severe pain in Neck and Right Shoulder

[boshells]

For the last 3 weeks I have been experiencing severe pains in my right shoulder and neck area. Its actually between my neck and chest area and then all over my shoulder and to the back of my neck. I was referred to a Rheumatologist around 5 years, as I was experiencing back pain and had sciatica, but it has now travelled around into my legs, wrists, arms, shoulders, knees and neck. I am taking strong pain killers, but they still haven't yet diagnosed me with anything and its starting to depress me. I am only 33 and struggle to walk for more than 20 mins as I get very tired. I just want my life back and be able to do things with my family, especially my children. I work for the NHS and love my job, but I have had to take time off and don't want to lose my job.

[pcole]

Hi there have you been to physical therapist ? You may have tight musculature around your joints causing shoulder immobility and pain. I suggest go to the physical therapist

[boshells in reply to pcole]

Hi, I have seen physiotherapists, had MRI Scans, X-rays and ultra sound scans, but they have found nothing? Oh and I have also paid for a chiropractor.

[Jelli]

Id be seeing a physio you may have knots in your shoulder which is causing other problems . Massage sore area and lots of warm baths may help but see a physio to find good excercises to get rid of any tight muscles

[suzie2shoes]

Hello Boshells, I am sorry to hear of your discomfort. You sound to me as if you have Fibromyalgia. I am no expert but if you have widespread pain that lasts for weeks with no respite, I think this is possible. You would need to see a rheumatologist to get a proper diagnosis. There is no cure, you have to learn to live with it. I personally have had it for a long time and I take pain killers at night to get some sleep. But they are pretty useless for actually getting rid of pain. They just dull it. I hope you find some answers. You have to be persistent with the doctors.X

[boshells in reply to suzie2shoes]

Hi suzie2shoes, I have mentioned that I may have fibromyalgia to my rheumatologist and he laughed and didn't take me seriously. He put me on steroids for 3 months, which in all honesty just made me put on weight as I was constantly hungry. Now because I'm in pain all the time, I can't work out to lose the weight. So in theory they made me worse! I'm due to see my consultant in sept, so hopefully this time he will take me seriously? Fingers crossed 😬 xx

[suzie2shoes in reply to boshells]

I was ages before I got a diagnosis and then it was only tentative. The rheumatologist just said he thought it was Fibromyalgia and gave me leaflets. You are on your own then. I joined the East Midlands Support Group and found it invaluable. Being on the helpline helped me to understand what was happening. Giving advice makes you want to practice what you preach. What you need to ask in September is why are you getting all this pain and what can you do about it? Try to get plenty of sleep. Have you had your Thyroid checked? I was tons better after I was put on medication.

[boshells in reply to suzie2shoes]

I have been given leaflets and I seem to have all the symptoms for fibromyalgia. My husband is going to come to my next appointment, as he is so worried about me and feels helpless. Thanks for all your advise, it has made me feel a lot better to know that I'm not going mad and there are other people out there going through the same thing as me? I just want a diagnosis and to be taking the correct medication. I'm currently taking tramadol, which just make me feel drowsy. I also live in the midlands, we couldn't live further away from the sea if we tried, lol xx