Seeking Ideas on Burning Sensation; Chest/Upper Back Area

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chablis3

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Nice to hear from you, Sammy. You may be right about it being National Vacation Week for doctors! I live in Delaware. Nice state with lots of doctors, but can't find one to help me. I have an apointment with a rheumotologist next month, and I am also changing family doctors this coming week. Oh boy, now you have to deal with having your meRAB changed, on top of pain! What a terrible trial to go through. The doc I went to, the one on vacation, did give me some samples of Celebrex to try, but they didn't do anything for me. Yes, I was wondering if perhaps the inflammation from my back could cause the pelvic pain. Since everything seems to be connected somehow in our bodies, I thought this might be a theory in my pelvic pain. Is your husband having problems as well? You said he will be starting radiation soon. My goodness, I hope he will be ok. I am glad I don't work; I could never get up in time to make it to work. I don't know how you do it being in pain.

Thanks for the mail, Sammy, and good luck with your meRAB, and my best wishes to your hubby. Prayers to you both.

Judy
 
CH,just a quick question for ya.just what is the extent of you c spine issues?i am only asking as there is the sympathetic nervous system to be considered here as a possible reason for some of your symptoms,espescially the 'unknown' reason for your heart issues?the SNS runs all the way down both sides of our spinal columns,on the outside but there are areas where it crosses thru the chest and also the junction at the c 8 nerve level too,tho you do not actually have a c 8 vertbrae,you do have a c 8 nerve(it is your ulnar nerve in your arm?)this area is just a bit more heavily innervated than any other area of your spine.this was the area that became injured during my spinal cord surgery and actually caused my SNS damage,tho it can happen at the outter(from spine)area too(the actual stellate ganglion sits within the neck to the side of your larynx) and like i said,within the actual thorasic cavity itself too.what i awoke to right after my spinal cord surgery was done and in recovery was a bunch of yelling and orders being shouted because my previously perfect heart was running amuck,really unreal.i had never ever in my entire life ever had any heart problems of any kind but now,my heart rate and rhythem was all over the map.i found out later that this was the very first indicator of my SNS being damaged.this is just one possible reason for the "benign' cardiac issues you are suffering with now.just how are your "normal" BPs?hypotensive?have younotice any drooping at all in any way of either eyelid?either upper or lower?try looking up the sympathetic and see how this runs and most importantly check out just the huge amount of body system functions this actually regulates and then take a comparison with some of your more stranger symptomology.it runs alot of our basic functions and governs others.just a thought for you that could explain the seemingly unexplainable.just some thoughts here.good luck to you and i do hope they can find the main problem.marcia
 
Norene, since this seems to be a rare thing it is good to have someone elses input. I ice like you would not believe, tried celebrex in the past couple times, no help there. Do you swell in the upper chest area also or in the upper torso at all? My ribs are so bad, but for me when one area swells so does the other. so I have to ice it all. I will look up the ankylosing spondylitis, & see if anything in my MRI report mentions it to, can't remeraber. also does physical work set it off at all? Please excuse me for picking your brain alittle here. Mine is getting worse,my whole chest area is burning lately & the mucsle spasms are drivng me crazy. Hope to hear from you soon, Sammy
 
I cant say that the trigger point injections that I had on Wed have helped. :(
Tried the muscle relaxers a few times but I dont think they helped either. I've had a very stressful week and I can tell it affects the back pain. Im really frustrated that there's no clear answers/solutions to my pain. Hopefully someone here will finally find a good Dr who can provide the correct treatment and we can all benefit.
 
Sammy,
I am so sorry that you are in so much pain. I made my GP test for the B27 gene and RA and Osteo at the same time(its a blood test). My GP did not want to do this test saying there is no way I would have this disease. My father had it and my brother has it. When it came back positive I knew I had AS. When you have a positive B27 gene with the presence of arthritis, you can pretty much assume you have AS. I had 5 MRI's, over two years with Dr. Silverberg at Etobicoke Hospital in Toronto, Canada. It is difficult to diagnose in women because our symptoms are all over the map. The info on this disease is not current and most of the info on AS is not quite accurate. MY GP refused to believe I had this disease because I was to old and a women. I think 38 is young.The AS was probably dormate until I had a serious bacterial infection which brought it on. When they finally told me for sure that I have AS, and it was not in my head I was relieved. I studied AS and truly believe knowledge is power. Keep up with the good fight they will find out what is wrong. Do you have any breathing problems. I was diagnosed with Asthma with this disease. I tell the doctor's now ( bring it on)
Norene
The B27 gene is nasty, it brings in other problems like gastoral intestinal problems(the burning in the chest), colitis. crohn's and IBS. My husband has crohn's disease. Also we avoid the deadly nightshade plants. Potatoes, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes cause inflammation.
 
