Seeking Guidance on Bone Pain
I’m overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. For the past six to eight months, I have been suffering from severe bone pain that began in my mid-back. Now, I experience persistent aches throughout my back, thighs, arms, neck base, hips, and ribs. The discomfort is relentless and unbearable. I’ve visited the emergency room three times and consulted my general practitioner numerous times, but they only run blood tests, all of which return normal results, including vitamin D, hormone levels, and inflammation markers. Additionally, I’ve noticed random bruising on my legs and arms. A while back, I experienced occasional gum bleeding, but thankfully, that has subsided. The initial speculation was that my implanon, which I received in May 2023 when my toddler was just four months old, might be the culprit. I had it removed in March 2025, but unfortunately, the pain has only worsened. It’s now a dull, constant ache that intensifies at night and sometimes persists throughout the day. Although I have been prescribed pain relievers, they provide only partial relief. Each day varies; some are manageable, while others are excruciating. Currently, no one seems willing to conduct an MRI, and I can’t afford private healthcare at this moment. It honestly feels as though my bones are about to break under this strain. What could be the cause of this pain? I’m a stay-at-home mom, and although I’m a doctor by training, I don’t have any specialized knowledge in this area. I recently celebrated my 30th birthday. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 5:20:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the pain you've been experiencing—it's understandable to feel overwhelmed by such persistent discomfort. Let's break down your situation and explore some possible causes and actionable steps you can take to find relief.
Main Points
Your severe bone pain and random bruising could be linked to several issues, including musculoskeletal problems, side effects of your previous contraceptive method, or other conditions. While you have had normal blood tests, more specific causes need to be investigated.
Explanation
-
Potential Causes:
- Conditions like fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, or bone density issues could contribute to widespread bone pain.
- The bruising and previous gum bleeding might indicate a clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs attention.
- Hormonal changes after having a baby and potential reactions to hormonal contraceptives (like the implanon) can also play a role, although you've removed it.
-
Symptom Characteristics:
- The dull, constant ache that worsens at night is a significant point; many conditions cause pain that intensifies with rest (e.g., fibromyalgia, certain arthritis conditions).
- It's also worth considering lifestyle factors, such as physical activity levels and any recent changes in body mechanics or posture, especially with demands associated with toddler care.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when the pain increases, any changes in bruising or other symptoms, and any potential triggers (like activities or stressors). This can help provide patterns to discuss with healthcare providers.
-
Gentle Movement: Engage in low-impact activities like stretching or yoga. Gentle movement can sometimes help reduce pain and improve mobility. Consider exploring any local classes or resources tailored to postpartum recovery.
-
Pain Management Techniques: Look into non-pharmacological pain relief methods:
- Heat packs or warm baths can soothe discomfort.
- Mindfulness or relaxation techniques may help with the emotional aspect of pain.
- Over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (if not contraindicated) can be tried for additional relief.
-
Seek a Specialist: While you mentioned difficulty with access, aim to see a specialist like a rheumatologist or pain management doctor who can evaluate your symptoms further and, if needed, advocate for imaging like an MRI.
-
Support Network: Connect with local or online support groups for people experiencing chronic pain; sometimes sharing can ease the emotional burden and provide practical tips from those with similar experiences.
It's commendable that you are seeking to understand and manage your pain—this proactive approach can lead you to solutions that improve your quality of life. Please feel free to share more details or ask if you need further clarification on any of the suggestions.
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!