Chronic Leg Pain - Now in my arms too - Please help me?

[needhelp206]

I've had leg aches for six months now, non stop. The pain is below my knee in the front, all the way down to my ankle. When it's really bad the pain is above my knee up to my thigh. I get it it in both legs.. Its very achy. Increases with exercise and walking. I'm not overweight, my xray's came out normal, blood work is fine. I'm at a loss and my Dr. is stumped. I'm on Oxycontin and Norco, but it's getting to the point that those don't even work anymore.  Very sick of this.
Now my arms are hurting, started about a week ago.. it's the exact same ache, just more mild than my legs.
What are some tests or other meds I can do to try and figure this out, or what kind of Specialist should I see?  I'm getting very upset so really appreciate responses.  Thanks.

[needhelp206]

Are you seeing a pain management specialist or are you working with your primary care physician? The reason I ask is that pain docs generally don't handle the diagnostic end of things. Their work begins after another doctor has diagnosed and referred you to pain management.

I am currently seeing a primary care physician and started with a Rheomotoligist today. She is doing extensive blood work on me – where they test my blood every 6 weeks a total of 3 times.

I just wanted to thank you for your thoughtful response.

[Jaybay]

I'm sorry you had to find this forum, but pleased to e-meet you!  Just an FYI, there are no doctors on this forum, but someone may come along who has experienced similar symptoms and can provide better guidance than I.  

Are you seeing a pain management specialist or are you working with your primary care physician?  The reason I ask is that pain docs generally don't handle the diagnostic end of things.  Their work begins after another doctor has diagnosed and referred you to pain management.  

X-ray films don't always tell the full tale as a diagnostic tool, and basic blood work usually only rules out major organ function problems.  Were you told exactly what labs were ordered?  An MRI of your hips and lower spine might be helpful, but since you say your arms are now involved it may not even be an orthopedic problem.  You might ask for a referral to a neurologist and if that checks out OK, maybe move on to a rheumatologist.  There could be something of an autoimmune nature going on, but I'm no doctor so take that with a large grain of salt!

I know these past 6 months must seem like an eternity, but it's far too soon to give up on finding out why you are having severe pain.  Ask for copies of all test results you have this far, and start keeping your own records.  Have no fear of asking for them.  They belong to you.  Just be honest and say you want to keep your own records as you search for answers.  I've been pretty surprised on more than one occasion at things my doctors never told me, and should have done.  Keeping your own records also makes it easy to supply any new doctor with the pertinent facts of your case.  

Please keep posting and let us know what happens on your journey.  We all have our own little tips and tricks for dealing with chronic pain both physically and mentally.  Mental health really takes a beating where chronic pain is concerned.  CP inflitrates every area of lives and can make what used to be the simple act of living petty overwhelming.  We'll all help out wherever we can.  :-)