don't know if I can take this anymore

[celery]

I'm 32 and have had health issues for almost 15 years, and I've never been able to get diagnosed. They boil down to terrible headaches (in the back of my head), burning pain in my legs, and fatigue. I've spent thousands of dollars (possibly $10,000+) with various doctors trying to get diagnosed and had no success. For the past 5 years or so, I've accepted the diagnosis of depression and just tried to deal with the pain. I'm self-medicating with Excedrin (sometimes up to 10 pills a day) which I know can't be good for me. I'm considering heading back to a doctor for another opinion.

Thankfully I do have a college degree. I work as a web developer but have never really reached my potential because of the illness. Right now I work at home as a contractor, and am having trouble even doing that. I'm severely dreading going back to work on Monday.

Things seem so hopeless right now, I'd really consider ending it all just so I don't have to suffer anymore. But I can't stand the thought of hurting the people who do care about me (mainly my mother and brother, and friends I've made over the years). I'd almost rather have terminal cancer, because at least I'd have a diagnosis.

I'm not looking for an answer to all my problems, I just know there are some kind people on this board who might be able to lend some advice, or at least just a sympathetic ear. I'm in tears as a type this, but it feels good to let some of this out.

Thanks

[JPMNICK]

wow man that is terrible, i am close to you age and I cant imagine being sick like that for that long.

are you over weight? do you think you get what the call rebound headaches from taking so many meds? could there be mold or something where you live, maybe it is an environmental factor

[StanUpshaw]

Get on opiates. There is no reason to go through life in pain.

[celery]

wow man that is terrible, i am close to you age and I cant imagine being sick like that for that long.

are you over weight? do you think you get what the call rebound headaches from taking so many meds? could there be mold or something where you live, maybe it is an environmental factor

I'm 6'1, 205. I could stand to lose a few, but I'm not really overweight.

I've lived in several different places over the years, so I don't think it's a mold allergy.

I do think rebound headaches may be a factor, but I can't seem to stop taking the Excedrin - it's the only thing that really helps (at least temporarily).

[underdog]

I'm 6'1, 205. I could stand to lose a few, but I'm not really overweight.

I've lived in several different places over the years, so I don't think it's a mold allergy.

I do think rebound headaches may be a factor, but I can't seem to stop taking the Excedrin - it's the only thing that really helps (at least temporarily).

Maybe you're allergic to the dog.

[tanless1]

Nerve issues ? Stay away from the opiates if you can.... dangerous.

[Suspect Chin]

Maybe you're allergic to the dog.

Damn, stole my joke.

Sleep apnea?

[disneyspy]

ive go no advice,just my best wishes that things work out

[celery]

Damn, stole my joke.

Sleep apnea?

I've had a sleep study done - it came back normal.

[disneyspy]

maybe ask dr steve?

[Penelope]

Keep looking budday! I went through my whole twenties with an undiagnosed underactive thyroid. I went to doctor after doctor, they just kept giving me antidepressants, and telling me it just depression. I finally found a holistic doctor, in a weird little building, that recognized my problems and tested my thyroid right away. I've been doing better 6 six years now with medication. I feel like I lost a decade of my life to illness, but whatever. At least I'm better now.
My point is to look at unconventional doctors, and unconventional treatments. You probably already do this, but researching the symptoms yourself is a good thing as well.
A lot of doctors these days love to diagnose everything as depression, and they think SSRIs cure everything.
Keep me posted about how this goes. I understand what it is like. Don't give up.

[keithy_19]

Have you gotten a cat scan or a mri?

I can relate to you with the burning feeling in the legs. I was diagnosed with ms when I was 14, but they really weren't sure what I had. Since then I've been taking medicine and while I still have pain, I don't have many bad flareups.

The burning feeling, the fatigue, depression and headaches are all symptoms of MS. Considering your age and how long you've felt these symptoms, it could be a possible diagnosis. Really, though, only an mri/catscan could show it. And even with them it's not a sure thing.

I really hope you figure it out. Not knowing is a terrible feeling.

Feel free to pm me for more info.

Best of luck.

[celery]

I had a catscan several years ago and they weren't able to find anything abnormal. I feel like I am starting from scratch here as I haven't been to a medical doctor in years.

I had a long talk with my mother yesterday, and talked to her about my options. I could go on disability since I'm having such a tough time working. But I'm not sure what that entails or how to go about getting it. It's so tough because she only wants to help me, but there's not much she can do. It's hate to watch her watch me be in pain.

This is the second day I haven't been out of bed until 1 and I've started my day crying. I have to drive an hour and a half to work tomorrow and I'm already dreading it. I just want this to end.

Have you gotten a cat scan or a mri?

I can relate to you with the burning feeling in the legs. I was diagnosed with ms when I was 14, but they really weren't sure what I had. Since then I've been taking medicine and while I still have pain, I don't have many bad flareups.

