Hello Shana @irishdoe, Welcome to Connect. I know it's difficult giving up activities you love due to having so much pain and that is a challenge in itself. Adding the pain and a young family and it's really hard to imagine dealing with it. I'm hoping you find some answers when you get to Mayo Clinic.

Are you going to Mayo Clinic for the Pain Rehabilitation Program? If so, you might find the following discussion helpful -- Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Program: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-pain-rehabilitation-program/

Many times the Federal Government's involvement causes more problems. Such as advising physicians to avoid prescribing opioids. Meanwhile street use of the narcotics is running rampant and someone trying to obtain legal and supervised use of the medications is told no. Thus, leaving little else than to suffer w/ the pain or turn to illicit purchase of narcotics with a greater chance of addiction and overdosing, and further exasperating the so-called war on drugs.

If your symptoms have been ignored then the cause of your problems may have been misdiagnosed,. Some of the things you mentioned-feet, knees , etc sound like some of the things I have been suffering with. But I know the cause of my issues (never successfully diagnosed) is Lyme Disease. I contracted it in 1992 after pulling off a large engorged tick. You have been out in the woods "hiking, hunting, fishing" . If I were in your position I would be on the internet researching that possibility because very few dr.'s will test. Additionally, typical treatments are not very helpful in the long run. Antibiotics may alleviate your symptoms but do nothing to provide a complete cure.

Hello @irishdoe, welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing your journey thus far. I'm sorry to read of your physical set backs, especially with young children. Your story speaks to me, as I shared a similar path. I have an understanding of how frustrated you must feel.

Getting to the root cause of your pain can be a real pain in and of itself. I see you are going to Mayo for evaluation. That's awesome! I certainly hope you will gain more clarity by process of elimination.

@johnbishop referred you to a thread that I began on the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center (PRC). As you keep persevering to find proper diagnosis, please keep in mind the rehab center provides new direction for chronic pain sufferers. I attended last year and it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself.

I'm rooting for you Shana, and here to answer any questions, should you have them. Best of luck with your upcoming visit to Mayo. Will you please keep us posted on your progress?

Some Dr.s still prescribe narcotics for pain. Try finding one that is part of a hospital clinical staff and sees patience. It appears they may not be as reluctant to prescribe, at least, limited quantities of narcotics to help you tolerate the pain.