I have a spinal problem that has left me needing to use a wheelchair and crutches. This started about 8 years ago. Ever since then I have had chronic pain in my back, chest and down my left leg.
For the last couple of months, when I have been climbing the stairs, I have been getting agonizing stabbing pain on the outside of my right knee.
It has now progressed to the point where I am unable to climb the stairs. I now have to go up and down on my bum.
I am also starting to get the pain when I am standing still. My GP wasn't much help today. All he could suggest was to "see how it goes for a few months". (Thanks doc!)
I know it's a long shot, but has anyone else here had similar problems?
As always, thanks in advance.
J.
Written by
badbackjonny
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I know what agonizing pain is like especially if it seems to be never ending. You should be moved to a place where little climbing of stairs is required. There are places built for handicapped with ramps. Are you taking enough pain medications? I know too much just dull your mind and senses.
I have severe low back pain with lower limb symptoms. Nerve pain is so disturbing. You may have to think of something to sooth the pain. Are you seen by a pain specialist? Doctors themselves have not experienced pain episodes like this and they often don't know the answer.
I can't be of any help either because I'm suffering unstoppable pain too. I am still looking for a specialist for an answer. The surgeon who operated on me when one of my legs couldn't move has refused to see me! He is was so cruel. This is Canadian health care.
Pacifica, pain management is good advice but could I mention to you that handicapped is a term very likely to cause offence in the UK, where many people have fought discrimination even so far as the terminology used to describe disability. Disability seems to be acceptable at the moment but who knows.........
Sorry, no offence. Disability, handicapped, physically challenging, or something similar are interchangeable in Canada. Nobody seems to mind. Most parking signs use "handicapped parking" or a wheelchair sign.
It is amazing to hear that people who are reliant on crutches and a wheelchair and suffering long term constant intractable pain are just moved into special accommodation, with ramps. Here in the UK you would get a lesson on how to climb the stairs using one crutch and the handrail and carrying your second crutch. As for accommodation you would be in a waiting list for years even if you were homeless. As for ramps LOL, I couldn't even get my wheelchair from one room to another. It was crawl or stay in one room because the door frames were too narrow.
Using a wheelchair, crutches, walking stick, or walking differently because of pain or muscle tightness, will throw stress abnormally on to the "wrong" areas of the body. It tries to support but ends up pulled, twisted, sprained or worn. Is it possible a physio might help to identify and treat the problem?
I have a strong suspicion your right. I just don't want something else wrong with me. My right leg is my only limb that is working as it should! I have a physio I use a lot so I will ask her next week when I go.
I guess I was looking for reassurance it was nothing. Trying to fool myself.
I have read that turmeric helps some people with pain. It has to be taken with freshly ground black pepper and any cold pressed oil. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is said to be cancer protective. There is some scientific research to back up these claims, but for more info join Turmeric User Group on Facebook and google for more info. There has to be a curcumin level in the Turmeric of 3-5%. Taking curcumin on it's own is NOT recommended as it can be toxic at high levels. Also look for any possible interactions with any other medication, but I believe Turmeric is relatively safe. Like everything else it may or may not help, but is worth a try at least. You will find out things like dosage and how much black pepper to use, also recipes and other people's experience using turmeric on the TUG fb page.
Doris I am trying gabapentin have read many good reviews about this pain and axiety reliever. It's early days for me but I am optimistic that it will help.
I'd rather address the problem than look for symptomatic relief. I haven't read the word sciatic pain? Once we become labelled, it seems as though no further treatment gets considered. Your mobility is being further restricted, so at least you need at least and xray, perhaps physio and a realistic diagnosis, then appropriate treatment whether palliative or corrective.
So agree with you about labels. This country works the same as it did in the days of the Raj. Chits and Labels. Haven't got the right chit then we can't help you. Oh you have a chit, but without a label we wouldn't know what to do for you.
Has anyone tried gabapentin for pain? I have read very good reviews for this pain treatment. I have just started at a low dose and already am receiving some benefit including anxiety relief.
Yes I have tried it and amatriptalimne or some such. They were both a disaster for me. Sorry that doesn't help you. It is like dozens of meds. Some work great for some people, some of the time. I have always tried whatever was offered. Sometimes I got lucky. I am glad you are having success this time.
Yes, I had the same thing, but not as long. Because the stab comes at a specific spot on the outer side of the knee, that tells them exactly which part of your spine it comes from. My doctor sent me to a spine specialist for a shot in that vertebrae, and wallah, the pain was gone. That was about a year ago.
Had exact same issues for many years. My pain is more general around knee but I do get stabbing pains. Your back sounds like sciatica. I have tried every type of pain relief going. Tramadol is working on my back at present but does not touch the knee pain.
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I have a physio I use a lot so I will ask her next week when I go. 
Have you heard of Kratom?
Help? I can't use paper to clean myself and need advice to change a wet room.
