Loosing hope that my chronic pain will end.

Posted by alijoezack @alijoezack, Sep 10 9:50pm

I’m finding myself completely overwhelmed and hopeless. I’m tired of endless dr appointments and no relief. I hurt my back 15 years ago and was told it was just bruised. Fast forward now my pain is severe. It has always been for the most part in the center but has at some points been lower. Now it’s in my neck and all through my rt shoulder and down my arm. I’m not sleeping well. Tired of being in pain with no answers. I have had multiple MRI and X-rays. I changed my back dr because he was concentrating on my lower back pain and that’s not where my worse pain is. Now my dr thinks it’s my neck and X-rays showed nothing. Waiting till my appointment next week for arm then will most likely be sent for MRI. All while waiting for biopsy in two weeks to see if have breast cancer. Just tired of the pain and feeling like it won’t end.

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I understand 'trying to hold onto hope', while being apprehensive. After 36+ years, I still have hope, although at times I feel I just have to accept that I will never be free of pain until the day God takes away all pain. From age 16 to 39 I had multiple gynaecological surgeries. Perhaps due to a weakened abdominal lining, at age 45 I needed surgery for a rare (obturator) hernia. 36 years ago, outside my own country, I underwent surgery for that hernia. During that surgery I received injury to 4 sciatic nerves, the pudendal and obturator nerves, and had an implant of heavy duty surgical mesh that migrated. Unable to walk for several months and with severe foot drop, I pounded the bed in pain and crawled to the bathroom. Thank the Good Lord, I got to walk again, but the neuropathy, sit bone pain, and various other pain from butt to toes has stayed with me. I now have herniated discs that are compressing the injured nerves. I have gone through many epidurals, ablations, physio, etc. and as yet nothing has been found to relieve any of the pain. Sitting, lying on my back, or standing produces sometimes intolerable pain, especially on pressure points, so I am always shuffling my position. I was overdosed on meds when the injury happened and now cannot tolerate any pain meds. I do not lose hope of doctors finding some way to ease even a little of the pain. My faith in God (who knew so much suffering on the cross) gives me encouragement to hang on. I listen to good, positive music, walk when I can, and enjoy people when I can, which helps take some attention off the pain. I am thankful for all that I have and that my pain is not terminal. Meanwhile, I continue to pray and hope for some relief. I hope you find the help you need and the courage to hang in there. "The Lord is my refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble." Ps 46:1.

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Profile picture for alijoezack @alijoezack

@kayraymat I lost 30 lbs I only weigh 150

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@alijoezack
I have lost over 20 lbs. & Still am losing.
Will look for the book "The Divided Mind."

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Profile picture for truthseekr7771 @truthseekr7771

Hi. I know that feeling (wondering if it’ll ever end). I’ve been on the journey for quite some time. Peaks and valleys, lots of valleys!!!! Lots of lonely days, accompanied by pain. I want to help but I won’t mislead you. You may be able to help me. Let me know if you’d like to talk. Honest real straight talk.

TS

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@truthseekr7771 yes please

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I am a man, so not much chance of breast cancer. But I pretty much mirror you in other ways. Years and years of pain! So tired. So miserable. But somehow on we go…

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Also look up Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic symptoms

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Profile picture for srush @srush

I am a man, so not much chance of breast cancer. But I pretty much mirror you in other ways. Years and years of pain! So tired. So miserable. But somehow on we go…

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@srush Men get breast cancer, so I would not say you don't have much of a chance. If you have not looked into this, you should, because it is probably more common than you realize.

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My full-time job for more than 3 years now has been trying to find someone, any medical professional that has an idea, that will understand what I have been going through since July of 2023. I am in constant pain, every day, all day, from when I get up until I go to bed. My right side flank, oblique, and paraspinal muscles have been permanently locked for these 3 years, and after 5 hospitals and more than 30 doctors looking into my issue, no one has any idea what my problem is.

3 years is a long time to be in constant pain, I cannot imagine what some people on this discussion board have gone through when it goes for decades. How have we fallen this far in the US? My wife and I are looking at international medical tourism, because the stories coming from people that have done this sound a lot more promising than trying to get anything done in what is becoming the largest 3rd world country there is.

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Profile picture for marcd2k @marcd2k

My full-time job for more than 3 years now has been trying to find someone, any medical professional that has an idea, that will understand what I have been going through since July of 2023. I am in constant pain, every day, all day, from when I get up until I go to bed. My right side flank, oblique, and paraspinal muscles have been permanently locked for these 3 years, and after 5 hospitals and more than 30 doctors looking into my issue, no one has any idea what my problem is.

3 years is a long time to be in constant pain, I cannot imagine what some people on this discussion board have gone through when it goes for decades. How have we fallen this far in the US? My wife and I are looking at international medical tourism, because the stories coming from people that have done this sound a lot more promising than trying to get anything done in what is becoming the largest 3rd world country there is.

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@marcd2k
I suffer from severe abdominal adhesions. I can't move or walk correctly. Drs don't want to do surgery. I've tried pain management, acupuncture, physical therapy and meds. Nothing has helped. The daily discomfort is causing terrible anxiety. I agree with you. In our country, in 2026, how is there no treatment for adhesions. It's a common problem after multiple surgeries. Upsetting and frustrating

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Profile picture for alijoezack @alijoezack

I am going to orthopedic for my shoulder and a neurospine center for my spine

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@alijoezack Hi. I'm so sorry about your painful condition! I'm in a similar situation. I think, though, it would be helpful for you to see the physicians at the neurospine center for your shoulder as well. That difficulty is originating in your spine. It makes sense to me for it to be addressed by the same physicians unless the ones you are going to in the separate locations work closely together.

My very best wishes for your pain decrease!!!

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I know that feeling and I’m sorry for your frustrations and pain. I had to go to four different Spinedoctors before I found my prince. I was in the neurosurgery department and I should’ve been in the orthopedic department. I had to go to pain management I had to go to PT. I had to go for test MRIs and the rest, but when I landed on my orthopedic surgeon it was immediately time for surgery and I was restored to my best self. I hope you take an active role in your medical care because that’s what I had to do. I had the most horrible experiences and some really bad doctors. But I also had some amazing God’s for doctors too. I’m 69 years old and I have degenerative disc disease and some days are better. Some days are worse and I’ve just gotten used to it after 30 years. The point is to try and have things waiting that are really important to you so that the pain and frustration takes a backseat to what you still can do. Keep advocating for yourself.

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