Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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AzSherryberry 02/20/2010

I wrote this and posted in the Fibromyalgia group and thought I 'd share it here as well.

I can barely walk anymore without much pain and weakness in my legs. Last fall I had peripheral edema for 3 months then it went away. I elevate my legs now as often as I can. Last summer I started using the scooters at the grocery store, man wow I didn't know I needed to so bad, what a relief. Now a couple times the scooters were all in use and I leaned on a basket and walked. Soon I needed to crawl through the store! My doc talks about muscle weakness from Spinal stenosis. I'm getting kind of scared from all the pain, weakness and all. I use a cane since last May. My balance and coordination are somewhat messed up too. I get Neuralgia and Sciatica flare ups in my legs but not often though when I do they last from 3 weeks to about 2 months. What is all this extra pain and weakness?? Fibro hurts but it never caused weakness. I am officially in a major flare up right now and the legs are the worst. I want to scream!!!

Any ideas? Thanks.

Sherry

tendonshurt 02/20/2010

I'm so sorry your having so much pain and discomfort. I'd stay off your feet as much as possible and keep your legs elevated. While your sleeping I'd put a pillow under your knees to relieve pressure. I wish I knew why it's happening to you. My legs hurt all the time too. From a deep throb to a ripping burning pain. If I have to push a buggy I'll be in tears for 2 days even with my meds. I swear I wish somebody would find a cure for us all. God be with you and give you strength and healing.

Hugs, Marci

slrow 02/21/2010

I am sorry to hear that your pain has become worse. I hope that you can find some relief somehow. Does any pain meds work?? I will hope that things get better for you and I will lift you up in prayer :) May he bless you mightily.

AzSherryberry 02/21/2010

Thank you ladies. God is my strength and I need more of Him tonight. I believe in the power of prayer and appreciate them. Marci, that is a good description of what my legs feel like too along with shooting and stabbing pains. Thanks for suggestions and support. Slrow the pain meds aren't touching the leg pain just the other pain in the rest of the body. Sometimes when they are like this I think about chopping them off. Well...you know. Thinking gets a bit haywire.

Sherry

tendonshurt 02/21/2010

Yes Sherry, I do know that pain. I've wanted to cut off my legs too. Isn't it strange how our pain meds seem to only work on parts of our body. I always thought the brain would protect us and wouldn't allow us to feel this pain we have to endure. My morphine can't even come close to taking all this pain away. So I have to find alternatives like meditation or I'll get in the hot tub except when I do that I usually feel great while in it but horrible the next day it's strange it's just not fair. Try to relax ttyl.

deleted_user 02/21/2010

By any chance are you taking Lyrica? I've been on it a month and it has given me muscle weakness in the form of weak arms and legs. Muscle weakness is a side effect. I'm sure the stenosis is most of the problem, but please rule out this side effect causing YOU the leg problem! Hope this helps someone.

deleted_user 02/21/2010

Sherry,
I am sorry for all of the pain that you are going through, that is awful. I hope that you were able to get some sleep last night and that today would be a better day for you. Are you on any medications for the nerve pain? Meds like Neurontin or Lyrica? If you get inside a warm bath, does that help your pain?
I don't have Fybro so I honestly can say that I don't know how you feel, but pain is pain, and I definetely know about that and hope that you have a better day today.

Hugs,
Tipper

deleted_user 02/21/2010

I'm sorry you are having so many issues! Try to lie down with your legs up against a wall. As tempting as scouters can be, try to walk as much as you can. Build up slowly. Yoga can also help with balance and coordination. Accept that things will be worse during a pain flare and take advantage of better times. Consider getting another medical opinion, as these symptoms sound really scary and serious. I hope you find some answers. Let us know how it goes. It is a constant fight every day for pain sufferers, unfortunately.

AzSherryberry 02/21/2010

Thanks for the latest replies. I have taken Neurontin for over 3 yrs and cut back from 2400 mgs in the last 2 months to 2100 mgs. Made me gain 50 lbs and guess what? Just as I have been saying about my healthy low carb, low fat diet, small portions I should have been losing not gaining every month, so now I lost 5 lbs! I couldn't lose one pound since the increase to 2400 mgs over 2 yrs ago and believe me I should have been losing not gaining. I am planning to cut back to 1800 mgs. I really need an increase for better pain relief but I will not put up with this huge body. I did add in one extra Flexeril hoping to replace it and it is working pretty well. The pain I am talking about in this post is not the nerve pain and not the Fibro pain that is why I am so confused about it. The weakness and how the pain grows to unbearable when I walk is what has me scared--thoughts of wheelchairs enter my mind.

May we all have strength in spite of our suffering.

Sherry

deleted_user 02/21/2010

Sherry,
Have you ever talked to your Doctor about trying a spinal cord stimulator? An SCS helps with nerve pain. I had mine implanted in June of 08 and it has helped me 100% with the nerve pain. An SCS is something that you don't need to commit to right away. You do the trial for around 5 days and see if the device works for you. If it does, you can go for the permanent one, if it doesn't then at least you tried... I think that is something that you should take a look at. For more info. on spinal cord stimulators go to:

http://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/spinal-cord-stimulation-right-you

or;

http://www.poweroveryourpain.com/sb/learn_about/how_scs_works/

Take care,
Tipper

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