chab, glad you found out about the pelvic pain & everything is all right, you don't need anymore problems,going back to work today guys wish me luck.
Sammy
 
Hello Mammy and nice to meet you! I read your post and am going to look up the thorasic spine/dermatome chart, both. Seems like your also having the same issues we all are with our back problems. I don't know at this time exactly which disc's are giving me trouble; I have to go back to the doctor that ordered my MRI to get a full explanation. All I know is my lower back hurts like heck, and I get leg cramps and achy legs.

I am sorry to hear both you and hubby are having trouble and hope it improves soon for you both. Oh, that would be so nice if you could get someone to come in and clean. I hate not being able to do my housework the way I used to. I can still do light stuff, but I always liked to tear things apart when I cleaned and move things around. Those days are over! I hope your WC pays for some help, as well as a chair lift. I have a rancher house, all on one floor, and I sure am glad for that. I can't clirab stairs very well. My daughter has a split level home, and I haven't been in her upstairs for two years! My hubby was talking about moving just the other day, and I would love to, but there is no way I could pack things in this house and then re-arrange another house! 10 years ago I could, but not now!

I have neck problems also, and along with the back thing, I know what you mean about the "neck to tailbone thing!" I can tolerate my neck pain, but the back just does me in. Keep us posted here on anything you might find; there are good people here and we are all interested in anything new and informative.

Take care, Brenda, and visit again. It was nice reading your post. My best to you and hubby!

Judy
 
Sammy, thanks for the reply, and glad to hear from you as well. Yes, I have been drinking lots and lots of cranberry juice as well as water. I hardly ever drink water, which is good for you, so your doing the right thing by drinking lots of it! I would love to have a glass or two of wine, but afraid to drink that good stuff! I also wondered if what I had been taking might be causing the bladder infection, but the only things I take are vitamins, blood pressure pills, and I did try a few Celebrex, but just took a few of those. I was also using a natural spray (sprayed under the tongue) that was supposed to help with muscle and joint pain. I did stop using that, though. I have to wonder if the bladder infection is from all the stress of being in pain? I am not sure if stress could cause bladder infections or not? Sorry to hear your so sore from helping the elderly couple; which was so nice for you to do. Hope you feel better soon. You sound like me; do things one day, and pay for it the next few days. Yes, do call a rheumotoligist right away as it does take forever to get in to see one. I'll keep you posted on my visit tomorrow.

CHK...I feel so bad for you having to deal with work and pain. That has to be tough, and I can understand why you break down on the way home. I have felt like doing that also, and I don't even work. It is terrible for both you and Sammy to have to deal with all that pressure and stress. I surely couldn't do it; I can hardly get my housework done these days.

Thinking about you both, and sending my best. Take care!
 
Went to the Chiro again yesterday and he did a Myofascial Release on my upper back. He said I have ALOT of adhesions. That was VERY painful. I am still really sore today and cant tell that it helped any. :( I go back on Monday.
 
Although I did feel some relief from the cervical decompression table, I started hurting again last night and this morning I feel terrible. The chiropractor is closed on Fridays. :( Lots of spasms today. I have a busy day at work so I know it will only get worse as the day goes on. From what I have read, it usually takes at least 10-15 sessions to notice a significant difference.

