I would like to join this discussion. I have had chronic back pain since 2004. Now I am suffering chronic joint pain since 2009. I haven't worked since 2009. Where is your chronic pain?

LDB,
I am sorry to hear about your pain. I have been dealing with about the same since 2004. How were you able to be seen by the Mayo Clinic? I wish you the best of luck with your pain.

Jami:

I am TRULY sorry for your pain. Each of us carry a special burden that few can comprehend. I can not understand your pain and you don't understand mine. Depending on what we find out over the next 5 weeks, I could be nearing the end of my options and my journey. God will do what God will do and that's fine now.

Two years ago I was using 300mg of Morphine and 100 Mcg of Fentanyl a day. This was not living!!! I had exhausted all of the local Neurologists and I even had an SCS ( spinal cord stimulator) installed....which did NOT help me.

We spent 18 months fighting with our Insurance to allow us to go " out of network"....up to Mayo. We had two letters from Neurologists as required by them. Then they changed their rules and we had to start over.

By the grace of God, a doctor friend, wrote a referral for me to see my first doctor at Mayo. This is what got me into their system. There was test after test, consults, and additional follow ups. Then one fantastic doctor in the Pain Clinic put the story together for me. He told me to get off the narcotics or they would kill me. So, I took the hard route and attended the PRC Pain Rehabilation Center. I came off the drugs while learning alternative techniques to manage pain. (withdraw sucks :-))

It's been two years since I used any narcotics but now my spinal cord syndrome has progressed and I need additional medical help. It seems a long story but this is actually the short version.

My lessons to all would to be persistent. Tell your story clearly to Mayo so they can understand your situation. These doctors are incredibly busy! Finally, be honest as you describe your symptoms to them. They are experts and they can see right through us :-)!!!

Good luck to all. 🙂

I have suffered with fibromylgia and psoriatic arthritis for many years. I now also have deteriorating disc disease. I am taking Embrel injections once a week. It lets me feel better. I also take cymbalta for my fibromylgia. I also take 600mg of ibuprofen 3x a day for my neck and back. Some times I hurt any way. Then I have no energy. I spend the day in bed. Maybe you can look into these drugs. I can not live without them. Hope this helps.