Hi. I saw the title and thought that it was me. I have osteoarthritis in my spine, peripheral neuropathy in my feet and shins, and a few others that are, but aren't relative except for the plantar fibromas that are attached to the muscles in my feet. Like you, I also have an extremely high pain tolerance. And Tattoos, not quite as many as you, I dont think. I take a lot of pills every day. Right when I wake, mid-day, night. Every case is different, I know. There are so many factors that go into it. But, like you, I have been in degrees of pain from mild to excruciating every moment of every day for over three years now. One thing I should say before I whip out the drug list, one of those issues that i wasn't going to mention but it is relevant is that I also went Sepsis. That, my friend, really kicked everything else up a notch. I take Gabapentin, Pregabilin, Duloxitene, in daily regimented doses plus Acitiminiphine and Narco as needed but I am very careful with the Narco.
If someone had told me how this feels before, in my other life, I would not have understood. I might have thought I did. You know, the old pain tolerance thing. I pulled my own molar out of my head once with a pair of needle nose pliers once when I was working up in the Cascade Mountains and I couldn't get to a dentist. I can take pain but this is different. It never stops and sometimes I think if this is how the rest of my life is going to be, it's not worth it. I used to remember what life was like before all thisbut somewhere in this last year it has became pretty hazy. The doctors don't even have a name for what is all wrong. I don't really have anyone except my wife but heres the deal. She needs me. So the only thing I can do is keep on.
I just began with the Mayo groups , like this one, this week. I am hoping to learn, help, and have an outlet. Maybe it will take some of the burden off of her.
So, now that I have given you my credentials, LOL, maybe we can compare notes on stuff we try. I gotta go right now but I will check back. I have a foot and calf massager that is as close to relief as I have found. I have had a few but this is my second one these. They are not all the same. It wont load my photo if you want i will give the info later. I have to go right now but will check in later. Good luck T