What's wrong with me?

[RomeoOscarXrayIndigoEcho]

I'm in so much pain. I've been feeling pain like this since around 15th September. I've had various trips to the GP and an OOO visit too.

All they do is give me painkillers. The pain killers don't touch the pain.

I can't sit without pain. The pain is in my lower back but I no longer think it's my back that hurts. There's a band of pain around my abdomen, above where my legs bend at the hip and below my belly button.

I've used (properly not at the same time, this is just a list of what I've tried) Co-codamol, paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenic, deep heat, TENS machine, massage, hot water bottles, hot baths, sauna, spa bath. I've seen an osteopath, the best things have been the spa bath, sauna and bath.

I'm trying to stay mobile. On Tuesday I was able to run for a bus. Today I cannot move without pain.

The pain wakes me up in the night. At its worst I've had to ask DH to help me to turn over in bed.

I've had blood tests done. All normal. Liver function a teeny tiny bit odd so GP wants to repeat.

They are considering giving me HRT to help with the pain.

I'm getting a prescription of diazepam to see if that will help and an X-ray and ultrasound will be arranged.

What the fuck could it be? I've got a high pain tolerance. I once completed an assault course with fractured ribs (including swinging over the monkey bars)

I have good days and bad days. Today is a very bad day. I can barely move my head and I'm terrified to sneeze or cough.

GP says I'm a mystery. I just wish I knew what was causing the pain so that we could respond to that.

I'm peeing and pooping normally. I think it might be connected to my hormones but that's just a guess. I might have endo but I'm on my second mirena coil which was life changing for me.

I just wish I knew what it could be.

When was the last time you had a smear?

Kidney stone?

Have you had any scans done, hernia, endo, diverticular.

This sounds awful! You poor thing.
Are you not being sent for any further tests by the GP?
What did the osteopath say about you?

You need an MRI scan of your back, I think, could be prolapsed disc

This year. All normal.

Nope. No scans. Though finally X-ray next week I hope.

I'll pay. My DH has phoned private places several times this week but they all need a referral.

Most recent thinking is pelvic girdle pain and something to do with the SI joint? I felt amazing on Tuesday after seeing the lovely osteopath but now I feel like shit.

munchausens?

I think someone, somewhere need to try and have a look inside me to work out what's wrong but it's proving hard to get one!

I'd pay but I can't get a referral.

Gee ta!

Well aren’t you a helpful ray of sunshine 😳
Hard as it is no one on here can tell you what is wrong, it sounds like you are on the right path with scans planned. I hope you get some answers soon.

How old are you OP? Has your GP checked your inflammatory markers- CRP and ESR? Does polymyalgia rheumatica fit the bill if you google it? It usually presents in shoulders, neck and hips but can be different in some individuals.

DH just home with the diazepam. Fingers crossed.

Disc protrusion… can you get a referral to your local msk service? They will be able to assess you in person. Any leg weakness? Bilateral leg pain or pins and needles?

I'm 45. GP did full bloods. All normal. Nothing showing signs of inflammation or infection. Teeny, tiny concern about the liver test though so getting a check next week.

I'm only asking here because knowledge is power and perhaps having an idea of what to ask about might help.

I'm also desperate.

I do have some pains going down my legs but am passing all the flexibility and strength tests.
Osteopath said I'm "exceptionally flexible" and there's no reduction in strength.

I've googled local MSK service and found a number. I can self refer. Will do that on Monday.

You're probably a little too young then. No no, totally agree with your thoughts. You can ask the GP for a generic referral for private investigations if you want to go down that route by the way. I would also kindly suggest a second opinion from a different GP. It's not rude, any great doctor is aware of their own limitations and would be happy to facilitate a second opinion.

You've been tested for UTIs and STIs? Hep B/Hep C?
Really urprised you haven't had an ultrasound for kidney stones/appendix
Do you have an IUD? Have they investigated PID?

You can self refer - google mri/ultrasound without referral
Vista Health in London if you're anywhere near - very quick appts usually but expensive.

They can send the results to your GP - you will fastrack the process rather than waiting months for a scan.
Sorry you feel so dreadful - hope the diazepam works.

Could it be the endo? I'm no expert but I've heard that can cause widespread, extreme pain?

I've seen three different GPs.

I can't fault any of them. All so kind, caring wanting to help. I hate being like this. I hate asking for help.

I have the mirena coil. I asked about PID (DH was googling) but my bloods are ok. No sign of infection markers.

Would normal blood tests check for STIs etc? I've had a full range of those.

GP I spoke to today concerned not getting better and actually getting worse so is organising X-ray and ultrasounds. She mentioned checking appendix. Just in case my internal arrangement of stuff isn't standard!!!!

I have suspected endo but never confirmed.

Sounds absolutely horrible OP, sorry you are suffering like this. It does sound like you need some scans as just throwing various medications at you isn't solving any problem that could be going on. It's all well and good the GP saying you are a mystery but if you haven't had any imaging done then how do they expect to diagnose the problem? I'm glad you have an x Ray coming up but sounds like you need an ultrasound scan to rule out anything going on in your abdomen, and mri would check for anything spinal or disc related.
If it continues and the diazepam doesn't help then continue to chase GP to refer you for further tests, bloods alone isn't enough when you have had no relief from painkillers such as codeine.

Really hope you get sorted soon xx

Your gp can give you a referral letter to go for anything private! You will probably have to pay for it to me done £25 but I think they should free personally as we’re saving the nhs money by paying.

will you gp not send you for mri and x ray shows not a lot
I just ask mine “ can I have mri” just had one last week on my feet. It took 2 weeks to come through nhs