Where is the pain?

[Sandra]

Hi everybody, went to see my rhuemy yesterday. As suspected i am to try the plaquenil again. I don't think I have a choice anymore as my nervous system and muscles are being ravaged. Something funny though,the resident that comes in before my rheumy (teaching hospital) did the exam. She is a Russian dr studying to work here I suppose. Anyway she kept asking where my pain was. i said everywhere but she asked again then I pointed here, and here etc...but she wanted to know was it in the joints, or muscles. I have no idea! i hurt everywhere and there is so much inflamation and pain right now that there is no way I can tell. I felt stupid but I don't know he differance between bone, muscle or nerve pain, i just know my left hand is on fire and my wrist hurts too much to use and that sometimes the pain is shooting from my elbow to my finger tips. Anybody have this examination problem? How does one know where the pain is? During my neuro visit a couple of weeks ago, i told him that my neck really bothered me, the big muscles or tendons on the front/side kind of up to my ear, he said you mean your jugular/ I said I don't know...and was thinking oh boy you're asking me??? Sandra

[Pooh]

Oh Sandra, bless your heart, you are as dense as I am as to the names of the parts of the body.   No offense, I am the same way. 

However, after "millions of years" of doctor's appts. I am learning.    Just keep pointing and letting them know that where you point, you hurt like heck. 

I hope with all my heart that you find relief soon.  I don't have to imagine the pain you are in, I am too.  Hang in there and keep telling those doctors that you hurt "all over".  Sooner or later they will get the message. 

Hugs, Pooh 

[eyeamdry]

LOL. I think my meds are working because I don't hurt all over.  I hurt in some places, but not all of them anymore!!!
Also the tapering of the prednisone seems to be going well (knock on wood) as I'm down to 2 mg from 5 mg for the past 2 years.  Lucy