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Original poster

Can anyone help identify this pain/problem?

64 replies

fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 16:43

Right so I'm going to try and explain best I can.
I started with a weird niggle pain in my upper back almost on my upper back near my shoulder blade on the right hand side. It was more annoying to begin with.
Last week It intensified and spread and its settled in my right armpit right where my breast and arm meet. It hurts to touch it. When i lightly press the pain throbs. Lifting arm up and putting arm forward make it hurt Thru the course of the day it gets worse to an almost constant ache which gets worse when stood up and walking. It also spreads up my back to my neck and it hurts to put my head down. It also hurts in my collarbone to put my head down.
I went to the gp last week who prescribed amitriplyine which short of making me very sleepy has done nothing. I work a physical job and cannot afford to take time off work as we only get SSP and that won't even cover half our outgoings. I'm taking a lot of painkillers which aren't even touching it. I've been recommended codeine and paracetamol combined tablets 4 times a day and ibrupofoen 400mg 3 times a day. All of which I'm taking but to no avail.
I'm so miserable. Lying down helps. But getting up hurts. I feel like I've aged overnight. I'm not even 30!
When I stand up there's so much pressure on my shoulders and neck. I'm a healthy weight. Eat a healthy diet.
I had some bloods done on a different matter and they came back normal except for abnormal liver function and to have repeat bloods done which I'm having at the end kf the month. Only mentioning in case it's related. I'm going to push for a gp appointment next month.
Any help please

OP posts:
Original poster
fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 16:43

Gp appointment should say next week not month.

OP posts:
ButterflyWitch · 02/06/2022 16:45

Gallbladder

Samarie123 · 02/06/2022 16:48

the start of shingles?

Original poster
fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 16:54

ButterflyWitch · 02/06/2022 16:45

Gallbladder

Possibly. I don't have any abdominal pain. I'm on the verge of ringing 111 because it's hurting so bad right now. Nothing eases it.

OP posts:
PinkGreen · 02/06/2022 16:57

I have narrowing (I think it is) in my spine at my neck. It causes pain in my shoulder, arm, neck and head. I don't think it causes pain in my arm pit. Triggers are lifting heavy things and bending my neck up or down for longer than usual.

Not sure if your pain could be similar. An xray identified my problem and when I also started getting pain down my leg I got an mri. My sister had similar but much worse and had to get an operation. I got prescribed same medication you have but only took it once. I felt like I had a hangover the next day so didn't take any more.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 02/06/2022 17:11

Sounds like it could be a trapped nerve to me

Original poster
fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 17:13

uncomfortablydumb53 · 02/06/2022 17:11

Sounds like it could be a trapped nerve to me

The doctor suggested that and that's what the amitrypiline was for. But it hasn't even made the slightest change except now I feel sleepy all the time

OP posts:
Garman · 02/06/2022 17:23

Have you been to an osteopath or physio?

Original poster
fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 17:24

Garman · 02/06/2022 17:23

Have you been to an osteopath or physio?

I have self referred to the NHS physio. Private isn't an option. We're barely breaking even every month as it is especially with a toddler to provide for

OP posts:
BringBackCoffeeCreams · 02/06/2022 17:33

I have a recurring problem with similar sounding pain. For me it caused by low muscle tone in my back and poor posture. A self help excercies my physio taught me is to sit on a low backed chair, where the back of the chair is positioned just under the level where the pain starts. Then clasp hands behing your head and gently lean over the back of the chair as far as you can comfortably go. Then try to relax the muscles in this position and take some deep breaths. I find it gives instant relief.

MissyB1 · 02/06/2022 17:48

BringBackCoffeeCreams · 02/06/2022 17:33

I have a recurring problem with similar sounding pain. For me it caused by low muscle tone in my back and poor posture. A self help excercies my physio taught me is to sit on a low backed chair, where the back of the chair is positioned just under the level where the pain starts. Then clasp hands behing your head and gently lean over the back of the chair as far as you can comfortably go. Then try to relax the muscles in this position and take some deep breaths. I find it gives instant relief.

Same here, my Pilates instructor also recommends this exercise. I have really weak back muscles and the pain in my upper back and shoulders are a result of that.

BlanketsBanned · 02/06/2022 17:51

The beginnings of a Frozen shoulder of trapped nerve in your neck, can you put that arm behind your back

Original poster
fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 17:53

BlanketsBanned · 02/06/2022 17:51

The beginnings of a Frozen shoulder of trapped nerve in your neck, can you put that arm behind your back

It hurts down my arm to do it but I can. I'm on hold to 111. I can't wait till Monday. The pain is shooting round to my upper back and neck. I can't even pick up my child. I don't even care if they can't tell me what it is. I just want the pain to stop

OP posts:
BlanketsBanned · 02/06/2022 17:56

Dont lift anything, have you got any pins and needles, can you get comfortable at all resting your arm on a pillow.

Original poster
fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 17:59

BlanketsBanned · 02/06/2022 17:56

Dont lift anything, have you got any pins and needles, can you get comfortable at all resting your arm on a pillow.

No pins and needles but my hand on the same side randomly starts with that weird ache you get in your body when your ill. The only thing that helps is laying on the same side and almost wedging my arm under.
Honestly since posting it the pain has intensified now. It's almost shooting round my right side from my armpit up to my neck and upper back. It's a sharp pain. I'm so fed up

OP posts:
BlanketsBanned · 02/06/2022 18:20

Did you get through to 111, I had terrible stabbing pain in my upper arm, shoulder and neck and it was all connected to a shoulder impingement but only the doctors can diagnose you. Can you get yourself to a hospital.

Springduckling · 02/06/2022 19:09

I had some of those symptoms when I damaged my upper back. In my case the pain was relieved if I pulled back my shoulders, worse getting up 1st thing and sitting and driving was bad too.

Definitely try to see a dr.

Original poster
fedupofthismeh · 02/06/2022 19:13

BlanketsBanned · 02/06/2022 18:20

Did you get through to 111, I had terrible stabbing pain in my upper arm, shoulder and neck and it was all connected to a shoulder impingement but only the doctors can diagnose you. Can you get yourself to a hospital.

111 advised a and e as my right arm from wrist upwards is completely numb now. I'm so confused. Gonna be a long night

OP posts:
BlanketsBanned · 02/06/2022 19:38

Oh dear, you do need to get this checked, were here if you need us. Take something to eat and drink, tissues and warm clothes.

WakeyCakeyHeart · 02/06/2022 19:46

Hope you get some relief and a diagnosis OP. X I had something similar which was a ruptured thoracic disc, it went so far as to penetrate my spinal canal where it sits to this day 20 odd years later . If its a disc problem it sounds like it could be more cervical than thoracic but let the medics do their stuff x

uncomfortablydumb53 · 02/06/2022 21:57

Oh dear, I'm sorry your pain has got worse. Numbness is also a sign of a trapped nerve
I took Pregabilin when mine was first trapped so there are things to ease the pain
Hope they can help in A&E

SunshinePie · 02/06/2022 22:00

Is the area red or hot to touch? Could be an infection…

QueenOfHiraeth · 02/06/2022 22:06

Amitriptyline does not act instantly, it can take a couple of weeks to have an effect as it works by calming down the nerves which take time to settle. Often needs a dose increase from the initial starting dose too

Penguintears · 02/06/2022 22:10

Any news OP?

justasking111 · 02/06/2022 22:13

Carrying a toddler maybe caused this injury. Hope you get some relief tonight