Nerve Pain

Posted by colorbug @colorbug, Sep 6, 2021

Almost all of my life I have experienced pain throughout my body. Doctors told my parents I had childhood arthritis (don't have). Told I was a nervous child because of the IBS issues. About the last 20 years have grown increasingly worse. I'm not diabetic but experience intense pain in my feet. But I experience that same pain all over my body. I feel as if I'm being pricked by thousands of needles. Currently taking Gabapentin but believe now it just makes me feel worse. Doctor wants me off Xanex and Tramadol. He put me back on antidepressants but that just seemed to cause greater anxiety. So I stopped taking them. I have tried eliminating med's that don't work. I don't sleep well at all even though I take OTC sleep aide's. Still trying to maintain so I can go to work. It is a horrible struggle. I have tried to get in to see a specialist such as a Rheumatologist or a Neurologist. But they won't see me saying my regular doctor can treat me. I'm desperate for help. The best I can do is soak in a tub of water. But it's hard to sleep like that. Water gets cold. I need help bad. I'm almost 63 and just don't see much hope on the horizon. Any suggestions is appreciated.

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@colorbug

Also, just have to mention that being in water is very helpful. Does anyone know why that is?

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Water and swimming temporarily relieves stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain. Less pressure on the joints. I'm happy to hear you've found water therapeutic.

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I only wish I could have a job that required being in water and coloring 😂

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@rwinney

Water and swimming temporarily relieves stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain. Less pressure on the joints. I'm happy to hear you've found water therapeutic.

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@rwinney Water has been my "pain medicine" for many years, and now I'm looking at moving into a senior living facility that has an indoor, heated, salt-water pool that I could use anytime. Hallalujah!

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@colorbug

Also, just have to mention that being in water is very helpful. Does anyone know why that is?

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Hi @colorbuy,

I went to a therapeutic water exercise class at the local Y in my area and the therapist who led the class said that the pressure of water on your body helps the lymphatic system to work more efficiently. I'm not sure of the validity of the statement, but it made sense to me.

I agree that having a job in the water would be great.

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@hopeful33250

Hi @colorbuy,

I went to a therapeutic water exercise class at the local Y in my area and the therapist who led the class said that the pressure of water on your body helps the lymphatic system to work more efficiently. I'm not sure of the validity of the statement, but it made sense to me.

I agree that having a job in the water would be great.

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@ colorbug - I too cannot wait to get to my Texas home with the warm, saltwater pool. It relieves so many aches, and exercise that just won't happen on land becomes possible. I'm not even that much of a swimmer or waterlover, but it does help.
Sue

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@steeldove

@rwinney Water has been my "pain medicine" for many years, and now I'm looking at moving into a senior living facility that has an indoor, heated, salt-water pool that I could use anytime. Hallalujah!

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That's great news, @steeldove. Enjoy!!

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@rwinney

Hello @colorbug, welcome to Connect. You most definitely have come to the right place for community support, experience, and encouragement.

I'm very sorry to hear that you have pain throughout your body. I encourage you to advocate for yourself and not quit until a neurologist, rheumatologist, or any other Dr sees you. It's important to rule out diagnoses to get to the bottom of what creates your pain. This way you understand how to treat, or manage your symptoms in a more productive way.

Do you have a larger medical hospital or medical college that you can get to? Have you specifically asked your general doctor to refer you to a specialist?

I'm no Dr. and can't diagnose, but it sounds as if you have nerve pain, perhaps from neuropathy. A neurologist can evaluate an rule out different types of neuropathy via tests or skin biopsy.

The fact that you mention discomforts since childhood, brings me to Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS). This is a chronic pain syndrome that can play unexplainable havoc throughout your body. Hence IBS, anxiety, nerve, joint, muscle pain, sensory issues. I have attached a video from the Mayo Clinic's Dr. Sletten explaining CSS:
https://youtu.be/8defN4iIbho
Will you please let me know your thoughts on the video? Please feel free to add more info about yourself so other members can offer their help.

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WOW-thank you for this video. I have full body-pain-stinging-burning-parathesias-fasciculations-cramping-Multiple tests-MRI’s-skin biopsy-50 tubes of blood later-still no answers?? No surgeries-no impressive back issues-no diabetes. Only symptom is low IGM 35 and my mom had neuralgia. I have a wonderful GP-but his suggestion (after many tests)is-you can spend the rest of your life looking for an answer or let me treat your pain.
So I see a counselor- take 900mg of gabapentin and 30 mg of Nortripline. I question the gabapentins effectiveness. I tiered down from 1800mg.to 900mg. The Nortripline helps me sleep and cuts the pain a little. Trying to explain this to my family is so hard. I feel the constant need to tell them about my pain. They must be so tired of hearing it but they love me.This video is priceless-thank you.I am “Tired”-of hearing -“But you look so good”- When I don’t even recognize this body with all its wires crossed.

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@noanswers

WOW-thank you for this video. I have full body-pain-stinging-burning-parathesias-fasciculations-cramping-Multiple tests-MRI’s-skin biopsy-50 tubes of blood later-still no answers?? No surgeries-no impressive back issues-no diabetes. Only symptom is low IGM 35 and my mom had neuralgia. I have a wonderful GP-but his suggestion (after many tests)is-you can spend the rest of your life looking for an answer or let me treat your pain.
So I see a counselor- take 900mg of gabapentin and 30 mg of Nortripline. I question the gabapentins effectiveness. I tiered down from 1800mg.to 900mg. The Nortripline helps me sleep and cuts the pain a little. Trying to explain this to my family is so hard. I feel the constant need to tell them about my pain. They must be so tired of hearing it but they love me.This video is priceless-thank you.I am “Tired”-of hearing -“But you look so good”- When I don’t even recognize this body with all its wires crossed.

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Have you seen this discussion? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-pain-rehabilitation-program/

Many of us suffer from explained or unexplained pain that can be traced back to crazily overactive nerves, Centralized Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) and have benefited from consultation with a pain management clinic or doctor, who can teach us many strategies to manage and live with pain.

Have you seen a pain management doctor?
Sue

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@colorbug

I only wish I could have a job that required being in water and coloring 😂

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Hello @colorbug

It's been a while since you last posted. How are you feeling? Have you found any help dealing with your nerve pain?

I'd enjoy hearing from you. Who you post an update?

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@hopeful33250

Hello @colorbug

It's been a while since you last posted. How are you feeling? Have you found any help dealing with your nerve pain?

I'd enjoy hearing from you. Who you post an update?

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Not doing to much better. Finally will see neurologist and have nerve test done. Appreciate everyone's input. So glad I contacted Mayo. Will keep you posted on what I find out..

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