Pain That Comes and Goes

HuggycatbearHuggycatbear
in General

As I get older, I get aches and pains. I hate the first part of that sentence. Why is it the most stiffness and pain and even injury comes from sleeping?

I already know the answer to that. I'm athletic in my activities. And when I'm at the gym or hiking, none of that pain exists. When I go on a date with someone, those loving butterfly feelings that circulate forget the pain.

Right now I got a lower back thing that comes and goes. I do my stretches. I've seen the doctor who after paying $600 a mo in healthcare, they saw me for 10 min and googled pelvic stretches.

Sometimes it's anxiety. That for some reason has this power to manifest physically that I didn't deal with when I was in my teens.

The other night my pain was 6/10 in bed that it reordered my thinking. Dashed my dreams of being an author in a ranch home somewhere green, a room as my office and my wife doing her thing.

Other times... no pain at all. And I feel free to pursue my ambition.

It's a puzzle to me.

Comments

  • ByTorandSnowDogByTorandSnowDog

    yeah I had that problem as well, it seems at bay for the most part now, I think anxiety definitely exasperated my condition, making it worse than it probably was.

    I did injure my groin a few years back that effected my normal exercise routine then after that a number of changes in my personal life that caused stress.

    Like you say waking up after sleeping felt the worst. Tried a few new mattresses not sure that was it maybe, the place I bought my mattress allowed one free exchange. Right now I have a medium firm pillowtop that I like quite a bit, originally tried a firm which was too firm, I am average weight for my height. Spent more than I typically do.

    Did physio regularly for over a year, every couple weeks sort of thing, which include dry needling . Never really moved the needle. I also visited the chiropractor which i think if anything aggravated things, he is sort of old school and did spinal decompression , I didn't like that. I am sort of off recommending chiropractors. but thats my experince , we are all different.

    I visited a psychologist(I hate this word I can never spell it and autocorrect can't either) a number of times she recommended a book "The mindfullness solution to pain" I started it but didn't finish.

    Doctor prescribed a number of different medications for managing the pain, never really took those much just because it never felt like that the type of pain... Also took an antidepressant , started on one eventually ended up duloxetine(I guess it also includes a pain killer. It didn't really seem to work and if anything make the anxiety worse.

    Ultimately I spoke to the walkin physician at the clinic I go to, he referred me to a sports doctor. That resulted in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on my back. That is essentially some xrays to identify degeneration and then a heated needle is used to kill nerves, honestly the whole thing is no big deal. like a 15 minute procedure at most. That seemed to help a lot, it allowed me to get back on my normal exercise routine... Ultimately I believe that I keep my exercise up and my back strong that is the best thing for me, but its hard to do when you are in pain all the time. I am Canadian so the nerve ablation didn't cost anything as it was covered under healthcare, the whole process didn't even take that long to get through.

    I also changed physio therapists, the old one I really liked she was nice the new one I dont really care for but for whatever reason he treatment is much more effective... So sometimes that matters too

    During all this I started a new job that I had high hopes for that ended up not being what I expected. It paid really well but it just was not for me. I quit that a few months ago, I should be starting back at my old work in a few weeks back to doing what I actually like.

    I stopped the antidepressants , I was speaking with someone who gives me massages and she mentioned the effects of unpasteurized sauerkraut(you have to but that in the organics area of the grocery store its refrigerated). The fermentation process produces bacteria that is helpful for the gut, Intestine health is very important for anxiety. In the same breath she was also going on about mcdonalds burgers and missing childern.... Anyways Its up to you whether you want to believe the sauerkraut thing or not. I have been doing that for a little over a month and feel great.

    wow that was a lot lol sorry. If you want you can message me. I am not going to follow this thread, I believe I am on to something and I don't need someone suggesting other wise.

    Good luck I have been where you are and it sucks, it does get better. So many people told me that and I wasn't sure I believed them bust its does.

  • lunasoptalunasopta

    I used to have excruciating lower-back pain. It would wake me up and I would have to sit up for close to an hour or so before it relented. Going to the gym and stretching helped for sure - ad long as I dont over do it. Recovery is important. Also, spending $3,000+ on a quality mattress helped. I am also taking supplements and eating clean. Diet, exercise, sleep, and hormone levels. I also stopped drinking alchohol. I'm really glad I changed some of my behaviors, its made all the difference.

  • cuddlefaerycuddlefaery

    There's been some really interesting research done on specific forms of mindfulness and CBT for chronic pain. For me, if nothing else the mindshift around pain and suffering being two different things was monumental.

    Finding good physical therapists who actually take the time to study your body's functional mechanics and imbalances makes a world of difference. I've personally found that PT can't be just a short-term treatment for me - I have to be going continuously for accountability and maintaining progress, but sadly Medicaid doesn't like covering that.

    I've had chronic pain since I was a pre-teen - there is no such thing as a pain-free day for me. But there are a lot more days now where I don't let it limit me as much. And it's generally far less distracting since I've learned I can turn down the mental alarm bells.

    From all my research and experiences over the years, the one thing for certain I've learned about pain is that is entirely subjective, and so everybody's treatment of it has to be individualized. What works for me definitely won't work for everyone, and heavens knows I've tried a lot of remedies from everyone and their mothers' advice and found no relief or even exacerbated the situation. If you find one small thing that makes any difference, build off of that.

  • SweetCuddler33SweetCuddler33

    Magnesium .

  • SweetCuddler33SweetCuddler33

    .

  • TheMidnightOwlTheMidnightOwl

    A lot of pain starts from trauma. Physical and/or emotional.

  • MorpheusMorpheus

    I have a lot of pain most of it post chemo. Acupuncture has helped a lot though.

