Nerve pains

Nov 09, 2004

<b>Dear Doctor,<br>I have had pain for the last four years, a burning sensation, mostly in my back, neck, right arm, waist and right leg. It started in my right arm and I thought it was due to over using the computer mouse....</b>

Dear Doctor,
I have had pain for the last four years, a burning sensation, mostly in my back, neck, right arm, waist and right leg. It started in my right arm and I thought it was due to over using the computer mouse. I have seen many doctors, got painkillers and nerve medicines like Neurorubine and they recommended exercise. I have used SwissGarde supplements. However, as soon as the medicine is over, the pain returns. I am worried because during my menstrual periods the pain intensifies. I always take ibuprofane and Valium, but the recommended doze of valium no longer makes me sleep. Will this affect my reproduction system?
Juliet


Dear Juliet,
Your pain possibly started with what we call a ‘Repeated Stress Injury’. You were using your arm a lot, in an uncomfortable position. Now it is more complex. You are habituated, or addicted to valium.
What about stress in your life? Have you been stressed a lot during the last four years?
Stress is a major and common cause of a lot of symptoms yet we frequently ignore it. We are stressed by work, by day and study after work, by marital and domestic problems.
Stress may focus on medical problems and make them worse. Pain becomes worse and harder to treat.
I would suggest;
l Your doctors seem to agree your pain is nerve pain. Make one final consultation. See a neurologist to establish this and make a final diagnosis.
l See a professional person to deal with any difficulties that you may have in your life – a psychiatrist, psychologist or a counsellor. You will be able to deal with the valium dependency, and the other problems.
l Do not fear to confront the problem and solution. Your life is at stake and you need to get it back. Make a plan, stick to it.
The pain increases with menses, possibly because hormonal changes make you more vulnerable. It shouldn’t make you infertile. But the drugs, to which you are addicted, could harm the baby. You need to have this attended to.

Dr Paul Semugoma

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