[Meaplus3]

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

[Citizen Erased]

I wasn't aware you were still going through pain Mea, I am sorry to hear it. Last time I checked in I thought you were aware of what was wrong...I need to learn to read! It is very frustrating when there is no answer and no end in sight to the pain. And with 3 kids to run after...

I too have not been given an answer to my health problems. As you may know, I've been suffering from arthritis for quite some time...I've lost track of how long in fact. It is due to one of the many autoimmune diseases, it's which one that is the question. Lupus was the first...diagnosis? I'd rather term it assumption as they were decidedly incorrect.

I've had numerous tests, numerous doctors and a scary amount of medication I have to be very careful of taking. And the answer: I have arthritis! None of the tests came back with anything conclusive and I'm currently being kept pain free by a lot of medication, the combination coming about through a lot of trial and error. I have blood and urine tests every two months to check everything is functioning normally despite the meds. For now treating the pain works but it can't last forever...

I'm not sure if you have experienced this Mea, but I have become hesitant to discuss my health problems with the people in my life for fear of boring them. Because there is no answer as yet, people don't know how to react and they seem...doubtful perhaps that anything is really wrong. Like it's an overreaction, despite you being in a lot of pain. Don't know if I'm making sense...

[carhill]

Chronic pain sucks. It's always there, like a shadow.

This may sound over-simplistic, but when was the last time you slept somewhere other than you own bed?

BTW, when my stbx decided it was time for us to divorce, her chronic pain suddenly 'got better'. No more complaints; much less chiropractic. She's 'happier' now with less pain. Wish I could say the same thing

[Angel1111]

Whoa, Mea, I didn't know you had to deal with that. I'm so sorry, hon. Chronic pain has got to be the worst.

You know, I think perhaps it does have something to do with emotional things because even though you have managed to stop panic attacks, your body could still be experiencing a type of 'hangover' effect from that. Panic attacks alone are a huge deal and I do believe that our emotions affect our bodies.

A lot of times back issues has to do with feeling like the world is on your shoulders, so to speak. I don't know what to suggest except extreme things such as reading some things by Dr. Joe Dispenza - he has done numerous studies on the brain, but he also healed his back which had been broken. Not sure if you'd get something out of that or not. Or, I like to turn to the metaphysical world when all other answers fail. Louise Hay has written numerous things on the connection between the body and our emotions. Hope this helps.

[Meaplus3]

Originally Posted by Citizen Erased

I wasn't aware you were still going through pain Mea, I am sorry to hear it. Last time I checked in I thought you were aware of what was wrong...I need to learn to read! It is very frustrating when there is no answer and no end in sight to the pain. And with 3 kids to run after...

No. I'm sure you read right CE. I've had many posts about my health issues.. as I've been told so many diff things by many diff docs. If anything it's left me broke and confused. I know one thing is for sure that I'm in peri-meno, a simple blood test confirmed that. So that would explain the heart palps.. and issues there. So, that is one thing I know for sure.

I too have not been given an answer to my health problems. As you may know, I've been suffering from arthritis for quite some time...I've lost track of how long in fact. It is due to one of the many autoimmune diseases, it's which one that is the question. Lupus was the first...diagnosis? I'd rather term it assumption as they were decidedly incorrect.

I was unaware that your were going through health stuff. I too was tested for lupus about 4 times. And get this lyme disease. I had NO tick on me. lol. I had to laugh for a minute there because I keep thinking about all the tests I've been through and still no real answer. Now, my back xray did show some osteophtyes(sp) and some degenerative disk disease. This is a common finding for a woman of my age. But, I don't think it should be causing this level of pain.

I'm not sure if you have experienced this Mea, but I have become hesitant to discuss my health problems with the people in my life for fear of boring them. Because there is no answer as yet, people don't know how to react and they seem...doubtful perhaps that anything is really wrong. Like it's an overreaction, despite you being in a lot of pain. Don't know if I'm making sense...

I can big time relate to this. NO one in my family wants to hear about it anymore. I have zero support.

Originally Posted by carhill

This may sound over-simplistic, but when was the last time you slept somewhere other than you own bed?

Plenty of times over the summer.

Originally Posted by Angel1111

Whoa, Mea, I didn't know you had to deal with that. I'm so sorry, hon. Chronic pain has got to be the worst.

You know, I think perhaps it does have something to do with emotional things because even though you have managed to stop panic attacks, your body could still be experiencing a type of 'hangover' effect from that. Panic attacks alone are a huge deal and I do believe that our emotions affect our bodies.

