Chronic Over All Pain in Joints and Muscles, what could it be?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello, I have chronic over all pain, both in my joints and muscles. I've had over all pain for many years but able to keep it at a dull roar with over-the-counter Aleve. It has gotten worse thru time and am now taking 2 Aleve every 3 hours to keep the pain down. I am 62 years old and credited the original aches and pains to my very active work in later years. My muscles have always slightly tingled when I lay still and quiet in bed probably the last 20 years but thinking no pain, no gain and always manageable. I've been retired for several years now but kept up good exercise on my treadmill and stay active daily. Because of the pain, I am now down to a 1 hour walk a day on the treadmill. I walk 6 days a week, religiously. The pain is from my neck down and thru my body, all joints and muscles. With the pain relief, it's unbearable. I do not have headaches or any trouble in my head or face area nor my hands, just body. I worked as an outside technician for telephone companies, installing and repairing lines. In a day, 1/2 aerial pole work connections and 1/2 buried plant connections, including daily customers, so stayed very active and enjoyed the work. I have never been sickly, always a healthy, active lifestyle. My question... is this normal to have this much joint and muscle pain as we get older? I am concerned about taking so much daily pain relief and still have the constant pain I feel. I have not activated my medical coverage to date because of the huge expense, about $700 a month just for myself. I can not afford that much each month. Also, further information, I could be a candidate for Parkinson's as my grandmother had a slight form of this disease. Her hands and head would shake but not wildly. Sometimes I feel a very light tremor in my legs and feet when I lay still. I have not gone to the doctor as I read they have no way to test for Parkinson's disease officially. They test for many other causes to rule out symptoms. I appreciate any help to try to figure this out. If I'm not allowed to say brand names, I take naproxen sodium tablets, 220 mg. Thank you!
0 likes, 3 replies
carol92264 dawn59296
Posted
Dawn,
I am 79 years old, female.
The pain you have described fits with an inflammatory condition known as PMR: Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I suggest you research it online via the medical sites (WebMD, Medline, etc) so you can understand more about what it may be. I only know this because I had PMR and was treated successfully over 18 months; I have been in remission for four years. The pain was intense and extremely difficult to manage until I was referred to a Rheumatologist who started me on immediate treatment with Prednisone. The symptoms literally disappeared by the second day. Steroids require strict management of dosage and patients must be weaned off of them before they are in the system too long. I would discontinue Nsaids like Advil and other pain relievers since they are very hard on your stomach. I gave myself an ulcer through using ibuprofen, trying to deal with arthritis pain when I was in my 60's. I am very sympathetic to your health insurance situation. It's only because I am on Medicare that I was able to get the right treatment when I needed it. If you live in a large city, there may be programs available for low-income or uninsured women over 50. Ask around about that. Also look online for clinical trials. University hospitals are a good source of information, too. Hot epsom salts baths will offer some relief. So will magnesium oil used topically around the joints and muscles. Movement is essential for arthritis but the acute inflammation of joints, muscles and tendons (which is what PMR is) does not benefit from exercise. Once you are in treatment, you should continue your daily walks and fitness routine for overall good health. I wish you a speedy source of responsible healthcare. Good luck!!
dawn59296 carol92264
Posted
Thank you Carol. I will check this out further. We have quite a few Rheumatoid doctors in my area. I've not had trouble with the Aleve so far but it's possible I will with all the my use. I do hope to narrow it down so I don't have to go to doctor after doctor. I haven't been treated by a doctor in many years, except yearly physicals. Just a carpal tunnel surgery on one hand and a broken finger in my 40 years of work. Thank you!
carol92264 dawn59296
Posted
Good luck, Dawn. You seem intelligent with a good attitude and that's essential in regaining your health and maintaining it. Be sure and keep us in the loop regarding your progress; we all profit from each other's stories. Best to you!