I have been checking on getting deep tissue massage therapy. I spoke with someone in PT at our local hospital and was told insurance will cover it with a diagnosis of Lymphedema. Not sure what other diagnosis's may work but heard it is hard to get insurance to cover it and you cant go to just any massage therapist. I truly believe I could benefit from massage therapy so Im gonna try it before long.
 
norene, indeed I do have asthma & reflux/gerd. As you know that is fun.
I ended up in urgent care with the pain it was just to much & causing pain to spread to other areas, hurt to breath. Sat there in tears as the doc. tried everything to get me relief & the swelling down. Put me on double dose naproxen, he said have to try to swelling down along with steroid injection & pack. Have not tried naproxen in years never helped me much but I will give it atry, also put me in a sling in hopes that limiting the movement of the arm/shoulder will help the inflammation go down. of course I have to exercise it tree times aday. He said I should have been put into pain management due this kind of pain, & an MRI of the shoulder area should have been done to see if something is up in that area. So we will see what the doc. says tommorrow. Not holding my breath, But am going to give him a push, can't take this anymore. Even the doc. & his staff was amazed this is taking so long with this much inflamm. & pain. I was so swollen my chest wall was hard & my ribs felt huge. I am getting worried about how long this is all taking, my breathing is being effected & the pain is moving to right side, I know it is because I am so swollen. I pray something is done tommorrow to try to get to the bottem, watch him pass me along to the next doc. wish me luck, sammy
 
Chab,rhuematalogist may be in my future, doc, mentioned it, thank god my sister has a good one, my husband had cancer a couple years ago(prostate), blood work shows problems, just found out monday, so yes oncologist this tuesday. Change in meRAB was bad timing, have to return to work after 21/2 weeks off, just talked to my boss today & promised I would give it a try wed. talk about pressure, I am more worried about my husband now. He was the second youngest treated by his surgeon & becoming more common for youner men, one came in a couple weeks after him, scary. I am scared of returning to work to soon but feel pressured. I am taking slow though, & mornings are the worst. I feel god is saying get the bad over with, I give no more then you can handle, you have better to come. Thank you for your prayers & so much for you time & advice. By the way celebrex did nothing for me either. I know when my inflammation is bad more of my body hurts. I am looking into a new cream I will let you know if I find it & if it works. Sammy ps My boss is going on vacation this week to along with all the doctors, what is up with this week?
 
norene, ran across a post here shoulder pain posted by sharmabob, he has AS. Don't know if you seen it but I put a quick reply that you also have AS & perhaps you could offer some advice or just share what ever you can. As I replied befor I will be bringing this up to my doc. in future visit, have MRI this evening & have been praying something is found. If you can take a peek at the shoulder post, we all know how just understanding of being in someone elses shoes can help. By the way what a wonderful thing you did with that hug, & yes this all can be exhausting, can't wait to wake up one morning & smile @ the world painfree, how wonderful that would be, even 1/2 the pain gone would be great. I wish I could bring you all to my next doc. appointment, the guy would faint. Sammy
 
Ch Kuehn- my problems sound nearly identical to yours as well. I have a herniated disc at c5c6 and c6c7 as well as t8t9. Neurontin did nothing for me except make me gain 30 extra pounRAB. I have pain in different parts of my chest at different times. My ribs also hurt sometimes when I lightly touch them. My chest surgeon says my ribheaRAB are not dislocated after a ct scan. My pain management doctor says my ribheaRAB are dislocated after touching my chest. I have seen spine surgeons who do not know whats causing the pain. It turns out the spine surgeons who I have seen, big names I may add, are old time clowns who are fusion guys and have very little experience in the thoracic area. When I asked them about their experience in # of thoracic surgeries they get insulted. Turns out very few in US are proficient in thoracic area which is why we cant get straight answers. I have an appointment this month with a thoracic expert at HSS and several others in phoenix, pittsburg and boston. I am insisting all these thoracic guys also consult simultaneously with a chest guy so we can get a more accurate diagnosis. I will be relentless and find a doctor who cares and gives straight accurate information. Then I will pass it on to you folks so we can get cured and forget about the schmuck doctors who do not know what they are talking about which seems to be the majority.
 
yesterday I went back to the Chiropractor and this time he did a cervical decompression. This was the first thing that I have actually noticed a difference. I am not pain free but it eased the crushing pressure I feel in my chest and decreased the pain alittle. I went back this morning and had it done again. I could have laid there all day. :)
 
Chab, good to hear you are getting some relief. When I had the epidural of my T & C spines, I did not have an IV. They just used a local to deaden that area and it didnt really bother me at all... especially since it was so fast. IV's are more painful for me than the actual epidural so Im glad I didnt have to go that route. I was uncomfortable a few days from the T spine epidural but only a day or so from the C spine. I cant say that either really helped me much. The biggest thing I noticed was that the steroid has increased my appetite and I am gaining weight. :(

Sammy, Let us know when you hear from your CT. It is a good idea to find a good sports bra. Wearing a good support bra increases the lymphatic drainage within the breast. But some people feel like wearing a bra is not good for you so who knows. Mine irritates the rib area too (when Im having alot of rib discomfort related to my back problem) but it hurts worse when I go without a bra. So I guess it would be an individual decision.
 
