Excrutiating Pain!
Pat Braskich
I have been wound as tight as a drum since my dad got sick the first of
March. Through all of that trauma I did nothing to take care of
myself. So I new after he died that this would all catch up with me.
Along with the fibro I have a bulging disc and stenosis and sciatica.
My worst fibro is between my shoulder blades. It is always painful, but
last week it seems to be tighter than usual. I decided since my lower
back hurt and the sciatica was bad that I would go to the chiropractor.
My chiro was out of town and she had a sub. Well of course he adjusted
me differently than she usually does. He really pushed hard on my back
while I was laying face down. It wasn't awful, but uncomfortable. That
was Friday. By Sunday it was really hurting and by Monday I was in
tears. I really didn't do anything Saturday or Sunday to cause this,
but some people I've talked to don't think it was from the adjustment.
I have never, ever had pain like this.
. The pain went from my back, around my shoulder blade, under my arm
and around through the side of my breast and under it. I went to acute
care Monday night because I couldn't take a deep breath, couldn't turn
over when lying down. The pain is constant, but the slightest movement
-- even if I yawn -- it is like a jolt. The acute care doc said it is a
thoracic strain (exrays showed no cracked ribs) He gave me skelactin
(sp?) and darvocet. Didn't even touch the pain! Today I went back to
acute care with my son who broke two of his fingers in martial arts and
the same doc was there. Well by the time we were seen - after an hour
and a half wait, I was white at the sheet. So he actually asked about
me (and I didn't even have to sign in and didn't get charged!!!) offered
a steroid injection, but we couldn't figure out where to put it and
would up giving me an rx for vicodin.
Well, it doesn't do a thing for the pain, just makes me groggy like the
other meds.
I have really never had this kind of pain and don't know what to do. He
said it just takes time, but I should at least feel some relief, don't
ya think? What is a strain? I does feel like I "sprained" my back and
chest! It is really sucky.
I did get some ultrasound and massage therapy on Tuesday, but it didn't
help either. Any suggestions?
Pat
Any ideas of what to do?
Eq
sounds pleuresy-like, but I'm not sure if it's the proper area(s) for it.
I'd be returning to the doc, though, with the explanation that the vicodin
is appreciated, but isn't handling the pain.
Hugs,
Mary
"Pat Braskich" <bras...@enteract.com> wrote in message
news:3D4A1306...@enteract.com...
Starz...@webtv.net
" thoracic strain"
when I first read your post, I thought that your description of pain
and location sounded like thoracic outet syndrome.
Maybe you could ask your acute care MD about this? If I remember
correctly, it is caused by the compression of the nerves in the brachial
plexus affecting the
thorax and causes pain in shoulders and where you are decribing you
pain.
Here are a couple (ha, more than a couple, haven't gotten this cc&p deal
down pat yet) but anyway, here are some links to site that tell about
TOS.
hope that this helps.
NINDS - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Information Page
List of sources on thoracic outlet syndrome. Compiled by the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/thoracic_doc.htm
MMG - A Patient's Guide to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Includes causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and graphics.
http://www.medicalmultimediagroup.com/pated/ctd/tos/tos.html
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Offers assistance in diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome through steps
outlined and papers on the condition.
http://www.tos-syndrome.com/
Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine - Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Find out more about this group of disorders that cause pain and abnormal
nerve sensations in the neck, shoulder, arm and hand.
http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/g2601/0013/2601001345/p1/article.jhtml
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/thoracic.html
NINDS Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Information Page
Thoracic outlet syndrome information sheet compiled by the National
Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/thoracic.html
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/ThoracicOutletSynd.Menu.html
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - Welcome!
What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)? Thoracic outlet syndrome
consists of symptoms caused by compression of the nerves in the brachial
plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) or blood vessels.
Patients may have pain in the shoulder,
http://www.tellmeabouttos.com/
ht
I had a few patients with this when I was still working as an LPN. can
be pretty painful. as if you need any more pain on top of the fibro.
but sometimes knowing the cause of it helps to deal with it.
(I hope, too that I haven't made this confusing to you kuz in my fibro
foggged brain what seems clear to me may not be to otehrs) (still have
raging migrainea have been nodding off and on all night on couch, and
now am a bit awake & scroling post) Please Lortab & Kadian kick in
quickly, I wana go ack to sleep!!!
Midge
starz...@webtv.net
BBE...@webtv.net
of our post.
