Swollen lymph nodes and severe pain throughout body?

Question

I've had Fibromyalgia for years. Now I'm going through menopause and my FMS pain is worse, but when I showed my pain specialist, he said all the places I'm showing him feel like swollen lymph nodes. If so, it's everywhere. I've had so many tests, MRI's etc., and no answer. I'm super sensitive to pain. My liver, gall bladder, etc. are all fine. I do have spinal problems/injuries, TMJ and a bunch of physical problems. Also something with the last word of neuropathy? (Skin feels bruised everywhere). I know people can't tell without patient history, etc. and a check up, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has this pain. I also get very stiff after laying down for an hour or so and can barely move. It's extremely painful. I'm on a lot of pain meds, but they don't touch this pain. Thanks in advance.

Yes, psychogirlfrog, my pain specialist said it could be just the FMS and also told me that stress makes it worse. Another yes, that I am going through stress I cannot discuss here, actually MORE than just stress. But my pain specialist checked out the pain spots and said it's the lymph nodes, but said he thinks it's from chewing my fingernails (elbow nodes hurt the worse on both sides), but I can't see it being from my nail chewing. Could it? I'm on darvocett, soma, morphine, quick release morphine and lyrica - and still the pain is unbearable many times. My husband gets so mad because all he has to do is literally touch my arm and I cry out in pain. He can't believe it hurts that bad, but it does. It feels like severe bruises.

Thank you for responding Weedancer - I am not able to put the pain aside and carry on - it interferes with my entire life. I'm sick of all the drugs but nothing else helps. At least they help to a point. Also, psychogirlfrog, I can't go to groups. My husband still doesn't understand and doesn't want me to.

I've been to a few chiropractors Mel throughout the years. One was extremely helpful but it only lasts while I'm there. When I get home, it's back to the pain again. This pain is different than the FMS pain and only started this last year, and I did look up the lymph nodes like my pain specialist said and that's where this new pain is, but the bruising pain is all over my body. I know depression and stress don't help and I have them too. My husband may be getting layed off soon, after 28 years and any new insurance will refuse all of my pre existing problems. My pain meds are all I have left that have helped to a degree to where I can be functional and even work part time (no I don't tell new jobs about all that or I'd never be hired). I hurt like heck, but I can still do some work, with my pain meds. If he gets layed off, I don't know if I can cope. This "new" pain I'm talking about is really bad.

Answer 1

I am not a MD, so take this with a grain of salt....

I am a psychotherapist and I have several clients that describe this kind of pain and they have all been diagnosed with Fibromylagia. Is it possible that this pain is associated with your diagnosis?

Are you going to a pain management center? I do know that stress and fatigue can make this worse, so i work on stressors with my clients. Are you under more stress lately? I know that pain is a HUGE stressor in itself. Just know that you are not the only person feelig this way.

Can you join a online group and talk to other sufferers?

Good luck

Answer 2

Yes I do and I know exactly what your talking about. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia several years ago.
I find that weather changes and stress and over doing it will exacerbate the pain problems.
I refuse to be on pain meds at this point as I know of different people (mainly woman) who started using pain relievers and they all have to keep upping their dosages and adding more than one or two different kinds of pain meds to their daily diet and I think that perhaps some day I may be in a place where I can,t cope with the pain any longer and I want something to work for me at that time without being over medicated.
I continue life as any other person would without any pain relievers and just put the pain to the side.
I try not to stress about much ,I have learned for my own health benefits to let stress go. I also know my limits and I adhere to them.
I trust what my body is telling me and I rest when I need to.
I spent a couple of years chasing these symptoms with doctor visit after doctor visit but now I know after much research how to deal with this illness.
I hope that you are feeling better soon as I know you really are in alot of pain.

Answer 3

I highly recommend seeing a chiropractor. They do a lot with alternative medicine and I've heard miracle stories of people having long-term problems resolved. The problem you have could be a spinal cord problem. Chiropractors adjust that and everything else for you, pelvis, neck and lower back, whatever. I doubt you live in central NJ but if you do, go to getwellcenter.com. The chiropractor there is excellent.