help again,this time I think I've really done it.

LesBrown
LesBrown Member Posts: 37
edited 17. Dec 2012, 09:51 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have just gone to the door and went to pick up a parcel that had been delivered and my back has gone again.I fell to the floor.

I've not long had 6 facet joint injections and a cuadal.I take tramadol 4 times a day.

this time feels really bad,both legs are trembling my stomach feels bloated,pain shooting down both legs,and my pelvis feels like its getting ripped apart,this happens about 5 times a year and takes about 4 weeks to get over but the intensity is much higher this time.

what do I do,the doctors know it happens,if I go to A and E I doubt they will do anything.

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's very tough luck. These things are so easily done. We know what we should do but, for one brief moment, forget or ignore it.

    I'm sorry, Les, but you need to get this checked out. Just because you've 'done it before' doesn't mean to say that the outcome is exactly the same every time. You might have a totally wasted trip to A&E. Indeed, I hope you do because at least that will mean nothing extra on the damage front. But it does need to be checked. At the very least, ring NHS Direct and be guided by them.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    sorry but trip to a&e is in order you need to get it checked out to make sure what is going on good luck val
    val
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think ringing NHS direct might be a good idea,never thought of that.ta
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    just rang NHS direct and they say phone and talk to my GP.

    what is it with this disease that makes everyone stonewall you.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I don't think they're stonewallling you, as Sticky said they've guided you to the best course of action: your GP knows you, your history and will be a better judge than a stranger of what you should do now. It is so easy to forget what we can do (and should do with care, I forgot this yesterday and slammed my operated wrist against my raised loo seat to push it back along its rail) but when it's something like this then GP or A&E would be the best move. I hope one or both of them can help. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    true,its just after 10 years from pillar to post it does make you think that way.I'm just waiting for the call back now,luckily my new doctor is good,he's young too,maybe that makes him a little more open.

    this pain is really getting intense
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I like young doctors because they are not jaded in their views and opinions. I hope he rings back soon and can give you the help you need. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Les I am so sorry you are suffering like this, I have back probs and hips, at the moment the pain you describe sound so familiar, I am on the Fentalis patches and cocodamol , but nothing touches it,
    You are right about being stone walled,GP should realize how blinking painful arthritis is... anyhow I went to our walk in center and they have given me a steroid shot, its kicking in has I speak...will let you know how it goes.
    Love
    Barbara
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well the doc didn't ring back,odd,so it looks like i'm just going to have to ride it out again,if i stay perfectly still i can put up with it
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Take what meds you can to help with the pain and I hope things start to ease soon. If not then maybe a trip to A&E could be an idea? I know I am lucky in that mine is a mile up the road - I hope yours (if needed) is equally close. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have to say that from my experience a) "normal" pain meds (tramadol et al) do nothing for the nerve pain you describe and that b) the docs don't seem to realise that!

    I can't remember - are you on any nerve pain meds? If not, when you get in to see your GP, ask to try gabapentin or amitriptyline. They actually do work on the nerve pain Not immediately but after a while they do.
  • wall1409
    wall1409 Member Posts: 294
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think Gp's know there isnt much anyone can do, meds just dull pain and they know that. Really hope you get back on your feet and soon as I know the pain you are in very well.

    Wendy xx
  • deedeeitsme
    deedeeitsme Member Posts: 321
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Les...just checking how you are today. If you are no better please either get to a&e and have it checked out or ring for an emergency appointment with your gp. You really need to get this under control. Please let us know how you get on.

    Take care Dee x
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi,thanks for all your concerns,day 2 is much the same,can't walk at all,I've got some crutches so will try them today.I can't get to A and E today,nobody is about to give me a lift and my wife can't drive,bus wouldn't be an option even though the hospital is only 2 miles away.

    I've been taking my tramadol,paracetimol,and ibruphin along with celebrex nothing seems to touch it but helps me sleep with the drowsyness they cause.

    I'm getting used to it,it can happen several times a year but this one does seem the worst,I suppose someone that gets this for the first time must scare the hell out of them.

    the pain is speading now like it always does,and the shakes have stopped except for my hands when I pick something up like a cup of tea,its hard to pinpoint the pain,if I press on my lower back nothing show's but my muscles are well in spasm now.

    I'll update,should be able to get to a and e tomorrow if I need it but today its grin and bare it
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    tomorrow goint to be bit late what did gp say ??? you said they were phoning back why not get taxi i know it expensive but would get you there while they can see the attack at its worse or they will not know how bad it has been val
    val
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The GP didn't get back to me and I can't really aford taxi fair at the moment.
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    my brother has just text me and can get through to take me tonight..
  • deedeeitsme
    deedeeitsme Member Posts: 321
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thats great news les...let us know how you got on yes?

    Dee x
  • LesBrown
    LesBrown Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well it didn't go quite to plan,they say as they always do that I need to go and see my specialist,yep same old thing,I did say well I could wait 3 months for that and is it not worth an x ray,to which she said I have a condition thats ongoing and according to my notes I have had x rays recently and new ones wouldn't show anything new.

    Its true they do know whats wrong yes but there isn't any help,must be the nature of the beast and I suppose I need to learn to live with it better.
  • kentishlady
    kentishlady Member Posts: 809
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Les. Am so sorry to hear you are having such pain with your back at the moment and do hope it will ease off a little for you soon. Back pain is so miserable isn't it (well, any pain is come to that). I'm another back sufferer so know something about what you are going through. Just be very kind to yourself and take it very easy and I do hope it will improve for you soon. Beryl
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