Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I am Shana. Up until 2013, I was very active with hiking, hunting, fishing, running daily. Preparing to return to work as a registered nurse in a trauma center, after my littles started school. Then, while training for a Half Marathon, I hit a wall. I just couldn’t anymore. My feet became too painful to walk on, my knees inflamed and useless. I had no energy. Couldn’t get up off the couch, wanted to sleep all day. My fingers, hands, wrists wouldn’t hold a coffee cup, they hurt so badly. But I pushed through because I had 3 & 4 year old daughters home at the time. My GP sent me to a rheumatologist and she ran a ton of tests. Diagnosed me with seronegative RA, ignoring many other symptoms. Fast forward to 2021, after failing several dmards and Biologics, spending years in pain, I’m headed to the Mayo Clinic in November.

Pain control would be wonderful, but doctors don’t want to give narcotics anymore. I’ve been given 30 lortab 5/500 and they are to last me a month. “Take one a day for bad pain days.” Seriously. I take many hot baths, use ice and heating pads. I can’t do massages anymore (right now) due to pandemic. It’s so frustrating.

I don't even know where to begin! I started having orthopedic issues about 30 years ago with multiple scopes done to clean up my right knee that had been injured in an auto accident. That went on to need major open knee surgery in 2005. I also have a genetic condition called Haglund's Deformity in both feet. I had surgery on my right Achilles in 2010 and just had the left one done this year - with this one, they had to remove about 6" of the damaged tendon, so the remained is stretched super tight now causing calf and knee pain. In addition, I broke a bone on the top of my foot that required surgery and also had joint damage, and broke my right ankle three years ago and have hardware in my right ankle. Some of these surgeries left unresolved issues, and all of them have resulted in major arthritis. They've also diagnosed me with arthritis in my back and shoulders as well as elbows. I have constant chronic pain body-wide. The leg/foot issues have caused not only pain in my legs when I walk or stand too long - but has now caused hip and lower back pain. Something hurts every day - sometimes multiple areas. I now use a mobility scooter for shopping or outings where I will be walking or standing for long periods. It gets very frustrating because I feel embarrassed that I'm always in pain. I worry that my friends and family get sick of hearing it, and I'm just tired of not feeling well.

My name is EDNA.I just join the group.I had an upper endoscopy 2 days ago.The doctor found one no bleeding gastric ulcer.She said was 7mm in largest dimension.She also took a biopsy for pylori testing.It was outpatient.I was home within 2hours of the procedure. She prescribed OmeprazoleDr. 20 mg capsule. I have not taken the med yet because the phamasist indicated that interacts with my thyroid medication .Both need to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach 30 min. Before eating.I am also eating gluten free,dairy and egg free. I am new to all this. I am 75 years old.and I only take Syntroid but I take a lot of supplements.Should I see a dietitian for an eating plan ?.Any suggestions ?.I will appreciate your comments.

My name is EDNA.I just join the group.I had an upper endoscopy 2 days ago.The doctor found one no bleeding gastric ulcer.She said was 7mm in largest dimension.She also took a biopsy for pylori testing.It was outpatient.I was home within 2hours of the procedure. She prescribed OmeprazoleDr. 20 mg capsule. I have not taken the med yet because the phamasist indicated that interacts with my thyroid medication .Both need to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach 30 min. Before eating.I am also eating gluten free,dairy and egg free. I am new to all this. I am 75 years old.and I only take Syntroid but I take a lot of supplements.Should I see a dietitian for an eating plan ?.Any suggestions ?.I will appreciate your comments.

My name is EDNA.I just join the group.I had an upper endoscopy 2 days ago.The doctor found one no bleeding gastric ulcer.She said was 7mm in largest dimension.She also took a biopsy for pylori testing.It was outpatient.I was home within 2hours of the procedure. She prescribed OmeprazoleDr. 20 mg capsule. I have not taken the med yet because the phamasist indicated that interacts with my thyroid medication .Both need to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach 30 min. Before eating.I am also eating gluten free,dairy and egg free. I am new to all this. I am 75 years old.and I only take Syntroid but I take a lot of supplements.Should I see a dietitian for an eating plan ?.Any suggestions ?.I will appreciate your comments.

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/

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.

I’m headed to Mayo for a “better diagnosis”. Our two younger daughters have a rare AutoInflammatory disease (genetic) called TRAPS and three of our girls have EDS.

I am Shana. Up until 2013, I was very active with hiking, hunting, fishing, running daily. Preparing to return to work as a registered nurse in a trauma center, after my littles started school. Then, while training for a Half Marathon, I hit a wall. I just couldn’t anymore. My feet became too painful to walk on, my knees inflamed and useless. I had no energy. Couldn’t get up off the couch, wanted to sleep all day. My fingers, hands, wrists wouldn’t hold a coffee cup, they hurt so badly. But I pushed through because I had 3 & 4 year old daughters home at the time. My GP sent me to a rheumatologist and she ran a ton of tests. Diagnosed me with seronegative RA, ignoring many other symptoms. Fast forward to 2021, after failing several dmards and Biologics, spending years in pain, I’m headed to the Mayo Clinic in November.

Pain control would be wonderful, but doctors don’t want to give narcotics anymore. I’ve been given 30 lortab 5/500 and they are to last me a month. “Take one a day for bad pain days.” Seriously. I take many hot baths, use ice and heating pads. I can’t do massages anymore (right now) due to pandemic. It’s so frustrating.

I don't even know where to begin! I started having orthopedic issues about 30 years ago with multiple scopes done to clean up my right knee that had been injured in an auto accident. That went on to need major open knee surgery in 2005. I also have a genetic condition called Haglund's Deformity in both feet. I had surgery on my right Achilles in 2010 and just had the left one done this year - with this one, they had to remove about 6" of the damaged tendon, so the remained is stretched super tight now causing calf and knee pain. In addition, I broke a bone on the top of my foot that required surgery and also had joint damage, and broke my right ankle three years ago and have hardware in my right ankle. Some of these surgeries left unresolved issues, and all of them have resulted in major arthritis. They've also diagnosed me with arthritis in my back and shoulders as well as elbows. I have constant chronic pain body-wide. The leg/foot issues have caused not only pain in my legs when I walk or stand too long - but has now caused hip and lower back pain. Something hurts every day - sometimes multiple areas. I now use a mobility scooter for shopping or outings where I will be walking or standing for long periods. It gets very frustrating because I feel embarrassed that I'm always in pain. I worry that my friends and family get sick of hearing it, and I'm just tired of not feeling well.