Major Pain: does anyone out there suffer... - Cure Parkinson's

Cure Parkinson's

26,582 members27,897 posts

Major Pain

Nettiepie profile image
51 Replies

does anyone out there suffer with major leg pain.? I'm having such a hard time and my doctor tells me it's not a PD symptom . They burn and ache so badly. Today I'm at a level 9 of pain! Help!!

Other things I suffer from is very weak voice, incontinence, low back ache horrible balance, walking difficulty, I cant stand up for long my legs are so rubbery and jello like I've been dx 18 mo. I'm on Ropinerole 24 mg I x day, Sinamet 25/100 3 x day , Gabapentin 9 mg so far daily

Thanks anyone!

Nettiepie

Written by
Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
51 Replies
laglag profile image
laglag

Were you having that symptom befote you started taking the PD meds? Are you taking 24 mg of Requip rather than .24 mg.? I just looked up the dosage & 24 Iis the maximum. Maybe the pain is a side effect of the med (s)? Are you seeing a movement disorder specialist? I have pain in my thighs, but it's mostly stiffness. Just some thoughts.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tolaglag

Yes 24 mg The maximum dose the maximum dose. Of course I had to work up to that. I was in pain before I staR ted the Ropinerole . My Dr. is a movement disorder specialist, but she's not into anything holistic which I wish she was.

mccshe profile image
mccshe

Nettiepie, I am so sorry to hear of your pain. I suffer with pain daily. I hurt so badly i am unable to sleep. Lying in bed becomes impossible after a few hours. Back pain, leg pain, neck pain , and across my shoulders where my muscles are as hard as rocks! Mirapex, sinemet , Azilect are my meds. I was given gabapentin for pain also with few results if any. In desperation I am going to try it again . I don't understand why pain is not considered a symptom of PD.

I hope you will find some help soon, it is debilitating to be in pain every hour of every day! Good luck to you and God Bless!

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tomccshe

Thank you for your reply how long of you had Parkinson's? I feel like This disease has advanced so quickly for me....some others have said they think I might be overmedicated.. I wonder? Maybe I need a second opinion

Orby profile image
Orby in reply tomccshe

Try Botox injections. They really help for about 3-4 months.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toOrby

Thanks I will look into Botox

chirodoc profile image
chirodoc in reply tomccshe

Pains is recognized by the movement specialists but they do rule out other causes before hanging the PD diagnosis. I found less pain when I added a small dose Sinnemet to my trials. THE pain improved but the nausea keeps me from experimenting. Seems to always have a side effect with treatment for this disease

JohnPepper profile image
JohnPepper

Hi Nettiepie. Do you have pain in both legs or only one?

Have you at any time injured your back?

Many patients I have met and spoken to have had back injuries, from various activities. It does not appear to be Pd related, but probably more age related. As we get older we tend to try to do the things we always have been able to do, like lifting heavy objects in an unhealthy way.

Kind regards

John

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toJohnPepper

Hi John,

My burning pain and weakness is in both legs and my feet. Some days it goes up into my thighs, groin and my low back..my MRI showed I have severe arthritis in L3 L4. I'm quite sure that's unrelated to Parkinson's but I can't function very well some days! I've been a seamstress for many yrs, but no injuries tony back.

My Parkinson's started 18 months ago when I couldn't walk very well and I start wheezing, but it was not asthma. My right hand was paralyzed-I couldn't do my hair in the morning.

My concerns are that this disease is moving too fast and what can I do to slow it down?

michaela13 profile image
michaela13

I'm so sorry you are in pain. All the symptoms you say I have except the pain. I do get pain in my neck and the left side of my back. Usually the sinemet helps to relieve it. It feels more like a strain, but not severe. I will keep you in my prayers.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tomichaela13

Thanks Michael I will keep you in my prayers as well

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toNettiepie

Oh I'm so sorry, it wasn't Michael, but Michaela, please forgive me!

Nettiepie

honeycombe3 profile image
honeycombe3

Hi Nettiepie,

If I had a pound for every time I've been told that pain is not a symptom of PD I'd be a millionaire (well ....on the way). I experience all-over idiopathic pain most of the time in varying degrees. Idiopathic means that no attritutable cause can be found. Mine moves around from one part of my body to another very much as you describe. I am told that it is not arthritic (mostly) or rheumatic.

