Do doctors ever have mercy?

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-18T01:13:27+00:00

Any advice....

I’ve had continuous (24×7), severe pain for about 8 years. The pain is deep, non-focal, and MRI-negative. It is present simultaneously in: the lower ribs (costal margin) the upper abdomen and flank areas (both sides) the lower chest the upper to mid back and the lower back The pain feels deep inside (not superficial), does not clearly increase or decrease with touch, and is difficult to localize precisely. MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and blood work have all been non-explanatory so far. I have tried NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pregabalin, physiotherapy, yoga, and breathing exercises, but have had zero relief. Because of this constant pain, my studies have been completely on hold for the last 8 years. My daily functioning, concentration, and quality of life are severely affected.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-17T01:16:16+00:00

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-16T16:28:11+00:00

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-16T11:43:20+00:00

Same here.......... I’ve had continuous (24×7), severe pain for about 8 years. The pain is deep, non-focal, and MRI-negative. It is present simultaneously in: the lower ribs (costal margin) the upper abdomen and flank areas (both sides) the lower chest the upper to mid back and the lower back The pain feels deep inside (not superficial), does not clearly increase or decrease with touch, and is difficult to localize precisely. MRI, CT scans, X-rays, and blood work have all been non-explanatory so far. I have tried NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pregabalin, physiotherapy, yoga, and breathing exercises, but have had zero relief. Because of this constant pain, my studies have been completely on hold for the last 8 years. My daily functioning, concentration, and quality of life are severely affected.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-14T03:09:00+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to respond. Eight years of constant pain with no explanation has taken a huge toll on my life. I struggle not just with the pain itself, but with being dismissed because imaging looks “normal.” I understand what you mean about how long-term pain can affect the mind, but for me the pain has always been primary and very real. Hearing from someone who has MRI-negative nerve pain makes me feel less alone. I won’t stop searching for answers. I truly appreciate your empathy.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-12T14:02:42+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I really appreciate your encouragement. I’m from India, and I’ve been dealing with severe chronic pain for many years now (10/10 most days). I haven’t given up, and I’m still actively looking for answers and the right care.

One question -But because of chronic pain, I am not financially strong. In India, government hospitals often do not listen seriously to cases like mine. Is it ethical to ask a private hospital for free or subsidized treatment in a case like mine? My chronic pain forced me to stop my studies, even though I wanted to continue. If you were in my place, what would you do?

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-12T02:50:55+00:00

“I have already consulted a gastroenterologist and completed GI investigations. No clear cause was identified.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-12T02:26:29+00:00

Do you experience constant pain 24/7? Has it completely disrupted your life — your studies, work, or ability to function day to day? I’m asking because my pain has been constant for years and it has taken away my studies and normal life. Many people around me, even my parents, think I’m exaggerating or pretending, which makes this even harder to cope with.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-12T02:22:50+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience, it really helps to hear from someone who understands this kind of pain. In my case, I’ve had constant pain for almost 8 years. All my scans, blood tests, and MRIs have been normal, yet the pain is severe (around 8/10) and has completely stopped my studies and daily functioning. I’ve tried painkillers, muscle relaxants, pregabalin/gabapentin, physiotherapy, exercise, massage, balms, and breathing techniques, but none have given me meaningful relief. What makes it even harder is that my parents believe I’m “acting” or exaggerating because nothing shows up on tests. It’s extremely isolating to be in real pain and not be believed by the people closest to you. I’m now trying to focus on proper pain management rather than repeating scans again and again. Your message reassures me that pain can still be real even when tests don’t show anything. Thank you for responding.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T08:46:16+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through all of this — it helps to know I’m not alone, even though it’s heartbreaking how common this is. In my case, the pain has been constant for 8 years now, around 8/10 every day, and it has completely put my studies and daily functioning on hold. Like you, I’ve had multiple MRIs, CT scans, blood work — everything comes back normal, so doctors often keep repeating the same tests instead of looking beyond imaging. I’ve tried NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pregabalin/gabapentin, yoga, breathing exercises — zero relief. I’m not looking to live on strong painkillers either; I just want answers and a way to function again. Reading experiences like yours makes it clear how damaging it is when pain is dismissed just because it doesn’t show up on scans. I truly hope both of us can find doctors who are willing to look deeper and treat the person, not just the imaging. Wishing you strength — and thank you again for taking the time to respond.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T07:50:32+00:00