Girl, you did a fantastic job with it!!!
Starz...@webtv.net wrote:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/thoracic.html
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/ThoracicOutletSynd.Menu.html
Midge
starz...@webtv.net
~*~Barb~*~TOO!
Gloria Lenon
us, only hurt us.
--
gloria - only the iguanas know for sure
femalestrom
the exact same area, different styles can make a huge difference.
From what you describe... I'm thinking you have a rib out. It
can cause the exact symptoms that you are having.. and I often
get them.. had one for the last 3 days... and if it wouldn't have
started before I went to bed, I would have thought I had slept
wrong on my shoulder. Have your husband poke around under
your shoulder blade. Yes.. I know it will hurt. If he finds a
spot that is way more painful.. other than normal FM pain...
this is probably what is going on. If you can not get to the chiro,
which I recommend....your husband can press on this area
with you laying on the floor face down and pop it back in.
Make sure he presses only near the shoulder blade. You do
not want to have him pop you out elsewhere. Often the area
will go very easily. Even when my chiro pops it back in he
barely has to push.. and he normally has to be very aggressive
with my back. Only do this if *you* feel comfortable, have
no other choice.. and can deal with the situation if he pops
you out elsewhere. I know it is easy for me to say.. because
after all this time my husband has gotten really good at doing
these types of things when I have no other way to get out
of immediate excruciating pain.
Crystal
--
Sad to say, there's more envy in the world than altruism.
-Lauren Gravitz
"Pat Braskich" <bras...@enteract.com> wrote in message
news:3D4A1306...@enteract.com...
>
GottaMoveIt
experience with very complicated musculoskeletal issues from one end to the
other.
if the doctors have ruled out serious conditions such as a heart attack or
angina,no broken bones or lung problems.....then it sounds like you're left
with a tangle of pinched nerves and spasming muscles, with a fibro flare on
the side. when I had this, what worked was rest, heat, cold, gentle
stretching in bed, appropriate p/t. also, using a brace to immobilize a part
of the body, helps it to rest, and alleviates some of the pain of constant
movement.
don't let anybody tell you that a brace will make you 'dependent'. for years
I asked chiros and docs for a neck and braces because of disc and
arthritis pain, and they kept telling me that it was a crutch and I had to
build up my muscles to do it themselves. after I bought one myself, the
relief was incredible, and I did not use it all the time. it actually gave
me more energy to do other things. it felt like having a chair when you
need to sit down. the docs were all wrong.
that jolt you describe sounds like the pinched nerve. you can have a
neurologist test you for that, and then have an accurate place for the
steroid injection. some of the pain may also be radiating out from a point
that doesn't even hurt. its very common with the other conditions you have
that when acute stress hits, the body sort of 'siezes' up. on one hand the
pinched nerve has to be rested in order to heal, and on the other hand, the
strained muscles need to be warmed and stretched to come out of the spasm.
a physiatrist(doctor of rehab medicine) can write up a prescription of
exactly what kind of physical therapy you need based on all of you other
complications plus this new one. chiros and physical therapists must know
what they are dealing with and cannot use everyday modalities if these are
not indicated for this acute pain.
it may take awhile. a muscle relaxant like flexeril may help, although it
may make you groggy too. a 'thermophore" heating pad is the best moist
heating pad I've found for sprained muscles. ice packs work too, and they
tell you to alternate, like on a sprained ankle. I don't think massage
therapy helps a pinched nerve.
you have been through a lot. sometimes having a strong mind works against
us when the body cant keep up. you dealt with illness and trauma with
selfless grace, and sometimes I think that because we are people who
rarely(or never) say, 'ok, now its my turn"....that our bodies start to
scream in pain until we finally give up and have to focus on ourselves by
default.
and see if you can get to a pain management specialist too.
I wish you well.
Pat Braskich <bras...@enteract.com> wrote in message
news:3D4A1306...@enteract.com...
>
SPerloff
(((((((((Pat)))))))))))
So sorry to hear of your pain! I know that the best painkiller I ever
had was Percoset. It's really hard to get, and they would only give it
to me in the hospital after gallbladder surgery, (and wouldn't give it
to me to take home,) but if nothing is working for you, maybe you can
ask the doc for a couple to get you over the hump.
