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Chronic pain since 10 years
Hello,
I'll try to keep this brief.
For more than 10 years, my 40-year-old brother has been suffering from chronic back pain. It started seemingly at random and has only gotten worse over time.
In addition to that, part of his back has become numb.
His pain is described as burning and electric-shock-like, and it often makes him scream in agony. The affected areas of his back seem to be expanding over the years. Even something as simple as wearing a T-shirt can trigger severe pain episodes, as can walking on hard surfaces.
He can no longer move around normally, sit comfortably, or carry things.
Neurologists and pain clinics have been unable to find any explanation or effective treatment.
He also eventually developed epilepsy. When he has seizures, we almost always have to call an ambulance because they do not stop on their own.
He is already being treated for epilepsy with multiple medications, which cause numerous side effects.
He simply no longer has a life. We live in Belgium, and he has seen virtually every specialist and expert in the region.
Who should we turn to now? We are running out of options, and this situation has become unbearable.
Thank you.
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Could it be fibromyalgia or some form of neuropathy? Surely though based on all the specialist involved this has been discussed. Best of luck.
I think that he doesn't fit all the things for the fibromyalgia.
Thank you 🙁
@chronicpain223 How awful for your brother. Certainly sounds like some kind of neuropathy. I am not a doctor, but my neuropathy gives some of the same symptoms... numbness, electric shocks, and burning. All things which bother me. Did the docs perform an EMG to determine how the nerves are doing? I wish you well on your journey for your brother.
Hello,
So very sorry for what your brother is going through and also you as a caregiver.
Has your brother been diagnosed with any nerve conditions at all? Has he had any nerve related tests such as an EMG/Nerve conduction or biopsy, or sweat and tilt test? If not, tests need to be done to either rule in or out nerve related conditions.
I wish your brother and you the best and hope you’ll be able to find some answers soon.
Take care and try to both of you keep your spirits up as much as humanly possible,
gus
@heisenberg34
Hello
Yes, multiples EMG have been done, with not much found out unfortunately.
Thank you
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1 Reaction@chronicpain223 One would think that with all the advances being done in modern medicine, that some kind of diagnosis and treatment plan could be developed. I can almost guarantee that if these kind of things happened to a star NFL QB, there would be a host of specialists working around the clock to help him. This is almost shameful. My prayers go up for your brother.
@heisenberg34
Thank you, I think the same.
Myself have big chronic health issue, and I often think that if I Was Musk, I would be already cured lol
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Indeed! We just have to keep on keeping on. Perhaps one of our community will get results and be able to share with the rest of us.