Chronic pain everywhere + twitching
Posted , 12 users are following.
Hi, a friend of mine is dealing with pain everywhere, and I mean everywhere and we don't understand what he has. He has seen many doctors, taken many tests (CT, MRI, fMRI, EEG, EMG, PET, MRA) and they still havent detected anything odd. Along with that, he has taken X rays everywhere and has tried a ton of different treatment to help with the pain but nothing works. The only thing we know, for certain, about his body is that he had developed carpal, cubital tunnel syndrome, and an ulnar entrapment on both hands 10 months ago. Doctors call this a "Triple Crush", denoting its severity.
Here's the story: 10 months ago, my friend, Chris', hands began twitching (no, not tremors) I don't know if it started with a finger or two. All I know is that it was twitching on and off, and that all these twitches would come and go throughout the day until they became constant (like in a jerking manner).
Chris is a drum teacher so he assumed it was due to excessive drumming so he stopped drumming and simply just went to a doctor. By the time he finally decided to go to a doctor, it had been about a month after the first pain and twitches and had already grown to his arm. When he saw his doctor, his doctor gave him pills to stop the twitching and recommended him to many different neurologists (great ones in the area). After he took all of those tests (the ones listed above) and received results (took a month or two by the way) the doctors didn't seem to know what went wrong.
After about 4-6 months since it all started, his twitching widespread all over his body (only his arms were somewhat constant), but it occured everyday, sometimes even multiple places at once. (EX: leg + arm or foot+hand) But the biggest issue, even though the twitching was embarrassing and made people look down on him, was and still is his PAIN!
IN ALL: His pain started a week into this so he's been dealing with it for about 10 months now, first his hand, then his arm (including shoulder), later his hips, then his legs and feet. All of this physical pain took a toll on his stomach though and the stress eventually caused countless headaches. The pain, in all, is now constant, but after testing 3 different types of pills for twitching, the twitching stopped in the 7th or 8th month but it recently came back slowly.
The pain used to just move around those areas, sometimes top of his shoulder, shoulder blade, collar bone, etc..and happen hourly, (always there though) but now he feels all the pain all at once. This has caused him problems because now he can't teach drums, play drums, hold bags or boxes for too long. Actually, he can't even hold a carpet. Its not just a weakening of his muscles due to inactivity though, he can't walk for too long now. He went from an active lifestyle to having to sleep early to stop dealing with the pain and no, it isn't easy to sleep. Chris always had problems with sleep but now, the pain causes him to stay up longer than usual (no, he hasn't had a sleep study yet) Because of all of this, he is becoming depressed. His mentality now is that when you're in pain all the time you just don't enjoy doing anything you normally did; you're not allowed to have fun anymore (your body won't let you).
My biggest concern is that he has wasted thousands of dollars on different treatments and tests and the only thing doctors concluded was that he could have Neuromytonia, but they took that diagnosis back two weeks after telling him to take more tests (this discovery was made in the 7th month).
I have read many different cases similar to this, like that of HunterD, but they all eventually stop posting and commenting on their condition. I just need to know if there's anything else he should do because I don't know how long more he will be able to take this.
1 like, 21 replies
nicolegurganus jessica27672
Posted
We still have not gotten any answers.
I will post when we find out something. I pray your friend gets the answers He needs too.
jessica27672
Posted
Hi Everyone!! I found out the type of chiropractic method that our chiropractor has been doing with Chris. It's called "Chiropractic Subloxation". I suggest you look for chiropractic doctors that specialize in doing this instead of just cracking backs around your area because Chris has been doing great. Our doctor has not touched his back once. He does adjustments with a mini gun. He isn't completely healed but it's a great start. I wish the best for you all. Best, Jessica
jessica27672
Posted
UPDATE ON CHRIS: He stopped going to the chiropractor due to scheduling conflicts, but has been handling his body better. He meditates every day and I've been trying to change his diet little by little. He stopped working out, so that has caused a few muscular problems, but nothing too unbearable. He still feels random sensations of pain and still twitches, but only twitches in his sleep. I've noticed that his twitching increasing when he stressed. We're still trying to figure out everything, but its definitely not as bad as before. Thanks for all the tips, guys!!
Also, extra update, we just started dating :D
That wasn't necessary to say, but I still wanted to say it.
I'll keep you all updated if his body starts to change again. Till then and wishing you all the best of luck!
silva1988 jessica27672
Posted
I also found this, because I have similar symptoms, mostly one-sided, but as initially I was having GI symptoms we focused on that first, but GP concluded recently this is neurological, because of the twitches.
So we tested B12, good at 650, now I will test for Lyme disease as symptoms also mimic MS symptoms. MS is main suspected diagnosis at the moment. I need to request a MRI and EMG and also attend a chiropractor.
Do you have other ideas?
I found that my twitches only are triggered by compression of the muscles or nerves while doing certain movements or postures. Like bending or lifting my left arm. But never after walking or jogging.
Pain and twitches occurs at same time, both are located under the left low ribcage by the spleen (LUQ), along armpit and upper left arm. Also constantly in right eyelid.
jessica27672 silva1988
Posted
Shoshana7 jessica27672
Posted
Hi Jessica. I'm so sorry that your friend is going through so pain and discomfort. I can only imagine and empathise how he must feel. However I must stress don't give up, don't give in because that's when you'll feel there is nothing to lose. Firstly I want to encourage you both because it sounds like you guys have taken long road. I'm not a medical person and I have no degree etc. What I do have is experience. I have a physical disability and it's hard to the point I tried to take my own life. I thank God I'm still here so that I ca communicate with you. Okay. Hand pain. Repetitive actions can cause things such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (cts) or Nerve Entrapment, Ganglion Cyst, We Quervain or Tendinitis. All of these affect the hands and forearms. Sometimes it's very challenging to get a diagnosis, especially when they are all similar. I know you've been there but a good Neurologist who will also carry out Nerve Conduction Tests is who you both need to see. As the pain sounds debilitating, NSAIDS which are Non Steriodial Anti Inflammatory Drugs will do you better. If you go down that route please make sure that you eat first. I really hope and pray that things do get better. I'd love to hear back from you. Apologies for such a long reply.