Undiagnosed, chronic pain/inflammation

[hag309]

I'm a 27 year old male. I hope you can help me! Any help would be greatly appreciated. It all started with a pain by my left hip exactly 1 year ago, over the months it became pain under my left rib, then months later under my right rib. I had an exploratory surgery, which found a slight "weakness" in my left abdomen, not quite a hernia. I also had my gallbladder removed (which was not even bad.)  Now the ache has moved to my mid back.  Its like a constant ache, even if I hold still.  I went to a pain management clinic and am taking some pretty powerful meds like opana and norco (which is definitely helping, but making me slightly depressed when they wear off)  I tried Intercoastal injections under my ribs, trigger point injections in my back. It didnt really seem to help too much. The ultrasound guy that was helping with the injections said he could see the "dark" areas that he said were inflammation.  I just don't understand what is going on, I'm only 27 and I have some sort of chronic inflammation that is in my back, and sometimes even spreads to my abdomen.

I've had NUMEROUS tests, ct scans w constrast, x-rays of abdomen, MRI of my spine, colonoscopy, endoscopy, every blood test imaginable, (even tests for hepatitis, porphyria) My gastro doctor thinks I have "IBS", I just have this feeling the initial left side pain is somehow connected.  Could that "weakness" in my left side be causing my colon to function abnormally causing inflammation?  Has anyone ever been through something like this.. I almost want to just go to the mayo clinic because nobody has any idea why this is happening.

[Tuckamore]

That is mysterious symptoms. I cannot imagine what would cause that type of inflammation. However I do think you need to be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

If the gastroenterologist cannot find anything other than IBS it's time to look for other causes. In my opinion too often we kind of give up. I did that and because of it have a condition(SIJ Dysfunction) that was late to be diagnosed and can no longer be successfully treated. Please don't let that happen to you.

Be assertive and find answers. And again please keep in touch.

~Tuck

[hag309]

Thanks for the replies guys.  To Tuckamore the ultrasound tech was viewing the muscles/trigger points in my mid back. He found some inflammation in the muscle slightly to the left and right of my spine.  I heard something about it being close to "t8". It was also found in the front under both sides of my ribs in the muscles. It seems like when he would find a spot with "a lot of inflammation" it would be the exact area that was throbbing that day. Today my entire lower left and right rib cage are sore to the touch in-between the ribs, along with my mid back muscles again.  My symptoms are always changing, yet always in my torso.  Next week it will probably be my mid back and that gnawing ache I get under my right rib sometimes.  Maybe I will see a rheumatologist like you recommended.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Hag309,

I am so sorry to hear about your painful symptoms. It sounds like you have had all the usual and customary diagnostic procedures.

Have you seen a rheumatologist? Has a genetic disorder been considered? How about Lyme's disease? Inflammation can be caused so a multitude of conditions or diseases.

It's interesting that the pain began in your hip. Just where did the technician see the "dark spots" that indicated inflammation? Was this in your intestine area or ribs? Your symptoms are certainly a mystery to me and apparently to your physicians.

I agree with your thoughts of going to a national, well known clinic like Mayo. You are so young and I think you need better answers besides IBS.  Yes IBS can be painful but should not require potent opiates to control the pain. You may have several things going on and not just one condition. A national clinic should be able to pinpoint the reasons for your painful symptoms.

I wish I had better answers for you. Please let us know how you are doing and keep in touch. I will watch for your updates with interest.

Take Care and Best of Luck,
~Tuck

[Shancard]

Nerve burning treatment is very painful when the nerve endings grow back. Do your research and get a second opinion.

[BP88]

You're not alone, bro.  My doctor can't seem to figure out the cause of my pain either and it's been almost 5 years.  They've put me on MS Contin and Duragesic patches, injected my neck a few times with cortisone, and in a month I'll be undergoing a nerve burning treatment that will hopefully give me more relief than the medication alone.  I just wish they knew exactly what was causing the pain because every day seems like a battle in an attempt to feel slightly normal so I can socialize and be happy for once.  I've been suffering from chronic pain since I was 17 in high school; I'm 21 now.  I feel robbed of my younger years because I know I'll never get it back pain-free.

[mellie4]

Just wanted to tell you I'm sorry you're going through all this.  A year is a long time trying to figure things out.  I hope someone else has more information for you.