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...
I've been having terrible pain from what I was sure was a pinched nerve, and shoulder pain I didn't understand. So as I was also suffering sinusitis and needed a flu shot (the only needle I'll allow as I'm terrified of them) I made an appt. with my family doc.
After an exam, he told me that yes, I have a pinched nerve near my scapula in the rhomboid muscle area, and it seems to be pretty bad. In addition he found I have severe bursitis on the same side. He suggested PT or a breast reduction. As I HAD a breast reduction when I was too young and too skinny, the tissue and fat grew back, and now I'm looking at doing it again, IF the insurance will cover it. Meanwhile he wants me to do PT and I'm literally almost out of time. My hubby has a convention this week, my 3 year old has preschool, and I have no time to schedule it.
I also had a flu shot which was terrifying but oddly, didn't hurt at 1st. Now I'm wondering why the arm is so swollen and hurts so much! All they said was to use the arm a lot and I did. But today, 2 days later, I woke up and it hurt like crazy.
And then there's my fear that the shot in my right arm might somehow make the RSD spread. I have it in my left foot/leg and have had it 15 years. I've fractured my right ankle AND had 27 stitches in the bottom of my right foot but luckily, the RSD never spread.
But I AM worried. The pain in my shoulder and the pinched nerve are bad enough, I can't imagine having RSD spread THERE too. Basically I'm miserable which is so unlike me. I'm also freaking out about the RSD spreading as both sides are just a mess. I know the flu shot can cause some soreness, but between that and the bursitis/pinched nerve I am having a hard time sleeping and even sitting.
I was doing well for so long, I'm actually scared that something is wrong now. I see my pain doc on Tuesday so that should help. I'm sure he'll tell me not to worry. At least, I hope so.
I feel like I'm being a baby, and I HATE complaining. But I'm not used to feeling like this. I've always had my RSD under control. or mostly, anyway. How long should I allow the flu shot arm to hurt before calling someone? I remember feeling like this from a Tetnus shot, but the flu shot?
I'm so confused. I feel like I'm falling apart between the RSD, pinched nerve, bursitis, shot pain, nausea (from shot?) and sinusitis. And of course I'm wondering, does anyone else get side effects from a flu shot?
After an exam, he told me that yes, I have a pinched nerve near my scapula in the rhomboid muscle area, and it seems to be pretty bad. In addition he found I have severe bursitis on the same side. He suggested PT or a breast reduction. As I HAD a breast reduction when I was too young and too skinny, the tissue and fat grew back, and now I'm looking at doing it again, IF the insurance will cover it. Meanwhile he wants me to do PT and I'm literally almost out of time. My hubby has a convention this week, my 3 year old has preschool, and I have no time to schedule it.
I also had a flu shot which was terrifying but oddly, didn't hurt at 1st. Now I'm wondering why the arm is so swollen and hurts so much! All they said was to use the arm a lot and I did. But today, 2 days later, I woke up and it hurt like crazy.
And then there's my fear that the shot in my right arm might somehow make the RSD spread. I have it in my left foot/leg and have had it 15 years. I've fractured my right ankle AND had 27 stitches in the bottom of my right foot but luckily, the RSD never spread.
But I AM worried. The pain in my shoulder and the pinched nerve are bad enough, I can't imagine having RSD spread THERE too. Basically I'm miserable which is so unlike me. I'm also freaking out about the RSD spreading as both sides are just a mess. I know the flu shot can cause some soreness, but between that and the bursitis/pinched nerve I am having a hard time sleeping and even sitting.
I was doing well for so long, I'm actually scared that something is wrong now. I see my pain doc on Tuesday so that should help. I'm sure he'll tell me not to worry. At least, I hope so.
I feel like I'm being a baby, and I HATE complaining. But I'm not used to feeling like this. I've always had my RSD under control. or mostly, anyway. How long should I allow the flu shot arm to hurt before calling someone? I remember feeling like this from a Tetnus shot, but the flu shot?
I'm so confused. I feel like I'm falling apart between the RSD, pinched nerve, bursitis, shot pain, nausea (from shot?) and sinusitis. And of course I'm wondering, does anyone else get side effects from a flu shot?
your allowed to whine, and complain here, thats what we are here for.. to support and love you when your not feeling like yourself..
vent away, im here for you...
~stinke~
Flu shots, as any type of vaccination can be very painful and it's pretty normal for people to have reactions to them, you have to remember they are actually injecting you with a small portion of what they're vaccinating you against plus the vaccination, so your body tends to not like it very much and the tissue around where you go the shot can be inflamed, red and hot and that's pretty normal. Do as they said move it around, alot, and put a small cool compress on it.
I'm sure having to fight the RSD and keep it in check is tough, esp. with a little guy to keep up with, but I really don't think it's going to jump to your arm because of a shot. I have to give myself shots everyday, sometimes I don't even feel them, sometimes they make me sore.
