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Chronic Pain
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Posted 7/20/2009 8:25 PM (GMT -7)
Hi everyone, I am sure you have seen my posts on here once in a while and I have used alot of your information to help in my own life but I have a dilemma. Over the past two years I have experienced joint pain, everywhere, well, recently it has become so severe that I cant eat ,sleep, or even function properly. I sit and just want to cry, it's terrible. The doctors don't know whats wrong with me, and now my insurance expired last month and the doctor will not see me unless I pay the office visit up front, which I can't. I can barely afford my medicine. Okay so here is whats been going on maybe you guys can help me to know what might be going on. I know we are not medical professionals but some of you might have or might be going through the same thing so here goes: I have severe joint pain that migrates from joint to joint, a severe stiff neck that is not alleviated by anything, I have serious floaters in front of my eyes that will not  go away (drives me nuts) , large muscle pain that hurts like you have a pulled muscle, it sucks. I have been on every medication you can think of, they thought it was Fibro and that might be part of it but I took Lyrica in 300mg three times a day and it did nothing so I am thinking maybe it isn't Fibro. Oh, also I have to urinate all the time which I don't know how that would figure into it but maybe it would. Anyway I am at my wits end, I have a pain pump installed, but the pain was present way before that. I don't know if any of you have been through anything like this please let me know what your diagnosis was. Sorry for this being so long, thank you in advance for listening.

Kel

Posted 7/20/2009 8:45 PM (GMT -7)
Kel, I am sorry I can't be of help to you. I do not know what it could possibly be. It would be hard to narrow it down since several symptoms are present. I do know that you need and deserve a diagnosis. I am sorry to hear that you don't have insurance any longer. That I am sure, was a major blow to you. Anyway, id there a teaching or state hosp. where you live? Sometimes, they can be helpful. I am sorry I don't have any anwers for you that you seek. But as you said, we aren't doctors here. I do care and I will be thinking about you. I do hope everything goes well for you, quickly.
Ancie
Posted 7/20/2009 8:52 PM (GMT -7)

Hi,

You really are having a hard time with things. Back when you had insurance did any of your drs ever run any tests on you like an MRI? If so do have a copy of the written report for your own records and what did the report say? What kind of drs have been treating you? I am sorry not trying to ask the 50 question quiz just looking for info?

I am really of no help to you and I wish I was. But, its just hard to say what could be wrong with someone else. You have so many different things hitting it just impossible for someone other than a dr to know. Alot of times when drs tell us they don't know whats wrong we have to keep trying new drs in hopes that someone may hit pay dirt and be able to tell us why we hurt. Its all so frustrating thats for sure.

Many of us here with CP see a pain mgt dr and thats usually where most end up when the pain cannot be resolved. They just have more knowledge in that area and also know alot more about using different kinds of medications. Sometimes it may only take one kind of medication or it may be a combination of medications to get the pain under control.

Now that you have lost your insurance, can you get Medicaid? Many cities have what is called a county hospital and they will treat people on a sliding scale that have no insurance. sometimes the care is free or a very low copay like $5 or $10.

Posted 7/20/2009 10:11 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Smoochie!

I'm so sorry you're miserable...both emotionally and physically. May I add a few ideas to Char's great comments?

First...you need to find some way to relax! Warm baths, quiet reading time, someone to hold your hand or watching a beautiful movie. I don't know what would do it for you but stress and worry will definately increase your pain. Ya, ya...I know what you're thinking. "She has NO idea and it's easy to TELL me to relax but I just can't!" Been there cry I've lived with pain that didn't seem to have any cause nor relief and medical problems and had no insurance so I can sort of get your feelings.

I am not a doctor either and can not diagnose you, of course, but I will share my experience. It's all I have and you are welcome to it. Take what you like and let the rest go...OK? about insurance... there are options for people who can not afford insurance. One is state sponsored insurance. Here's a link to help in your state.

http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Pages/default.aspx (sorry, you'll have to cut and paste it)

If you can't find help this way then call your local Red Cross. Yep, they'll help at times like these. Your health IS an emergency and they will find what is available for you. Here's a link to your local Red Cross.

http://www.redcross-cleveland.org/

There are lots of places to get help with free medications. Just use your Google or whatever you have and do a search. Plus most drug companies offer free or reduced cost pills for those in need.

And one last thing...I wouldn't eliminate fibromyalgia as a possible cause just because Lyrica didn't work. It doesn't work on about 1/2 the people who try it. Did nothing for me but make me sick. Fibro is a horrid disorder that not only mimics other diseases but no one treatment works for most everyone. Plus the majority of doctors have no idea how to treat or diagnose it. When you get back on coverage again I would think you could benefit from seeing a rheumatologist. They are usually the ones to confirm the diagnosis.

Sorry this got so long...sometimes I just get carried away... smilewinkgrin I pray you find some relief and remember when you get stressed out that Chutzie has her hand on your shoulder. And she's whispering in your ear..."relax Smoochie, sit and find something soothing to do, get yourself a nice beverage, look at that sweet little girl smile and giggle and enjoy the love of your dogs"

Then wait for that handsome hubby to come home and put his arms around you. That always makes me feel better.

Hugs,
Chutzie
Posted 7/22/2009 5:30 AM (GMT -7)
Thank you to all for your advice, I have tried medicaid and was denied, they said my husband makes too much money, that being 1700 a month with two mortgages, ridiculous! I was and have been seeing PM doctors for years they have done fourteen MRI's on me in three years, also ridiculous. We do have a county hospital that takes patients without insurance but only on an emergency basis, which may be my only outlet left. They rate you based on income and once again I got rated high because my husband brings in 1700 do when I go to the doctor there I have to pay 60 % up front, which of course I can't afford. I do appreciate all the ideas, very nice of you all, sorry I didn't get back sooner but my brother in law (also a chronic pain sufferer) overdosed and was in a coma, he has since come out of the coma but is still in serious shape. Once again thanks to all!!
Posted 7/23/2009 8:17 AM (GMT -7)
AWE Smoochie, I hope your brother pulls through and I will keep
you in my thoughts and prayers...lots and lots of soft hugz...
keep us posted as to how you and your brother are doing..
we care...
HUGZ
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Smoochie)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
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