Help. Arm pain: Ok folks. I give up. Does... - My MSAA Community

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Help. Arm pain

agapepilgrim profile image
58 Replies

Ok folks. I give up. Does anyone here have muscle pain in right arm (or primary hand)? Muscle pain when typing, same when even picking up coffee cup ( increased to this point over 2 years). Muscle pain when pulling weeds ( goes to #9). Starts with lower arm, now moves s to upper arm. Wakes me up if I lie on it when sleeping. Ok, here are remedies I have tried and do use: currently have a Salonspa pad on upper arm. Have used prescription 5% lidocaine pads, Australian cream, blue goo cream, essential oil mixture, TENS unit, aspercreme, tiger balm, Norco pain pills, opioids, CBD oil, CBD with THC, THC in all forms, CBD cream, psycho mushrooms, other stuff I don’t recall name, can’t take muscle relaxants anymore at my age dr said ( drops BP too low), taking anti epileptic med. Gradualky getting very bad I am gritting my teeth to type this even with pain patch on (I have survived 56 years of pain so I’m hardened). Does anyone have an answer other than becoming left handed at 73 (which I’ve tried also)??? Seeking advice.

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58 Replies
jimeka profile image
jimeka

Oh dear, I am so sorry, I do not know any thing else apart from Arnaca gel. I have had to become left handed and it has been easier than I thought, you can train your brain and use new path ways to your brain. It’s took a couple of years to perfect but I can now write more legibly with my left than my right. Unfortunately the pain is in my left side, it’s my right side that cannot hold a pen. I hope and pray that you can get some relief. Unfortunately everyone with ms is different and what may work for one may not work for another. I like the caption, Blessings Jimeka 🤗 🍫 💐 🐾

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to jimeka

Tried thecArnica. Will continue with left hand training. Begin with solitaire.

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to agapepilgrim

The weather doesn’t help. We are like you, in a day we have gone from 80* to 46 in a day. Even Razor is affected by it with his arthritis. So I understand but I don’t have a cure. Praying that you have a good nights sleep 🤗

TonyiaR7 profile image
TonyiaR7 in reply to jimeka

I think I will try some on my bad knee.

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to TonyiaR7

Let us know if it works 🤗

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to jimeka

Speaking of dogs, Annie won’t stop scratching. Using vit E oil on her, giving her fish oil caps, Bathing her in colloidal oatmeal, giving her Benadryl per vet, (all spread out over a week). Pure aloe Vera gel from my plant on her very warm belly. Scratches all night, waking me up. Totally relaxes when I rub her belly with any gel or oil. No dry skin flakes off when I comb her with lice comb. Trouble everywher🤪

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to agapepilgrim

Is she been fed chicken or turkey? Some dogs like my Razor scratches a lot due to food allergies or maybe it could be grass pollen? Hope you find out and get it treated 😊

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to jimeka

She has been outside a lot lately. Does that mean I should keep her in for awhile?

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to agapepilgrim

I wouldn’t let her run in long grass in case it is the grass pollen 🤗

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to jimeka

Thanks. Someone with similar dog problems suggested lavender essential oil - 1 drop mixed with 1 tablespoon grape seed oil. I’m rubbing it on tummy and chest and around ears. She closes here eyes and relaxes when I do this so must feel good and bring relief so doing twice a day (ignore my arm pain lol)

Amore55 profile image
Amore55 in reply to agapepilgrim

My dogs are itchy too. It is the grass and pollens. Benedryl really helps. Kelly

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Amore55

Thank you. I started her on that 4 days ago. Hoping it will kick in soon.

Kitsey profile image
Kitsey in reply to agapepilgrim

A friend has a dog who suffered with itching. Thought it was allergies and did everything you did. It turned out to be bacterial. He had antibiotics and it stopped. I sure hope your pup gets relief so you will too.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Kitsey

When I first got her last October and took her to vet she had staph infection on skin and he put her on round of antibiotics. Maybe I better take her in and see if that has come back. 😢

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to jimeka

My right buttock is begging to hurt random times, and right knee catches when going upstairs. Weird because it was my left calf that had pain and spasms for 20 years. Was on Flexeril for 15 years until it finally caused Syncope (fainting spells). No more muscle relaxants at my age doctors said cause I already have natural low BP and stand up “drop BP”. Anyway, weird MS, 🤔

Jesmcd2 profile image
Jesmcd2CommunityAmbassador

Does it feel like it goes almost to the bone agapepilgrim ? I have had that in my right arm so bad I went to the ER. And I don't go to the ER.🙁😭 The only thing that would work is the lidocaine patches, and heating pad and a sling. I'm already left handed. And never had it happen in my left arm tho.

Feel better very soon!🤗💕🌠

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Jesmcd2

Never thought of heating pad. Have used ice packs. Heat makes my who body wilt. Saw an ad for a combo cream of arnica, aloe Vera, peppermint oil, and emu. Maybe I should try that. Yep all the way deep to the bone. Thanks. The one time I went to ER for pain I couldn’t breathe. Dx with double pneumatic and pleurisy. NOW that was worse than labor pains!

