MDJunction - People Helping People
 

Why wear a ribbon?

 
"for my PA" (ktat0612)

MDJunction to me

Kelti"MDJ has been a saving grace for me. It has taken from me that feeling of being so alone in the management of my Bipolar Disorder. I am not alone any more!! The friends on MDJ that I have made have kept me going. I am more at peace with myself now, thanks to all the people here on MDJ. I thank  God for each one of them.  MDJunction  is the place of Hope." (Kelti)

more testimonials
Chronic Pain Support Group
A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Chronic Pain, together.
Join This Group
Group Home   Forums   Articles   Members (1588)   Diaries   Videos   Leaders   Guidelines
Chronic Pain Group RSS Feed
Chronic Pain ForumsIntroductions & Personal Stories5+ years of pain, new here
11/11/2010 01:17 PM
Kibeth
Kibeth
 
Posts: 3
New Member

I'm new to the website, and figured I should start with an introduction and brief history, so here goes.

I am a 25yr old woman in Utah, and have been suffering from chronic pelvic pain for ~6 years. I have been married to the man of my dreams for nearly 5 years, and we recently adopted 2 beautiful kittens.

This history: I honestly don't remember when the pain started, and the more doctors I see the more I remember incidents earlier in life. The turning point in realizing I had a problem was around 5 years ago, as my first marriage was ending. I experienced a couple of nights of agony centered around my right ovary, and my dr scheduled an ultrasound. My husband was emotionally abusive and inattentive, so I ended up in radiology with my best friend (my current husband). The ultrasound shows evidence of a recently ruptured cyst, and I was told to keep an eye on it and that it would likely happen again. Well, life got crazy, I got divorced, remarried, and my husband and I struggled over the next 4 years with lost jobs and major debt from both our divorces.

I managed to make some time for myself, and changed birth control methods, to Depo Provera, to stop my body from menstruating and causing the cysts. The typical cycle for Depo is a shot every 12 weeks. My husband (DH) and I noticed that I would be in agony, similar to the pain where I ended up with the ultrasound, 1-2 weeks before I was due for my next shot. They were able to increase my cycle to every 10 weeks. This worked for around 3 cycles, and then the pain returned, around 2 weeks before I was due for the next shot. They couldn't increase the frequency any more, so I dealt with this for 3 years. It wasn't so bad, taking a couple of days off work every 10 weeks when the pain was so bad I couldn't get out of bed, but it wasn't what I wanted to be doing.

Finally, this February I decided it was time to really buckle down and do something about this. I changed birth control methods again, Implanon, an implant in my arm with a time delayed release of the same hormone (progesterone) in the Depo Provera. We did this because, my doctor agreed, the pain really seemed to be associated with the hormone cycles my body was going through with the Depo. We assumed a more constant dose would help. Boy, were we wrong. Not only did the pain return, but it was now constant. We tired adding a higher dose of progesterone, no pain relief and it made me crazy (my DH would say crazier).

I'll sum up a little better from here on Smile

Since February I have seen 3 specialists (2 GYN and a Pelvic Pain specialist), had another Ultrasound, a CT, an MRI, a pelvic laporascope, and a pelvic venogram. Some of these tests were bordering on torture. All looking for the "normal" causes of pelvic pain. I do not have unusual cysts, I do not have endometriosis, andometriosis, or even varicose veins. I've seen 2 physical therapists, and my chiropractor. I've missed more than 2 days/month of work because of the pain, and I still don't have an answer. My doctors have even said I'm a mystery.

The venogram was on Tuesday, and was the Pelvic Pain specialists "last idea" before assuming it is neuropathic, and he'll probably want to put me on drugs for the rest of my life because I'm just "oversensitive to pain". I've been on Lortab 7.5 since April, just to get through the day sometimes. I hate taking it, I hate feeling all drugged up, and I don't take it unless the pain is so bad I can't function. With the venogram showing nothing, I'm starting to slide into depression, until now I've had some hope that the specialist would find a diagnosis for me, but now I just feel lost. DH is wonderful, caring, and the most patient man I have ever known. His (single)mom had Chronic Fatigue that went undiagnosed for most of his childhood; he understands how draining and painful this is.

I think I'm just wondering if there is anyone else out there who has had even a slightly similar experience? I just need some hope right now.

--Kibeth
Reply

11/11/2010 02:25 PM  Top
mike1024
mike1024
 
Posts: 884
Group Leader

Hi Kibeth,

Welcome to the Chronic Pain Group,you will find a lot of compassionate people here who understand the pain you are going through.We are a very friendly bunch and the best things we getr ideas from each other on how to cope.

