Hello,Everyone! I'am in Chronic Rib Pain,and when I wear my bra,it gets tight like a robe is choking my ribs.I also have severe joint pain,and back pain.I'am a nurse who doesn't work anymore,thank-goodness for my husband.I have other health issues as well.I'am at my wits end with this pain all over.Since I have some anxiety issues,no doctors take me for real.I live in Upstate,New York.Does anyone know who I might see around here? Please someone anyone,reply? RileyAnn..

Someone will be along soon who is familiar with your health issues...I just want to welcome you and encourage you to hang in there! Sometimes it's a bit quiet here, around suppertime or whatever, but soon someone will be here for you!

Hi there.

My name is Melody and I'd like to welcome you to Neurotalk. What kind of tests have you had. Is there any diagnosis at all? And you ask for help getting a doctor near you right? We need a bit more info. What town are you in?


Others will come along and post.

thanks much

Melody

Have you had any xrays/MRI to check for spinal issues or anomalies?
Any phys therapy at all?

All joints or a few?
whole back or certain spinal levels?

The ribs part sounds like spasms in your intercoastals, but what may have caused them?
a spinal issue or a injury ?
I guess a MS hug might be similar too.

My primary care won't refer me to anyone.I have seen a chiropractor in the past that says I have scoliosis, and a disc that is bulging.He just wants to pull,and manipulate me.I don't want this,as it makes me worse.My ribs are really hurting.For a few years now, but never this bad.I have also had a CT Skan without dye below one rib in about 2008 showed nothing.I have other medical problems too.Too many to mention now.I feel overwhelmed ,and depressed as I'am so sick,and I used to be very active.I saw a surgeon recently that said they could order a CT Skan again without dye.I'am afraid of dyes as I get dry mouthed, and think I may be allergic to them.I live not far from Syracuse,Geneva,Rochester,Clifton Springs,Ithaca,to name a few towns.After I try and do any exercise I can barely get out of bed the day after,as my bones and joints hurt so bad.Does anyone know of anyone in or around my area? Please answer if you can.I was once told I had Fibromyalgia,but I don't want to take heavy doses of antidepressants.I'am on meds for other health issues.I also have bad gastro problems so pain meds hurt my stomach.Sorry to be so negative here.Someone please answer if you can.Please? RileyAnn......

I am so sorry for all your pain. I think you are right in seeking out a new doctor. I am not familiar with the area where you live.

I know I had many medical issues and pain for years, always trusting my primary care physician. But he did a lot of patting me on the shoulder and shrugged it off as me "being a worrier". I finally switched to a complete new medical system....within a month I had a diagnosis which was an answer to all my problems.

I share this with you to give you hope. Don't give up. Hopefully you can find a new doctor soon. Take care.

Hi.

Your first line says a lot. Your primary care doctor won't refer you to anyone? Shame on him. Time to try and find a new guy who listens to you. And Scoliosis. I know that one. I was diagnosed about 10 or so years ago because I had this stabbing pain between my shoulder blades that would stop me in it's tracks. Never knew when it would hit me. I would be walking and BAM, pain between the shoulder blades. Since I had a bad gallbladder at the time, I would hear "you know that could be attributed to your gallbladder".

So when I had to have emergency gallbladder surgery and they found my gallbladder stuck to my liver, well I almost bled out and I had to have another surgery. But guess what. A few months after that, I was walking and BAM, pain between the shoulder blades again. I went to my doctor who ordered a back x-ray. I will never forget the image of my spine up on the screen. I took one look and said "what the heck is that?" and the technician said off-handedly "Well, you DO know you have scoliosis, don't you". I said "I have what??"

Got a good lesson in Scoliosis after that. I'm 63 so nothing can be done except meds which I never take because I never know when it's going to hit me.

I do know that if the weather changes 20 to 25 degrees, it's going to hit me, which has been happening the past two days here in Brooklyn, NY.

I took two aspirin because honestly, I don't like the side effects of those stronger pain meds.

and I have tried the prescription stuff. Did nothing for me because I also have degenerative joint disease (arthritis to put it bluntly).

So I move my joints as best I can, I walk, I take care of my body, I eat CORRECTLY, nothing processed, and I grow my own sprouts (especially broccoli) in my kitchen. Best thing I ever did for my body.

And yeah, I get bouts of Scoliosis pain, arthritis pain, this pain that pain, but hey I'm 63 and I'm not 20. It's gonna happen.

My husband who has neuropathy has tried the Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin, for his pain. Didn't do a darn thing but make him sick.

Maybe you need a pain specialist (for the fibromyalgia), but I do know one thing. You need a better primary care physician who will treat you like a human being.

Take care

Melody

Sounds like you do need a new PCP for sure.
One that will help you and refer you out to the correct specialists.

Don't stick with one that will not help you to feel better.

Perhaps an autoimmune specialist would be good to look into also.
I don't have any specific suggestions for your location though.

Does your insurance carrier have a website - most will have a nurse care line or even a dr search tool - so you know the ones you find will be covered by the ins network.

Because it's sounding as if...your current GP either considers you a whiner or written you off. Try out another doc if you can? It can be amazing what a new set of eyes ears and experiences can do to get you on the rite track.
Some of your pain could be structural? But up to date MRI's etc can rule that out. If you are possibly borderline osteo? Just bending wrong at times can do bad things.
Some of it could be muscular as well. I have experienced that rib pain you describe and it was both muscular and fractured ribs! AND, not fun at all!
If it were me? I'd go to Strong in Rochester if your insurance will cover it....They have a good rep in a heap of areas. I know they have a good orthopedic staff, especially. That could get you started in getting many things 'checked off' your medical issues list!
Good luck! Let us know how you are getting along in your testing and results..at times, it'll seem as if you come out of some tests more confused w/no resolution at first? But keep at it! That is the only way to get answers!
's!!!!!!!!! - j