I know that chronic pain is a part of life with lupus, but lately, I've had a lot of it. I'm taking as much Plaquenil as I am allowed and take Tramadol, as needed. It helps some, but I just literally feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. It is primarily my right shoulder (for which I have had physical therapy before), but now my left shoulder is also hurting, as well as knees and a weird back (flank) pain. I sometimes also get spasms in my lower back. It is very annoying when this happens and I look like I am drunk, tripping around. Has anyone else experienced this and was it determined to be lupus related? I feel like I am constantly blaming lupus for every ache and pain I have (but it is the likely culprit). Thanks!
With lupus we can have all kind of annoying pain but remember that there are also side effects to our meds specially tramadol. I know that tramadol makes me dizzy and I feel like I’ve been drinking so those symptoms may be related to that you should check on that. I take tramadol once in a while now bc I replaced that with Hydrocodone (Vicodin) which really helps with the pain. Once my pain would not go away with the tramadol my doc gave me the hydro! Talk to your doctor and let them know the tramadol is not enough. I wish you well<3
I have had back spasms and back pain for about 20 years. No one has ever been able to find the cause, I assume it is Lupus related bc it does tend to get worse with flares. I am sad to say learning to live with chronic pain is a part of this disease. There is a lot that can be done to alleviate pain and just make it more “livable”. There is biofeedback, meditation, exercise that is low impact, and sometimes just getting out of the house! No one said this was easy but with determination, good docs, support of loving family and friends , one can manage the pain and have a pretty darn good life! Just my opinion! We hear ya sister, you have turned to the right place! I will be thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon!
jdt, thank you so much for this post. I have been having pain in my shoulders also, most severely in my right one. Sometimes it gets so bad I can not use it. My left shoulder is now starting to be the same way. When I spoke to my doctor about it, he was a little surprised as his other lupus patients have not had shoulder pain. It helped me a lot to read this post and realize that I am not alone.
Thank you Cindy!
Cindy Najera said:
With lupus we can have all kind of annoying pain but remember that there are also side effects to our meds specially tramadol. I know that tramadol makes me dizzy and I feel like I've been drinking so those symptoms may be related to that you should check on that. I take tramadol once in a while now bc I replaced that with Hydrocodone (Vicodin) which really helps with the pain. Once my pain would not go away with the tramadol my doc gave me the hydro! Talk to your doctor and let them know the tramadol is not enough. I wish you well<3
Thank you jammingirl! Wishing you wellness, too! :)
jammingirl said:
I have had back spasms and back pain for about 20 years. No one has ever been able to find the cause, I assume it is Lupus related bc it does tend to get worse with flares. I am sad to say learning to live with chronic pain is a part of this disease. There is a lot that can be done to alleviate pain and just make it more "livable". There is biofeedback, meditation, exercise that is low impact, and sometimes just getting out of the house! No one said this was easy but with determination, good docs, support of loving family and friends , one can manage the pain and have a pretty darn good life! Just my opinion! We hear ya sister, you have turned to the right place! I will be thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon!
Genny,
I went to physical therapy for a while, trying to help me regain some range of motion and to help deal with the pain. The pain, however, has been continuous. My PT stopped my therapy, because of the limits of my insurance company, thinking I would be needing more sessions at a later date. Some days it's better than others. I try to take advantage of the good days. This forum/site is awesome! I have found so much knowledge and support here. My rheumatologist kind of acted the same way with me. She said that wasn't a common complaint that she gets, but I have read on the internet that arm pain for Lupus sufferers tends to be in the muscle, between the elbow and shoulder blade. My pain is in that area and sometimes spreads. You are not alone. Wishing you wellness (and answers).
Genny said:
jdt, thank you so much for this post. I have been having pain in my shoulders also, most severely in my right one. Sometimes it gets so bad I can not use it. My left shoulder is now starting to be the same way. When I spoke to my doctor about it, he was a little surprised as his other lupus patients have not had shoulder pain. It helped me a lot to read this post and realize that I am not alone.