1. < Chronic Pain
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Mystery 10/10 pain, getting hard to keep going

Posted by bellamarielongo @bellamarielongo, 3 days ago

I will try to keep this as short as possible.
I’m a 23yr old female. In 2023 I began having symptoms suddenly and they progressed over time, the only diagnosis I have so far is POTS and a reversal of the natural curve of my cervical spine. I feel like there’s something more going on, I am in so much pain everyday I can’t do anything. My spine is the worst.. it’s my entire cervical and thoracic spine - I’ve had mris of any they were normal. It’s constant aching pain 10/10 over the counter pain meds do nothing. It’s also started to be accompanied by extreme pressure in the back of my neck / head and spine to the point where it makes me feel like I’m going to blackout because I’m not getting enough blood to my brain ( that’s what it feels like ). There’s a few other symptoms I have but they aren’t as relevant- my main concern is what is causing this amount of pain.. I had to quit my job I do nothing but lay in bed, if I try to go out and about it’s awful .. my quality of life is pretty much little to none at this point. I’ve tried trigger point shots - nothing .. I’m on gabapentin it does nothing .. I’m so tired and I’m in so much pain i don’t know what to do anymore but I can’t live like this and i desperately need help.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

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rhunt47 | @rhunt47 | 3 days ago

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. Your pain sounds musleskeletal. I have chronic nerve pain and joint pain, so I feel for you, it's awful to be in pain everyday. But I have spinal stenosis and cervial disc disease problems. Ice is your best friend, it will help. I hope you find help soon.

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laura1970 | @laura1970 | 3 days ago

Are you able to sleep? With severe chronic pain, sleep can be an issue which furthers the pain cycle

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crbarefoot | @crbarefoot | 3 days ago

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am not a professional but suggest you look into Slipping Rib Syndrome. It typically involves pain in the front but many people only have back pain. It is rare and often goes undiagnosed for years,
It can be debilitating. . It does not show up on an MRI or regular CT. The CT needs to be converted to 3 D for the cartilage to show. It is basically when the false ribs 8-10 are disconnected from the cartilage that connects them to the sternum. Just a suggestion. There are multiple Facebook groups that provide a great deal of information and people on there can also convert your CT into 3D if you choose to investigate. I wish you a clear diagnosis and comfort. and all the best. Again, just an idea but there are corrective surgeries.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 3 days ago
In reply to @crbarefoot "I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am not a professional but..." + (show)
Profile picture for crbarefoot @crbarefoot

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am not a professional but suggest you look into Slipping Rib Syndrome. It typically involves pain in the front but many people only have back pain. It is rare and often goes undiagnosed for years,
It can be debilitating. . It does not show up on an MRI or regular CT. The CT needs to be converted to 3 D for the cartilage to show. It is basically when the false ribs 8-10 are disconnected from the cartilage that connects them to the sternum. Just a suggestion. There are multiple Facebook groups that provide a great deal of information and people on there can also convert your CT into 3D if you choose to investigate. I wish you a clear diagnosis and comfort. and all the best. Again, just an idea but there are corrective surgeries.

Jump to this post

@crbarefoot I thought I would chime in to add a link to a discussion that will provide more information on slipping rib syndrome to see if the symptoms sound like what @bellamarielongo is experiencing. @mistydawn @bude @stacey01 and others have posted in the slipping rib syndrome discussion and may have some suggestions also.

-- Is anyone familiar with slipping rib syndrome?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/slipping-rib-syndrome/

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heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 3 days ago

@bellamarielongo It must be very frustrating to have to deal with so much at such a young age. Chronic pain can rob us of so much joy. Are you going to any kind of doctor? You should be able to get pain meds directed at your pain. A pain management doc or neurologist may be a good start. I am sure that all of us here wish you well on your pain journey.

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | 3 days ago
In reply to @crbarefoot "I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am not a professional but..." + (show)
Profile picture for crbarefoot @crbarefoot

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am not a professional but suggest you look into Slipping Rib Syndrome. It typically involves pain in the front but many people only have back pain. It is rare and often goes undiagnosed for years,
It can be debilitating. . It does not show up on an MRI or regular CT. The CT needs to be converted to 3 D for the cartilage to show. It is basically when the false ribs 8-10 are disconnected from the cartilage that connects them to the sternum. Just a suggestion. There are multiple Facebook groups that provide a great deal of information and people on there can also convert your CT into 3D if you choose to investigate. I wish you a clear diagnosis and comfort. and all the best. Again, just an idea but there are corrective surgeries.

Jump to this post

@crbarefoot

How is an existing MRI or CT converted to 3D? I thought it had to be obtained in 3D from the git go.

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1 reply
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rrenaut | @rrenaut | 3 days ago

a 3d does not need to be obtained from the git go, but will generally offer better resolution.
But you may find someone on the facebook groups who can help with the conversion. In any case, you would want to see a doctor for interpretation.

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bellamarielongo | @bellamarielongo | 3 days ago
In reply to @rhunt47 "I am so sorry you are in so much pain. Your pain sounds musleskeletal. I have..." + (show)
Profile picture for rhunt47 @rhunt47

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. Your pain sounds musleskeletal. I have chronic nerve pain and joint pain, so I feel for you, it's awful to be in pain everyday. But I have spinal stenosis and cervial disc disease problems. Ice is your best friend, it will help. I hope you find help soon.

Jump to this post

@rhunt47 thank you so much, I hope all is well with you and your pain is controlled < 3 my doctor recommended cymbalta but I’ve heard horror stories about the withdraw so I’m still looking for other options !

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bellamarielongo | @bellamarielongo | 3 days ago
In reply to @laura1970 "Are you able to sleep? With severe chronic pain, sleep can be an issue which furthers..." + (show)
Profile picture for laura1970 @laura1970

Are you able to sleep? With severe chronic pain, sleep can be an issue which furthers the pain cycle

Jump to this post

@laura1970 I can rarely sleep through the night, I’ve tried a lot to get a good nights sleep but for some reason the only time I get decent sleep around 10am -2pm

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Profile picture for bellamarielongo
bellamarielongo | @bellamarielongo | 3 days ago
In reply to @crbarefoot "I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am not a professional but..." + (show)
Profile picture for crbarefoot @crbarefoot

I am so sorry you are in so much pain. I am not a professional but suggest you look into Slipping Rib Syndrome. It typically involves pain in the front but many people only have back pain. It is rare and often goes undiagnosed for years,
It can be debilitating. . It does not show up on an MRI or regular CT. The CT needs to be converted to 3 D for the cartilage to show. It is basically when the false ribs 8-10 are disconnected from the cartilage that connects them to the sternum. Just a suggestion. There are multiple Facebook groups that provide a great deal of information and people on there can also convert your CT into 3D if you choose to investigate. I wish you a clear diagnosis and comfort. and all the best. Again, just an idea but there are corrective surgeries.

Jump to this post

@crbarefoot thank you !

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