Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hi, I don't know if people still use this chat but I don't have anyone else to talk to about this so I'll give it a shot anyway. I just turned 20 last month and like any other 20 year olds, I should be exploring and having the time of my life. I started getting pain when I was in the 6th or 7th grade. It started with the back and everybody was kind of convinced that maybe my backpack was too heavy for my small frame. After some testing, I was told that I had minor scoliosis but that it was so minor that they couldn't treat me for it. Since then I've had more and more symptoms. Things really hit its peak towards the end of my junior year in high school. I started having pain in my spine, mysterious bruises, pain in my hips and down my legs, tingling in my legs, shortness of breath, chronic migraines, insomnia, and so much more. It's gotten to a point now where sitting, laying, or standing in one position for too long can cause pain. I can't even walk for more than 40 minutes before I have to take a break. Even through all this, I had such a hard time with getting people to believe that my pain was real. Parents, siblings, friends, and most especially doctors. Everybody thought that I was too young and healthy looking to be in pain. That perhaps I don't drink enough water or exercise enough. I had to force doctors to listen to me and they only really started paying attention when I was 18. I've been to multiple specialists, had blood drawn for so many panels, tons of x rays, and I've even had a brain MRI. Slowly, everybody stopped believing me.
However, recently I had a full DEXA scan which shows bone density. They found that I had osteopenia (which is a step before osteoporosis) in two different areas. They also found that I have osteoporosis in my left femoral neck which is the bone that connects my left hip to my left leg. My new pain management doctor was very surprised because it's usually found in the elderly and I was 19 at the time. He knows that somethings wrong it's just taking a while to find it. He ordered me to have a full MRI of my spine and another X Ray of my hip so I'm currently waiting for those results. I know that my situation could be a lot worse but I'm not afraid to admit that I'm scared and I'm sad. It sucks that my friends get to experience so much of the world even when it's too hard for me to do the same. I know that I can but it's harder because my body can't take a lot.
I'm open to any suggestions on how to better manage pain, preferably without so much medication (had a bad accident with it so I'm nervous to take too much). Thanks.

Hi, I don't know if people still use this chat but I don't have anyone else to talk to about this so I'll give it a shot anyway. I just turned 20 last month and like any other 20 year olds, I should be exploring and having the time of my life. I started getting pain when I was in the 6th or 7th grade. It started with the back and everybody was kind of convinced that maybe my backpack was too heavy for my small frame. After some testing, I was told that I had minor scoliosis but that it was so minor that they couldn't treat me for it. Since then I've had more and more symptoms. Things really hit its peak towards the end of my junior year in high school. I started having pain in my spine, mysterious bruises, pain in my hips and down my legs, tingling in my legs, shortness of breath, chronic migraines, insomnia, and so much more. It's gotten to a point now where sitting, laying, or standing in one position for too long can cause pain. I can't even walk for more than 40 minutes before I have to take a break. Even through all this, I had such a hard time with getting people to believe that my pain was real. Parents, siblings, friends, and most especially doctors. Everybody thought that I was too young and healthy looking to be in pain. That perhaps I don't drink enough water or exercise enough. I had to force doctors to listen to me and they only really started paying attention when I was 18. I've been to multiple specialists, had blood drawn for so many panels, tons of x rays, and I've even had a brain MRI. Slowly, everybody stopped believing me.
However, recently I had a full DEXA scan which shows bone density. They found that I had osteopenia (which is a step before osteoporosis) in two different areas. They also found that I have osteoporosis in my left femoral neck which is the bone that connects my left hip to my left leg. My new pain management doctor was very surprised because it's usually found in the elderly and I was 19 at the time. He knows that somethings wrong it's just taking a while to find it. He ordered me to have a full MRI of my spine and another X Ray of my hip so I'm currently waiting for those results. I know that my situation could be a lot worse but I'm not afraid to admit that I'm scared and I'm sad. It sucks that my friends get to experience so much of the world even when it's too hard for me to do the same. I know that I can but it's harder because my body can't take a lot.
I'm open to any suggestions on how to better manage pain, preferably without so much medication (had a bad accident with it so I'm nervous to take too much). Thanks.

Hi, I don't know if people still use this chat but I don't have anyone else to talk to about this so I'll give it a shot anyway. I just turned 20 last month and like any other 20 year olds, I should be exploring and having the time of my life. I started getting pain when I was in the 6th or 7th grade. It started with the back and everybody was kind of convinced that maybe my backpack was too heavy for my small frame. After some testing, I was told that I had minor scoliosis but that it was so minor that they couldn't treat me for it. Since then I've had more and more symptoms. Things really hit its peak towards the end of my junior year in high school. I started having pain in my spine, mysterious bruises, pain in my hips and down my legs, tingling in my legs, shortness of breath, chronic migraines, insomnia, and so much more. It's gotten to a point now where sitting, laying, or standing in one position for too long can cause pain. I can't even walk for more than 40 minutes before I have to take a break. Even through all this, I had such a hard time with getting people to believe that my pain was real. Parents, siblings, friends, and most especially doctors. Everybody thought that I was too young and healthy looking to be in pain. That perhaps I don't drink enough water or exercise enough. I had to force doctors to listen to me and they only really started paying attention when I was 18. I've been to multiple specialists, had blood drawn for so many panels, tons of x rays, and I've even had a brain MRI. Slowly, everybody stopped believing me.
However, recently I had a full DEXA scan which shows bone density. They found that I had osteopenia (which is a step before osteoporosis) in two different areas. They also found that I have osteoporosis in my left femoral neck which is the bone that connects my left hip to my left leg. My new pain management doctor was very surprised because it's usually found in the elderly and I was 19 at the time. He knows that somethings wrong it's just taking a while to find it. He ordered me to have a full MRI of my spine and another X Ray of my hip so I'm currently waiting for those results. I know that my situation could be a lot worse but I'm not afraid to admit that I'm scared and I'm sad. It sucks that my friends get to experience so much of the world even when it's too hard for me to do the same. I know that I can but it's harder because my body can't take a lot.
I'm open to any suggestions on how to better manage pain, preferably without so much medication (had a bad accident with it so I'm nervous to take too much). Thanks.