Hello Everyone! Yea...I made a phone call this morning and got the back rehab place to see me tomorrow instead of next week! I complained a heck of a lot to the receptionist and she fit me in!

CHK, sorry to hear you got so sore from your day at 6 Flags. That is so frustrating when you go someplace like that and can't fully enjoy yourself because you know your going to pay for it later. I am sure your kiRAB enjoyed you getting on some rides with them, though. I have had a few cervical epidurals in the past, and even though they didn't take the pain away completely, they did ease it. I have a tens machine I borrowed from my sister, and I find it also helps a little. Sometimes I put the patches on and walk around with it on while I am doing housework. You might like one; I think it helps somewhat.

Sammy...how did your doctors appointment go today? Hope it went well. Let us know! I don't have any nurabness in the chin or lip area, but I do have constant ringing in my ears stemming from my neck problem. I also get weird headaches; almost like a brain freeze problem like you get from drinking something real cold. I know all that is from my disc's in the neck, and I bet the nurabness you get is from your neck. I have the cracking too when I turn my head back and forth. I didn't do a thing this week-end except sit and watch football games; thought I would take it easy and maybe my back wouldn't hurt as much.......didn't work...still hurt that night when I went to bed.

I did look up that Dermatome chart that Mammy mentioned. It was very interesting. I can see why when a person has back problems, it can affect a whole bunch of other areas as well. Looking at all those nerves that jut out from the spinal column explains why we seem to hurt in so many different areas. Thanks, Mammy, the site was informative!

Hope everyone has a good day today!

Judy
 
I am hoping to get some advice and input concerning my problem. I have been experiencing a burning type pain under the breast area and also in the upper back area. I am wondering if this could be caused from bad discs in the back? I have had MRI's, epidural shots, Cat Scans, and nothing could be found. My neurologist says it might be "nerve pain." I have had two series of epidural shots, which haven't helped much. I can't seem to get a decent explanation as to what "nerve pain" is, and what might have caused it. All my neurologist says is it could be a touch of fibermylagia.....as well as nerve pain. I am confused, disgusted, and at my wits end! Has anyone else had this type of pain? I would appreciate any advice and thoughts, as I don't know if I should be seeking another type of doctor, and if so, what kind of doctor? Thanks so much for reading my post, and I will welcome some advice.
 
Hi chablis3 & everyone, interesting news, went for EMG, very upfront & informative DR. Told him why I was there, right off the get go he said he could see I was in alot of pain, said it always shows in the eyes. DR. said EMG's did not always pick up nerve problems & he was pleased I went for bonescan, He started the test on the left arm, OMG, not a comfortable test when your in Pain to begin with. nothing showed in the arm, he was curious I believe because of my symptoms, so he had me roll over on my side and did the thoracic area, well he was alittle shocked because the EMG was picking up slight readings, which he said is very rare in that area. He said he would have bet it was in the neck area & believed it would have showed else where, said these symptoms can come from c6-7 area and/or thoracic area.
Needless to say he said I was a very confusing & complex case. I asked him if a slight reading was a good indicater of helping find out the problem & he replied absolutly. Before I left he said he was glad the bone scan was done & he would recommend having a myogram (I believe that is the test he said) done. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is a clue as to getting some help with this problem. Anyone else have A bone scan & EMG done (curious about EMG in thoracic area)? Funny thing arm does not hurt in the spots the EMG was done but boy my back so tender there & sore. Maybe we are getting a step closer, hope so cause sure in pain & getting tired from all the meRAB, fighting not to get depressed. Sammy PS. Almost forgot he also noted alot of inflammation, said steroiRAB I was on should have helped that, Well still inflamed,bad. He said must be feeling alot of pain from that.
 
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