New member/severe pain

Hi: I am a new member currently having severe back pain. I have been diagnosed with an auto-immune, connective tissue disease,possibly lupus. That causes severe spasms in/around organs and is responsible for most of my pain. However, I also have spondyliosis but it has never been this severe. If I lie down in a slanted position I'm slightly comfortable but can barely move. I have an appt. on Weds. (a friend is taking me) w my primary care. I want to ask him to speak to my rheumatologist because I don't feel that he is taking my case seriously.

I look forward to getting to know you and exploring the site.

zizzcat

Thank you Betsey,,,

I am trying to stay positive. I believe joining this group will help. Periods of isolation can be tricky to deal with emotionally.

I don't know how to tell if/when it gets bad enough to call an ambulance to go to the ER. When I try to move around the pain brings me to my knees and I've already taken 1/2 of my dosage of pain and muscle relaxer medicine for the whole day. I was just treated there Sat. for severe bronchitis.

zizz

Welcome Zizz.

I really hate to here that you are in pain. I am sure that you will get some relief, comfort from this site, maybe even some helpful advice. Has your Rheumatologist classified your Autoimmunity yet? You did not list it so I was wondering, I'm sure you have plenty of experience dealing with Doctors, but when you do get in to see a Rheumatologist, just remember, he works for YOU, insist he schedule you for the necessary test, in progression, either for the narrowing of the loss of Immunological Tolerance, or for the full diagnoses of your disease if he has not already, and also remember to discuss all your concerns with your Primary Care Physician, he may recommend a different Rheumatologist. These are just suggestions, I am not a Physician but I have known a few people living with your disease and I read WAY too much Good luck with your PC Wed. and keep us updated.

Hi Zizz, I too would like to welcome you to the chronic pain forum. While I am sorry that you have to be here, I am very glad that you found this forum.

I do hope that you can get the bronchitis under control soon. I know a person can get a horrible cough from it. I get it from time to time and always end up pulling muscles from coughing so hard. Are you on any active treatment for the connective tissue disease? I know the treatment can range from mild to severe symptoms. I do hope you can get some help from your PCP and the rheummy.

Take care and keep us posted.

Hi Everyone:

I did call an ambulance and went to the ER. I took the iPad my husband got me for days like this one. It was truly comforting to be able to read everyone's replies to my topic. Thank u!

The dr. said I needed an MRI but that they only do X-rays which don't show much detail. Nevertheless, he said they turned out ok, and that the pain was most likely related to the connective tissue disorder.

I take Imuran, plaquenil, oxycodone and baclofen for it. (Imunne suppressant, immune suppressant-anti- inflammatory, pain med and muscle relaxer). I have been asking the rheum dr. to increase the Imuran for a year now. I requested that he refer me to UVA, a teaching hospital 2 1/2 hrs. away. I may get in in august. He doesn't even return my calls.

In the middle of all this I lost my phone. My husband is an over the road trucker
(away M-F) and wiil be worried sick.

I got a ride home from a friend. Am in bed with the heating pad on high, about to pass ouT, so I need to say good niigata and thank u!!!

Zizz