Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

@teress221 I had two kidney surgeries. A couple of years later I developed chronic pain in my low back, sacrum, buttocks, hips and thighs. I've had two surgeries on my hip thinking that was the source of this new pain. After three years of therapy, injections, and testing, insurance change, having to change my therapist, etc. A fresh set of eyes and new perspective has come to light. The theory is that the kidney surgeries caused scar tissue and nerve entrapment, the source of my pain. I wonder if the chest tube caused the same perfect storm inside of you. The recommended treatment has been myofascial release. This is done with manipulative therapy. I had been getting a weekly (and extremely painful) deep tissue massage, but that's not what myofascial release entails. It's a very light touch. The first time I thought it was voodoo and what kind of quack is this. Laughingly I asked what I could expect over the next few days. She said I wasn't going to like her very well. Actually I HATED her over the next few days. I couldn't walk more than 90 seconds at a time. Then I got back to my baseline. While my husband was away from home for a vacation, I had my girlfriends over for a board game night. I spent the day cleaning my house and cooking and setting up card tables. By that night, I was having another flare in my pain. Back to 90 second walks again. I've seen this therapist a total of four times now. I can't believe how much improvement I've made since my first time!! One day last week and one day this week, I woke up with ZERO pain. Usually I toss and turn trying to get comfortable and when I can't take it any more I get up for the day. The first time I woke up with no pain, I literally thought I was dreaming. I was looking at my alarm clock thinking this is such a wonderful dream and I don't want to wake up, wishing myself back to sleep. Then my alarm went off and I realized I was awake! Of course my pain started up again once I was up and moving but what ecstasy to have those few moments after years of constant pain. I am a believer in this massage therapist! Problem is her availability. I only get in once every other week or so. There is an intensive program in Sedona AZ that I'm looking into. You get 3 hours daily of this therapy and it's 2-3 weeks long. I am so anxious for this pain to end and I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm ready to sprint to the finish line! I am trying to figure out how I can make it work with my finances, insurance, and time off from work. If you haven't tried myofascial release therapy, find a John Barnes trained therapist and give it a few sessions. They should be able to tell you at the first session if they feel scarring and can help you. I mention John Barnes therapists because many massage therapists believe they're trained in myofascial release but it's not the same thing. I've received both. There's a difference. If you're close to Sedona, I've heard that you can book appointments for a single session instead of the intensive program.

I have been dealing with Fibromyalgia for many years and have managed to rideout each episode. However, over the last few years the pain has increased, my nervous system is in overdrive and I have trouble performing the simplest of chores. I am in a constant flight or fight mode an unable to relax, socialize or enjoy any aspect of my life. Doctor to doctor and all they can tell me is you have FMS, sorry. I have had many types of injections and a spinal chord stimulator implanted. I live in the San Diego area and can not find a doctor who will take an interest in helping to improve my quality of life. Has anyone had success with any kind of treatment?

@pharis022 hi welcome to this wonderful group lots of people talk about Fibromyalgia ,me included Ive had it for a long time All the prescription meds didn't really help in one way or other .Finally I went holistic using a product called Fibro Malic from Vitacost .com As long as I take it I dont experience pain.I have osteoarthritis so am on Meloxicam for this. I do chair exercises water aerobics ,stay active .For tight muscles I have a Tens unit that relaxes my muscles ,isometric exercises will help.When Im on edge I take Nerve Tonic its a homeopathic med that works for me Its been a uphill battle since Dr,s dont know cause or cure so we Fibro warriors have to find out what helps .

@pharis022 Can you access Scripps Institute n La Jolla? I know from personal experience that the staff at Scripps Green are very good in their chosen specialties. Like you @lioness and others, I suffer from fibro, plus other autoimmune disorders. This sudden change in the weather has me flipping out.
Ginger

@ginger Thanks

@ginger I agree with you weather changes are not fun

Hi Ginger. I am certainly NOT happy ur flipping out from pain but at least there might b hope for me! I tried to sit straight and not hunched over- I am getting a fast advancing scoliosis- that is goving me mid and upper back spasms. Anyone give me any hints. I am very frightened as I live alone and my son's m i l lives in his basement. He has 4 kids and 3 brs and they r all up a flight of steps. I am worried about what will become of me. I am an unusual 74 y o with a much younger sort of bf. He gave me a massage which hurt but helped a lot. Cannot afford them every day and only see him on occasion. He lives 1 and a half hours away and if he works all day - usually 6 days a week, he is too tired to give me the long massage he did yesterday. He got rid - temporarily- of a lot of spasm. My family hates him and doesn't know I am still seeing him..
Even if I wanted him to live here it would be iimpossible and he is lazy. As my gf says he thinks he is on vacation. No no help there. So I am stuck. Any suggestions? Trying to get to PT but having a flare of of gastroparesis which causes me extreme fatigue.Thanks for listening.
Toni.K

@marcyk hope you don't mind me interjecting here. I heard that chiropractic treatment can help with scoliosis I live in a senior building and a man who has scoliosis ask me so I did ask my chiropractor he said he could help if its early . Just information for you I have a lot of back issues and use a Tens unit maybe before your byf. Massages he could put Tens on first it relaxes the muscles

@phariss022
I dealt with Fibro for many, many years until I came upon things that helped me. The regimen took approximately 2-3 years for it all to come together to help me. It's alot, but it worked.
1. I went on a low does of Amitriptalyn (spelling?), about 10 mg. This was used not as a psychotropic drug but as a drug to help me get into a deep, healing sleep.
2. I started aquatic PT. The warm water worked wonders.
3. I went for a THERAPUTIC massage every other week.
4. I went to a chiroprator in between.
5. I lost weight on Weight Watchers.
6. I started walking. My hubby actually had to drag me around until I could do it on my own.
7. Once I was able to walk on my on, I started to exercise....tread mill, weights, etc.
Now, although I no longer have Fibro pain, if someone presses in on one of those points, ouch!!
I did all this while I worked full time and went to graduate school.
Hope this helps.
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@grandmar yes those pressure points still hurt regardless of what we do.