The burning feeling, the fatigue, depression and headaches are all symptoms of MS. Considering your age and how long you've felt these symptoms, it could be a possible diagnosis. Really, though, only an mri/catscan could show it. And even with them it's not a sure thing.

I really hope you figure it out. Not knowing is a terrible feeling.

Feel free to pm me for more info.

Best of luck.

[celery]

I made an appointment for tomorrow with a doctor who specializes in chronic fatigue. I'm really hoping for a miracle at this point, but I hope they find something. I haven't been working for the last few days, but also haven't taken any Excedrin.

[keithy_19]

I made an appointment for tomorrow with a doctor who specializes in chronic fatigue. I'm really hoping for a miracle at this point, but I hope they find something. I haven't been working for the last few days, but also haven't taken any Excedrin.

Best of luck to you. I really hope that they figure this out for you. Being in constant pain is no way to live.

[Jujubees2]

Good luck buddy. Hope the new doctor can help.

[SatCam]

I made an appointment for tomorrow with a doctor who specializes in chronic fatigue. I'm really hoping for a miracle at this point, but I hope they find something. I haven't been working for the last few days, but also haven't taken any Excedrin.

hey man i know the shit youre going through. Not for 15 years but for atleast 4 years Ive dealt with feeling like crap 23 out of 24 hours of the day. I have Crohns disease which is an autoimmune disease and being diagnosed helped fix a lot of that but every day is still a struggle to stay on my feet. I would like to sleep 12 hours a day but, like you, the desire to be a functioning member of society keeps me going.

The worst part is the feeling physically miserable makes me emotionally depressed, and that depression makes me not want to even bother going to the doctor and instead just curl up in a ball and wither away. That's what stopped me from getting a diagnosis until I met someone who encouraged me to actually have the balls and to get help. Its good that youve surrounded yourself with people who have level heads and can keep you in order on your worst days

I believe that there is has to be a medical reason behind you feeling this way, but I dont think self medicating excedrin will help, and it may even exaggerate the problem. You did the best thing in finding a new doctor. A different doctor may notice something that your other doctors didnt that could lead to a diagnosis. A lot of my own fatigue stems from being anemic, which is something that shows up on a simple blood test even without knowing I have a disease... good luck budday

[celery]

hey man i know the shit youre going through. Not for 15 years but for atleast 4 years Ive dealt with feeling like crap 23 out of 24 hours of the day. I have Crohns disease which is an autoimmune disease and being diagnosed helped fix a lot of that but every day is still a struggle to stay on my feet. I would like to sleep 12 hours a day but, like you, the desire to be a functioning member of society keeps me going.

The worst part is the feeling physically miserable makes me emotionally depressed, and that depression makes me not want to even bother going to the doctor and instead just curl up in a ball and wither away. That's what stopped me from getting a diagnosis until I met someone who encouraged me to actually have the balls and to get help. Its good that youve surrounded yourself with people who have level heads and can keep you in order on your worst days

I believe that there is has to be a medical reason behind you feeling this way, but I dont think self medicating excedrin will help, and it may even exaggerate the problem. You did the best thing in finding a new doctor. A different doctor may notice something that your other doctors didnt that could lead to a diagnosis. A lot of my own fatigue stems from being anemic, which is something that shows up on a simple blood test even without knowing I have a disease... good luck budday

Thanks for posting. It's good that you have a diagnosis, but I'm sorry you're feeling crappy too.

I broke down and told my brother that I am suffering quite a bit. We own a house together, but sometimes we're kind of distant. He is very concerned, as is my mom. They just want me to be happy and sometimes I feel like a big disappointment to them.

I also see a therapist, and she recommended going to a support group for people with chronic pain, and I also may try doing that as well.

If I have to go on disability, it might make paying the mortgage kind of hard. I have some stocks and things that I could cash in, but I just want to be able to go to work and earn a living like a normal person. I barely got out of bed today, and that's not good for my self esteem.

[Suspect Chin]

I know it is probably annoying having everyone try to diagnose you over the computer, but there is a drug called modafinil for fatigue that is supposed to be a godsend. Maybe try bringing it up to your chronic fatigue doc. Good luck.

[celery]

I know it is probably annoying having everyone try to diagnose you over the computer, but there is a drug called modafinil for fatigue that is supposed to be a godsend. Maybe try bringing it up to your chronic fatigue doc. Good luck.

Thanks, I'll mention it tomorrow.

[torker]

I get to experience the joys of diabetic neuropathy (Damage to the sensory nerve can produce tingling, numbness, and pain. Pain associated with this nerve is described in various ways such as the following: sensation of wearing an invisible "glove" or "sock", burning, freezing, or electric-like, extreme sensitivity to touch. Damage to the sensory nerve can produce tingling, numbness, and pain. Pain associated with this nerve is described in various ways such as the following: sensation of wearing an invisible "glove" or "sock", burning, freezing, or electric-like, extreme sensitivity to touch.)

