Constant pain

Indie_Kid

Gentle exercise does help.

Ames

dazza-mac wrote: »

Whilst psychosomatic pain can occur - it's something that I think a lot of people find upsetting because I imagine they would feel like they are not being taken seriously and really puts them in a no win situation - if they keep complaining they're thought of as a nusiance, and if they just go away and suffer the pain then their life is no better.

Someone once told me that when doctors don't know the cause it can be very easy for them to imply that it's all 'in the mind' as it absolves them of any responsibility - when the possible reality is simply that the MRI scan didn't show up what was causing the problem. MRI scans don't show up everything so just because it may not show what is wrong with a particular patient, that doesn't mean there isn't anything wrong.

For years I had people (especially family) telling me that I was imagining the pain, or lying about it. It's been quite hard to adjust to knowing there is something wrong. A couple of months ago when I started sliding into depression I crawled into bed and started beating myself up about making a big deal out of nothing because there was nothing wrong with me etc. Then I remembered that actually the pain is real, and my raised CRP levels prove that it is.

Not being believed was harder to deal with than the actual pain.

Cuckooclock

If you suffer chronic pain as I did for years, watch out for sight disturbances. I woke one day to half vision in one eye & also double vision, I know now you must see a doctor ASAP. I also had an appalling headache over my temple, it hurt so much I was in tears. Spent all the rest of the day in the Eye Infirmary, was diagnosed with Temporal arteritis or GCA. The quick action of my GP saved my sight, I was also diagnosed with PMR.

dazza-mac

Ames wrote: »

For years I had people (especially family) telling me that I was imagining the pain, or lying about it. It's been quite hard to adjust to knowing there is something wrong. A couple of months ago when I started sliding into depression I crawled into bed and started beating myself up about making a big deal out of nothing because there was nothing wrong with me etc. Then I remembered that actually the pain is real, and my raised CRP levels prove that it is.

Not being believed was harder to deal with than the actual pain.

I totally agree. Some physio's etc have said 'does it really matter if you have a name for whatever condition you have'?

I said 'maybe not to you, but when you have people, especially family and friends who just roll their eyes whenever you complain about something it would help to be able to say,

"actually this is what's wrong, and you're wrong for making me feel that I'm just whingeing".'

Plus, why is it wrong to want to know what is causing such pain and problems in your life? It seems a perfectly natural thing to me to want to know what the problem is - especially when it has such an impact on your life.

dazza-mac

Cuckooclock wrote: »

If you suffer chronic pain as I did for years, watch out for sight disturbances. I woke one day to half vision in one eye & also double vision, I know now you must see a doctor ASAP. I also had an appalling headache over my temple, it hurt so much I was in tears. Spent all the rest of the day in the Eye Infirmary, was diagnosed with Temporal arteritis or GCA. The quick action of my GP saved my sight, I was also diagnosed with PMR.

call me cynical, but "quick action" and "GP" are not something that I've found goes together! Especially when you can't get an appointment in a reasonable amount of time!

Indie_Kid

dazza-mac wrote: »

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I totally agree. Some physio's etc have said 'does it really matter if you have a name for whatever condition you have'?

I said 'maybe not to you, but when you have people, especially family and friends who just roll their eyes whenever you complain about something it would help to be able to say,

"actually this is what's wrong, and you're wrong for making me feel that I'm just whingeing".'

Plus, why is it wrong to want to know what is causing such pain and problems in your life? It seems a perfectly natural thing to me to want to know what the problem is - especially when it has such an impact on your life.

I agree completely. I just want an explanation of the issues I have. Is it so wrong to want that? Actually, it's a need and not a want. Doesn't apply so much to me (because I'm largely untreatable) but to so many, a diagnosis would mean you get the treatment you need.

dazza-mac

Indie_Kid wrote: »

I agree completely. I just want an explanation of the issues I have. Is it so wrong to want that? Actually, it's a need and not a want. Doesn't apply so much to me (because I'm largely untreatable) but to so many, a diagnosis would mean you get the treatment you need.

The problem I have is that when I get to see a doctor I just go to pieces and suddenly can't verbalise things clearly. Or I get upset or angry - which you have to rein in, in case you end up struck off for voicing an opinion.

People say that you should write a list (I'd need a toilet roll). But the second the doctor sees a list you can hear the clunk of their heart hitting the floor! Plus, it usually states in the reception area that you can only discuss one or two problems - and to book a double appt if you need more time!

honestly, are these people real? It's hard enough to get a single appt let alone a double one!

Mrs_Ryan

I have fibromyalgia and I only take paracetamol. I'm in agony right now. Laying on the sofa as my muscles are so tight I can barely hold my head up. I'm going through codeine withdrawal as the cocodamol was making me feel worse. I have morphine but I'm scared of taking it. I've got a TENS machine on order and I rely otherwise on Deep Heat patches. My mood is lousy- cried the whole way to the doctors surgery and mostly through the consultation. The doctor has referred me urgently for physio and I've got a massage booked for Thursday. Can't be doing with this pain!! I'm waiting for the DWP to call me after several botch ups and if they're as patronising as last time they're going to get the brunt of my pain addled temper..!!!

dazza-mac

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

I have fibromyalgia and I only take paracetamol. I'm in agony right now. Laying on the sofa as my muscles are so tight I can barely hold my head up. I'm going through codeine withdrawal as the cocodamol was making me feel worse. I have morphine but I'm scared of taking it. I've got a TENS machine on order and I rely otherwise on Deep Heat patches. My mood is lousy- cried the whole way to the doctors surgery and mostly through the consultation. The doctor has referred me urgently for physio and I've got a massage booked for Thursday. Can't be doing with this pain!! I'm waiting for the DWP to call me after several botch ups and if they're as patronising as last time they're going to get the brunt of my pain addled temper..!!!

I hope you feel better soon. I wonder if there are any medical profressionals that specialise in fibromyalgia? If there are, would they be more likely to be rheumatologists?