Advice on Results

annebr

Hi Everyone,

I have just been given a copy of my results of my neck & shoulder xray from my GP, he had them printed from the hospital system.

We didn't get round to discussing them and I was wondering what you thought this means:

'There is some degenerative change preent in the neurocentral
joints of mid to lower cervical spine'

I have OA in both hips & read this to be OA of the cervical spine area?

What do you think?

Anne

dreamdaisy

A rational guess: it means that those joints have/are deteriorating. I suppose that is what happens with OA but as I don't have OA I can't be of more help. I know that some joints can be replaced but not spinal ones! Is fusion an option? I have read on various threads posts from people who have had spinal fusions, which I take to mean that two or more joints are fused together. Obviously that will have an impact on movement, but then all arthritis impacts movement. It goes with the territory. See if you can get an appointment with someone who knows to chat things over. DD

marion1952

Hi Anne

I think it does mean OA.. My x-rays also said 'degenerative changes' and I understood that meant 'wear and tear'..

How did the GP leave it? Are you going to be referred for a specialist opinion??


Marion

speedalong

Hi Anne, I too think this means OA - though I think you should make another appointment to see the GP for an explanation and to know where you go from this point. Is he referring you to see anyone - ortho/physio/pain clinic etc??

Speedy

annebr

Thanks for your replies.

I thought it sounded like OA.

The xrays were ordered by the rheumy and I am going back in October probably to be discharged. I asked my GP if he had heard anything and he got his secretary to login to the hospital xray to get the results & gave me a copy. We didn't discuss as I was on my way out after talking about all my other ailments!!! The rheumy won't be interested as I don't have RA or inflammatory so I will discuss with GP when I go back at end of month.

I have had physio, accupuncture & numerous other things for my neck. Not sure what next step will be?

At least I know what it is and i'm not imagining it.

Thanks again.

Anne

frogmorton

Hi Anne

OA or cervival spondy then as well :roll:

Poor you! Mind you as you say at least it proves it at least :roll:

Hope the GP has some ideas for you.

I think usual course it physio and pain relif anti-inflams etc.

Love

Toni xx

skezier

Hi Anne,

Sounds like oa as well to me. As to what they can do to help it does seem a bit hit and miss at times. I think ask your gp to send you to see an ortho would be a good idea actually, they do deal with oa and might have some good ideas about how t help. Your right the Rumo doesn't normally deal with oa, though mine does to a degree but only as a favour as I have been seeing him for oer 10 years and he knew my old gp's were totally useless!

The gp may say its not bad enough to 'bother' a ortho but they are woefully experienced in oa and I would insist if they are not forth coming.

I hope your ok outside f this? Nice to see you again and how is work going? Love Cris xx

annebr

It was the rheumy who ordered the xrays and I know that the nect appointment will be a discharge as I don't show signs of RA or inflammatory arthritis.

My ortho cunsultant is a hip specialist so not sure he will be interested? I have to go back and see my GP at the end of the month so will have a chat to him about, he is very good.

The neck/shoulder problems have been going on for years and i have had physio & various other treatments. Not sure what else they can do. I am already on a cocktail of drugs for OA & other things.

In a bizarre way it's nice to have a diagnosis.

The one person I do feel for at the moment is my OH, he has been fantastic, supportive & wonderful and he worries so much. He keeps telling me he wishes he could take the pain away. But I know it is a lot for him.

As you all will know you think you are coping thne you get a bug or mouth ulcers or something small and it knocks you for six as everything just builds up on top of you. I am coping with work but my weekends are written off as I am trying to get over one thing or another and i am exhausted.

Thanks

Anne

skezier

Hi Anne,

He may be a hip consultant but he will know about necks and certainly know who would be nest for you to see so ask to see him! I say it cus my ex doctors wouldn't send me for xray or to see anyone for 8 years. By the time i burst in to tears with the rumo and got an mri done it was too late for them to operate (though they do still bring it up now and then) The earlier they see it possibly the more they can do to help, so go see the ortho is my advice.

Sorry about the exhaustion I wish I knew the answer t that one... I have become such an accomplished armchair duties person Love and a ((())) and a nice to see you Cris xx

frogmorton

I agree with cris the consultant might not know a lot about necks but sure he will know a man who does...

Your husband sounds areal bless - some of us are not so lucky (mine's ok too ) I am glad you have him to love and support you.

Soon things will pick up for you - I am glad it's the weekend so you can rest up.

Love

Toni xx