I have been hurting for 10 months and there is no end in sight.

Posted by laelh @laelh, Jan 7, 2023

I had leg ablation surgery in March 2022 for veinous insufficiency. The inside of my leg was badly burned causing nerve damage. Then I had a torn meniscus in my left knee likely from walking incorrectly. The knee is fixed and now I have pain in my right leg and right knee. I had an MRI and determined I have mild stenosis in L3 and L4 in my back. I can't walk well, stand long and I was told I have arthritis in my left knee. What would be my next steps to try to get well? I do physical therapy exercises to strengthen my back.

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grannydee | @grannydee | Jan 8, 2023

it’s a bummer.
As someone with chronic pain, I don’t have a lot of options, due to back surgery, arthritis and EPI, ulcers.
I cannot take narcotics, NSAID’s or Tylenol due to EPI and substance abuse issues. I choose to follow a disciplined regimented lifestyle that includes safe exercise, non inflammatory nutrition and my faith and support from likeminded individuals.
Yes there are times when this is extremely difficult.
You may have more options in seeking pain relief and I encourage you to never stop advocating for yourself in your journey.
It’s definitely a challenge, and while there are many fellow warriors among us in this world that have similar circumstances, it’s easy to feel isolated in your dealings with chronic pain.
Please be encouraged and know that you have come to a good place to connect and hopefully find some options that will help improve your life. 🫶🏽

laelh | @laelh | Jan 8, 2023

In reply to @grannydee "it’s a bummer. As someone with chronic pain, I don’t have a lot of options, due..." + (show)

Thank you. I refuse to give up, but it is strange that seven doctors have not figured it out.

grannydee | @grannydee | Jan 8, 2023

In reply to @laelh "Thank you. I refuse to give up, but it is strange that seven doctors have not..." + (show)

So frustrating, I hope and pray that you find some answers. It took 30 years of misdiagnosis and misunderstanding until a PA in a Gastro office actually figured out it was EPI for me and by then there was so much damage that I’m fortunate to have survived. I’m still thankful though, and never giving up has served me well. I’m determined to live the best life that I can and hope you are too despite the circumstances and challenges before you. All the best

laelh | @laelh | Jan 9, 2023

You are so kind, and I greatly appreciate your encouragement.

sequoia | @sequoia | Jan 9, 2023

@laehl I’m so sorry you are in so much pain. If I may, I would recommend acupuncture. It may be able to help w/ your pain. It has worked for me. I had pain in my back for over a year. MRI, xRay showed no damage. Chiropractor was very helpful but not a fix for my problem. Strength training & yoga was very good but back pain still there. I finally was suggested acupuncture. She thinking it’s scar tissue from a surgery I had for breast cancer. I’ve had 5 sessions and it’s working excellent. It’s worth a try. Like you - I won’t give up. Stay strong! Blessings to you.

laelh | @laelh | Jan 9, 2023

In reply to @sequoia "@laehl I’m so sorry you are in so much pain. If I may, I would recommend..." + (show)

I will look into acupuncture. Thank you for the suggestion.

dmk | @dmk | Jan 10, 2023

So sorry to hear what you are going through. Find a therapist that has their DPT and other credentials to include the ability to do dry needling. Maybe strengthening your knees and legs will help. After I had my TKR my therapist noticed I was not walking correctly, imagine that! At 65😂 so now I walk correctly. Osteoarthritis is not fun I still tape my RTS and get dry needling done for pain management. A really good physical therapist can help.
After both my joint replacements I still to date do my exercise regimen that therapist gave me (RTS 2019, TKR,2021) just had cmc joint surgery on hand couldn’t do exercises for a few weeks, noticed a huge difference and not for the better. Back to exercising again. Better now.
Glad to hear you keep up back exercises, but maybe strengthening your knees and legs will help.

brianbellairs | @brianbellairs | Jan 10, 2023

I have massive pain also but not to the degree you have. I am ready to give up on the doctors. 14 months after TNR that leaves me unable to bend or straighten sufficiently.

I am looking at me. I am probably 30 lbs heavier than so should be and I am going to lose it to reduce the load and stress on my knee. Have tried everything else don’t want to manage
pain. I want to get
rid of it.

BTW Try gummies if legal in your area for pain.

rjmtwit | @rjmtwit | Jan 10, 2023

Acupuncture is a good idea for the pain ... but probably will not be a fix.
How about checking with the Mayo's hEDS people?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20362179
A hypermobile SI Joint can cause the kinds of issues you are talking about. It is the connection between the backbone and the hips and gait. Took me 6 Drs and 3 years to find that as my issue!
Good luck

margaretob | @margaretob | Jan 18, 2023

WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR DO I FIND FOR SEVERE ARTHRITIS/DIABETIC NEUROPATHY. BONE PAIN, NERVE PAIN LAST NIGHT WAS A HORROR STORY. TOOK TYLENOL, ADVIL AND WAITED AN HOUR AND TOOK TWO MOTRIN...FINALLY GOT A FEW HOURS SLEEP. FINGERS, NECK LEGS EVERYTHING HURTS YET. WHAT KIND OF DOCTOR CAN I SEE FOR THIS/ there are so many choices....Margaret