Pain all over, can’t take it anymore

[tim_15]

Hello,

I am desperate for answers... it all started almost 2 years ago. I began having horrible chest pain out of the blue, same story as many, went through all the tests on my heart and its all came up excellent. i'm a 26 year old male in pretty good shape so that wasnt a surprise. Doc said it was costocondritis and sent me home with Ibuprofen . this went on for months, but the pain would be all over my rib cage, the front back and sides would ache. Then i began getting horrible rib pain, shortly after that i was getting pain in my neck and jaw and chronic headaches. about a year ago my doc sent me to a nearo thinking i had MS.. they did an MRI and spinal tap both of which were clean.

this went on for a year until 6 months ago i also started getting really bad restless leg syndrome and horrible pain in my legs. my doc sent me to a general health specialist who ran every blood test he could think of. in the teats they found, slight vitamin D and Iron defficiency. They also found elevated inflamation markers and positive Ana markers although apperntly they wernt very high.

the doc put me on Cymbalta and is sending me to a rheumatologist but the waitlist is over a year... im feeling absolutley depressed for the first time ever and im about to be a father can someone please give me some thoughts or answers or ideas. i cant live with pain all over my body, its tearing me apart.

thanks for your time.

[Hidden]

Hi

I really feel for you as I'm sure everyone does on here I think these are signs of fibromyalgia, I have it too, but I also have many other conditions which have similar symptoms. You could do with going back to your Dr and tell him you need some answers and some good pain relief. Please take care Lynne

[Sue_64]

I agree with Lynne you need to see your Dr asap, remind him how long you've been suffering and especially as you're going to be a Dad enough is enough and it needs sorting asap. It's a special time for you and you need to be there for your partner and your coming baby. It did take me over 2 years to get taken seriously before I had referral to Rheumotology at the hospital and after tests exhausted all other possibilities was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Have you tried a Tens machine for the pain, I have just purchased a rechargeable one that is wire less so you have no wires to contend with, just stick pad on, and you're free to move around and you can use on shoulder, arm, back, leg or even your feet. I was amazed to find it was under £40. I got mine from Amazon. I find heat using a heat pad from Boots also helps pain. Good luck and all the best for the arrival of your little one.

[YASMINTINA FMA UK Volunteer]

healthunlocked.com/fibromya..., morning a year is to long and I agree with lynne go back and see your doctor although a rheumatologist can make the diagnosis but your doctor can be helping in the meantime, say you are about to become a dad which will be wonderful but very tiring 1st few months, my doctor actually diagnosed me without going to a rheumatologist, I am at last on the right meds few trials and errors along the way but have every faith in him so I’m hoping your normal doc is a good one and will have empathy, don’t be fobbed off stand your ground, I understand you feel low and I would mention this also, I hope having a chat on the forum helps ,it does sound like it is Fibro but getting answers is what you need and the right helpI’ve posted a link above if you would like to lock your posts as only our community can see. Take care.

[Newtali]

Personally I think pain management is a better way to go than rheumatology. My daughter was diagnosed via this route and they can then access latest pain treatment.

My best tips

If heat helps get some electric heat pads and some linnex (latter available on internet, Google linnex UK). Linnex has been my life saver but is very intense so start with a tiny amount and build up to what suits you. One stick lasts ages so it is quite cost effective.

Pilates, building up your muscle and core strength is vital, this will help to support your joints. Pick your class carefully. Ideally if you can find one run by a physio or osteopath. You need a teacher who understands your condition. (Lots of men do Pilates so don't be afraid of being the only bloke.)

If muscles are tight, try rolling with massage balls, available on Amazon or fit66.

Osteopath, go by local recommendation as some are better than others.

Acupuncture, again pick carefully and go by local recommendation.

Lighting process, do the course if you can afford it but if not buy the book on amazon by Phil parker. my daughter did this course and went from being almost bed bound due to pain to leading a much more normal life. It changed her mindset. She still has significant pain but much less intense and is able to do things like work part time and do open university.

It all depends what finance you have as some of these are expensive so you might need to prioritize.

Congratulations and Good luck with the baby and God bless

[Al10]

We all get to the point where we think we can't cope. And most of us are here to say, we did get through it.

Relax, don't panic. Breathe. The calmer and more relaxed you are, the easier it will be. Something to tell the soon to be mother of your nearly here baby. Ha! much like you, she will love to hear that! But sometimes you do need to learn to let it all go. Let your body have the space to do as it needs to.

When pain strikes, I tend to lie down, propped on pillows letting them take the strain. I wonder if you are fighting the pain trying to soldier on? Who lies down in the day, hey? .... Um me? And other fibros that know what's good for them.

The more you can learn to rest properly, allowing your body to fully be supported and thus able to relax those always tense muscles that keep up upright etc the better. Watching TV even, check how many muscles are still holding you up. And then see if you can better support yourself with a cumfy reclining seat and pillows.

Now you know the chest pain is JUST? the costochondritis pain, you can just relax and let it pass. No need for panic, or stress. YOu are too busy? Maybe you need to get your priorities straight and remember when pain strikes it is telling you relaxation is likely overdue.

I used to get terribly upset. I was too busy to be in pain. I'd even tell myself over and over, I cant do this. Now I cant cope with keeping going like that anymore and I'm forced to relax. And because I take the time to rest in the day, it has helped some. Perhaps quite a lot. Has my fibro gone and I'm normal again? No. But adding in the resting and relaxing does help. And I cope better. Along with any exersise that your body enjoys. For me that's walking and now doing little gentle stretches to keep flexible. Keeping busy pottering about is good for fibros. in between we need to rest.

You can do this. And you can be a good dad and partner and stuff. Just learn to be good to yourself too.

[Stevejj]

Tim your symptoms could almost be me writing it. I have exactly the same pain. Males and females pain areas with fibromyalgia tend to be different due to muscles mass and use of these muscles. Men generally have bigger chest muscles. Women get a lot of problems in hips more than men due to child birth stretching of them. As above lots of alternative therapies can help as can conventional meds. I myself take one med to help with mood. I had to give up work it got me really down. But over time I have got better and can do more and more so there is hope. All the best on becoming a dad it’s the best thing ever

[Greeneyes011866]

Definitely signs of fibromyalgia so sorry it is awful

Prayers and hugs