Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I don't know if I have already introduced myself here, so I will do it now just in case 🙂
My name is Michael, I have worked at Mayo for about 3 years and currently work as a DOS in transplant and love it here. I was recently diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), after a decade of gradual mobility loss, injuries and constant pain. I was tested for everything under the sun before finally being diagnosed. It was bittersweet - no more wondering if I was crazy, what the heck was wrong with me, worrying about being seen as a hypochondriac, etc. But it also confirmed that there really isn't much that can be done to help me. There is no cure and no real treatment. I was fitted for a wheelchair, which felt so defeating. I just picked it up and I am working on getting comfortable using it.

Hi, these forums are so helpful and supportive. I first joined the osteoporosis group, and now this. Going thru tests for lower leg pain and burning. Everything is negative at this point, but symptoms still with me. Some days are depressing, but I keep busy with life. I’m 72 and just started gabapentin. BTW, I find the cbd/thc roll on salve works wonders at night.

Hi, my name is Cynthia, 69 years old. Had childhood arthritis. Had special shoes and a brace when I was three for about 2 years. Fast forward, in 1983 I tried to stand up and hit the floor. I had a ankle fusion, did well for a while still in pain, but was able to walk. In 2002 I had a triple arthodesis on the same foot. Pain continued, but was able to function some on my feet. But each year pain increased every time I stand up or walk. I can only stand for about 15 to 20 minutes, I can only walk for about 5 minutes. My major pain is from my foot. The arthritis in the other parts of my body I am able to manage, but my foot pains never stop. I have had several braces, all types of shoes but none of them help. I do take pain medication. But the medication only calms the pain down, but never stop it. It depress me to need the medication. Chronic pain is something that not only effects you physically but mentally and emotionally.

Thank You for good wishes. I have not been on Cymbalta and I will mention it to the Neuro guy. I had to look up both meds because I was not familiar with their generic. Can not take Robaxin as it is hard on kidneys. Have some kidney damage with longtime use of Ibupropphen. I was taking that for years in-between the Vicoden I used 3Xday? My Primary MD would only give me the V at that dose. She had no understanding of my pain level. When some kidney damage was noted I took my self to a Pain Clinic. Where I was told no more NSAID's of any kind. Med dos increased & another 1 was added. Have had improvement but since April going backwards. Had multiple procedures done. Help sometimes. Have you ever considered those things they put inside you to help lesson the pain?
Sorry, talking too much about me. Realize all of you out there have your own horror stories. Where is your pain? Ice helps alot. Some use heat. Well thanks for listening. It is time to stop vomiting this story out. melissajessie

It's so good to hear your experiences and I'm sorry for your continued horrible pain. Your chronic pain doc sounds good. All mine did was do nerve blocks which didn't help. My pain is from nerve pain from spinal fusion and the need for a hip replacement but I have to wait 6 months for that. Temporarily I'm using hydrcondone, Valium, methocarbomal. I do use ice packs. I'm trying anything.
I hope you get some relief and feel better.

Hello,

My name is Hilda, I have being dealing with a lot of pain from Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis in the neck, legs, back and even hips. There days where i can't do thing because the pain is so much to even get up from bed. The weather play a part with fibromyalgia because we feel it before it come when it come to raining and weather change. I have tried everything from Cymbalta to Lyrics and i can say the experience is bad. The Cymbalta was giving me more anxiety then helping with the pain. I tried it for 1 year but don't help stop the pain or even feel better. Lyrica was a good medication it will help with the pain but it had side effect. The problem with Lyrica is that i gain a lot of weight taking it. I when from 159 to 240 in just 1 year and it was getting hard to lose the weight and more condition start coming out making more dangers to stay in the weight i had. I tried Acupuncture but it also don't work for my pain. Cant take Tylenol for pain seeing i have liver disease. I when with Medical Marijuana and i can say it help with pain and to sleep. Sometimes days can be hard but i still tried giving it a tried. Being in the ocean or pool is another thing they help with the pain sometimes. Anything that help with Fibromyalgia that anybody know please let me know. Thank you

Hi I to have had your problem and my eye doctor put plugs in my tear ducts. First he did something to measure size not quite sure what but when he put the plugs in no more fry eye. I can't believe you are still suffering with this your eye doc should be able to help you.
So sorry for your pain.

My name is Mike and I have crps for about 25 years. I look forward to anybody's input on how to deal with this. Thank you for letting me in your group , and may God bless you.

@sharonmay7 too - If I did not have opioids for my small fiber neuropathy, I would not be able to get out of bed everyday and go to work. I would not be able to do laundry for my family and tidy my house the little bit that I do. Without that work and little bit of life, I would probably give up. So, please do not try to get opioids taken away. They should be on a case by case basis. I have been told I will be in pain for the rest of my life. My disease picks and chooses days, picks and chooses parts of my body that will be in pain. . . mostly my arms, legs, hands and feet. However, my right flank never stops hurting, EVER since my two emergency surgeries in 2011 for blocked bowel and then to remove part of my colon 3 months later. I'm only 56 years old and I want the little bit of life I have. I pray they stop the abuse, but let the people that need it, get it.

Hello, I have Peripheral Neuropathy that came on within a week of getting the second COVID booster. I took Gabapentin first, but it made my ankle pain (OA from an old injury) much worse. I am now on Cymbalta 30mg which does get rid of the Neuropathy symptoms. However, lately my ankle is extremely painful again. Thinking I may have PRP or a STAR ankle put in. At any rate, I need to find a better way to manage my pain. So thought I’d follow this group.
Dee