Inflammation markers up, MRI clean. Any input appreciated.
Hi, this is my first reddit post. making this because I’m at a complete loss in regards to my physical health and need some advice and/or words of encouragement.
Some background about me: I’m 27 years old, female, and pretty obese (300+ pounds). In January 2023 I caught covid, and my primary symptom was severe back pain that kept me from standing upright. Ever since then I have been experiencing chronic issues. They come and go, I go through flare ups for sure, but it’s always that same back pain + shooting pain down my legs. These symptoms make it difficult to stand, walk, and even lie down. When it flares it is constant with little to no relief. I have a cane that I use on super bad days or for longer events. Even on good days, just walking leisurely for less than a mile has my body hot and sore hours later, in a way that I can only describe as inflammatory pain. Alcohol also causes flares (which means I should avoid it, I know) and I dunno, all signs point to something more going on.
I’ve been seeing various doctors and specialists for over a year now trying to figure out what’s going on and how to address it. My bloodwork always has high inflammation markers, but I’ve been negative for all autoimmune disorders I’ve been tested for. Finally got an MRI last week, was in active pain on the table, and it came back totally clean.
The best explanation I’ve been given is that, for some reason, I get back spasms, which pinch my sciatic nerve. But then there’s my follow up question: why the fuck am I having chronic severe back spasms?
Unfortunately it is looking like the answer is just that I am fat. Which is very frustrating for me. Even considering my weight, I think needing a cane is a bit extreme at my age.
I’m lost. I don’t know what to even say to the doctors anymore. I feel like I’m complaining about nothing or blowing it out of proportion. Muscle relaxers don’t really work. Only thing that’s brought me major relief is a round of Prednisone, which I thought would mean this is an autoimmune things but ig not?
Any input would be appreciated. Again, I’m just feeling so…bad about everything surrounding this. Thanks for reading <3