docters

merlin

I have just been told i ave arthritis in my spine with nerve problems. my doctor doesnt seem to underwstand how much pain i am in. i am appealing for DLA because of the pain plus nerve pain and all he says is i am faking it for DLA . can you advise me what medication works i ave tried lots cannot find anything to ease it. any advice would be accepted gratefully.

elnafinn

Hi Merlin

Welcome to the forum. I am sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with arthritis. Did the doctor bother to mention what type? We are used to some doctors being unsympathetic. I think it is disgusting. How dare he say that to you about DLA. I would change your gp immediately. You should be referred to a pain clinic. that would be a way forward. What meds has the gp prescribed for you? You say you have tried many, but nothing eases the pain.

Hopefully you will get advice from us.

Look after yourself, at least you are not alone in all this, now that you have found us lot.

Luv
Elna x

lindalegs

Hi Merlin,

Welcome to the Forum from me too.

Has your GP prescribed you some meds or is it just over-the-counter drugs that you've tried? In both cases which ones?

Have you tried wheat bags (heated in the microwave) or hot baths or ice packs these can all help to ease the pain sometimes?

Luv Legs

dorcas

Hi Merlin!
I have just joined the forum today and wanted to let you know you are not alone! In answer to your question.... you need to say what meds you have already tried etc.. and need a proper diagnosis!
Your GP sounds completely naff & I agree with the other forum members that you should consider changing to a different GP/ practice or both! GPs have such power and are gatekeepers to the correct treatment & support; it is vital that you have someone in your corner who understands your condition and can refer you to the right resources. GPs are not specialists!

Take heart. There are plenty of people who have had to find there way through the health & benefits system, and who would be willing to help you; but you need to have better info about your condition before challenging the DLA decision.
let us know how you get on. Dorcas x
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/php/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif

mellman01

Hi merlin I had problems with my old GP before and after I was diagnosed with fairly bad OA of both kneecaps, not by my old GP he missed it for over 2 years, the guy was worse than useless I also have a disc problem at my C6/C7 vertebrae he missed this also, well hey I’ve only been complaining for 24 years!, I decided I’d had enough when I phoned him one day post op in terrible pain and asked if he could sign me off as I had used up my self certification day’s, even though I told him I was having trouble walking and driving he wouldn’t, so in I drive and he wouldn’t change my pain medication and lied to me over this, so I changed him, in fact I went to the one who originally diagnosed my knees in just one appointment he’s been really sympathetic and helpful.
The thing is you have the right to change him or her, I changed mine by e mail and it only took half an hour I didn’t even need to speak to any Doctors it was all done for me.
As for meds I use Capsicum cream and Tramadol creams ok for every day pain Tramadol is for riot control!

woodbon

Hello Welcome to the forum. I have OA in my lumber spine and in my neck as well as a few joints. It is a very painful thing to have, but there are pain killers and physio that can help cope with the pain. Also, there are Pain Clinics that your doctors can refer you to which just try and control the pain. It can take a while to find the right painkillers for you, but now you have a diagnosis, you are on the right road. If you really can't get on with your GP, is there another one at the practice that you can see or even change practices.

It must be very hard for you at the moment, just being diagnosed and I expect you have a few questions to ask. Maybe if you try talking to your GP again, he may be more understanding, maybe he was having a bad day! :roll: He does sound very bad to accuse you of fakeing it for dla! No wonder you don't find him much use.

Yours Sue

merlin

Thamk you all for your advice. i will take it all in . it is nice to know there are people out there with the same(ish) problems i dont feel so alone now thanks again