Hamstrings

[misscahe]

I am new to this site! Its not for me I dont have the pain but my grandpa does. I will be as specific as possible. Ten years ago my grandpa fell and hurt his hamstring... he has had pain ever since. He has had two strokes since then so it has made his recovery alot harder. He is 66 and he has HORRIBLE pain. He cant walk or stand anymore since last year so I help transfer him to wheelchairs and things. His tailbone also hurts. Last week he had a baclofen pump trial to see if that would help his pain in the back of his leg and since then his weakness is alot worse. And now his tailbone hurts so bad he cant even sit. Nothing helps his pain and he DOES NOT want to take narcotic pain medicine. Every doctor he sees attributes his pain/muscle weakness to his stroke but he says thats not what it is since all of his upper extremities are working just fine. His speech is fine and his fine motor skills are fine.He has also had a few back surgeries that may or may not have anything to do with his pain in his leg. All the doctors he see's think its ccause of his stroke but It is his muscle and nobody can figure it out he has had countless MRIs. ultra-sounds, xrays..everything you can think of and nobody can figure anything out. He says it is a severe achy feeling... not throbbing, not burning, not pinching. Has anyone had this before? Does anyone know who to see or what to do? I am only 23 and 130 lbs he s 5'11 and 265 lbs so lifting him everyday is REALLY taking a toll on my body! Anybody please please help.

[squirtatious]

Have u looked into alternative treatment such as EFT, footzoning, iridology? I wish u and ur grandfather the utmost best!!!!!! -S-

[Tuckamore]

Hello,

A tardy Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. Bless your heart for being so caring and concerned over your grandfather. There aren't a lot of young women that you give what you are giving. Your grandfather must be very proud of you.

His condition sounds very complex. I believe that his pain is muscle because we know our bodies better then anyone else. However the question is what is causing the pain...and better yet..how should it be treated. It's unlikely that this is a spinal structure problem because all the imaging is negative. However tests don't always show everything...plus it may show up with repeat imagining. As a CVA victim he is probably not a good surgical candidate although you have to have a diagnosis before you even consider his fitness.  

A CVA (stroke) can cause muscle pain and weakness. His pain may be a combination of the CVA and the past spine surgeries. Nothing needs to "show" for pain to return or continue after a surgical repair.

If he has not consulted a leading neurosurgeon or neurologist at a large teaching facility I encourage him to do so. I understand his reluctance to take narcotics but if he desires pain control he may have little choice. Has he been through a good physical therapy program? If yes, he may benefit from another round of treatments.

There are also a lot of natural pain treatment options, like acupuncture that may be beneficial.  Consulting a holistic practitioner or a osteopath may also be beneficial. He should not settle for answers that he is not in agreement with.

I am sure your assistance and guidance is extremely valued...But don't forget to take care of you too. There are options to lifting him unassisted. I encourage you to look into devices that may assist you with his lift. I am sure he would be devastated if you injured yourself while caring for him.

Please let us know how you and your grandfather are doing. I will look forward with interest to hearing your updates. Best of luck to you my dear.

Take Care,
~Tuck