  • HuggycatbearHuggycatbear

    Thank you @ByTorandSnowDog @lunasopta @cuddlefaery @SweetCuddler33 and @TheMidnightOwl

    It helps to not feel alone in our battles with pain. I did discover magnesium glycinate. Fast absorption and my magic pill for relaxing to sleep.

    Looks like it's a continuous journey of experimentation. Seems about every 10 years after 30 my body changes. Experimentation is great when you have the money.

    The differentiating physical body-based pain from emotional/trauma is so on point. I wonder if from a spiritual standpoint that the veil between reality and fantasy is thinning so much now. Becoming porous. There are things that happen that is stranger than fiction. Life is becoming more of the dream state.

    @cuddlefaery So sorry you deal with chronic pain. I'm glad for this community that is based on sharing and soothing.

  • great_pillow08great_pillow08

    I have joint fixation in my hips at times- Do you have a foam roller?

  • CuddlesWithCatCuddlesWithCat

    It sounds like you do everything to stay fit. It’s not really your fault. It’s just part of the ageing process.

    One of my favourite quotes is make time for your wellness or you will be forced to make time for your illness.

    I sprained my right thumb back in December and to this day I am dealing with issues because of it, especially trigger thumb. I was certain I had it and at the time my Physio didn’t think I had it. I went to my doctor and she confirmed it, currently I am on a waitlist to see a hand specialist and I can’t see them for like two months. I also put my back out two months ago and I’m having issues because of that.

  • HuggycatbearHuggycatbear

    Update: what I have is progressing and it apppears to be less about muscle and more about my digestive tract.

    Last night after eating, I woke up in the night with a burning pain from my stomach down to my glutes. It was sharp and severe.

    Luckily I've worked so much on shadow work and my mental health that I've learned to stay in the moment, instead of fearing the unknown. I'm going to call my health insurance and advocate harder that this is more of an emergency.

    Just asking for prayers and well wishes.

  • MorpheusMorpheus

    I had breakfast this morning with 6 buddies that I’ve known for years. We are all between 54 and 62. I was the first one to arrive at the restaurant and laughed cause everyone one of my buddies showed up, they stepped out of their cars like it hurt a little 🤣

  • [Deleted User]Bluzy (deleted user)

    Oh man @Huggycatbear it can be so frustrating to have good self awareness and discipline, yet also have a body that is tormenting you. Obviously, as mentioned, age and mental health can be big culprits in all this.

    I’ve had two hips replaced and all the time spent (5-6 years) prior to my surgeries, I struggled with terrible chronic pain that definitely had its toll on my overall body’s feeling and health.

    The two maybe three things outside of the surgery and prescription meds that helped me the most were acupuncture, massage and my hot tub. All of which I still do, but I’m religious about my 10-15 min hot tub sessions at night before bed. My hot tub is nothing special (a SoftTub) other than I can get it up to 106 degrees which has been absolutely amazing for my body before bed.

  • ElrondishElrondish

    @Huggycatbear not a doctor or medical person. This just reminds me of a coworker. Has anyone looked into your pancreas yet? If/when you get to further diagnostics, maybe make sure that’s on the list(or at least that your doctor shoots it down) just as a precaution.

  • HuggycatbearHuggycatbear

    @Morpheus Lol all the moans and groans of older people complaining about aches and pains... sheeeesh. Wait, that's us now. 😅

    @Bluzy I'm so sorry you have dealt with so much! Including hip replacements. And great great advice! I was doing Epsom salt baths almost every night. Found a cheap source with the big bags from Target. I need to return to that.

    Nevee did acupuncture. I should look into that.

    @Elrondish I had that in mind too. The bloodwork did come back on my pancreas and everything is normal level. I did go to the ER and a CT scan shows a fatty tissue in my lower back they want to investigate. So I am admitted. Will be visited by specialists today.

  • cuddlefaerycuddlefaery

    @Huggycatbear sending virtual hugs from another hospital. I went to ER Saturday night and was admitted as well, albeit for completely different reason. I hope they get some answers for you and that pain management is better!

  • JubalJubal

    @Huggycatbear I'm in the same boat with you - as I get older, the aches and pains are with me more often. I try to be philosophical about it as they're reminders that I'm still on top of the dirt rather than six feet under it. I also remind myself that Ben Franklin suffered with terrible bouts of gout and other aging maladies.

    So you can at least take comfort that you're not alone in this.

  • HuggycatbearHuggycatbear
    edited April 24

    Update: I went to the ER because the pain was 7/10 in my abdominal area. CT scan showed I have a 5cm soft tissue near my spine. I was hospitalized for 4 days while they ran a battery of tests. 2 CT scans, an x-ray, and an MRI. I never got so much blood drawn lol. 12 tubes and 2 bigger container cultures, and that's only in 1 of the sittings.

    I saw two specialists: rhemutoid arthritis and oncologist.

    Here's where it got weird. Nurses and docs started coming in PPE gear. I was walking the halls for exercise and then they quarantined me in a room with two heavy doors. The room was nice, don't get me wrong... but with an athletic lifestyle it was hard.

    Turned out they did this pending a TB test. Before the biopsy I could not eat or drink. And they wanted me to spit in two containers to the black line with mucous. This was incredibly hard since I wasn't really sick.

    The TB test delayed my biopsy. And everyone knew I didn't have TB. It was just so I would be clear for medication for the rheumatoid arthritis specialist.

    This prioritization made no sense. As the biopsy results would determine which way I go and I may not even need the arthritis treatment. Esp if it's cancer.

    What a strange journey it's been. And it's only in the beginning. Year of the horse... supposed to be my year. Hopefully things will come together.

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