Physical Fitness, Health & Weight ManagementStaying fit and physically healthy is essential! Remember, we aren't subsitutes for your physician! As always, talk to your doctor before following any suggestions or advice!
I am very down right now. I am so tired of this burning upperback pain and sternum pain that I get pretty much on a daily basis. As many of you know(since I've posted about it) I've had just about every test in the book to rule out a major health issue. My heart, and lungs I've been told look it be in fine shape. So, here I am young, in good shape, with three beautiful small children to chase after and I feel like c***! My therapist does not believe this pain is all due to emotions. It's real pain.. but there is no answer for it. I'm sick of going to health boards as they don't help, they only make things worse. I am pleased that I have been able to work through my panic. Have not had an attack in over 3 months. So this pain is NOT panic related. I'm now beign sent to PT, but I don't have high hopes that this will work. A chriopractor makes it worse, and for that matter so does massage. This is an awful way to live and it's really getting me down. Can anyone relate? Is there anyone on here that has chronic pain with no cause found? If so how are you coping with it?? Many thanks.
Mea
I'll share with yo my story... it may be helpful. I'm a 38 year old guy, 6'1", 190 lbs. I was in an auto accident when I was 21 and suffered 3 herniated disc which have since evolved into disc degenerative disease and spinal stenosis. I was in physical therapy for nearly a year after the accident, but since have worked out regular and suffer lower back problems maybe 7-10 days a year.
We'll get back to that in a minute. For years I would have pain in my left shoulder, shoulder blade, and upper back area. It was similar to a pinched nerve and would occur 5 or 6 times a year for days at a time. One day I was ironing my shirt and my wife noticed a sizable not in my upper back an inch or so from my spine. It was tender to the touch and pressing hard enough would trigger pain the aforementioned areas. I had the not removed. It turned out to be a lipoma about the size of my thumbs and based on the scar tissue, had likely been there for years. I never considered a connection to my upper back pain, but that was almost 4 years ago and I haven't experience any upper back pain at all.
Back to my lower back. After all of these years without major problems, last month my lower back started acting up, but this time it last over 6 weeks. MRIs confirmed progression of disc degenerative disease, herniation, and spinal stenosis. I'm allergic to corticosteriods and spinal fusion is not an option because I have three levels of herniation. After some rest, things got a little better, but it was off and on for most of six months. About a month ago, I noticed a growth in my lower spine similar to the one found on my upper back. After a few doctor's visits, I was referred to a spinal surgeon and basically told me I was SOL. None of the doctors I visited believed it the growth had anything to do with it but the SS agreed to inject me with a local anesthetic. An hour later, no pain. I had better range of motion than I had had in months.
I had the growth removed last week. It was another lipoma, 2 x 4 cm and was deep into the muscle tissue. I haven't had any lower back pain since... aside from the nasty incision.
I did a little research on lipomas after that and have found that they are often the source of pain in cases where the source is difficult to find. They're not easily detected except for palpation and even then, most doctors write them off as nothing. I found dozens of cases similar to mine.
I recommend that you Google lipomas and learn a little about them. Then maybe persistently ask you doctor about them and the possibility this could be causing your pain. I feel like a new man!!!
Hi Jaspe. Thanks for taking the time to share this info with me. I'm sorry for all you've had to go through, but I am VERY glad to know you have found the source of your pain. I did look up lipomas as you mentioned, and in my case I don't think this is the culprit. I'm starting to think this might be more of a fibromyagia (sp) thing. I looked that up and I guess in order to have that one has pain tender spots. There are 18 on the body per say. I took a little quiz and I have 11. So, this means that I really should see a rheumatologists who would be the correct doc to make that diagnosis. I'm going to run it by my primary and see what he thinks. Right now, IMO this PT is one big waste of my money and time.
Mea
__________________ "To love onself is the beginning of a life-long romance" Oscar Wilde
I'm going to suggest trying some gentle yoga, as it benefits the body as well as the mind...........................especially the mind.It can be an amazing de-stresser. No need to become a human pretzel,, but simple poses combined with breathing exercises could possibly help you immensely.
I subscribe to the theory that the bulk of good health begins with the mind, and consciousness......................
I'm so sorry you have to live with pain like that, I'm quite familiar with it myself.
SB mentioned acupuncture, I'm curious, have you tried it or considered it?
It's done wonders for my shoulder issues.
__________________
you can lead a horse to water, but you can`t make `em......... think.
I'm going to suggest trying some gentle yoga, as it benefits the body as well as the mind...........................especially the mind.It can be an amazing de-stresser. No need to become a human pretzel,, but simple poses combined with breathing exercises could possibly help you immensely.
I subscribe to the theory that the bulk of good health begins with the mind, and consciousness......................
I'm so sorry you have to live with pain like that, I'm quite familiar with it myself.
SB mentioned acupuncture, I'm curious, have you tried it or considered it?
It's done wonders for my shoulder issues.
I am doing Yoga twice a week and while it works well for the rest of my bod.. lol. It makes my back one big ouchie. I also am about to start skating again and I take modern dance.. so the dancing helps, and I know skating will feel good to. Just won't be able to do any laybacks. As for acupuncture, that's on the list to try.
I'm starting to think this might be more of a fibromyagia (sp) thing. I looked that up and I guess in order to have that one has pain tender spots. There are 18 on the body per say. I took a little quiz and I have 11. So, this means that I really should see a rheumatologists who would be the correct doc to make that diagnosis.
Mea,
I would definitely check into this. It could very well be the cause of all your discomfort. I was reading up about it and does sound plausible.
