1. < Autoimmune Diseases

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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healthytoday | @healthytoday | Oct 12, 2021
In reply to @top "I go for physio for my pain and discomfort. Shock wave therapy helps somewhat. It is..." + (show)
@top

I go for physio for my pain and discomfort. Shock wave therapy helps somewhat. It is important to calm your nerves. Gradually things improve. Hang in there.

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Look online at which foods promote nerve health and eat alot of it. That's what I did before the second vaccine covid, and had a smooth ride.

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healthytoday | @healthytoday | Oct 12, 2021

I wonder about what you eat?

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mnblue50 | @mnblue50 | Oct 13, 2021
In reply to @rwinney "Hello @colorbug, welcome to Connect. You most definitely have come to the right place for community..." + (show)
@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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Just learned this: you must see a nerve specialists because neurosurgeons only know bones and nothing about nerves. Try Stanford or Mayo for this speciality.

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1 reply
noanswers | @noanswers | Oct 13, 2021

I live in Connecticut where would I find a nerve specialist?

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4 replies
yellowdoggirl | @yellowdoggirl | Oct 13, 2021
In reply to @noanswers "I live in Connecticut where would I find a nerve specialist?" + (show)
@noanswers

I live in Connecticut where would I find a nerve specialist?

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Try Yale medical school

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yellowdoggirl | @yellowdoggirl | Oct 14, 2021
In reply to @noanswers "I live in Connecticut where would I find a nerve specialist?" + (show)
@noanswers

I live in Connecticut where would I find a nerve specialist?

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Or UCONN

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mnblue50 | @mnblue50 | Oct 14, 2021

Inquire at a top medical school about nerve specialty neurosurgeons. Get several names then keep calling to ask questions. Don't let any doctor throw you to pain management. That is where they send you when they don't know what the hell is wrong with you.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Oct 14, 2021
In reply to @mnblue50 "Just learned this: you must see a nerve specialists because neurosurgeons only know bones and nothing..." + (show)
@mnblue50

Just learned this: you must see a nerve specialists because neurosurgeons only know bones and nothing about nerves. Try Stanford or Mayo for this speciality.

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Here is a definition of a neurosurgeon - A neurosurgeon is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, nerves, intracranial, and intraspinal vasculature. A neurosurgeon may complete additional training with a Spine Fellowship and specialize in spine surgery (from: https://www.spine-health.com/glossary/neurosurgeon)
There is also a specialty called neurology, defined as: Neurologists are highly trained clinicians capable of diagnosing complex conditions through detailed history and physical examination, including testing of mental status, vision, speech, strength, sensation, coordination, reflexes, and gait. Even as medicine becomes more dependent on technology, the neurological exam will remain a critical component of the patient evaluation

A trained doctor may do both diagnosis and surgery, or just one of the two.

Perhaps you meant an orthopedic surgeon concentrates on bones?
Sue

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1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 14, 2021
In reply to @colorbug "Not doing to much better. Finally will see neurologist and have nerve test done. Appreciate everyone's..." + (show)
@colorbug

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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@colorbug Im so glad that you have an appointment! Will someone, who can take notes and hear the discussion, be going with you?
When is your appointment?

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 14, 2021
In reply to @noanswers "I live in Connecticut where would I find a nerve specialist?" + (show)
@noanswers

I live in Connecticut where would I find a nerve specialist?

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@noanswers Are you trying to find a nerve specialist or neurologist for a specific problem? You might start by asking your GP for a referral to the best neurologist in the state. You can also google. “Medical centers of excellence in Connecticut”
Will you try it and get back to me?

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