Hi Lola and welcome, although obviously I'm so sorry you have to be here at all, sounds like you have been through a really tough time recently with all that going on... I hope you feel at least a little better very soon. Don't give up on finding a doctor who can understand at keats part of what is going on in your body, and help you more with the pain. As a patient, you have the right to proper treatment, including adequate pain relief.

Have a good read through some of the threads here, and be kind to yourself at the moment. Stress is really bad for your system, and when you're in constant pain you are inevitably stressed beyond belief. Take some time regularly to try to find some calm moments - meditation has worked very well for me, and I was a determined sceptic to start with! You can download tracks on iTunes, or look online or YouTube. I use the Mindfulness ones, particularly the Body Scan. Even just deep breathing exercises help to stem panic and pain a little...

There are some things to try, including regular vitamin C which helps to prevent spread, and staying away from ice and other temperature extremes. Unperfumed Epsom salts in a warm bath can bring some relief too, especially if you do it regularly. Keep moving gently when you can, and never give up hope. We do understand how scary this can be at times, but you will find a way through.

Bram.