Kenu profile image
Kenu

Maybe try “Kratom” it’s a herb 🌿 that is used for pain. 👍🙏Ken 🐾🐾

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Kenu

THAT was the unnamed thing I forgot the name of. Lol! Ivrembwr going to big city to the Purple Haze shop to buy it (neice told me about it). They told me to gradually up the dosage. I did. Didn’t stop pain. Eventually got very sick. Diahhrea etc. Called my medical tech daughter. She said I overdosed. It was a weird trip. Lol. Pain never stopped. Thanks

Amore55 profile image
Amore55 in reply to agapepilgrim

I tried Kraton, had to stop. Really bad reaction immediately.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Amore55

Me too

bxrmom profile image
bxrmom

I'm sorry you are in such pain. I hope you are able to get relief soon. Keep us updated when you can.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to bxrmom

Thank you

Peruzzot profile image
Peruzzot

Hope you find something that works for you soon.

Dolf profile image
Dolf

You are not alone... Although I’m right handed, it is my left arm that is acting up in exactly the way you describe. I found a wonderful massage therapist and go there once a week for bodywork.

On a different note, our dog of 12 years passed away on June 1 st. She was the most wonderful meek rescue dog. Goodbye Mia...

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Dolf

😢😢😢

Dolf profile image
Dolf in reply to agapepilgrim

It is rough, we miss our companion. She was loved. She gave love back.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Dolf

My current pet doesn’t give live back. Strangest dog I’ve ever been around. Follows me everywhere, but no cuddling allowed, no petting allowed. She literally moves away from me if I do. Otherwise, she will lie next to me. She must have been really abused and is afraid of people. Yet so attached sits at my feet in the bathroom even. And will not go outside without me. I have compassion for her, but no cuddling allowed 😓🤔❤️

Dolf profile image
Dolf in reply to agapepilgrim

Our Mia ‘served’ as a research dog the first year of her live. She had a device implanted outside her braincage that was explanted after the experiment was completed. The purpose of the experiment was to test a device that alleviates cluster headaches in humans. Animals are not often used in experiments but sometimes it is necessary for safety... The FDA (food and drug administration) regulates this practice very stringently. Animals that serve as research animals are bread with minimal human contact, because the experiment protocol usually calls to euthanize the animal. We adopted our Mia with permission from the FDA, promising that we would give her a good home. It took almost two years and a lot of patience before she would walk even up to us. Remember, she was not used to human contact. Gradually she trusted us and with a lot of love she became the pet that would give love back. Looking in the big brown eyes of her would melt anyone. SrEventually she would be ok with strangers petting her. She never got used to the garbage truck and would hide when she heard the sound of it.

It sounds like your pet is similar in behavior as our Mia in the beginning. I see them as ‘dogs with a story’ who deserve as much (if not more) love from us. We were fortunate to know the story and were able to give her love. You unfortunately, don’t know the story of your pet, but he/she deserves your love.

Sorry for the long post. I hope it will help you to understand the ‘oddities’ of him/her. Look in the eyes.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Dolf

I’m almost in tears😥All I see in Annie’s eyes is sadness. She can’t jump on the bed because of her leg injury yet she cries to be on bed yet when I go to pick her up she runs from me, to her bed, curls up in a ball, lets me pick her up, curls up in a ball in the bed on my side, and goes to sleep. She knows no words, like “come, no, let’s go, “ etc. it’s like in 8 yrs no one has trained. I know where she was the last 2 years- an elderly handicapped woman who held her in her lap most of the day. (She must have felt like a prisoner). One day she jumped off the woman’s high bed and broke her back. The daughters chose the $2000 surgery 6 months before I got her (then owner died). I’m sure that was painful and traumatic for Annie. The daughters found her 2 yrs previous in a rescue place. So who knows? Yes, her eyes are very sad. I identify with her. Her rear patellar location from that fall also causes her pain. Poor baby. So we hobble along. Both abused and in pain 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️

Dolf profile image
Dolf in reply to agapepilgrim

Thanks for sharing your story. It gives me/us a good view into your heart. I’ll hobble with you in thoughts and (of course) in pain as well. 💌

Amore55 profile image
Amore55 in reply to Dolf

I am so VERY sorry for your loss. It is one of the saddest things we go through, losing our fur babies. May you have some wonderful memories. Love, Kelly xx

Dolf profile image
Dolf in reply to Amore55

Thank you. Her favorite place in front of my office. I still automatically think I have to step over her.

Amore55 profile image
Amore55 in reply to Dolf

You know, I have lost so many very special dogs over the years, and often find myself still reaching out in the night for one that has been gone for years. They really become part of us! Much comfort, I hope. Love, Kelly

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4 in reply to Dolf

So sorry foe ypur loss. We lost our dog of 15 yrs right after Christmas. Still muss her.