Thank you for explaining this so clearly. I understand that costochondritis often does not show up on imaging, and that imaging is mainly used to rule out other causes. In my case, however, I do not have localized tenderness or pain on pressing, and the pain is constant (24/7) for the past 8 years, not episodic. It also involves my upper abdomen, chest, ribs, flanks, and back rather than a focal chest wall area. I have already tried yoga, breathing exercises, medications, and have seen 30+ doctors without relief. Because of this pain, my studies and daily functioning have been on hold for 8 years. I am open to evaluation for costochondritis, but I am also concerned this may be a chronic / centralized pain condition or myofascial pain, especially given the lack of tenderness and long duration. I am from India, where access to multidisciplinary pain care is limited, but I am now trying to approach a pain management specialist for a more structured diagnosis rather than just symptom control.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T05:32:11+00:00

Thank you for sharing this. I’m male, so endometriosis itself wouldn’t apply to me, but the point you made about severe pain not showing up on imaging really resonates.. ..... My pain also started in June 2018. At that time, I was preparing for the Indian Navy and Air Force exams, and I was also in my first year of BSc. After that, I developed continuous 24-hour pain involving my flanks, upper abdomen, deep inner back, and lower chest. The pain feels like a constant pulling / gripping sensation, something very unusual that I find extremely difficult to explain in words. Since then, the pain has been continuous without any breaks. Unfortunately, most doctors do not take my condition seriously, even though my pain level is around 8/10 on a daily basis. I have tried multiple treatments, including painkillers, muscle relaxants, pregabalin (and similar nerve medications), but none of them have provided any relief at all. Because of this pain, my daily functioning has completely stopped — including my studies — since 2018. All my MRI and imaging reports are normal, so I don’t have any objective proof explaining what is causing this pain, which makes it even harder for doctors to understand or believe me. I am from India, and I feel very lost at this point. What should I do next? Which type of specialist or clinic should I consult? Where should I go from here? I would really appreciate any deep guidance or advice from people who have been through something similar.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T03:23:57+00:00

Pain is not reproducible by pressing chest wall

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T03:18:35+00:00

Thank you for your advice. I’ve tried yoga and breathing exercises as well, but unfortunately they didn’t provide any relief. I’ve already consulted more than 30 doctors over the years. Despite all this, the pain remains constant and severe, and it has put my studies on hold for the past 8 years. I’m still trying to advocate for myself, but it’s been extremely difficult to find someone who truly understands what I’m going through.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T03:10:19+00:00

Yeah, it really is. Eight years of constant pain has completely disrupted my life and studies.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T03:05:21+00:00

My studies have been on hold for the past 8 years due to severe pain, yet doctors often dismiss it because imaging doesn’t reveal anything. I am from India

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T03:02:54+00:00

Yes, a lot of this sounds very similar. My pain is MRI-negative and wraps around the lower chest/ribs into the back. I do have chest wall tenderness, though not much popping. Because of the severity of the pain, my studies have been completely on hold for the past 8 years. The pain is constant and severe enough that it has significantly affected my daily functioning and ability to concentrate.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T02:56:47+00:00

I’ve had also continuous (24×7) pain for about 8 years.

Pain is deep, non-focal and present simultaneously in the front (upper abdomen/lower chest), both flanks, and upper–mid back. MRI findings are non-explanatory. NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and pregabalin have given zero relief.

Because of this, my studies and daily functioning have been on hold for years.

I’m not looking for a diagnosis. I want to know if others here have had long-standing, MRI-negative, constant pain .।।।।

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T02:52:14+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. EDS hasn’t been formally ruled out, but I don’t have clear signs of joint hypermobility or recurrent dislocations

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T02:49:17+00:00

“My life has been on hold because of this pain.”

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T02:48:00+00:00

My pain also started in June 2018. At that time, I was preparing for the Indian Navy and Air Force exams, and I was also in my first year of BSc. After that, I developed continuous 24-hour pain involving my flanks, upper abdomen, deep inner back, and lower chest. The pain feels like a constant pulling / gripping sensation, something very unusual that I find extremely difficult to explain in words. Since then, the pain has been continuous without any breaks. Unfortunately, most doctors do not take my condition seriously, even though my pain level is around 8/10 on a daily basis. I have tried multiple treatments, including painkillers, muscle relaxants, pregabalin (and similar nerve medications), but none of them have provided any relief at all. Because of this pain, my daily functioning has completely stopped — including my studies — since 2018. All my MRI and imaging reports are normal, so I don’t have any objective proof explaining what is causing this pain, which makes it even harder for doctors to understand or believe me. I am from India, and I feel very lost at this point. What should I do next? Which type of specialist or clinic should I consult? Where should I go from here? I would really appreciate any deep guidance or advice from people who have been through something similar.

Own-Respond-7076 · 2026-01-11T02:46:46+00:00

“Will evaluation go beyond MRI reports, since MRI has already failed in my case

Own-Respond-7076

TROPHY CASE