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  • How do you cope with unexplained medical issues?

    Posted by alyssa-silva on June 5, 2025 at 8:00 am

    I don’t know if I just came here to vent or to get advice, but it’s probably a combination of both. Long story short, I have been experiencing some moderate lower back pain and pins and needles when I sit or lie on hard surfaces. My lower back also vibrates when I move my neck down. That one stumps me. 

    I went for an MRI, and it showed absolutely nothing. In a way, I know this is a good thing. Obviously, I don’t want anything horrible to be happening. At the same time, I’m frustrated because my doctors cannot pinpoint exactly what’s going on. I feel like my own body is gaslighting me and pretending that nothing is wrong. 

    The good news is that my doctors have a plan and are willing to do whatever it takes to get me comfortable and in as little pain as possible. 

    The bad news is I’m frustrated. 

    Has something like this ever happened to you before, where all your results come back normal and don’t give a reason for how you feel? How do you cope with that mentally?

    anna replied 1 week ago 3 Members · 6 Replies
  • 6 Replies
  • Pidgie

    Member
    June 5, 2025 at 5:08 pm

    Yes. I think it can be positional for us. I’ve had different issues in different places on my body my whole life. I’ve never worried about it much until recently because I am 65 years old with SMA type 2.

    • alyssa-silva

      Member
      June 11, 2025 at 9:56 am

      Yes, I’m thinking it’s positional, too. I’ve always had problems here and there, but this new development is more debilitating.

  • alyssa-silva

    Member
    June 11, 2025 at 10:07 am

    Curious if anyone has recommendations for a soft gel-like cushion for my bottom? I have been noticing that pressure on my tailbone triggers the majority of my pain. My sofa is rather firm, and I spend a good amount of time on it. I took a soft ice pack, melted it, and have been using that as a makeshift cushion. But I would prefer something else that is designed to relieve pressure points.

  • anna

    Member
    June 12, 2025 at 5:13 am

    I use the ROHO air cushion. It works better if you want to focus on a specific pressure point, but if you’re looking for a generally comfortable seat, a jell cushion might be a better option for you.

    I have issues like that all the time. Recently, I took my spinal brace in to have the internal foam lining and straps replaced, as they were worn out. They didn’t make any substantial changes, and yet, for some totally inexplicable reason, my back hurts ever since I got it back. Of course, it might be a coincidence as I need to change my brace anyway. I’ve been wearing the same brace for 15 years because the new ones I’ve tried over the years just don’t fit right. But the point is that even a minor detail can make a difference. Sometimes I feel like the Princess and the Pea minus the whole royal grandeur. Any chance something changed in your positioning or your routine and you didn’t notice?

    • alyssa-silva

      Member
      June 12, 2025 at 1:41 pm

      Honestly, I feel so seen right now. It’s like I wrote this post myself. 🤯 I’ve had my spinal brace since 2007. In 2014, I was casted for a new brace, but it was so uncomfortable and caused even more pain than I already had. I had so many adjustments made, but nothing ever worked, so I resorted to my old brace. The one I have been wearing is super worn and practically falling apart. Makes sense because it’s 18 years old, after all. 😂

      My doctors are saying that my old brace is contributing to my back pain, but I am pretty confident that it’s not. Either way, I was measured for a new brace, and I am scheduled to receive it on June 23. Should be so much fun. Not. 😂

      No, I’m kidding. It’s just a little frustrating because I don’t think people understand how one little thing can cause so much pain. That’s why I have kept this brace for so long. I know you understand, though.

      To answer your question, I don’t think much has changed positionally. It’s possible that my spine/scoliosis has worsened, but I can’t think of anything else.

      • anna

        Member
        June 13, 2025 at 1:02 pm

        Anyone who’s worn a brace knows the drill. Fingers crossed the adjustment goes super smoothly! Looks like I’m about to hop on the same rollercoaster, so I’d love to hear how your ride goes.

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