A lot of times back issues has to do with feeling like the world is on your shoulders, so to speak. I don't know what to suggest except extreme things such as reading some things by Dr. Joe Dispenza - he has done numerous studies on the brain, but he also healed his back which had been broken. Not sure if you'd get something out of that or not. Or, I like to turn to the metaphysical world when all other answers fail. Louise Hay has written numerous things on the connection between the body and our emotions. Hope this helps.

I do believe that there is somewhat an emotional part to this. I know I still have anxeity, and the anxeity only makes the pain worse. I'm working on that. But, it' just so hard living this way. I'm sick of beign sent away with a pain patch to slap on and told to shaddup!


BTW. Thank you all for your loving words, advice and support.

Mea

[carhill]

Hmm, I'll tell you what I did, when I was in chronic 'pain' of a type similar to yours. I started a journal of it and experimented with a couple benzodiazepines I had available from caring for my mom. Journaled the results. I found, in my case, the pain and physical manifestations (arrhythmia, chest tightness, sternum pain, etc) to go away at 30mg Xanax BID. Any less? Nothing. I monitored vitals and blood glucose (I had to do this for my mom anyway, so did myself at the same time) and found my blood sugars stabilized and my blood pressure and heart rate was more 'normal'. For me, pure and simple, it was my body reacting to stress and emotion. My brain was toxifying me.

Perhaps that is not your issue, but a methodical differentiation, either by yourself or with a medical professional, should isolate the issues.

BTW, it was during this time, when I realized my stbx's lack of care regarding what I was going through, that my love for her began to die. I don't know if you have a partner or not (sorry, don't keep up on all of that), but, if you do, I hope he or she is loving and supportive. It certainly would've meant the world to me. Best wishes

[Meaplus3]

Originally Posted by carhill

Hmm, I'll tell you what I did, when I was in chronic 'pain' of a type similar to yours. I started a journal of it and experimented with a couple benzodiazepines I had available from caring for my mom. Journaled the results. I found, in my case, the pain and physical manifestations (arrhythmia, chest tightness, sternum pain, etc) to go away at 30mg Xanax BID. Any less? Nothing. I monitored vitals and blood glucose (I had to do this for my mom anyway, so did myself at the same time) and found my blood sugars stabilized and my blood pressure and heart rate was more 'normal'. For me, pure and simple, it was my body reacting to stress and emotion. My brain was toxifying me.

Perhaps that is not your issue, but a methodical differentiation, either by yourself or with a medical professional, should isolate the issues.

BTW, it was during this time, when I realized my stbx's lack of care regarding what I was going through, that my love for her began to die. I don't know if you have a partner or not (sorry, don't keep up on all of that), but, if you do, I hope he or she is loving and supportive. It certainly would've meant the world to me. Best wishes

Carhill, All you said here makes so much sense. I've been soooo stubborn with giving into meds. Infact, I don't even listen much and wear the pain patch. I use ice instead. Speaking of xanax, that's what I take daily now. It's a low dose of .05 mg three times per day as needed. That drug helps me stay away from the ER, lol as it takes away the flight or fight response. My goal is to soon be off the stuff.. with the help of my doc, and to take it only if I'm in the mist of an awful attack. And yes, situational stress can make things worse. The fact that it has rained here now for the past week does not help. I do have a male figure in my life to talk to. He is very kind and caring, and helpful. Thanks again.

Mea

[marlena]

Mea,

So sorry to hear this, Mea. And you too, CE.

I am in the same boat as you guys. It is so disheartening, I know, and it's effect on the quality of one's life is devastating. I also know about the frustation of going from doctor to doctor and not getting a clear diagnosis. I am beginning to HATE doctors and I mean that with all my heart. Since January of this year, I have been having debilitatibng migraines and vertigo and it's driving my crazy. I think it has to do with my neck. I am going to an orthopedic this week.

Lately, I have had to restrict my social life and that is causing me depression as well which I try to fight off with teeth and nails and without meds. I do not believe in anti-depressants or such.

Mea, if you are peri-menopausal (aren;t you too young to be?), brace yourself for the tempest ahead. The transition can be tough on some women. I hope it's not for you. It must so hard to have to cope with this and three kids. I admire you for this as I am sure you are a great mother.

CE, you are so young, my dear, to have this.

I would like to say more but I have to run.

So here's a hug to each of you.

[GrayClouds]

Originally Posted by Meaplus3

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

Try this book:
Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness


and CD
Mindfulness for Beginners [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio CD)

[Jaspe_Loco]

Originally Posted by Meaplus3

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!!!

Good luck!!

[Meaplus3]

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

[freestyle]

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.

[Meaplus3]

Originally Posted by freestyle

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.

Mea

[marlena]

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.