Muscle pain - any opinions?

Stitchy · July 26, 2006

I'm not sure which forum this belongs in. I'm looking for some general help. I don't think this is related to the band, but who knows?

About 2 months ago, I started having extremley sore back of the neck pain, shoulder and upper arm pain. I went to my PCP and he took me off Lipitor to see if that would help. I had been taking it for a year. I also have a *hot spot* on my neck bone. I had an MRI and the radiologist didn't see much. She only found it because I specifically pointed out the location. Maybe not much to her, but my neck hurts.

For the last 3 weeks, this general muscle pain has been spreading down my arms, back, buttocks, thighs and calves. Turning over in bed is extremely painful. So is climbing stairs, getting out of a recliner and walking, or leaning over to pick up something on the floor.

I'm going to make an appointment again since nothing has improved and it's gotten worse. Does anyone have any thoughts about what it could be? I want to be as informed as possible. My doctor doesn't seem to mind my questioning his opinions, but I need some ideas.

vinesqueen · July 26, 2006

Sorry hun! ((((hugs)))) being in pain like that is less than no fun! I have no idea what it could be, but I sure hope you get resolution soon!

beachgirl · July 27, 2006

Before I had my neck surgery I had the same symptoms especially the butt and leg pain. It sounds sooooo much like my ruptured discs. Mine showed up in the M.R.I. but you really have to have a very good Neurosurgeon to see it my regular M.D. didn't.

I don't want to scare you but I had the exact same symptoms. Now, after the surgery, the removing the discs, putting in a small peice of leg bone and metal brackets to hold everything in place I still suffer on a daily basis. They said another surgery but I've had 3 already in the past 2 years and I said no, I just can't do it right now.

Take care of yourself and make sure you get checked out by a very good neuro surgeon.

Stitchy · July 27, 2006

Thanks Vinesqueen. And SherriJo.

I did go to the doc today they took a lot of blood samples. And he gave me drugs. That took the edge off it. At least I am now able to get out of my recliner.

He also gave me a copy of the radiologist's report. It's full of some pretty big medical words, but the gist is that there is a small cyst in one of the neck disks. Nothing else appears to be wrong. Whew!

At the end of May, I went to see Circ du Soleil. The seats are very very narrow (and I 'm not) so I spent the entire time (about 3 hours) sitting with my shoulders hunched forward. Also, when you see them, you do a lot of looking up. So, the next day, when I had a sore neck and shoulders, I didn't think much about it. However, the soreness didn't go away and has gotten worse.

Now, here is my theory. If there was a little cyst on the disks, it could have become more irritated and started to swell because of the way I was sitting for a few hours. This swelling could be pressing on some nerves which is causing muscle pain all over my body. How does that sound?

I 'm going to make an appointment with a spine specialist orthopedist. I'm also going to see a rheumatologist at my doc recommendation. If these guys don't give me good answers, I'm going to see a neurosurgeon. I don't think my PCP has a clue, but at least he is willing to consider to my opinions. No one cares about me like I care about me. This has to be taken care of.

tztmama · July 27, 2006

Hey Stitchy,

Did you ever have this pre-band? How is your fill and are you able to eat? I spent months on pain pills and then finally had an unfill which cut the neck and back pain in half, allowing me to stop the pain pills almost entirely. I had back issue before the band but when my fill was too tight it made it worse. Just a thought. Meanwhile, you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you feel better real soon.

Darla

Stitchy · July 27, 2006

Darla

Preband, I had a sore neck and shoulders occasionally, but hey, I'm 60 years old. My body isn't what it used to be and I accept a few aches and pains.

I had my first fill about 2 weeks ago and the pains started two months ago. It doesn't seem related to me, but I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for your thoughts.