Hello

Deb M

Happy New Year everyone

I have had chronic back pain for some years now. I have spondylolithesis L1 and 2 which can be unpredictable shifting for little reason. Degenerative discs in my lower back. Ankylosing spondilitis was diagnosed when I had Iritis and one of the consultants looked at the back problems going on and asked if I had been tested for HLA B27 which I had not heard of, things fell into place for those who had been seeing me. It would be good if more consultants thought about other things going on not one part in isolation, like the optical consultant. Difficult when they only get ten minutes but it may save many visits.

The pain has been worse in my neck for some time. I just keep taking the tablets as they keep telling me. I went on a rehabilitation course run by the pain clinic this time last year, unfortunately it didn't help much. Never mind I do have a sense of humour but it does wear thin at times.

tjt6768

Welcome to the Deb..
Hope you're not suffering too much tonight..
Hope you find the forum as friendly, useful and fun as I have.
LWA is the section for advice etc, chit chat is the lighter side, we're a friendly mob.. Lol

Be well

jillyb1

Welcome , Deb , I find the forums a fantastic source of advice and support as well as fun . Some lovely people on here . Jilly

Deb M

Thanks for the warm welcome, I look forward to joining in on the forum

tillytop

Hello Deb M and welcome from me too.

Oh I sooo understand the difficulties of docs only looking at "their" particular bit and not considering the possibility of systemic conditions!

I am sorry you are struggling so much, but it sounds as if you have a good positive attitude which stands you in good stead! I am sure you will find the forum a great source of support and a mine of useful information as I have.

Lots love Tilly xxx

Deb M

Thanks Tillytop,

Looking at the various topics, one thread that does seem very common is the consultants failing to look at the bigger picture.

I know in the NHS they are given few minutes to see the notes, see you and to instantly have to think about the patient in front of them before moving on to the next. I have had some very good synopsis written by a GP for the specialist it doesn't often help though. It is as though some specialists become numbed by the demands of the rapid turnover of people in front of them. With the current cost cutting I don't see any improvement happening for a while. You never know they may realise that if you spend an extra ten minutes with the patient you can get a diagnosis and that will save more visits!! :roll:

Deb

tillytop

Very wise words Deb! I thnk you are absolutely right. The problem is, I think, that the bods who "make the rules" and set the targets are not the ones seeing the patients so it probably all makes perfect sense when looking down on it all from their ivory towers! Sorry to be such a cynic. After my experiences in the past three years, I have very little faith in the NHS. Right, I will get off my hobby horse now and shut it away firmly in the cupboard!

Love Tilly xxx