I never found relief until I hooked up with a good neurologist who's wife was a diabetic.
Good luck, budday.

[celery]

I didn't make it to the doctor today - I felt too crappy and barely got out of bed. I had to reschedule for tomorrow.

I am going to talk to my friend about my situation. Most people can't understand what I'm going through, but I'm thinking he will.

[CYYYFYYY]

I know a good doc if you are interested and if you have insurance. I know he has helped other people who could not be diagnosed. If interested I will toss you his info. He is located in queens

[Pitdoc]

..but I'll take a shot. I'm an ER doc, so we know a little about a lot of stuff, but that doesn't make us specialists in pretty much anything , especially pain . Still, pain in the back of the head, & burning in the legs might be signs of a Chiari syndrome.It's caused by a narrow foramen magnum, which is the hole in the base of the skull which your spinal cord goes through . A tight fit of your cord could give you sensory problems, as well as a posterior headache.. Do you have any visual problems, or do you have photophobia
( bright light bothers you )?

[StanUpshaw]

I know a good doc if you are interested and if you have insurance. I know he has helped other people who could not be diagnosed. If interested I will toss you his info. He is located in queens

*reads card*

"Uh...Ronnie...this just says Dr. House, Mondays on Fox."

[celery]

..but I'll take a shot. I'm an ER doc, so we know a little about a lot of stuff, but that doesn't make us specialists in pretty much anything , especially pain . Still, pain in the back of the head, & burning in the legs might be signs of a Chiari syndrome.It's caused by a narrow foramen magnum, which is the hole in the base of the skull which your spinal cord goes through . A tight fit of your cord could give you sensory problems, as well as a posterior headache.. Do you have any visual problems, or do you have photophobia
( bright light bothers you )?

Thanks for the post.

I don't really have any sensory problems, but yes, bright light does bother me. I just started (from scratch) with a new doc today. She's ordered a whole range of blood tests, and if nothing turns up there, I think she plans to send me to a neurologist and/or rheumatologist.

Looking at the wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold-Chiari_malformation, some of my symptoms line up with Chiari syndrome. I also have intermittent rapid heart beats. Should I mention Chiari syndrome to her, or is this something a neurologist needs to diagnose?

[Pitdoc]

Thanks for the post.

I don't really have any sensory problems, but yes, bright light does bother me. I just started (from scratch) with a new doc today. She's ordered a whole range of blood tests, and if nothing turns up there, I think she plans to send me to a neurologist and/or rheumatologist.

Looking at the wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold-Chiari_malformation, some of my symptoms line up with Chiari syndrome. I also have intermittent rapid heart beats. Should I mention Chiari syndrome to her, or is this something a neurologist needs to diagnose?

You might WANT to mention it to her.They actually did a HOUSE episode about it a couple of weeks ago, but I had looked it up about 2 months ago,when I had a patient who had it. Photophobia is often associated with a lot of different headaches, including migraines.Since its the cord that's involved with Chiari , the heart can also be involved .It's diagnosed by a CT or MRI scan ( better MRI) , but a radiologist might have to look for it too.It's one of those 'hide in plain sight " diseases.

[ChimneyFish]

I hope one of these docs can figure out what the problem is.
That's a really bad situation to be in.

If you end up having to go on disability, I don't know how it is in VA, but here in PA they turn you down the first attempt at getting it in every case. So keep reapplying.

But hopefully it doesn't come down to that.

[celery]

I hope one of these docs can figure out what the problem is.
That's a really bad situation to be in.

If you end up having to go on disability, I don't know how it is in VA, but here in PA they turn you down the first attempt at getting it in every case. So keep reapplying.

But hopefully it doesn't come down to that.

I spoke to my boss today, and told him I was having some pretty serious health issues and I wasn't sure when I'd be back. He seemed understanding, but I wouldn't be surprised if they let me go. I'm not crazy about the job anyways, and know I could further my career if I was feeling better. Thankfully I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle and have some savings to fall back on, but that won't last forever.

My cat doesn't usually sleep in the bed with me, but lately she won't leave my side. It's as if she knows something is wrong.

http://i39.tinypic.com/5jwqdd.jpg

There's not much I can do until my test results come back, so I'm just going to grill some steak tonight, listen to 202 and try to enjoy the weekend as best I can. Off to Wegmans...

[Penelope]

I spoke to my boss today, and told him I was having some pretty serious health issues and I wasn't sure when I'd be back. He seemed understanding, but I wouldn't be surprised if they let me go. I'm not crazy about the job anyways, and know I could further my career if I was feeling better. Thankfully I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle and have some savings to fall back on, but that won't last forever.