I find that being in a warm dry atmosphere helps (will the NHS pay for monthly trips to Madeira?), as does hydrotherapy & most gentle exercise. 5 Elements acupuncture has been a major breakthrough for me. My therapist happens to be a qualified anaesthetist but any 5E registered practitioner will bring some relief. I also pay for weekly sessions with hypnotherapist which helps me to maintain a degree of control. 10 years after dx my meds are: RequipCR 8mg daily, Sinemet+ 6 daily. I take Tramadol, paracetamol & Amitriptyline as needed for pain.

earthdweller profile image
earthdweller

My mum has this pain. I've never seen anyone else describe it before. She's quite advanced with her parkinson's so we assumed it was related somehow, but her consultant says she hasn't heard of it before. She thinks it's probably to do with lower back degeneration. But it's really awful, she screams and cries. The only thing that helps somewhat is very strong pain killers containing oxycodon.

I hope you manage to find some relief somehow.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toearthdweller

Thankyou earthdweller,

I too hope your Mom feels better.

Netttiepie

zjillian profile image
zjillian

Just saw your post and wanted to tell you that my father had Parkinson's Disease for 30 years and yes he suffered terribly from leg pain. And also his doctor's never believed it was from PD. But clearly it was a symptom of PD. He had nothing wrong with his spine, has no arthritis and none to the med helped.

He was a very strong man and never would complain to me about the pain. But when I asked him he would say "Yes it is terrible pain in my legs especially at night." So I believe you are right. In my experience if doctors do not have a pill or an easy answer they tend to blame the patient. That I know to be true.

So keep insisting on what you know to be your experience. And try anything and do your own research.

I know that early in his disease he found some relief in massage and chiropractic manipulation but that seemed to stop helping. Also keep moving.

Jill

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tozjillian

Hello Jill,,

Thankyou

I will go try actupuncture and massage. Perhaps these modalities will help me. Soory about your Dad.

Nettiepie

earthdweller profile image
earthdweller in reply tozjillian

I don't get why the parkinson's doctors don't seem to recognise this or acknowledge it. It's documented well enough for us to know about it. Seems very strange to me.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toearthdweller

I know I seem to stump all the doctors. I have such weakness in my legs , can barely stand up and walking is so hard. Then there's the pain! I've had MRIs and nerve conduction studies and they're all normal yet they are in terrible pain

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toearthdweller

Hi there, it is very strange to me as well!

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tozjillian

I will keep going Jill thanks so much for your reply. Sorry about your Dad

etterus profile image
etterus

Sounds like central pain syndrome.... a thalamic phenomena. Check Wikipedia.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toetterus

I will look now...

Thankyou!

Nettiepie

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toetterus

Hi Etterus,

I checked Wikipedia and that would mean a stroke.-'my MRI shows a 'unremarkable' brain. Meaning nothing of serious nature to report. I have not had a stroke. But thanks so much

Nettiepiee

earthdweller profile image
earthdweller in reply toNettiepie

Hi Nettiepie, Central Pain Syndrome isn't just associated with a stroke, that's just one of the possible causes. On this Wikipedia page it lists Parkinson's amongst the many things that might cause this kind of pain.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centr...

Kadie57 profile image
Kadie57

I think stop the gabapentin it made may legs worse, sounds like that could be part of the problem. Try Lavendar oil on your legs, this worked on my arm cramps like a charm...I was so surprised it worked! Better days ahead p.s Accupture worked good for my back pain.

Tiger101 profile image
Tiger101 in reply toKadie57

Where did you get the lavender oil and what brand? thanks

Beckey profile image
Beckey

Gabapentin worsened my pain. It has eased up with a very low dose of zonisamide, which in turn has enabled me to begin practicing tai chi, which is also helpful. Ten months ago, my upper right quadrant was just contorted with pain and tension. I must say that acupuncture helped HUGELY with that. Before that only oxycodone helped, and I was taking it regularly and sitting against ice packs. No one should have to live with the kind of pain you are describing. Has your doc referred you to physical therapy? And if she did, would you be able to get yourself there? Sometimes I think we can't get a handle on our pain because we can't get a break from certain tasks, like driving, carrying things, etc. that aggravate it.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie

Thankyou Becky. I'm sorry for your pain too! I will talk to my doc too about another pain med. Gabapentin just isn't doing it for me. I did go to physical therapy but I couldn't see any improvement after abt 10 sessions

paddyfields profile image
paddyfields

Q& A with doctor researching pain in PD

parkinsons.org.uk/content/q...

parkinson.org/NationalParki...

