Pain sources and treatment for that pain is multiple and a mystery unto itself!!
I have
connective tissue and long bone pain--from the Masto and also now from newly diagnosed Sjogrens Syndrome which also causes connective tissue pain. It is very common to have other auto immune diseases when you have masto and some of those diseases cause pain too. You cant always be sure which is causing the pain at that moment.
My connective tissue pain and long bone pain is usually in my lower spine, both hips and both knees. It can be VERY painful, where I cant move until I bring that pain level down. I frequently hear bones that "pop" or make a cracking noise and I think this pain is
caused from inflammation because an infrequent dose of prednisone will make it MUCH better. I avoid that though, the side effect of Prednisone isnt worth it. I also have general body pain (I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in the past but it was before they found the Masto and Im thinking this pain is caused by the Masto).
I treat those types of pain with pain meds (which I usually tolerate ok, many people dont) AND now I add an extra antihistamines each time I take a pain med--I am convinced that
higher histamine levels make my pain level much worse and the pain meds dont work very well until I bring those histamine levels down. Its working-- to my amazement, which makes me think I am under medicated with my antihistamines. I know Dr Castells is now prescribing meds every 6 hours saying that every 12 hours is not covering our need for antihistamines.. It seems she is right--- with my pain level at least and Im changing my med schedule this next week adding a midday dose of antihistamines.
The other type of pain is neuropathy . This pain is usually based on short circuiting and/or
damaged nerves and it usually starts in the feet but may proceed to include upper extremities too. I definitely have this type of pain. To make the situation more confusing, the Sjogrens Syndrome also causes neuropathic type pain--add
another cause in here--I am Diabetic and that can cause some pretty intense neuro pain.
So, I cant tell you which disease is causing my neuro pain at any particular moment BUT I can tell you what helps me. First.. as a Diabetic, I take my blood sugar and bring it down with insulin. I am convinced that sugar spikes make my feet hurt. Next I am on Neurontin (newly on it, this last month only). I get some pretty bad neuropathy pain... my feet started with pins and needles, add numbness, then it proceeded to feeling like I was walking on fire and I cant get off of it. That is HORRIBLE. Sometimes i stick my feet in a pan of ice water 1/2 inch deep and that helps but only momentarily. Since I started the Neurontin (Gabapentin, Lyrica low dose) I do get relief from it and when its particulalry bad, I add an extra dose of 300 mg Neurontin--which helps alot.
With pain levels, you have to be a detective to figure out which type of pain you are having to get a good idea of what to use to treat it. I hope some of my thoughts might help you feel better
![Smiley Smiley](http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/Templates/Forum/default/smiley.gif)
Hugs
Ramona