Make a connection, ask a question, share a concern, give advice or just chat. Our message boards connect you with a community of people who understand where you’re coming from and what you’re going through.
Hello everyone. I don't want to give out my real name because I don't trust the internet. I hope that hasn't offended anyone, but I am sure you all will understand.
Anyway, my chronic pain started roughly two years ago. Everything varies upon day to day. Sometimes the pain is tolerable and sometimes it is incorrigible, though it is always present. It occurs in only my upper body, but not always in the same places or it can be in all of them. On both sides of my body it can be anywhere from my fingertips and hands, all up my lower and upper arms, underneath my arms, my shoulders, the upper half of my chest, under and around my collar bones, my upper back (right at the bottom of my shoulder blades and up), the back and sides of my neck, and when it is really bad the very bottom or sides of my jaw. The pain also varies from pins and needles, tingling, burning, itching, stinging, aching, throbbing, shooting, pulsing, aching... Sometimes the area of my pain is tender (when it is really bad) but a lot of times the areas aren't. It can feel like a bruise, or a sharp stabbing feeling. In certain areas it can be so sharp with a small movement that it will take my breath away. It is always a sharp sensation though. The pain feels deep, but as if it is in the joints, bones, tendons, muscles, sometimes my skin, and sometimes it feels like my veins themselves hurt. Anything and everything can cause a flare up. I try and limit my actions, movements, and etc... I have given up so much because my love of doing certain things are just not worth the pain. Every movement and non movement can make it worse. Cold worsens it and heat does little to nothing. I have tried so much to help rid it or relieve it just a bit. No pain meds work, anti-depressants don't, better sleep does nothing, anxiety meds, muscle relaxers, meds for muscle spasms, physical therapy, chiropractors, massages, exercise, diet... Typing this is causing me immense pain and the longer I do it the worse it gets and the longer the flare up.
I don't have fibromyalgia, or myofascial syndrome. I have already been misdiagnosed with them. I have tried to do research and figure it out myself but nothing. I have been tested for so many things and they always come up negative.
*sighs* I just want a name, I want an answer...
I wish I could remember when and how it exactly started. Frankly, I thought nothing of it and assumed it would go away. I think it started toward the end of my high school days. I remember my arms getting tired a lot more easily and resting them, but I don't remember pain. I assume that it got to its worst point around the end of July to the beginning of August... Anyway, the earliest mention from me was in a blog in October of 2007, stating that I have been dealing with it for a while. It just got to a certain point and the pain just plateaued. It hasn't gotten worse or better and there aren't any other strange symptoms to go along with it.
Hi! I figured I would respond since no one had yet and I know the feeling of putting yourself out there but also wanting to hear someone else as well. Welcome- I have only recently joined the discussion myself but everyone on this forum is here to help and to listen. I know I check this mainly at night or when I am in exceptionally bad pain. I can imagine your frustration at not having an answer and also not having any treatment work. Keep searching and in the meantime, we are all here for you.
