• Welcome to Phoenix Rising!

    Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of, and finding treatments for, complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.

    To become a member, simply click the Register button at the top right.

Back Pain Coupled With Overall Weakness Upon Standing/Walking

Lionheart

Lionheart

CFS warrior / survivor
Messages
39
Location
USA
I am experiencing low back pain and overall weakness upon standing/walking that is interfering with my ability to shop for groceries, bath and dress self, prepare meals etc. ..as I am in danger of collapsing on the floor and am forced to sit down after only a minute or two.

I am 52 years old and struggling with CFS/ME, FMS, and mild COPD. I am being treated for FMS with Lyrica x 4 weeks; COPD with Combivent.

Thoughts and/or suggestions are welcome.
 
L

lansbergen

Senior Member
Messages
2,512
Lionheart said:
I am experiencing low back pain and overall weakness upon standing/walking that is interfering with my ability to shop for groceries, bath and dress self, prepare meals etc. ..as I am in danger of collapsing on the floor and am forced to sit down after only a minute or two.

I am 52 years old and struggling with CFS/ME, FMS, and mild COPD. I am being treated for FMS with Lyrica x 4 weeks; COPD with Combivent.

Thoughts and/or suggestions are welcome.
Click to expand...

I know the problem. The immune modulator I use seems to displace it to lower parts. It now is mostly in my right hip nerve and slowly moving down that nerve.

It still gives problems with standing and walking but far less then when it was in my back.
 
John H Wolfe

John H Wolfe

Senior Member
Messages
220
Location
London
Lionheart said:
I am experiencing low back pain
Click to expand...
I am no doctor but if I knew you personally I would likely be making plenty of specific suggestions (some of which would risk aggravating the issues so really it would be inappropriate for me to make them in this way)

As it is I would suggest seeking specialist physio consultation e.g. a neurological physiotherapist or a specialist chiropractor or osteopath familiar with FMS/ME/CFS. You may also wish to take a look at my protocol for some principals to raise with such a specialist e.g. nerve sensitisation/pinching vs. posture and lower vertebral compression and/or strain

Lionheart said:
..and overall weakness upon standing/walking
Click to expand...
I would suggest investigating the possibility of OI e.g. ask your physician for a lying vs. standing BP/HR reading after 3 mins+ rest in each position as a basic starting point

Hope this helps and you feel better soon :)
 
Lionheart

Lionheart

CFS warrior / survivor
Messages
39
Location
USA
Hi and thank you all for the responses.

It is both the pain and weakness that is forcing me to sit. My doctor suspects that I may have heart problems (weakness, breathlessness, etc) and I am scheduled for a echo-cardiogram this afternoon. There is also the possibility of testicular cancer and I am having an ultrasound and urology consult tomorrow.

I don't know much about the complications associated with CFS, so your suggestions are greatly appreciated!!! In the meantime, I am putting my trust in my current doctor as she seems both knowledgeable and concerned for me, more so than any previous doctor that I have had the experience of working with.

Nevertheless, I will take your suggestions to my doctor and I want you to know that I appreciate your time and consideration!!

Peace,
Lionheart
 
B

Bob

Senior Member
Messages
16,455
Location
England (south coast)
Hi Lionheart, I'm sorry to say that I haven't got any useful insights, except to say try to rest well. Sorry to hear you are having so many difficulties. Hope you find a resolution and see some improvements soon. Best wishes. Bob.
 
Lionheart

Lionheart

CFS warrior / survivor
Messages
39
Location
USA
Thank you Bob, that means a lot to me.:thumbsup:

It is frustrating trying to separate out the issues and symptoms when one struggles with multiple chronic illnesses (FMS, CFS/ME, COPD, PTSD, MDD). However, I did get a good report on my heart as no abnormalities were found.:) I will post as I learn more so that others may benefit from my experience.

Wishing you the best,
Lionheart
 
Lionheart

Lionheart

CFS warrior / survivor
Messages
39
Location
USA
Suspicious lump turned out to be a cyst and is non cancerous!!! I am stoked! I tested negative for prostate problems and urinary retention as well. Increased dose of Lyrica (200 mgs) is helping with the fibromyalgia pain and I feel better than I have in a long time. (minus the fatigue)

My next deal is to stop smoking and lose some weight and I'll be talking to my doctor about increasing energy levels next month. I am sleeping better and am not having to deal with overall body pain, which is a big plus. I hope there are things I can do for the fatigue *(....it gets so old being too tired and weak to enjoy even leisure activities).

Thanks for all the support!

till next time,
Lionheart
 
Lionheart

Lionheart

CFS warrior / survivor
Messages
39
Location
USA
Stopped smoking today. Managed to find peer support and coupled up with a quit buddy. I am a little anxious, but think I will do ok as I am determined to stop.

I find that healing myself is a multifaceted project and that I must work from every angle to return myself to good health. So I think I am on the right track and plan to incorporate some exercise.

It will be a challenge to exercise and build my strength and endurance, but I am willing to take baby-steps until I meet my goals. I am still confused as to why I am having such a difficult time of it, but be that as it may, I will start where I am and go from there.

Wish me luck and thanks again for the support,
Lionheart
 
B

Bob

Senior Member
Messages
16,455
Location
England (south coast)
Good luck with everything Lionheart, including the smoking.
Remember that nicotine products are available, if you have an emergency.
It's really good to hear that your prostate got the all-clear.
It means you can focus on your other health problems.
If you've got CFS, and it reacts negatively to exercise, then remember to stick to very gentle exercises, until safe to do more.
 
Lionheart

Lionheart

CFS warrior / survivor
Messages
39
Location
USA
Bob said:
If you've got CFS, and it reacts negatively to exercise, then remember to stick to very gentle exercises, until safe to do more.
Click to expand...

I will Bob, thank you!!! It will be challenging to say the least, but I feel I am up for it. Thank you for being supportive of my efforts!!!

Peace,
Lionheart
 
Lionheart

Lionheart

CFS warrior / survivor
Messages
39
Location
USA
An update:

As it turns out I have a combination of things going on; muscle spasms (back and shoulders), bursitis and arthritis in my hip, and a herniated disc in my lower back. Not to mention CFS/ME, FMS, and COPD. All of which contribute to difficulty with standing and walking. I am on muscle relaxers, pain medication, and am doing physical therapy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.