“Why is it that when we survey patients with Parkinson’s disease they

frequently report pain, yet most neurologists and practitioners fail to address it or

alternatively sweep it under the carpet? Shockingly, the more that comes to light

about pain in Parkinson’s disease, the more exposed and embarrassed we as a

medical profession should be. Blair Ford, a movement disorders neurologist at

Columbia University in New York city, nailed it precisely by titling his recent

review of the subject, “Pain in Parkinson’s Disease: The Hidden Epidemic

tobykeith profile image
tobykeith

I had severe leg pain in my left leg while I was taking 3 Sinemet a day. I reduced it to 1/4 pill four times a day and eat a banana I am also doing Big and Loud therapy. I do not have the pain now.

quadra profile image
quadra

you could try magnesium

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toquadra

Thankyou I do take some daily.. Do you mean like a mega dose?

quadra profile image
quadra in reply toNettiepie

also try a bath with epsom salts

earthdweller profile image
earthdweller

I wonder if magnesium oil would help, perhaps rubbed into the bit that hurts? I'm nervous to try this with my mum as it can cause irritation, and she has very thin skin now, and so many different complaints. but I've heard people say it's good for muscles cramps. (If that's what these pains are - not sure exactly).

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toearthdweller

Hello earthdweller, I havn't tried mag. Oil...I have tried many different Doterra essential oils, but not magnesium . I will give it a try. I just think that my doctors could find something... So frustrating!

Nettiepie

jebbers profile image
jebbers

I have been struggling with leg pain but I think it has to do with the extra electricity my DBS provides. Have you had DBS (deep brain stimulaton)? I only have it on my PD (L) side and it goes from severe to mild depending on how high I have the stimulator set. The docs have not seen this before so no one knows what to do so far. The lower the stimulator the worse the PD symptoms and better the pain and visa versa. Alot of trouble sleeping, I'm getting really worn out. I hope you find some answers

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tojebbers

Thanks for your reply jeebers . I have not had DBS so it's not that. I m not sure if I would be a candidate for it...

Still searching thanks

Sunnysky profile image
Sunnysky

Hi Nettiepie your post certainly got a lot of comments on PD and pain I also have been suffering terrible pain in both legs sort of came out of the blue about six mths ago asked my neurologist he said no nothing to do with PD. After reading some of you r replies I can see that it could be related but I never considered that my meds could be the cause of my pain DX11 years ago meds are Comtan Madapar Amantadine and Azilect Iwould also take more magnesium and highly recommend a bath with Epsom salts( that's just magnesium any way) goes straight into your system through your skin Hope you get some relief Hope you find some answers that help in the mean time be Posiitive our cure can't be that far away they are making huge progress in finding answers just wish they could test more people rather then animals regards Sunnysky

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toSunnysky

Hi sunny sky,

Thanks for your comments. I have tried baths with Epsom salts, and they're great, but I can't get the water very warm at all, because that really gets my legs extremely hot! Last time I tried that I had to get back into a cold bath to get some relief, and cool down!. I love a hot bath-but I cannot tolerate them. I do take magnesium tablets everyday.

I wish the cure would hurry up, I know great things are going to happen when it does! . Thanks again,

Nettiepie

johntPM profile image
johntPM

Have other diseases like cellulitis been eliminated?

Is the degree of your pain linked to your position in your drug cycle? As you go from dose to dose the amount of dopamine in the brain varies, leading to a variation of symptoms, some occurring when you're "off" and some when you're "on". I would measure my PD by doing an on-line tap test [1] every 15 minutes starting a hour before your first levodopa of the day until a hour after your second dose. At the same time measure your pain. Graph the results and see if any conclusions can be drawn.

Reference

[1] parkinsonsmeasurement.org/t...

John

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tojohntPM

HI john,

Thanks for your concern. I don't have cellulitis. I checked the symptoms and they do not match mine. My symptoms are: my legs are on FIRE! They burn and ache all the time! Just so everyone can understand my problem, let me share with you this... I soaked my burning legs in a bucket of very cold water, Yet, I felt no relief from the burning pain. My legs were in cold water, yet to me they were still burning up!

The pain can however move from my legs ( where it initially started) down to my feet or up to my hips, groin, stomach, or lower back. Mostly stays in my lower legs.

