My very first post

[Rocky-Balboa]

I’m currently cancer free after sarcoma leg operations in 2018. However, I’m struggling to find out why I get excruciating pain across the middle of my back around to the ribs at the right side, I also get right shoulder blade pain. I’ve had every scan possible but nothing found and it’s mentally destroying me because the more I try do the more I’m in pain. I jokingly say that I’m 55 but feel I’m in the body of an 85 year old man but it’s actually true. I just feel tired all the time alongside the pain. I’ve not being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but I genuinely believe after reading about the condition and it’s symptoms that I have it (or something similar) because all the symptoms add up to being how I am today. The big thing is getting diagnosed now because I know something isn’t right in my body.

Any experiences or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Dizzytwo]

Hello and welcome, it sounds more costochondritis if I had to take a guess. While many fibro sufferes have this painful problem. So do many who dont have fibro.

You can almost google anything up and you will read its fibro related.

I actually just typed in stroke and fibromyalgia just to test my theory. And yes it came up as been related.

I think you would be better off asking your GP than speaking with DR Google and trying to self diagnose. That's you my opinion.

I do hope you find some relief soon. I have intercostal neuralgia. And the rib pain is something else that's for sure.

Momo

[Rocky-Balboa in reply to Dizzytwo]

Hi Dizzy, thanks for the reply. The problem with my GP for the last 5 years since my cancer is that every time I mention an ailment I get a smirk look from them. I’ve been told I have health anxiety and I’ve been told that the pain is coming from a signal in my brain but the pains not really there. I snapped one day and told them straight that I’m not imagining the pain at all. I do hear you about Dr Google mind but what I do know is that it’s not normal for me at 55 to be in absolute agony after pulling out a few weeds then having to crawl into a hot bath. It’s very interesting what you say about intercostal neuralgia mind, can I ask if it feels like someone is behind you with their arms wrapped around your middle trying to crush you? Because that’s what I feel like. I can also just be stood for a few moments and it feels like a knife is wedged in the right side of my ribs. I’ve had an ultrasound which said I had scar tissue on the 10th rib then I had an mri which showed nothing at all both of these funded by myself because my GP wouldn’t investigate any further for me. Like I say I do have other symptoms too like TMJ issues and IBS which made me think fibromyalgia.

It all just sucks really, I was actually suicidal last year because of it all.

[Dizzytwo in reply to Rocky-Balboa]

Hi there Rocky, pain can definitely drag you down that's for sure.

Yes you described my pain exactly. Like I am in a bear hug. It also makes my breathing very difficult and painful. For me I have to ice the area and completely stop moving and rest the ribs.

[Rocky-Balboa in reply to Dizzytwo]

Hi Dizzy

Well maybe just maybe I could potentially have what you have, if we are the same then I know that you can be in extreme agony at times and it feels like you’ve got broken ribs and you have to stop whatever your doing and lay down flat because that’s what I have to do. I really appreciate you replying to me because I just need some end to all this, it’s been a build up over the last 5 years which is a long time to be undiagnosed and feel like your cracking up and can’t take anymore.

Thank you!

[Delilahmy]

hi Rocky-Balboa

I think google is a great resource it’s a library of information too and might also point us to consider different and not so obvious reasons for our sickness and pain. Information is knowledge and it will let you question how that knowkedge fits with your symptoms and can help you structure your jigsaw of questions to have with your medical professional. Low b12 deficiency has many neurological symptoms which might be a consideration. Many things have overlapping symptoms ….. good luck with finding your answers

[Rocky-Balboa in reply to Delilahmy]

Hi Delilahmy,

Yeah I agree in that Google can help but it can also make one worry too. Somethings not right I’m in agony again today after doing very little, mainly in my ribs. I always stick to the NHS website if I have something to consider. Strange you saying about VB12 levels as mine was low around a year ago so I need that checking again as I was on a supplement.

[Delilahmy in reply to Rocky-Balboa]

do you still have results and ranges from a year ago ….

[Rocky-Balboa in reply to Delilahmy]

I could look them up on my Doctors online records.

[Delilahmy in reply to Rocky-Balboa]

Yes that would be useful ….. and with Nice guidelines recommendation is to treat symptoms it might be an idea to try ….. their recommendation is every other day of b12 injections (with separate 5mg methylfolate) until symptoms subside …also manage vit levels then followed by weekly or monthly injections. It is also not recommended to retest for levels after injecting as will always be high after injecting …. Nice guidelines cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae....

Some Doctors are not very up to date on guidelines and don’t advocate a trial if within the ranges ….

Many in the forum have resorted to self medicating as doctors not approving trials even when asked by patient to trial every other day

[KimiJay]

You have had a lot to cope with R.B! Well! - My chiropractor helps my rib, shoulder and arm pain and my 'traditional' Chinese trained acupuncturist needles me for it too and also tells me where my energy is low and treats it. They are both a good diagnostic resource from their own tradition and standpoint and have kept me going for years. Lockdown was hell because I couldn't go to see them.

Have also just discovered The Emmett technique which is on Video. V. Interesting! - I do know that sitting at a computer doing stuff is not good for the body! This I am sure you will know!!!

I take NMN powder now every day as I'm in my 70's. The body makes its own but not enough and it's safe as it is just a nutrient.

[Rocky-Balboa in reply to KimiJay]

Hi Kimi,

Thank you for the reply. It’s interesting what you have to say about different pain solutions. I did once try a Thai massage but it wasn’t what I expected especially when the lady was stood on my back.

[KimiJay in reply to Rocky-Balboa]

Well, it sounds like it was interesting! My chiropractor sometimes gets an elbow into painful muscle spasms but she is full of tricks that help to treat painful areas and that gives me confidence to do more things. I've had a problem in between treatments because I was cutting hedges and pruning things before the birds start nesting, so I've also used voltarol externally an ice pack first maybe (wrapped in a cloth) for about fiteen minutes and then follow this with a bit of warmth. - Some people on this site have talked about magnesium spray in the past as being helpful. Good luck with getting a diagnosis.