I would *definitely* complain to your regular chiro, and make sure he is
well aware of the pain after the visit. That way maybe he'll think
twice about hiring her again as a sub. He could probably be held partly
responsible for any injury that was caused in his office to his patients.
Sending pain-free healing vibes your way!
-Sharon
--
Clear your mind, relax and float downstream.
femalestrom
lot.. But I do agree that if you use it too much muscles can
atrophy. A person has to find the right combination. I
occasionally use a neck brace when I am in a huge flare. The
fact of the matter is when you are in such intense pain, people
tend to hold their muscles in a flexed manner. When at this
time probably the best thing you can do if use a brace so
you can completely relax those muscles. They can be picked
up at any medical supply store for cheap. I do not find them
very comfortable... but the amount it helps outweighs that.
Crystal
--
Sad to say, there's more envy in the world than altruism.
-Lauren Gravitz
"GottaMoveIt" <ca...@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:Ayy29.1094$ws5.63...@newssvr15.news.prodigy.com...
femalestrom
regularly having two chiro's alternately work on me because
of work load...just because she had an adverse reaction
doesn't mean the chiro was incompetent of malicious. She
should tell her normal chiro the reaction she had...but going
all the way to malpractice is way jumping the gun. Bodies
get used to things. He body is used to being adjusted in a
certain way. I have been to dozens of chiros' and they all
have different styles for achieving the exact same result. And
lets not forget you can have an adverse reaction from the
chiro you have been seeing all along. She is under a ton
of stress.. perhaps her muscles were so tensed she couldn't
get a good adjustment no matter who adjusted her. Not
always the chiro's fault. And I am a person who is very
suspicious of chiro's in general. My main guy can adjust
me the way he always does and I have a bad reaction.
My secondary guy can make me feel great.. and conversely
my secondary guy can make me feel like crap and my
main guy can make me feel good. We all know that doing
the exact same thing with the affliction doesn't mean you
will get the same relief or results.
Crystal
--
Sad to say, there's more envy in the world than altruism.
-Lauren Gravitz
"SPerloff" <SPer...@yahoo.com> wrote in message >
SPerloff
I happen to love chiropractors. I have yet to be injured by one, and
they have helped with fibro pain, making me able to walk again, and
helped my hubby's back so much (it used to be black and blue all over
until the chiro helped that.) I know there are bad ones out there, just
like in all professions, but I have only had positive experiences.
However, I think that the regular chiro will definitely want to know
that there was an injury which occured in that office. Not that I think
suing the docs is in order, but just to make sure that the necessary
precautions are taken to make sure no one else is injured is important.
Doctors are always learning, like the rest of us, and a doctor can
learn from this experience, and maybe make adjustments to their methods,
or just make sure they ask more questions, etc. Adjusting the spine is
a dangerous thing if not done with care and precautions.
DDRitch
>us, only hurt us.
My chiropractor has saved my life.!!! If he had not found the answer to my
vertigo and horrid shoulder pain I know I would have been gone by my own hand.I
had run the gamit of medical doctors and all they did was keep RXing horrid
meds and told me "you will have to live with it"
There are good chiropractors and there are bad ones, just like MD's
I am always cautious when my chiro goes on vacation and do not have anyone else
that does not know my situation adjust me.
D
Dana
Remove stopewe to directly e-mail me
Jean
Sounds like nerve pain, from muscle inflammation. Everytime this happens to
me, I reach for the drugs. Get a muscle relaxer like Skelaxin and a pain
pill, like Vicodin. Usually if you can get the muscles calmed down, then
the nerves will not be pinched and the pain will subside.
It's about the only way to break the pain cycle. Even works on pleurisy.
Hope you get feeling better soon,
Jean Mc
"Pat Braskich" <bras...@enteract.com> wrote in message
news:3D4A1306...@enteract.com...
>
Ed Bornstein
time I feel a flare comming on. It is a patch that is 5% Lidocane and you
place it directly over the point where the pain is the worse.
I keep pressing on the sore spots until I find the points it hurts the worse
and place a patch on it. It works faster than a cortisone injection and is
basically the same as trigger point injections.
The med is called Lidoderm patches 5%. You can wear up to three full
patches at a time (they can be cut into smaller pieces for more points to
cover), no more than 12 hours in any 24 hour period.
It gives me quite a deal of control over my minor flares and may help the
minor flares from turning into major ones.
Try it -- You'll like it
"Pat Braskich" <bras...@enteract.com> wrote in message
news:3D4A1306...@enteract.com...
