Thread: Pain

About 7 years ago, I had a hysterectomy. 4 weeks after the hysterectomy, my incision burst open. I was re hospitalized with a MRSA infection. The incision was left open and packed every other day from October through December. That all seemed to resolve until 2 years later.

I had a cyst that would not drain and was readmitted to the hospital again with a diagnosis of MRSA again. I had 5 surgeries that week, with daily re opening of the cyst and "scraping and packing". I was released from the hospital, only to be admitted 2 months later with 2 other small infections one in an inside elbow and the other lower abdomen. Those were also surgically cleaned.

It took almost 1 1/2 years to regain strength after the 7 surgeries. I was on a very powerful antibiotic named Zyvox for 2-3 MONTHS. I later found out this antibiotic maximum recommended dosage was for 2 weeks.

After that 1 1/2 years I began having horrible pains in my left leg. It appeared to start at my upper outside thigh and go down. Long story short---the pain has NEVER gone away. It's 5 years later, The pain has spread from that one leg to both legs, back, arms, everywhere. I've had MRI's, ultrasounds, blood tests---nothing shows ANY reason for the pain. The only answer given to me was to give me a prescription of 120 Tramadol (Ultram) per month to cope. It helped. I was constantly and still am so tired....but have coped.

Flash to a new doctor---wants to hold off on all pain meds, max of 20 per month. I'm trying to cope with OTC meds, which does not even touch the pain. I'd love to be off all pain meds but how do I cope then? I can't sleep. I can't move. I can't sit for more than 15 minutes at a time, then standing up, wow....give that 10 minutes if I'm luck. LOL. The pain feels to me like electric shock continually through my whole body.

How do you get someone to take you seriously enough to help you? I'm very limited due to a discount program through our county hospital since I have no insurance. The doctor wants to take care of the blood sugars which were running over 400 and my blood pressure was 210/100...Im thrilled at the help with that. But with the pain that no one can explain :-( I have a hard time caring if the other stuff gets fixed.

Thanks for reading this LONG rant....and it just helps some to know other people have had to deal with something like this.

Have you tried physical therapy and stretching exercises?

Originally Posted by pepperpot

Have you tried physical therapy and stretching exercises?

I did physical therapy for about 2 months, with no significant improvement, Ive been through chiropractic care, same results, and even did acupuncture. The results were very temporary with all of those treatments.

i know you said you do not have insurance but it sounds like you need to keep looking for the right dr for you. I know a lot of times dr's will just push you to the side because you do not have insurance, but you need to keep looking. Maybe do some research online and find specialist dr's around the country and call and talk to someone about what is going on.

There has to be a reason for your pain, do not give up.

I had found a new OTC medication (homeopathic) that I was going to try, until the pharmacist discouraged it....It was called Cobroxin. Apparently made of cobra venom and helps to paralyze the nerves that are causing pain.

Id rather know why the pain, than just treat the pain, but at this point, whatever it takes to cope. :-)

I agree you need to find out ASAP what this is. Sounds like an episode of Mystery Diagnosis(I love thats show!) When you said it felt like shocks I was thinking something like nervous system. I know you dont have insurance, but the pains only going to get worse so you cant give up. Go outside the hospital insurance or not MOST doctors will put you on a payment plan if you explain your situation. If you want the help its out there you just gotta look for it. I hope you feel better!

Originally Posted by SLance68

Have they considered that it might be related to the diabetes? It sounds like the nerve damage from diabetes. As far as the Dr. and holding off the pain med that is not unusual since they (Dr's) think that everyone is out to get meds for an addiction not actual pain.

I was going to suggest the same thing. get your diabetes under control the pain should subside. My DH is diabetic, and has horrible leg pain when his diabetes is out of control.

Im hoping that when the diabetes gets under control it does get better. If so, we are on our way! We are dropping glucose numbers slowly. Thank you for all of the replies.

Belle, sorry to hear you are having so much pain. I can relate. You might want to see a Neurologist. When you said the electric shock pain that is moving sounds like RSD. Mine started in my left ankle & spread to my left thigh, to my right foot and right hand. The sensations vary on different regions of my body.
You need to see a Neurologist to have an ENG test done. RSD is a lifetime condition & spreads. This is one serious condition.
Good luck!