Hi Lauren,
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I am 39 years old, and just found out yesterday that I need to have a hysterectomy. I have had two back surgeries and was diagnosed with arachnoiditis about 4 years ago. I am taking Neurontin, Amitriptyline, Ibuprofen, and Hydrocodone just so I can sleep at night. I have very bad pain in my lower back and legs. It has now started in my arms, too. I am currently going to a chiropractor who says that he thinks I also have fibromyalgia...which was strange as that same week, my regular doctor who I have been seeing for years told me the same thing. I am tired all the time, and no matter how much sleep I get, I am still tired. It feels like my whole body hurts most of the time. I was told to get a massage by my chiropractor, so I got my first ever massage about two weeks ago. It was only supposed to be a 1 hour appointment, but ended up taking her two hours because my body is so messed up. Some spots really hurt, but I felt the best I have in years afterwards. Have you ever had a massage? I was really surprised at how much better my back felt. She also did reflexology and told me right away exactly where she thought the worst of my pain was. She was right! She did what is called a Swedish Massage. I want to go back for another one, but can't afford it right now. Are you on any medication? Did your MRI show any disc herniations or bulging? I don't know that I have been any help for you, but if you have any questions, you can sure right to me. I just want you to know that you are not alone. I felt like I was the only one who has ever had this!! Even one or two of my doctors had never even heard of arachnoiditis. I will say a prayer for you and hope you get the answers you are looking for.
Jen

Lauren <laurenkendy3@...> wrote:

 I am Lauren and I am 38 year old and was searching the internet for more information on this illness. I have been though too much to get into but  a year and a half ago, I underwent a hystromecty because I was having severe lower back pain and Dr after Dr didn't know what to do or what was causing the back pain. It got so bad I could no longer cook or clean or be on my feet longer then a few minutes the pain was so bad. They determined I had cancerous cells that were in my ovaries and that is why I had the complete hysterectomy hoping the back pain would go away along with not getting full cancer. After the surgery, my lower back pain did go away but up until a few months ago it has returned and I just came back from the Dr. with my MRI results and they say I have Arachnoiditis and now I will see a orthopedic Dr. I have never heard of this and I am very bummed out because I have always been so active just a lot of energy and I guess I just need to learn more and hopefully I can hear  from some of you suffering from this. It sucks having this pain, so I don't usually write so much but I needed to talk so thank you for listening.

Lauren

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