Im 18 years old, 6'2", 175 pounds. For the past year I've had pretty severe chronic pain in my back and hip. In the center of my back between the shoulder blades is a constant radiating pain. In my right hip it feels like my bones rub together and my right leg is extremely weak. Sometimes the pain goes down all the way to my foot but that isn't constant. I have no diseases, have had MRIs and x-rays, no arthritus, and no injuries. There is nothing to explain this so far. Doctors don't take it seriously since I'm a kid but its getting to the point where I can barely walk now. Phyiscal therapy and medicine don't work. The only thing that has ever gotten rid of the pain and weakness is Prednisone. I felt normal after it but doctors are scared to leave me on it longterm. Does anybody have any suggestions at all? I doubt I'll get much help here but I've almsot given up hope.

I guess I should mention I did possibly have lyme disease a while back (I tested positive but my doctor didnt think I had it) and I know that causes pain. I took antibiotics for it for a few weeks though. Not sure if that matters. Every doctor I've seen doesn't think its related though.

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Justin,

Welcome to the Healthboards. I am sorry to hear that you are in so much pain but never ever give up hope. I know that this is very hard to deal with at your age. I had started with my back pain close to your age and I am know 39. When were you last MRI's? Sometimes problems cannot be seen at an early stage. I can tell you that my brother did have so much pain between the shoulder blade area and he found it was because of his mattress and sleeping position. Do you sleep on your stomach? Remember this is only a suggestion and I am not at all saying that you don't have a medical problem. As for your hips feeling as if the bone is rubbing together that is a sign of bursitis. My 19 year old daughter has this in both her hips. Believe it or not she had gotten this while running a mile in gym wearing platform sneakers. She did see an orthopedic doctor for this and he prescribed vioxx and physical therapy which helped her. They will also give cortisone injections when needed. For almost a year my daughter could not even wear jeans as they would hurt her hips.
I can see how the prednisone helped your pain as it is a steroid medication but this is a medication that I would stay away from. I have many reason's for stating this but the main reason is because of what it can do if taken a long term basis.
Also have you seen an orthopedic doctor of just your primary doctor as their still are other sorts of testing that can be done. I really hope that these doctors can find the source of your pain.

Take Care

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Cervical MRI 10/02
Loss of cervical lordosis with reversal of the curvature.
C4-5 and C6-7 disc bulges resulting in flattening of the ventral margin of the cord.
C5-6 there is a left foraminal herniation which results in moderate foraminal stenosis In addition, there is flattening of the ventral margin of the cord due to bulging disc.
Cervical Epidural 5/19/03

Lumbar MRI 10/02
Lumbar Lordosis
L5-S1 disc herniation with moderate thecal sac deformity.
L4-5 disc desiccation with bulge which results in mild thecal sac deformity and mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
L2-3 disc desiccation with Schmorl’s nodule of L3.
Lumbar Epidural 1/30/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/12/03
Lumbar Epidural 2/26/03
Lumbar Discogram 5/23/03
Lumbar CatScan 5/23/03
Posterior Fusion & Infuse with Laminectomy on L4,L5,S1 6/30/03
Instrumentation = 2 Rods 6 Screws & Disc Spacers
Lumbar X-Ray 7/24/03
Lumbar X-Ray 8/27/03
Still no pain relief....
Lumbar CT Scan 9/24/03

so far I've seen 3 family docotrs, a rheumotoligist (sorry for spelling), a neurologist, 2 orthopedic surgeons, and an orthopedic spine surgeon. I've had numerous MRIs and x-rays both recently and near the begining of the problem.

I sleep laying flat on my back and I find no matter how I sleep its really bad.

As far as predinsone goes, I'm not really sure how bad it is. I know its really not good for you but I'd rather live happily. The pain is so extreme that if i stand on my right leg for more than half a second I can no longer support myself and collapse. When I take prednisone I feel so great I could run.

Thank you for the help.

[This message has been edited by justin2288 (edited 10-18-2003).]

oh yeah... One of the orthos was talking about bursitis but he said the pain was too severe to be that. Also anti-inflamatories (NSAIDs) didn't work, only steriodal medicines and they said bursitis would be cured by NSAIDs. I tried several different kinds.

Hello http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif Justin,

I had only seen your first post when I had replied to you as I did not see your second one. I can tell you that lyme disease doe cause so much pain as I know of someone who suffers from it.

Also since the prednisone works for you and I guess the doctors are aware of this fact, have they ever asked you about ESI's (epidural steroid injections) or cortisone injections. I am not sure if they would give you the ESI because they have not found anything on the MRI but they might be able to give the other injection's. And maybe you should also look into seeing a specialist that deals with lyme disease.

I really pray that you do find help and I am very sorry that I haven't been much help to you, but you are in my prayers.