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Gluteal tendinopathy - endless pain - losing my mind

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Feb 20 9:19am | Replies (81)

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I've been living with this since 2020. It's still unresolved. I've had two injections--the first one in 2021 which helped for a few months (did not eliminate the pain... just helped a bit). The second time was in December 2022 and the two injections--one for the gluteal tendinopathy and the other in the hip for bursitis--were excruciating. I needed a cane to walk for several days and for all that, got no relief. I've done three rounds of physical therapy, which help for a while but the pain ends up returning full-force. Yes, I am depressed about it too. Nobody has mentioned shock treatments, although I use a portable tens device at home (I purchased it through Amazon). It does not offer any lasting improvement. Everything is temporary. If I feel good, I try to do things that I haven't done due to pain (deep cleaning, etc.), but I can only do about one hour of activity or I cripple myself for the next week. I take a pain pill nearly every day (Mobic) but I hate taking them because I don't want to ruin my stomach lining. They take the edge off usually, unless I'm really sore after being active the day before. Six years of this! I need to do the PT exercises regularly but I either forget (if I'm feeling reasonably comfortable) or I'm hurting too bad to do them. I just need to get into a routine. Sorry this is so long. People tell me you can be cured from this but I'm not sure at this point. I'm 66. I USED to be very active and fit.

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Replies to "I've been living with this since 2020. It's still unresolved. I've had two injections--the first one..."

@meterrilee Oh yes, those of us with any kind of chronic pain can empathize with "Six years of this! I need to do the PT exercises regularly but I either forget (if I'm feeling reasonably comfortable) or I'm hurting too bad to do them."

But honestly, what an otherwise forgettable PT said 30 years ago has always stuck with me "Motion is lotion" - so I move every day, in spite of the hurting. Years ago, I had severe hip bursitis after revision surgery. The orthopedic surgeon was definite - "these exercises are forever" - as long as I remember that, it has not flared.

Here is a tip another mentor and I have shared before - start your day with gentle stretches - BEFORE you even get out of bed. This imbeds it in my routine, just like using my inhalers before coffee, or taking my meds before I brush my teeth.

Here is another idea for you to consider - the "spoon theory" - it teaches you to measure your energy output to avoid overdoing. This can end the cycle of feel good, do too much, crash, hurt like mad... For those of us formerly go-getters, it is a hard thing to learn. Finally, in my mid-70's, I am beginning to get it.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-you-plan-your-day-and-conserve-energy-are-you-a-spoonie/