2nd Opinion?

newbury1

Having just had my diagnosis (I think) I was wondering if you guys think I should seek a second opinion.
Have had sciatica in my left leg now for months so I consulted the doc who referred me to physio and told me to take neurofen. After the excersises didn't seem to help, and things were getting more painful I returned to the docs and was referred for an xray. The doc at the hospital said it was degenerative disc disease and told me to go back to my docs. Went back yesterday had the first appointment in the morning. The doc arrived 10 minutes late looking like she had just got out of bed and proceeded to tell me that my spine is some 10 years older than the rest of me, has OA, nothing they can do, part of getting older, surgery not an option, go back to physio and here's some stonger painkillers to help with the pain.
Having had time to digest what she said (or didn't say) I'm thinking that I should go back and see a different doctor as I'm still none the wiser as to me long term effects and what I can do about it. I'm only 46 and wasn't expecting this and spent the rest of the day completely shell shocked.
Sorry this is a bit long winded but needed to get it off my chest!

valval

go see some one else there r lots of options open to u for the future i do not have it myself but a friend on another site does and has operations on hers as is very bad they can do lots might be few years down the line but plenty of help available so do not feel u r on scrape heap glad she gave u some painkillers if your surgery got web site go on and see if anyone specialises in arthritis then make an appointment with them tell them u r worried for the future and want to know if there is anything u can do now also u can use one of the sections on here for advice or the phone no get help do not be fobed off good luck keep in touch with us

frogmorton

Newbury
Go back!
I had the same sort of probs as you for YEARS!!! Drs fobbed off with ibuprofen - in the end it went completely and I totally lost feeling in entire leg (was in America!) and ultimately had surgery here.
The surgeon said that tere is severe nerve damage and that if he could have operated 2 years eralier he would have saved my nerve. I still can't feel part of my foot, back of knee and bum-cheek!
Yes go back please go back.
Take care
Toni x

newbury1

Many thanks for your kind messages of support I will make an appointment to see another doctor at my surgery as soon as I can.

In the meantime, I have been given Gabapentin as a painkiller to take. Has anyone else taken this? and if so, how did it help?

woodbon

Hello, I don't think much of that doc. I have OA in my spine and my GP has referred me to the pain clinic and they have altered my tablets and referred me to a special spinal physio at the hospital, for more help.

My Mum had the same thing well over 20 years ago and she had surgery and lots of different treatments at the hospital. I'm not saying you should have the same treatment, as you may well be totally different, but at least they did lots of tests and tried verious things. I think you need to see the GP again, or if possible, another one in the same practice, and ask to be re-referred so you can talk over all the options with the rheummy, and maybe ask about a pain clinic referral, they are very good here and work on trying to help your pain get more bareable.

I wish you luck, whatever you decide to do, I know it is hard, going back and explaining how bad things are, but it will be worth it, Im sure. Love Sue

frogmorton

newbury1 wrote:

Many thanks for your kind messages of support I will make an appointment to see another doctor at my surgery as soon as I can.

In the meantime, I have been given Gabapentin as a painkiller to take. Has anyone else taken this? and if so, how did it help?

Hi Gabapentin is supposed to do something like block the signals from the nerve to the brain and was i think originally and anti-epilepsy drug.
I tried this post my surgery - got up to the max dose to no avail. No side effects but didn't work for me.
Others have had it though and it has helped them no end.
Good luck I hope it works for you - glad you will go back now
Take care
Toni

elnafinn

Hi Newbury

To be told at any age there is nothing we can do for you is very depressing but to be told that at the age of 46 it is absolutely devastating and this gp obviously does not know much about OA. Which is ok because we do not expect our local gp to know everything but she could at least refer you somewhere. A pain clinic is a good referral, referral for acupuncture, steroid injections can be given into the spine, not a total solution, by any means, but can help for a few months. Arthritis Care do pain management courses. You can ask the helpline about that, if you like. What did she mean, surgery is not an option? Nerves can be zapped in the spine, if they are very troublesome but you need to see a consultant to discuss that sort of thing or at the pain clinic.

Please do not be despondent because of the gp you saw. I am pleased that you posted on here. Definitely see another doc and if you are able, try to find out if there is one in your surgery that specialises in Arthritis. Some of them do have a special interest in certain ailments.

Chin up, all is not lost yet - not at all.

Luv
Elna x

newbury1

Thanks for all your messages I'm now feeling much more positive. Have already made an appointment to see a different doc and hopefully this time I'll get some answers.

I'm thankful that I've found this place full of people who understand and I'm really grateful to all of you.

My back and legs are giving me some serious gip today but I'm more positive in my self so that's got to help!
Thanks again, I'll let you know how I get on.
Heather.

babette

Hi Newbury,

I have exactly the same thing, sciatic pain was the start of this and is still with me off and on nearly two years later. I too have degeneration of the discs in my lumbar spine and OA in my lower spine and pelvis. Was told this was severe and very unusual for someone so young (I'm 43). It can be extremely painful, I barely slept for a year and was totally exhausted, which finally prompted me to harass my GP into doing something. Have been refered to rheumatology and had further examinations and will be getting an MRI scan next week to determine the extent of the damage. If you are dissatisfied with your docs treatment of you then you should definitely seek out another doctor who will deal more sympathetically with your case. This is for the long term so it's essential you find someone who will take your care seriously. Ask to be referred to a consultant - it's your right to see someone who specialises in this condition and don't take no for an answer. Those who shout the loudest get the most done!!! Best of luck and take care. Oh BTW have you tried voltarol for the pain; you can buy it off prescription from the chemist.