My cat doesn't usually sleep in the bed with me, but lately she won't leave my side. It's as if she knows something is wrong.

http://i39.tinypic.com/5jwqdd.jpg

There's not much I can do until my test results come back, so I'm just going to grill some steak tonight, listen to 202 and try to enjoy the weekend as best I can. Off to Wegmans...

It sounds like you are on the right track.
Be careful with money now, as those blood tests and doctor bills add up. Especially if you think unemployment might be coming soon.
Pets know when you feel bad. My dog takes such good care of me when I get sick.
Absolutely use this weekend to relax. Stress makes any disease so much worse.
Keep up the good work, and never give up!

[celery]

The blood tests came back normal, except for a vitamin D deficiency. They prescribed me a vitamin D supplement, and referred me to a neurologist about the headaches. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get an appointment until June 2nd.

I guess I'm hanging in there - I hope the neurologist is able to find something, because I doubt vitamin D deficiency is causing all my problems.

[StanUpshaw]

I spoke to my boss today, and told him I was having some pretty serious health issues and I wasn't sure when I'd be back. He seemed understanding, but I wouldn't be surprised if they let me go. I'm not crazy about the job anyways, and know I could further my career if I was feeling better. Thankfully I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle and have some savings to fall back on, but that won't last forever.

My cat doesn't usually sleep in the bed with me, but lately she won't leave my side. It's as if she knows something is wrong.

http://i39.tinypic.com/5jwqdd.jpg

There's not much I can do until my test results come back, so I'm just going to grill some steak tonight, listen to 202 and try to enjoy the weekend as best I can. Off to Wegmans...

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[A.J.]

Remember the forum please.

[CYYYFYYY]

Sheesh UpShaw

[celery]

The neurologist thinks there may be a problem with my sleep, and ordered a sleep study. I do wake up feeling tired and unrefreshed, so he may be on to something.

I had a study done years ago, and I had quite a bit of trouble falling asleep with all those wires connected to me. The study came back "normal", but I was only able to sleep for a few hours. The neurologist is also a sleep specialist, so he really wants to repeat the test and examine things more thoroughly. The study also starts at 10pm, which is much earlier than I'm used to falling asleep. Anyone ever had one done?

I'm also having an MRI of the brain done, and an EEG. He thinks the Excedrin is probably causing more harm than good at this point, and is contributing to rebound headaches. He started me on a new medication (Savella) which is supposed to help with the headaches/pain and allow me to (eventually) ween off the Excedrin.

[Penelope]

That's a good start! I have never had any of those tests, so I couldn't tell you what to expect. I appreciate the update, and hope you are feeling more optimistic about the situation.

[keithy_19]

The blood tests came back normal, except for a vitamin D deficiency. They prescribed me a vitamin D supplement, and referred me to a neurologist about the headaches. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get an appointment until June 2nd.

I guess I'm hanging in there - I hope the neurologist is able to find something, because I doubt vitamin D deficiency is causing all my problems.

I have a vitamin D deficiency as well. I know that my neurologist has told me that lack of vitamin D causes pain.

I doubt the deficiency is causing all your problems, but it could very well be making them worse.

I hope your appoint me gives you some peace, and whatever they find you can handle it. You've gone this long, seems to me you're a pretty tough guy. My best to you.

[Suspect Chin]

The study also starts at 10pm, which is much earlier than I'm used to falling asleep. Anyone ever had one done?


Yeah I've had a few done and the early start time sucks. Just get up really early that morning so you are tired by 10pm. Make sure you don't take anything to help you fall asleep as that may alter the results.

[Suspect Chin]

He started me on a new medication (Savella) which is supposed to help with the headaches/pain and allow me to (eventually) ween off the Excedrin.

Savella is a drug prescribed for depression as well. Interesting how the same drugs that treat fibromyalgia also treat depression.

[torker]

Savella is a drug prescribed for depression as well. Interesting how the same drugs that treat fibromyalgia also treat depression.

Cymbalta as well.

[celery]

That's a good start! I have never had any of those tests, so I couldn't tell you what to expect. I appreciate the update, and hope you are feeling more optimistic about the situation.


I hope your appoint me gives you some peace, and whatever they find you can handle it. You've gone this long, seems to me you're a pretty tough guy. My best to you.

Thanks for the kind words.

Yeah I've had a few done and the early start time sucks. Just get up really early that morning so you are tired by 10pm. Make sure you don't take anything to help you fall asleep as that may alter the results.

Yeah, since I'm not working it's a little tough to motivate myself to get up early. I think I'm going to drive down and meet a friend in Richmond for lunch. He might even take half a day off work and hang out with me that day. It's real important that I get accurate results from this test this time around.

My friends who I've opened up to about this have been real supportive and go out of their way to help me. My mom also seems very hopeful that we'll finally figure out what the problem is. I just want to be able to work and have a normal life again.