Hi Rachel and everyone. My CRPS is continuing to progress. It started on left upper body and in last week continued now to right upper body and in last 48 hours into my left toe.
I saw on this sight a treatment called Ketamine Pain Treatments. I've followed up and found that the head doctor at UPMC Pittsburgh, Pa. pain manag ,Where I live, does these and called his office this morning. His nurse told me that he was booked until late January. I explained my situation. I recieved a call back an hour later that they had a cancellation. on 1/9/23. I jumped at it. I understand that the Ketamine treatment is not covered buy any insurance.
Any idea how much each treatment will cost me? Depending on haw much I may have to do a reverse mortgage on my home.Pleae respond from anyone as how much this will cost me. Please advise. Thank's Darryl

Hi, I don't know if people still use this chat but I don't have anyone else to talk to about this so I'll give it a shot anyway. I just turned 20 last month and like any other 20 year olds, I should be exploring and having the time of my life. I started getting pain when I was in the 6th or 7th grade. It started with the back and everybody was kind of convinced that maybe my backpack was too heavy for my small frame. After some testing, I was told that I had minor scoliosis but that it was so minor that they couldn't treat me for it. Since then I've had more and more symptoms. Things really hit its peak towards the end of my junior year in high school. I started having pain in my spine, mysterious bruises, pain in my hips and down my legs, tingling in my legs, shortness of breath, chronic migraines, insomnia, and so much more. It's gotten to a point now where sitting, laying, or standing in one position for too long can cause pain. I can't even walk for more than 40 minutes before I have to take a break. Even through all this, I had such a hard time with getting people to believe that my pain was real. Parents, siblings, friends, and most especially doctors. Everybody thought that I was too young and healthy looking to be in pain. That perhaps I don't drink enough water or exercise enough. I had to force doctors to listen to me and they only really started paying attention when I was 18. I've been to multiple specialists, had blood drawn for so many panels, tons of x rays, and I've even had a brain MRI. Slowly, everybody stopped believing me.
However, recently I had a full DEXA scan which shows bone density. They found that I had osteopenia (which is a step before osteoporosis) in two different areas. They also found that I have osteoporosis in my left femoral neck which is the bone that connects my left hip to my left leg. My new pain management doctor was very surprised because it's usually found in the elderly and I was 19 at the time. He knows that somethings wrong it's just taking a while to find it. He ordered me to have a full MRI of my spine and another X Ray of my hip so I'm currently waiting for those results. I know that my situation could be a lot worse but I'm not afraid to admit that I'm scared and I'm sad. It sucks that my friends get to experience so much of the world even when it's too hard for me to do the same. I know that I can but it's harder because my body can't take a lot.
I'm open to any suggestions on how to better manage pain, preferably without so much medication (had a bad accident with it so I'm nervous to take too much). Thanks.

Hi I'm Suzi,
I tried to find a group dealing with lymphedema because I am having so much pain. I thought I wrote something to introduce myself already, but can't find it. After six surgeries on my right foot to fix my right big toe, I have chronic lymphedema. I had a great surgeon who tried to replace the cartilage but my body rejected everything he used. He fused it so I don't feel bone on bone with every step. I needed more surgeries to have all the metal and screws taken out as soon as my bone fused. Now I have damaged lymph nodes that cause constant swelling and pain. The pain started five years ago, but the lymphedema is from the surgeries the last three years. I count my blessings but I am frustrated because only those with constant pain can understand. I've had PT and now have a pump to help move the harmful fluid out. Naproxen and tylenol help a little. We are a military family, serving for four generations. I know this is so minor compared to the men and women who've lost limbs and have terrible wounds. I feel guilty complaining at all. Thought someone in this group might understand and have suggestions. Thanks

Hi Suzi, It's easy to find your previous posts. Just click on you profile icon at the top of any Connect screen and select Profile & settings which takes you to your profile description. On the left side of the screen click on Comments and you can view any of your previous comments.

There are quite a few discussions on lymphedema. If you go to the Connect home page by clicking on Connect at the top left side of any page on Connect it will take you to the home page. Here's the direct link to the home page - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/. Once on the home page, type lymphedema in the search box directly above the list of discussions and press Enter. Then you will see the list of discussions for lymphedema. See the attached screen example.

Here's a discussion one on legs:
-- Lymphedema in legs: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lymphedema-in-legs/

Hope this helps.

John,
Thanks for your help. I will try the links you gave me. Sorry for any duplication.
Suzi

I wear zippered compression socks to control the swelling in my legs but it doesn't help with the discomfort. Has your doctor recommended compression socks?