I also agree with the poster about how the mind can affect the body. So, try to rid yourself of as much stress as possible. I made up my mind not to allow people and stressful situations into my life anymore and it helped tremendously. I even announced it to my friends and family, telling them that if any of them caused me any undue stress, they wouldn't be seeing much of me. They knew I wasn't kidding either.
So try to find time to relax and let nothing and no one upset you.
__________________ Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.
I would definitely check into this. It could very well be the cause of all your discomfort. I was reading up about it and does sound plausible.
I also agree with the poster about how the mind can affect the body. So, try to rid yourself of as much stress as possible. I made up my mind not to allow people and stressful situations into my life anymore and it helped tremendously. I even announced it to my friends and family, telling them that if any of them caused me any undue stress, they wouldn't be seeing much of me. They knew I wasn't kidding either.
So try to find time to relax and let nothing and no one upset you.
I agree Marlena about reducing stress.I know that stress and a very active mind such as mind can make things worse. Anway, I got back form PT.. and guess what? I got a ref to see a rheumatologist who is the appropriate person to check me for fibro. I'm happy about this because perhaps it will guide me in the right direction.
Well done, Mea. Hope you get to the bottom of this soon. Let us know how it goes. I might have myself checked as well.
I know what you mean about an overactive mind. I swear I build up my own stress levels with my thoughts. But I am getting better at controlling my thoughts and breathing..that always helps!
Well done, Mea. Hope you get to the bottom of this soon. Let us know how it goes. I might have myself checked as well.
I know what you mean about an overactive mind. I swear I build up my own stress levels with my thoughts. But I am getting better at controlling my thoughts and breathing..that always helps!
Thanks. It just amazes me how you really have to be your own health care advocate these days. Gosh, I've had to stand up for myself here for the past 18 months. And these docs make the big bucks?? For what I ask? Oh that's right to miss guide patients!! lol Little pent up anger vent there. Anway, deep breathing is a big help. It does slow down the mind and really is a big help to me. So Marlena this is for me and you. Let us remember these words from the song "Breathe" By Anna Nalick.
And breathe, just breathe
woah breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe,
Oh breathe, just breathe.
Well, I just got my hormone testing back, and it looks like I'm no longer ovulating. Progesterone levels like Zero.. real low. I looked up what this can cause and fibro.. as well as many other of my pain symptoms are on the list.. so, HORMONES.. the culprit. I guess I feel better knowing this.
I am only 20 and have had back surgery for a herniated disk as well as 2 hernias. My back is in constant pain. Meds don't help so it sucks but i am just lucky i am here!
Well, I just got my hormone testing back, and it looks like I'm no longer ovulating. Progesterone levels like Zero.. real low. I looked up what this can cause and fibro.. as well as many other of my pain symptoms are on the list.. so, HORMONES.. the culprit. I guess I feel better knowing this.
I'm glad it's made you feel a little better. How has the burning pain been lately? I know you and your kids are sick at the moment so I'd imagine that pain would be a nightmare to have right around now. Sorry I haven't returned to this thread since I first posted, makes it hard to read about others sometimes...hope you're okay Mea.
__________________
hard to believe you can't get what you dream
but if you try sometimes you might find
you get what you steal
I am only 20 and have had back surgery for a herniated disk as well as 2 hernias. My back is in constant pain. Meds don't help so it sucks but i am just lucky i am here!
Hope you feel better
Hi Brady. Thanks for your support. I'm sorry to hear you've had to live through chronic pain. I hope you are finding a way to control it.. so you don't feel bad.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Citizen Erased
I'm glad it's made you feel a little better. How has the burning pain been lately? I know you and your kids are sick at the moment so I'd imagine that pain would be a nightmare to have right around now. Sorry I haven't returned to this thread since I first posted, makes it hard to read about others sometimes...hope you're okay Mea.
Well it's so odd CE. I've had this headache on and off for the past 2 weeks. Now, when I get the headache, the pain travels up my neck and then my upperback and sternum don't hurt.. it's super odd. I do know that if I have, fibro(seeing a fibro specialist in the am) Hormones can make the flair ups worse. Today I'm having a pain free day, aside from the pain of seeing my kids sick. Thanks for your kind words and support. I hope you are doing well.
Please note: The suggestions and advice offered on this web site are opinions only and are not to be used in the place of professional psychological counseling or medical advice. If you or someone close to you is currently in crisis or in an emergency situation, contact your local law enforcement agency or emergency number.
I am so tired of this burning upperback pain and sternum pain that I get pretty much on a daily basis. As many of you know(since I've posted about it) I've had just about every test in the book to rule out a major health issue. My heart, and lungs I've been told look it be in fine shape. So, here I am young, in good shape, with three beautiful small children to chase after and I feel like c***! My therapist does not believe this pain is all due to emotions. It's real pain.. but there is no answer for it.
I'm sick of going to health boards as they don't help, they only make things worse. I am pleased that I have been able to work through my panic. Have not had an attack in over 3 months. So this pain is NOT panic related. I'm now beign sent to PT, but I don't have high hopes that this will work. A chriopractor makes it worse, and for that matter so does massage. This is an awful way to live and it's really getting me down. Can anyone relate? Is there anyone on here that has chronic pain with no cause found? If so how are you coping with it?? Many thanks.
"To love onself is the beginning of a life-long romance" Oscar Wilde
Anway, I got back form PT.. and guess what? I got a ref to see a rheumatologist who is the appropriate person to check me for fibro. I'm happy about this because perhaps it will guide me in the right direction.
Anway, deep breathing is a big help. It does slow down the mind and really is a big help to me. So Marlena this is for me and you. Let us remember these words from the song "Breathe" By Anna Nalick. 
Linear Mode
