Thursday, June 26, 2008 Morgan asks

Q: Please help me! I'm only 16 and I've been sick since september 2007.

I'm 16 and I have had severe chronic pain since september of 2007. I have been to over 20 different doctors. Ive been to John's Hopkins and childrens center. Nerologists and rheumatologists. Ive been diagnosed at least 3 different times. I was told that I had lyme, then lupus, and now my doctor at John's Hopkins says that I have Rheumatoid arthritis. Has any one ever heard of a teenager having such severe pain and no diagnoses. Please some one help! Every joint in my body hurts. Thanks for the help.

Answers (3)

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Cort

6/27/08 10:21am

What a difficult situation. All I can suggest is that you check out - if you haven't already - fibromyalgia (FM). FM is an often misdiagnosed disease that causes widespread body pain. It appears to be caused by a sensitization of the pain producing processes in the central nervous system. I would think that some of the doctors surely considered this diagnosis but perhaps not. Since the cause seems to be in the brain its treated differently than other pain disorders.

Theres an excellent fibromyalgia section on Health Central

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/fibromyalgia.html

Since you've really struck thus far you might try alternate methods of turning down the pain response such as meditation, guided imagery, etc. They can be surprisingly helpful in alleviating pain. Poor sleep has also been shown to quite quickly lead to widespread body pain. Be sure that you're able to get good sleep every night.

http://backandneck.about.com/od/alternativemedicine/Alternative_Medicine_for_Back_and_Neck_Injury_and_Chronic_Pain.htm

http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/painseries2

Good luck!

okcexplorer

6/27/08 9:59am

Hello Morgan!

I wanted to let you know you are never alone in this journey and some patience may be required. Now hold on! because I have personally gone through what you are experiencing. When I was 9 years old my musckoskelatal problem started up and the pain and suffering never stopped for 30 years now.

I have to say It can be scary facing the unknown but the fact of the matter is that you seem to be addressing the issue and goin to physicians to get the best help; just remember that when those doctors do not have an anwser for you, they as well are just as frustrated as you are because their job is to cure and heal and I am afraid sometimes we may be faced with a life of pain as I have known. Please find solice in knowing you have a forum to express your feeling of hurt and people out here who do care. I choose everyday to win and I belive you can fight through some of the pain maybe redirect you suffering towards something creative? I really am sorry I dunno how to help you more or know what your syptoms come from? I can be of some moral support though and have walked this journey of pain most of my life and presently I found my anwser to be medication free these last 3 1/2 years medication free and happy in my everyday because I had the anwser within all along and I pray your anwser will reveal itself to you far sooner than it took me to realize.

Oh ...make sure you do not eat any frozen foods or processed stuff with alot of preservatives because they tend inlfme any aches you have the next day, I mean try it yourself it really good for a couple days and then one day eat a forzen snack or pizza or some junk and see how much more the suffering is! I would also recommend Zostrix topical oinment for your joint pain because this stuff is the best and all my years I found it long lasting and please keep it out of your eyes and othe sensetive areas' it is at any pharmacy. Watch out for too much Actemenphine in asprin and other meds it is really bad for your liver and kindey especially at your age, instead check with a fmily physicain about Naprosyn for the acheing joint pain and that it the most important thing is to go back to ground zero find a family physician that you see once a month and remember do not let this overwhelm your every thought because that will only add to the anguish instead redirect that pain towards somthing. I found art and have been a silver and gold jeweler for 13 years now and have my own Art gallery. You can and you will find your strength and trust that it will get you through this and the human spirit is far stronger than what we are aware of!

Safe journey ahead friend!

Okie fella'

nwichlet

11/17/08 3:01pm

Sounds like you have "fibromalsia" Have you been to a pain specialist? I do hope that you find some help. I am 52, and have suffered from chronic pain since the age of 23. Its hard to want to live when every part of your body hurts. And when you are finally able to get the right medication to help you, its difficult to find a good Dr. who is willing to listen, and follow through for you. I pray for you and anybody else that finds themselves in this situation.

Q: Please help me! I'm only 16 and I've been sick since september 2007.

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