Dear Butterfly
Hello and welcome to the forum. Sorry to learn about your difficulty but pleased you have written in here. I expect there will be others who have experienced this discomfort and can relate to you.
I have a similar problem except that it affects me mainly in my back and I often get headaches. I have been going to a physiotherapist for treatment as well as my GP who has prescribed pain relief tablets. The physio has said for most of this year he believes my pain is related to body tension and his job is to release this tension. My psychiatrist also believes this to be a correct diagnosis.
Having become uptight my body tenses and parts become painful. So much so I have had quite severe pain at times hence the pain relief prescription from my GP. I also find I become dizzy whether standing or sitting although I have not yet fallen. It is a worry as I am becoming nervous about falling.
Once the cause has been identified it is easier to to manage the condition. I see the physio regularly and in general find it is helping. The only problem is when something new occurs, such a disturbing memory, and I go back to square one. I cannot take anti-inflammatory medication due to the potential ill-effects on another major illness that is being monitored by blood tests. It is to say the least inconvenient and painful. If I become less stressed the pain will ease or go away and will worsen with more stress or tension.
I believe I have two problems which cause this pain. The major illness which is a bit of a roller coaster ride and unfortunately will not go away though it can ease at times. The other is a past trauma which rears its head from time to time usually triggered by a memory or learning of another trigger situation.
Most of the time the pain is there in the background at a relatively low level but can become extremely painful quite suddenly. It has helped me to identify the triggers and also helps me to relax a little. I have changed my views from not wanting pain relief to accepting that there are times when it is necessary, if only to stop the pain escalating.
Have you tried seeing a physiotherapist? It's not often the first port of call but probably worth checking out. Certainly I would be surprised if you had no relief and even more so if it made your condition worse. Find a good physio and check it out. Love to know how you get on.
Mary
