Multisypmtom no answeres

[noanswers2099]

Hello since I've never posted before Im going to give a little bit of background info on my problem.

I have been having problems for many years now w/ no direct diagnosis.  It first started several years ago w/ a pain in the back left side of my head (about a pointer finger distance directly behind the middle of my ear in the space where the curve of your skull bone meets your neck) I was told it was muscle tension.  Several check-up and several tests and several years later no other diagnosis. Last year it started effecting my left side of my neck, and shoulder. I haven't been able to sleep on my left side or lean that way for too long its too painful.

Last April I began a regular 3 mile walk w/ my friend about 3x/s a week and started having sharp random needle stabs in my legs.  Its like someone takes a needle and stabs me in a random spot then again somewhere else.  I started taking gabapentin 3xs a day and it seems to relieve the needle pricks but nothing else.  I was on Clonazepam 0.5mg 1 at bedtime for a mo.

After a bout of what is believed to have been the flu (again not diagnosed, I was told a cold then after the fact when I called due to sore, swollen glands under my arms and weak calves after taking my prescription) I was told via the phone it was probably the flu and I should let the medicine run its corse. This happened in October and I have now been having pain in my lower left side of my back just below my rib cage ever since, . I still have the lower left back pain. Still no diagnosis.  Could my medicine be causing this?  I also take naproxen when the head/neck/shoulder pain is to much to bear. When I sit for long periods of time it aggravates the left side of my body. I sometimes walk around w/out moving my neck because it hurts to move it.

My new dr. suggested I see a chiropractor, he wouldn't event touch me! (I'm kind of glad though because I've heard some not so positive things about using one)

My latest problem is sensitive painful knuckles (if a raindrop hits my knuckles it hurts) I have full function of my hands but my knuckles are very painful.

I am so lost it seems that my problems are mostly on my left side but the knuckles and the needle pricks happen on both sides of my body.

Any info as to what direction I should look would be great.  I'm starting to feel like a hypochondriac but the pain is real so why are their no diagnosis. As time goes by its apparent that more things are happening to me.  I get afraid that there might be something serious that is being missed especially because of this head pain.  Thank you so much for reading my post.

As an afterthought I have the murina iud could that be effecting anything?
Thanks again

[Tuckamore]

Yes I think it is a good start. I appreciate your update and hope to hear from you in the near future. I'll look forward to your updates.

Hang tight and best of luck to you.

Take Care,
Tuck

[noanswers2099]

Thank you Seano and Tuckamore for the information.  I've never heard of a dr. like that.  I will look into them.  I have finally rec'd my req. for blood work from the Neurologist and am going next week. Hopefully once the results are in I'll be able to have the nerve test he wants to do on my legs.  I guess thats a good start for now. I'll post how it goes

[seano]

Just for further information - D.O. after a doctors name stands for Doctor of Orthopedics.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Noanswers,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum of MedHelp. I am glad that you found us and took the time to post. I am very sorry to hear about your undiagnosed painful symptoms. Many have been where you have so we can relate.

Physiatrists (as Seano suggested) specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Their main focus of practice is in restoring optimal function to people with injuries to the muscles, bones, tissues, and nervous system. There are some good ones out there.

I would also suggest a rheumatologist.Often they can diagnosis pain issues that others have missed. You may want to consider a consult with one.

In my opinion Doctor's of Osteopathy are often over-looked. They are highly trained and education physicians that often sub-specialize, very similar to MDs. However DO's receive an additional 300 - 500 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine and the body's musculoskeletal system. They focus on the body as a whole. They are able to perform OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatment). This is similar to a chiropractic adjustment but in my opinion much more gentle and comprehensive, they are physicians first. Not all DO's carry OMT into their practices so be sure and ask if you decide to make an appointment.

I went for years with undiagnosed pain. Most MD's dismissed my symptoms and pain. Than one day, quite by accident I saw an Internal Medicine DO. She diagnosed me quickly. I would not be here today without her. I receive OMT's. It keeps me walking and helps me maintain some degree of activity.

I do not have any personal knowledge of the side effects of the Mirena IUD. I do know that there have been reported side effects that include back pain but not the more generalized pain to the degree that you are experiencing. Bu anything is possible. If you can directly relate your symptoms to around the insertion of the IUD it is a consideration. In that case consult with a OB/GYN.

I think what we all are saying is to seek another opinion or a third or a fourth. Don't go undiagnosed. Be assertive. Seek out and expect answers. It can be a frustrating experience but don't give up. You are your own best health care advocate.

Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to hearing from you again. Best of luck to you.

Take Care,
Tuck

[seano]

I would seek out a physiatrist (not psychiatrist). Think of them as psychiatrists for your body though! They are regular medical doctors with a few extra years of schooling, concentrated on the muscoskeletal system. You can usually find them under a hospital's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department. I think it would be yourbest betinfinding a diagnosis AND treatment!