Dolf profile image
Dolf in reply to hairbrain4

It is amazing how our pets become such an important part of our families. We miss her so much.

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06

Have u tried physical therapy? I had pain from my thumb all the way to my elbow that felt bone deep. Turned out to be tendinitis. It got better wen i started wearing a brace on both hands at nite while i slept.

A thumb brace is more extensive than a wrist brace if u decide to try it. It covers all ur fingers, whole thumb and all the way almost to ur elbow

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Midgey_Midge06

I will check that out. Thanks!!!!

Yes, and occasionally in left also. I write HORRIBLY & it hurts. Hand likes to “claw” when overwhelmed by heat intolerance. Typing is 1 finger bc whole hands no longer cooperate. What bothers most is the upper arm #1, forearm #2 and hand varies. I also get tremors at times too. If upper traps are too tight my arms will tingle/fall asleep. Neuro swears it’s not MS 🤔 really? WHAT is it then? She doesn’t know bc It’s MS!

The only real relief has been my PT. Her focus is hands on so she works the fascia/muscles. When that doesn’t work sufficiently, she will do ultrasound first then work on it.

I haven’t seen her since 1st week of March bc of Covid so I’ve been trying to do it on my own w various things (foam roller, massage ball, pure wave etc) Minimal relief. Haven’t tried TENS yet-just bought one last week.

You are right, heat-cold-CBD-icy hot-muscle relaxers-stretching , none has worked. Sometimes ibuprofen will take the edge off but not good for my irritable stomach.

Juliew19673 profile image
Juliew19673 in reply to Goldilockssearching

I love my TENS unit! It really has helped my neck but alas even though it doesn't hurt "It" moved to my right shoulder cap and blade - now I cannot reach behind without horrid pain! Hang in there!!

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Juliew19673

I love my TENS also. Been using one for about 25 years. Progressively upgraded them over the years. Sometimes so tight must ramp up to an 8! Miracle workers. But for some reason arm too sensitive. Won’t stand even #1.

Juliew19673 profile image
Juliew19673 in reply to agapepilgrim

I've just recently moved up to a 2. I accidentally went past 2 once and that hurt!

I wish for healing for you, hang in there and appreciate your knowledge.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Juliew19673

Wow

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Goldilockssearching

I have Norco prescription when pain brings me to tears I take that.

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06 in reply to Goldilockssearching

I was actually able to buy my own Ultra sound machine for pain. It is awesome and helps so much. Lg medical supply i think it was. Only $167. Wen all else fails- it comes to the rescue

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Midgey_Midge06

Maybe I should start saving my dimes

Midgey_Midge06 profile image
Midgey_Midge06 in reply to agapepilgrim

Best investment i ever made

carolek572 profile image
carolek572CommunityAmbassador

You sound like you have tried many things and nothing quite works, agapepilgrim I am not sure I can offer any advice other than to offer you my thoughts, gentle vHugs, and prayers...

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to carolek572

Thanks.

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4

I saw you have tried just about everything next to cutting it off what I didnt see where you tried acupuncture. It's usually really good for nerve pain.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to hairbrain4

Thanks. I have used dry needling on back and neck. Will try on arm. Thanks a lot.

MixedBag profile image
MixedBag

Capsaicin patches. It's hot pepper. It makes your nerves so overstimulated they shut down. Every person I have told couldn't handle the patches until it helped. About 20 minutes until the nerves release. I don't have pain problems right now but they are in my drawer ready to go if I do.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to MixedBag

Sounds interesting. The Salonspa patches help a lot. Use them everyday. Just get expensive. Thanks

Brindisi1 profile image
Brindisi1

Is it originating from spine? Degenerative issues,or help?

Not always specialty of ms neurologist

Best in your journey

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to Brindisi1

Maybe. Could be from neck now that you mention it. My neck is a mess. Neurologist wants to do surgery but I reject it. Use a lot of different modalities on neck also. Thanks.

CrazyCatWom profile image
CrazyCatWom

Okay, so no chemical solutions. What about maybe acupuncture? And I know I used to use a chiropractor for a lot of my pain issues. They don't always just do spinal manipulations. Sometimes it can be something else pinching a nerve and causing pain and they can adjust something which releves the pain and show you how you can do it yourself.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim in reply to CrazyCatWom

Good idea. Dry needling works good on neck and back and shoulders. I just stopped doing things that makes those areas hurt. Difficult to stop using right arm like now. But I will seek out dry needling for my arm. Good idea. Thanks.

rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslaw

I would like to start off by saying sorry to hear about your pain

Welcome to the left side becoming a left handed person you will love our world. Yes we have challenged but we're creative in how we adapt to the right handed world 😀😁👍👍

Now to the pain I take baclofen, tizandine, and gabapentin, Have you tried them?

I also use a spray called arnica capsicum

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