Gentle Hugs

Mike


Previous discussions I participated in:
Spinal Cord Stimulator
Question regarding marinol
rsd

11/12/2010 04:51 PM  Top
fibroforever
fibroforever
 
Posts: 3549
Group Leader

Welcome! And thanks for sharing your story! Feel free to post away, there are lots of wonderful people here.
"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~Unknown

11/14/2010 09:05 AM  Top
kardie
kardie
 
Posts: 1601
VIP Member

Hello Kibeth,

Welcome to the group. I'm sorry your suffering so. I've suffered with endometriosis, but not nearly like what your describing. I hope the Dr's find answers for you soon. It must be so frustrating to be in this kind of pain and not know what is causing it.

My daughter suffered terribly a while ago and they couldn't figure it out either. She was on gabapentin(spelling?) but the side affects aren't good. Her children used to tell me their Mom would be in her room crying from the pain. I still don't know what it was but she seems to be doing fine now and she isn't on pain killers.

Take Care!

Kardie

I'm not a Dr. and anything I write is my oppinion and my opinion only. I am just like you, I'm here for support and friendship from people who understand what I'm dealing with.

Previous discussions I participated in:
Fairly new to the group
Hey everyone
New to the group :)

11/14/2010 09:06 PM  Top
Lazy1
Lazy1
 
Posts: 2736
Senior Member

Welcome to the group. I'm sorry that you are in so much pain and haven't found answers. Sometimes it takes the right dr. to diagnose you. Please don't give up hope and looking into options like posting in this group is a good idea.

Previous discussions I participated in:
Worsening symptoms
ways to read
pain pain

12/08/2010 03:47 PM  Top
Kibeth
Kibeth
 
Posts: 3
New Member

Kardie,

They just put me on Gabapentin (it is generic Neurontin), and it is a nerve stabilizer. The side effects can be killer, and seem to do nothing for the pain as of yet. Unfortunately my doctors don't want me on any narcotics during the treatment, leaving me nothing more than Tylenol or naproxen for the pain, which has never been enough.

I'm glad your daughter is doing better! It gives me hope.

Kibeth

--Kibeth

12/11/2010 06:22 PM  Top
amethystanne
amethystanne
 
Posts: 252
Member

I'm sorry to hear about your pain. I hope someone who has had a similar medical problem can help you.

12/15/2010 08:21 AM  Top
corky21
Posts: 3
New Member

What a horrible experience. Is the pain always in the same area? Do you have it every day? You've been checked with laparscopy for endometriosis? The MRI didn't find any bone or structural abnormalities, like hip problems, or scoliosis? I assume all this was checked in your tests?

If the pain is every day, it could be cysts rupturing, small ones wouldn't cause that much pain, but sometimes they do. Has your appendix been checked, and a colonsocopy also? Intestinal problems like diverticulitis causes extreme pain during inflammation.


12/15/2010 08:43 AM  Top
Kibeth
Kibeth
 
Posts: 3
New Member

corky,

Thanks for the comment. The pain is every day and always in the exact same spot, but the intensity varies. Generally the pain level is around 4, and I have become so use to it that I can function with just Tylenol or Naproxen. I had a laparscope in April, which showed nothing, I've had more CTs, MRIs, and UltraSounds than I can count anymore, and everything looks normal. I've had my appendix checked regularly since I was a pre-teen due to pain issues, and it's always been fine.

My grandfather suffered from diverticulitis, so we've been watching what I eat to see if anything makes it better or worse, and nothing is consistent.

My doctors have recently started me on Neuronten, a nerve stabilizer, to see if overactive nerves are the cause of the pain. Here's hoping!

-Kibeth

--Kibeth

12/15/2010 09:29 AM  Top
debhurts
debhurts
 
Posts: 1918
Senior Member

Welcome to the group! You will find warm, caring people here, and lots of informational topics. i hope you enjoy your new group. Love Debi
i am not a medical professional or a counselor, please seek a doctors opinion, and seek professional counseling, my opinions are my own and not professional, please use common sense and get appropriate care by a professional. Thanks i am not being rude just responsible. Thanks Debi
Reply

Health Topics:
Share this discussion with your friends:
Members who viewed this page also read:
<< Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>

Chronic PainChronic Pain ForumsIntroductions & Personal Stories5+ years of pain, new here

Disclaimer: The information provided in MDJunction is not a replacement for medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical advice.
In case of EMERGENCY call 911 or 1.800.273.TALK (8255) to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Read more.
Contact Us | Bookmark Us | FAQ | Awareness Ribbons
About Us | Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Spread the Word | MDJ Advocates | Advertise
Copyright (c) 2006-2013 MDJunction.com All Rights Reserved