Try to relax and not scare yourself into thinking everything is going to fall apart. PT appt.s are not that long, usually 45 min to an hour, perhaps you could schedule them while your son is in preschool.
I hope things calm down soon for you.
Kat
I understand what you are feeling- anything that may cause RSD to develop more is especially frightening. But I agree with Kat, you're looking at the worst case scenario and it will only make you feel worse.
I'd hold off on calling your doc about the pain of the injection site. Flu shots always hurt a few days later. Tetanus shots are even worse. The contents are very irritating to the tissue.
Sorry to hear about your pinched nerves. I know your time is limited right now; hopefully things will be better in a week and you'll be able to get to PT.
Sandy
I've comforted so many people here with positive thoughts. I rarely complain. This happens to be a tough time for me and I was just trying to vent a bit.I'm not having a panic attack or psyching myself into anything. And as for PT, my son has preschool for 90 minutes a day in one direction, and the PT is 30 minutes away in the other direction. My DH is out of town this week and we don't know many people here. I have my CP appt this week, and my son's pediatrician. My problem is finding the time as I;m also a travel consultant and writer who is gone a week a month. I leave for NY in less than 3 weeks, which makes it more difficult. But I WILL figure it out. Thanks for your opinion and the info.
Stinke- thanks as always for your kind words. I just wanted to hear that it was normal. I skipped so many flu shots b/c of my fear of needles, it's hard to recall what they were like. Thanks for understanding me!
Now I'll take myself, with the 102 fever, the 3" lanced open MRSA sites, the bronchitis, the mouth so full of abscesses and tongue so swollen with sores and abscesses that I haven't been able to eat for the last 2 days, and of course the never effing ending damn pain and I'll go play in another sandbox, because being griped at for no reason and not being wanted around tends to get old.
I really do hope you feel better soon.
I think there's just a misunderstanding of communication here.
Back to my own business..
As I said, Thaliajen..I'm sorry things suck so much .
As others said..yeh..the flu shot can hurt a lot a couple/few days after.
I've just started becoming aware of how RSD can spread ( for instance..through the SCI's I have gotten so casually through the years)... so I GET how scary that is. Not so much from the shot..but more surgery...
I'm TOTALLY where you are as far as..
When we've " plateud for a while..or, a very long time..in your case..
It's almost like starting the whole process over when something new jumps up.
I'm having a mini version of this..so I can just imagine what you're feeling. In addition to which you still have an active, full of responsibilities life.
Well..just..POOR YOU..and I mean that sincerely.
Just when we get used to life is not fair..
It gets less so.
I'm sorry, bud.
I hope things progress as easily as possible.
( I'm not good with words...I'm just really sorry this is all going on for you.)
Hugs...jc
I was pretty confident after 15 years that the RSD wouldn't spread, but the odd pain in the flu shot arm was just strange. And my Fam doc always reminds me that this or that could cause a spread. I think with RSD you just can't be too careful.
As for Kai's reply, I'm confused. I replied with my opinion, I didn't attack anyone. It most certainly is confusing and just a mistake, IMO. I don't want or need trouble and I never meant to say anything to hurt someone. In my opinion, it was a misunderstanding.
Meanwhile I'm enjoying the fresh air and the relief I got from taking my RSD meds on time. Hoping for a good night's sleep. :)
Again, thanks all!
Swelling is one early sign of RSD. Fingers crossed that it isn't RSD.
Gentle hugs.
I hope you're sleeping well and having fear and worry free dreams, Thaliajen.
And that you wake with your arm feeling much improved.
Hugs..jc
I hope your arm is feeling better this morning. If it continues to hurt, or starts to spread (you know how RSD feels), then give your doc a call tomorrow. I pray it's not RSD. I would be panicked if the RSD spread to other places from my right foot. I already told my pm doc that I'm starting to have some pain in my l.foot. The fact that it does spread means when he put in the temp.SCS, he put in 2 leads to cover both feet.
It's an unfortunate thing with this horrid disease.
Sandy
I hope your arm is feeling better this morning. If it continues to hurt, or starts to spread (you know how RSD feels), then give your doc a call tomorrow. I pray it's not RSD. I would be panicked if the RSD spread to other places from my right foot. I already told my pm doc that I'm starting to have some pain in my l.foot. The fact that it does spread means when he put in the temp.SCS, he put in 2 leads to cover both feet.
It's an unfortunate thing with this horrid disease.
Sandy
I hope your arm is feeling better this morning. If it continues to hurt, or starts to spread (you know how RSD feels), then give your doc a call tomorrow. I pray it's not RSD. I would be panicked if the RSD spread to other places from my right foot. I already told my pm doc that I'm starting to have some pain in my l.foot. The fact that it does spread means when he put in the temp.SCS, he put in 2 leads to cover both feet.
It's an unfortunate thing with this horrid disease.
Sandy