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Excruciating chronic left side neck pain plus lumbar issues
Spine Health | Last Active: Nov 18, 2023 | Replies (360)Comment receiving replies
Hi Jennifer,
I have not slept for 6 days due to the extreme pain despite taking strong pain medication. I feel strong pain and numbness on both sides of the neck spreading towards the thoracic spine, then in my lower back, legs and feet, arms, hands, fingers, cervicogenic pain in throat and ear. My right shoulder is killing me and feels as if something is vibrating inside, like an electric current that comes on and off. I think that the nerves are getting damaged slowly. My anxiety has shot through the roof. I tried to listen to music and breathe slowly but the pain was overwhelming. I have a zoom appointment with the pain doctor today to explain what is happening. I fear for my health and my life because I don't understand what is happening. My doctors have only provided pain management medication in the last 4 months and some cortisone injections. I made the doctors aware that I am not feeling well.
I am getting pain in the left pec muscle, my pressure was 166/105 at 4am. It maybe related to the cervical pain, I don't know,
I am loosing hope.
Alfred
Replies to "@jenniferhunter Hi Jennifer, I have not slept for 6 days due to the extreme pain despite..."
Hello @ab6540183. Dealing with ongoing pain is so mentally draining, on top of the physical toll it takes. I think what @jenniferhunter shared is so true in that it may be helpful to consider tending to your mental health by way of a psychologist to talk through your fears and also your reality of pain. Is there a way for you to reach out to a professional to make that connection?
I have a family member who has intense neuropathy pain and none of the typical Rxs you'd think of for pain even touch it. He has been using Epsom salt baths, topical arnica cream, massage, and the occasional CBD gummy (1/4 to 1/2 of one) to get rest. Rest happens to be really critical for him, personally, and with the amount of pain on a daily basis, that can be challenging as you well know.
Have you tried anything on top of the pain medicine and breathing (which is really a wonderful addition to any pain management protocol)?
Don’t lose hope Alfred, it’s all we have. I have been dealing with pain for 8 years and went through chemo for lymphoma. Love and hope got me through. I am left with residual pain where they removed a tumor next to my sacrum, spinal stenosis and severe neuropathy.
But I am thankful that it was me at 63 than one of my children and grandchildren.
Distraction and movement have been the best pain relief for me: Hot Epson salt baths. Walking through landscapes, upbeat music
And hope that one day the pain will just go away
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@ab6540183
Alfred,
Do you have any new information from your doctors? Did you have a video conference?
Would you reach out to your psychologist to talk? Remember, you're not alone. You probably need a face to face discussion to help you cope. You are welcome here too, but a therapist in person can help so much more.
Right now you don't have information, so try not to worry about what you don't know. I know that is easier said than done. Just take it day by day and think about those kids. If you can think about gratitude for people or things you love, it helps push the fear away. That was part of my game plan too, and I made a point of thanking my surgeon before I went into spine surgery. I know you are waiting for an appointment, but you could think about the new surgeon and be grateful that you will be seeing him in a couple weeks. You could celebrate each day as a count down to that appointment. I used to look at a photo of my surgeon and say good morning everyday. That may sound silly, but anything that puts a smile on your face can help.
You might like this discussion about facing fear.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-can-i-defeat-my-anxiety-about-medical-tests-and-surgery/
I also liked this post and thought you might want to see it.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/819785/
Jennifer