an entire month of sessions, got my back aligned due to it being slightly out of line (I work in warehouse) and im, still facing a lot of burning in the feet and inflammation in joints.

The actual only test that came back with anything was an electrical nerve and muscle test My chiropractor did, said almost all of my nerves around my back and lower body are firing like they would if I had been in an accident or something. Which I haven't.

I'm going to a native wellness center so they can do other special tests and try to help me with supplements and whatever else , but my doctor is going to prescribe me 100 mg of Gabapentin and told me to take them three times a day or just as needed..

Concerns: does anyone initially have bad side effects upon starting? I have extreme anxiety over new medications. Daily I take two elderberry pills, ashawagonda every few days, protein powder, creatine powder, and lions main powder, plus cetirizine and montekulast for allergies.

Melatonin on weekend nights to be up 5 am to work lol.

Anything I should avoid while taking Gabapentin? Certain foods, drinks, trying to get just a simple narrative of overall experiences and what to expect. I work a warehouse job on weekends so worried to start new meds during this also.

Sorry for the rant.

I see it says not to give medical advice so remove if not allowed, hoping this isn't fall into that category I'm basically just asking people's experience In chronic nerve pain hopefully this isn't prohibited. Very desperate.

Been to way too many doctors