1. < Spine Health

Extreme fatigue and pain

Posted by rvickert @rvickert, Jun 9, 2020

I currently have stenosis in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of my back with a pinched nerve root at L2. I have had 4 surgeries at the lumbar level involving all disks. The last was last year. I understand disc degeneration but this seems fast.

For the past 20 years, I have had severe fatigue, weakness and chronic pain which seems to worsen daily. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia many years ago and have a positive ANA, rheumatoid factor and see rate of 47. There are lots of tiny lumps that can be felt in my arms and larger ones in my legs and stomach area. These hurt and cause bruising when palpitated.
My children are exhibiting the same symptoms as I have at close to the same age of onset (ages 30 and 32) They complain of back pain as well. I have difficulty thinking often as if digging through a dense fog.

Is there any single illness that would exhibit these symptoms? Doctors run tests, determine nothing and say other symptoms are not in their area. I need help! Any suggestions are appreciated.

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Langold | @rarelybees2889 | Jun 12, 2020
In reply to @rvickert "@Rarelybees2889 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 20 years ago. I’ve tried all the meds that are..." + (show)
@rvickert

@rarelybees2889 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 20 years ago. I’ve tried all the meds that are supposed to help with no results. I don’t know if chronic fatigue was ever considered.

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It might be worth seeing a rhemetologist. Sometimes there can be an autoimmune connection...

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rvickert | @rvickert | Jun 13, 2020

I did go to a rheumatologist. So far bloodwork is normal.

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rvickert | @rvickert | Jun 13, 2020
In reply to @oldkarl "@rvickert I am still not sure I know the size of bumps you speak of, but..." + (show)
@oldkarl

@rvickert I am still not sure I know the size of bumps you speak of, but I have tiny bumps, about half the size of BBs which have spread over the outer portion of my lower arms. They are hard to see, but you can feel them if you rub your hand gently over the areas. They are a little lighter in color than the rest of the skin, and do bruise if squeezed or bumped. In my case, they are part of the symptomatic and sign workup for Gelsolin and perhaps other forms of Amyloidosis. This does not mean you have this, but the bumps are listed. They seem quite close together. Another possibility for larger bumps around shoulders, upper arms, chest, is various Lymphs. Even larger yet are fatty cysts. I have them all.

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Thanks oldcarl! This sounds exactly right. I suspect I have a thicker fat layer which makes them less “seeable “

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terri672 | @terri672 | Jun 13, 2020
In reply to @lioness "@terri672 I.ve had fibro for over 30 yrs and the bumps never go away but I..." + (show)
@lioness

@terri672 I.ve had fibro for over 30 yrs and the bumps never go away but I have found using me TENS UNIT this does relax the muscles so I use this since fibro affects not only muscles and nerves

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Sometimes my skin hurts, especially on my upper arms and my muscles are extra sensitive. I have arthritis as well, so it's always dealing with pain, although I very rarely take anything for the pain.... Do any of the fibro meds work on these types of pain?

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1 reply
terri672 | @terri672 | Jun 13, 2020
In reply to @rvickert "Thank you ladies. I wonder why the bumps aren’t part of the diagnostic description? Maybe only..." + (show)
@rvickert

Thank you ladies. I wonder why the bumps aren’t part of the diagnostic description? Maybe only some of us have them?

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Feels like a washboard...

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rvickert | @rvickert | Jun 15, 2020
In reply to @terri672 "Sometimes my skin hurts, especially on my upper arms and my muscles are extra sensitive. I..." + (show)
@terri672

Sometimes my skin hurts, especially on my upper arms and my muscles are extra sensitive. I have arthritis as well, so it's always dealing with pain, although I very rarely take anything for the pain.... Do any of the fibro meds work on these types of pain?

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The skin on my upper back is extremely sensitive and at times my “hair” hurts. I know this sounds crazy. Basically it’s the skin on top of my head. No medications I have tried help with this. I currently take Gabapentin and tramadol.

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1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Jun 15, 2020
In reply to @rvickert "The skin on my upper back is extremely sensitive and at times my “hair” hurts. I..." + (show)
@rvickert

The skin on my upper back is extremely sensitive and at times my “hair” hurts. I know this sounds crazy. Basically it’s the skin on top of my head. No medications I have tried help with this. I currently take Gabapentin and tramadol.

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@rvickert That must be miserable I have fibro and use Tramadol for pain and Meloxicam for arthritis is what Dr prescribed.If you do essential oils I use lavender mix in almond oil or some kind of oil then use it as a rub it may help your skin

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rvickert | @rvickert | Jun 15, 2020

Thanks! I have not tried essential oils but it’s worth a shot!❤️

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lioness | @lioness | Jun 15, 2020
In reply to @rvickert "Thanks! I have not tried essential oils but it’s worth a shot!❤️" + (show)
@rvickert

Thanks! I have not tried essential oils but it’s worth a shot!❤️

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@rvickert Yes I was surprised when I started to study them what all they can help . Google essential oils.com there is a whole list of what they are good for . As I said I mix mine for massage of sore muscles . I like them . Our skin is our biggest organ and absorbs what we rub on it . Good luck .

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chrisvan | @chrisvan | Jun 16, 2020
In reply to @rvickert "Hi lioness! Thank you. I hadn’t thought about an endocrinologist." + (show)
@rvickert

Hi lioness! Thank you. I hadn’t thought about an endocrinologist.

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I would also definitely suggest seeing an endocrinologist and demand to be tested for thyroid antibodies to determine if you have Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease!

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