Also, it really affects my standing and walking! As the day progresses, I hurt more and more! I have to get off my legs often, and sit down, but it's best when I can lie down. That used to take the pain away very quickly, but now the pain will linger a long time, and it drives me nuts! It really hurts-my pain level is probably at a 8. I can't get anything done. I have difficulty excercising , and I need to! When I've complained of the weakness and difficulty I have standing for very long at all to my neurologist, she doesn't understand.( my legs feel like they are made of wet noodles, and they could give out at any time) She says that my legs are very strong, and that I am stronger than she is! That I must have a perceived pain! Well, it's not perceived to me! It's very real. I also have lost so much of my sense of balance. I cannot walk a strait line.

I will look into tis tap test... Thanks John

Kind regards

Nettiepie

Tiger101 profile image
Tiger101 in reply toNettiepie

Wow that sounds exactly how my husband feels and especially in his feet and legs. We have been over 2 years trying to figure out what the heck it is. They said it was small fiber neuropathy for a long time. Went to hospitals in and out and then to John Hopkins for 3 weeks test upon test just to come out the same way. Did a skin biopsy to confirm small fiber neuropathy then said it was not and is probably large fiber neuropathy. He has spinal stenosis and they confirmed that this pain is not coming from his back. He has pain specialist at JH tried botox, and every kind of meds in the book. Was on opiodes but he refuses to take them anymore because it messed him up so much.

llwwd profile image
llwwd

Hi Nettiepie, I too get pain in my PD side leg. I also get a lot of pain in my PD arm. I sometimes take Ibuprofin but I don't want to take too much. Mine just comes & goes.

I did get your post on Patientslikeme. Sorry I didn't answer yet. I will do that right now. Thanks for your info. LLWWD

llwwd profile image
llwwd in reply tollwwd

Nettiepie, I posted my experience on Patientslikeme & I know you follow that. Please see my reply on that site. Thanks.

chirodoc profile image
chirodoc

I have to experiment with cannabis. I have a high CBD low THC tincture they gave me for pain ( designed for cancer patient pain). That helps the restless leg and pain in foot. Arms come and go now.

Sharon1945 profile image
Sharon1945

Hi nettirpie,

I,wonder if you love in a state where medical,marihuana is,legal.,,,my daughter lives in Wa state & says it really helps,her with pain. I,live in NC & it's not legal,here or else I would,try it. I can no longer travel so no way to,see if it works.

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie

Well we could have had it legal here, but it was just stuck down in the Senate. So, until

The next sessions meets again for a vote, I will have to be patient. But thankyou! I'm glad it works for you!

jillannf6 profile image
jillannf6

ha s your dxs changed at all

youR symptoms are v like mine and i have PSP

can you look up or sown iwht out difficulty? that is 1 of thje ways in which PSP can be different from parkinsons and has the sinamet helped you at all = i tried it & later amantadine to no benefit at all

,my b a lance is a loft owrso enow 4+ yrs after dxs and ia ma in a wheelchair for my own and others saety inside and out

mntoa glowign pictur e i kwnoo but it could eb a lot worse

LOl jIll

:-)

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply tojillannf6

Hi Jillian

Thanks for your reply. So far it remains the same. I can't get in to see my neurologist until end of June so I am a bit frustrated. She's excellent and impossible to get to . Another doctor I recently saw for my paralyzed vocal chords seems to think I have MSA. That scares the crud right out of me. I have so many of those symptoms. I do not however get dizzy upon standing. I hope to heavens that I don't have that fatal disease. I am not familiar with PSP. I will check it out. I can look up and down without any problem. Hope you are well !

Nettiepie profile image
Nettiepie in reply toNettiepie

One more thing.. My medications ropinerole and sinamet just don't seem to work for me.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Laptop causing pain?

I spend much of my day with a laptop in my lap. After a couple hours my left hip begins to ache....
kaypeeoh profile image

Pain management and Parkinson's

Hi all. I'm looking for some help in trying to reduce my pain meds mostly from knee replacement but...
xolentz4 profile image

Back to my leg pain issue

This symptom just seems to get worse and worse. I wake in the morning and even with increasing my...
rebtar profile image

back pain

I suffer from severe back pain,(mainly in middle right side and lower left side),i believe it is...
alanrob profile image

Hip pain flare up

I take no meds so the pain is not related to meds. Not a steady pain, just often throughout the...

Moderation team

See all
CPT_Aleksandra profile image
CPT_AleksandraAdministrator
CPT_Anaya profile image
CPT_AnayaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.