>
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Squirrely
It sounds like you had a bad adjustment. Bad as in it went wrong. I have had
that happen before and had to go back and have the chiro hit that spot again
to set it back in right.
It can happen that way at times as it all depends on how the spine is going
to react to that adjustment.
Ice it, that might help some till you can get back in.
Hope you can get in there soon to have them redo that area.
--
Big gentle, soft, feathery hugs and
lots of love
Squirrely Jo
Pat Braskich
Actually, the pain is more under my shoulderblade and around to the front of
my chest.
Pat Braskich
said to go ahead and try it if it feels better, but not keep it on. Kind of
difficult to brace because it is so high up on my back and chest.
Pat Braskich
for 12 years. She learned about fibro along with me. When the orthopaedic
docs left me lying in a hospital bed for 3 days when my back totally locked up,
I decided to give her a try. She had me walking within 3-4 days and I've been
with her since. She treats my back problems but she takes FMS into
consideration.
When I talked to her today, she was surprised that I came in and let the other
dr. adjust me. She knows I have never been to anyone else. I was really tight
- both upper and lower back and really needed some relief. Sheesh - I'll think
twice next time she is out of town. I don't have any ill feelings for the guy
that adjusted me. My chiro. said she never presses real hard on my back (could
of fooled me) and that is why she has to use the block to move my thoracic
spine. It is just so tight and she knows not to overdo because of the FMS. He
didn't.
Pat Braskich
Monday.
Thanks.
Pat Braskich
> she is in my chiropractors office. She know more about muscles than anyone I
> have ever known. She did ultrasound first, and then started to try to work on
> the tight, ropey muscles. These are pressing on the nerves. There is a spot
> under the arm that is so painful she can barely touch it. A few of those
> radiating all over the place pretty much explains it.
>
>
> me, I reach for the drugs. Get a muscle relaxer like Skelaxin and a pain
> pill, like Vicodin.
I have both of these as of yesterday. I got a few hours of relief today, but
that was when not in motion!! The slightest exertion and the pain is just as
bad and when it first started. Right now, sitting here, I feel like my body is
on fire!
I am lousy at sitting still - orlying in bed. Just can't do it. Even my 17
year old was nagging me all day to *stop doing things*
Pat Braskich
the massage therapy because I told her to stay away from me. She gave me a hug
and could tell how bad I was because I was so guarded!!
The pain is really muscle/nerve. The other chiro was too aggressive and in
addition to that I was as tight as a drum. When this heals, I just have to get
back to trying to do something for myself -- like the simpliest of stretching at
least.
Although I hate ice and prefer heat, I have been using ice pack on the front and
back! It actually feels good for a change!
Pat Braskich
Hopefully this will start to subside....soon!! Got to fly to Florida and on
to Maryland on Sat 8/10 and I am really worried about it. (Just what I need
to be doing -- stressing!)
Then there is the guilt of not going to see my mom for the last 2 weeks
because of feeling so lousy.
Anyway, thanks for being here for me.
Pat
SPerloff
Glad to hear you're ok now. :) I would definitely make sure you see
only the your chiro from now on, uless of an emergency, and then I would
make sure to tell the other chiro to go easy as you have FMS. My chiro
has to push really hard to get me adjusted, and my fiance has to have
the chiro *jump* to get enough power to adjust him!
Pat Braskich
Vicodin, cause it makes me sick.
Your're right! I just assumed since he was filling in for her in her office and had
my file in his hands that he actually looked at it! My bad. Won't happen again!
Pat
SPerloff
> Thanks, Sharon - I'm still hurtin' but doing much better. Have let up on the
> Vicodin, cause it makes me sick.
>
> Your're right! I just assumed since he was filling in for her in her office and had
> my file in his hands that he actually looked at it! My bad. Won't happen again!
>
> Pat
I realized, *after* pushing the send button, that you said you saw your
chiro, *not* that you were feeling better... Sorry! But glad that you
are doing a bit better. :)
I really believe that most docs don't read the patient's charts before
entering the exam room. Maybe it's just my luck of the draw, but most
of my docs don't bother to read the chart, then ask me all the same
questions I just told the nurse, or those which are already on my chart.
I usually use whether or not they read the chart/remember me to
determine whether or not the doc is a good, caring one, or the generic
bad doc. Go figure!