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Gluteal tendinopathy - endless pain - losing my mind
Has anyone else dealt with this:
I'm now up to 5 months of daily pain, the the last two weeks have been the worst. I'm totally losing my mind.
First diagnosis was L5/S1, with disc pressing on nerve. I had cortisone shots, then an epidural. Not much relief, although with time the L5/S1 pain seems to have subsided. I've been doing physical therapy for almost the entire time.
For the past two months, increasing pain in left buttock and often sharp pain in left hip area. Diagnosed with piriformis syndrome, new MRI shows gluteal tendinopathy. I got two cortisone shots for that 6 days ago.
The hip area pain just keeps getting worse. I've had to cancel many plans and limit my activities. It's very depressing and is driving me crazy. Just wondering if anyone else is dealing with this and if they have any suggestions for both physical and mental health. Thank you.
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@twistedwillow I had shock wave therapy and it did not help. I actually read more about this and there seems to be some indication that it is not recommended if you have nerve damage. I have nerve damage due to spinal cord compression and myelomalacia, my doctor knew all this but they still did the shock wave. The reason for my comment, double check whether it is right for your specific situation,
@spillihped
I must have bought at least 6 different types of cushions - pressure cushions for chairs and settee, a donut and a wedge for the car to try and stop the sides of the driving seat pressing on my thighs. Am now looking into shockwave therapy for the gluteal tendinopathy. I wonder if anyone else has tried it.
Definitely, it's amazing & so naturally kind.
@emarks
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1 ReactionI, like you, have increasing hip pain - a horrible burning sensation. I thought I had bursitis for years, but following a recent MRI have been diagnosed with gluteal tendinopathy and hamstring tendonitis. I've just spoken to my local physio clinic and they offer shockwave therapy. They reckon you need 3 to 4 sessions and it has good results. Have you tried it?
@lynmen
I have had two sets of Shockwave Therapy (EPAT: Extracorporeal Pulse ActivationTechnology), with good results. About 6 weeks after the first three sessions, each separated by a week, at Stanford Health Care in Emeryville, CA, I was finally able to walk on flat surfaces without excruciating pain - and that, up to 6 miles a day. I underwent a second set of three sessions about four months later to see if it would help mitigate pain while ascending stairs or inclines, since I live in the hills. I think that has helped slightly. I'm scheduled for PRP (Plate Rich Plasma) injections on Jan 20 and 27th. Fingers crossed.
@spillihped
Wow! Thanks for that, it sounds very positive. Anything to reduce the pain would be helpful at the moment. Thank you for responding. I hope the injections help you.
@rrenaut Absolutely right. It’s sad but we have to be our own specialists nowadays.
Sorry to hear that so many are suffering the same thing I am and with no relief. I've had numerous injections that had no effect whatsoever. They keep telling me to do PT which I have been doing for nearly 25 years off and on but the pain has gradually gotten worse. I feel like I'm too old for the doctors to waste their time with. The ONLY thing that gives me any relief is hydrocodone and you know how most docs feel about that. I have read several places including the Mayo website that platelet rich plasma injections are "promising" to heal the tendons but are not covered by insurance. I'm considering paying the $3000 for and injection.
@lynmen
You're welcome and thank you. I hope you get some relief soon, too.
@bunstuffer
Hi there -
I've had improvement with Shock Therapy (EPAT), but have a Jan 20 appointment to receive PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). My two injections are costing $1800 in Northern CA. Where are you that you have to pay $3,000?