1. < Chronic Pain

Dealing with "muscular skeletal breakdown", colitis, depression, etc

Posted by tammy64 @tammy64, Aug 14, 2018

My son is only 23. He use to be a huge advocate of the gym and ate very healthy (fish, chicken, steamed veggies, brown rice, yams, etc... no butters, sugars or processed foods etc.) The last 3 years he's gone from a 205 lb muscle bound man (no steriods) to a 155 lb man that has had nothing but issues affecting his entire body. He's been diagnosed with colitis, muscular skeletal breakdown, IBS, has symptoms of auto-immune disease but none of the tests have been conclusive. He has tried every doctor imaginable to help with his intestinal issues as well as total body aches and pains. He has done food sensitivity tests and did elimination of the highly sensitive foods and slowly added some back. He is now on The Low FODMAP Diet along with supplements such as anti-oxidants, enzymes and probiotics. Now a GI doctor has him on antibiotics for his IBS (but I'm afraid that's going to cause even more stress on his body).... He's in so much pain, daily, that has been going on for years and he's beginning to think there is no help. He has been in physical therapy for over a year now and is religious with the stretches and exercises to home given by the pt. He gets massages, had acupuncture, does trigger point release, rolls, and recently did a float spa. I hate to admit that he has mentioned he'd rather die than continue in this pain! I'm searching for HELP, a direction to turn him to to get a complete diagnosis and stop getting the run around. Where do we go from here? Sounds like his body is rejecting everything. Please help

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tammy64 | @tammy64 | Aug 18, 2018
In reply to @gman007 "Hi @tammy64 I am also a volunteer mentor on the site and I agree with Colleen..." + (show)
@gman007

Hi @tammy64
I am also a volunteer mentor on the site and I agree with Colleen that you have already received some very good advice. I have lived with chronic pain as the result of chronic pancreatitis for about 12 yrs. and I would add one further thing. Based on your report of him suggesting that he would not want to live if this was to continue, I would suggest a psychiatric eval. and I imagine they will discover depression. It is rare that anyone can endure pain and "not knowing" for the time you stated without experiencing depression and, in my case, severe depressive disorder. Treating the mind will not make the pain go away, but it does help one to cope and not be hopeless about the future. At least that is what I have discovered and mental health treatment is about more than just a drug(s).
You are both in my prayers and please stay in touch,
Gary

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Thank you Gary... Everyone's prayers, input and advice is greatly appreciated!

REPLY
lioness | @lioness | Aug 18, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@tammy64 Please let us know if you are, or are not able to get an appointment..." + (show)
@gailb

@tammy64

Please let us know if you are, or are not able to get an appointment at the Mayo Hospital in Phoenix. I'm thinking about you and your son this weekend and I hope you are able to secure an appointment soon.

- Is he finding any relief at this point?
- Has he tried the peppermint capsules or BRAT diet and if so, have they helped?
- Does your son know you are searching for help on Mayo Connect?
- Is there a reason he doesn't write about his situation here?

I'm asking the questions above because I know my husband and other males in my family are highly resistant to my trying to help them or recommend they seek medical attention for their problems. I also know that sometimes it's too difficult to write and ask for help. I'm hoping your son is listening to your recommendations and will continue to participate in his recovery. I concur with Gman007 about your son seeking emotional counseling. I have been through counseling and now take an antidepressant that allows me to function in a healthy way. My fears of asking for help when I was 25 years old were huge. He will probably need encouragement that he's not "crazy," but is probably depressed due to his pain and worrying about the unknown diagnosis.

I hope your son's doctors will supply his records to the Mayo Hospital, and if not, that you are able to get an appointment for him. There is an answer out there, so keep pushing for it. You're a good, loving and strong mother; your son is fortunate to have you in his life.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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@tammy64 wow poor guy hang in there till Oct What is your sons name I,ll put him on our prayer list ?

REPLY
GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Aug 18, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@tammy64 Please let us know if you are, or are not able to get an appointment..." + (show)
@gailb

@tammy64

Please let us know if you are, or are not able to get an appointment at the Mayo Hospital in Phoenix. I'm thinking about you and your son this weekend and I hope you are able to secure an appointment soon.

- Is he finding any relief at this point?
- Has he tried the peppermint capsules or BRAT diet and if so, have they helped?
- Does your son know you are searching for help on Mayo Connect?
- Is there a reason he doesn't write about his situation here?

I'm asking the questions above because I know my husband and other males in my family are highly resistant to my trying to help them or recommend they seek medical attention for their problems. I also know that sometimes it's too difficult to write and ask for help. I'm hoping your son is listening to your recommendations and will continue to participate in his recovery. I concur with Gman007 about your son seeking emotional counseling. I have been through counseling and now take an antidepressant that allows me to function in a healthy way. My fears of asking for help when I was 25 years old were huge. He will probably need encouragement that he's not "crazy," but is probably depressed due to his pain and worrying about the unknown diagnosis.

I hope your son's doctors will supply his records to the Mayo Hospital, and if not, that you are able to get an appointment for him. There is an answer out there, so keep pushing for it. You're a good, loving and strong mother; your son is fortunate to have you in his life.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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@tammy64

Thank you for your helping me to understand your son's situation better. I'm so sorry that he and you are going through this experience. I can understand his frustration with the diets and different ways his physicians have used to try to narrow down his problems. Obviously, it hasn't worked. I also relate as a mother of an adult son who has had physical and mental problems. It's so hard to see your child in pain and suffering; I wanted to take his place but of course could not.

I urge you to keep trying to get your appointment moved up. Have you supplied Mayo with all of his medical records yet? If not, I recommend doing so, and after that seeing if they can move him to a sooner appointment. It has happened for others at times. I'm happy your son has such an active advocate in you. It sounds like you have a great trusting relationship. That is a comfort for him I'm sure.

I'm holding you in peace and love during your wait.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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