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Partner with undiagnosed back pain
The man in my life has been going through doctors and specialists for over 5 months now concerning lower back pain. He has gone through MRI's , X-rays, CT scans and small procedures to pin point the issue, not to mention the pain killers (which doctors give as a quick/temporary fix). We've been sent to chiropractors, physical therapy and massage therapists. They have canceled out herniated disks, si-joints and other possibilities. No answers have been given and I can see the change in his eyes, as if he's been defeated. I've battled depression myself, but have never been on the other side of it. I am unsure of what I can do to help at this point, I am commited to him, but out of ideas. I've mentioned talking to someone outside our relationship, a professional...some sort of therapist but that was a sensitive subject. How does one handle chronic pain in a relationship?
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Hello @faye_13, I understand what is vexing your man with his mysterious back pain. I had my own mystery for about the same time -- five months of severe discomfort and limited activity; MRIs and X-rays; and a range of procedures intended to pin point the cause. No soap. I had just reached the point of choosing pain killers, when I called a halt because 1) my physical therapists had messed me up big time by stretching my spine on a rack and 2) my pain doctor was too enthused about the prospect of "fixing" my problem with medications without knowing what my problem was. My primary care physician listened when I told her my research had found that the cure for inflammation of the sacroiliac joints is a direct injection of anti-inflammation medication into the SI joint; if the pain stopped, the diagnosis (after the fact) was SI joint inflammation. The injection ended the inflammation, and I have had no pain since then -- now 3 years ago. Since then, my bowling average has risen to just over 180 per game.
I tell you this to give you hope that you can share with him, not to give you an answer to his perhaps unique problem, which may indeed be a mystery. But I also note that you list chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists as the professionals who have been involved. The diagnosis may be within the purview of other medical professionals -- physicians, osteopaths, spinal surgeons, internal medicine specialists, neurologists, nephrologists, etc. Have any of these been consulted or offered diagnosis or treatment? Has he had a long conversation with a professional about the limitations on imaging as a diagnostic technology -- such as the inability of even MRIs to "see" joint inflammation? I hope he has opportunities to exhaust the full range of medical diagnostic possibilities before he turns to medicated pain killers or alternative healthcare, which may be his next path toward recovery.
Thank you for the reply and point of view. Good to hear from someone whose gone through this for perspective like you said. They scheduled a procedure to inject dye into his veins to monitor the function of his kidneys. His primary care doctor believes that this is a last result considering X-rays came back clear. He has been to a specialist recently as well, for kidney stones. This may all be related after all. Its just hard to watch him go through this without an answer yet, it has been a very trying set of events. All I want is for him to get an answer to stop his mind from wondering.
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1 ReactionHi Faye,
I'm glad that you connected with @predictable here. I deleted your duplicated post in the Mental Health group so we can focus this important discussion in one place. I'd additionally like to introduce you to @undiagnosed_pain, who is currently on the same frustrating journey as your boyfriend. S/He may be able to give you some insight to supporting your partner.
Thank you Colleen
I had lower back middle back and neck surgery and have pain until I tried cannibus high in cbd for pain
You might consider a neural stimulator implant. I have had it done about two years ago and it has done wonders for my chronic back, legs and feet pain.
Call Boston Scientific at 866-360-4747. They will send you a video and brochures that will explain how it works. Well worth looking into. Good luck.
His primary care doctor is actually very pro-medical card, he's been considering a topical oil. Have you had a good experience @tonyc55 ?
Thanks!
Yes! Helped a lot