Newbie says hello

huggybear
huggybear Member Posts: 5
edited 11. May 2015, 05:19 in Say Hello Archive
Hello, :D I have just joined this group. I have osteoarthritis in most joints, recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and a spinal stenosis which causes chronic lower back and leg pain. I have an appointment on Monday with an orthopaedic surgeon. Quite anxious that I ask the right questions and make the correct choices. Possible injections/surgery? Has anyone any advice?

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello huggybear. I have RA and my back's pretty good so I can't help much other than to suggest you re-post on the Living With Arthritis forum as not many people look in on this one. We do have quite a few people with spinal problems, though, so I'm sure if you ask there you'll get some useful replies. One thing I can suggest though, after many years of arthritis and several operations, is to ensure you're not so anxious to ask the right wuestions that you forget to listen carefully to the answers :lol: It's easily done. Have you someone you can take with you as an extra pair of ears? It's useful.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • theresak
    theresak Member Posts: 1,998
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello and welcome, Huggybear.


    I'm sorry I can't help with your query, but just wanted to say hello.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, since reading your name I have been humming the theme to Starsky and Hutch :wink: . I cannot help with your specific enquiry but I do have OA plus fibro plus psoriatic arthritis - having any form of arthritis is not a barrel of laughs, is it? :) The only advice I can offer is that you take someone with you to the appointment because an extra pair of ears is always useful: my husband usually comes with me and he remembers things that wash over me. Please let us know how it goes, yes? I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    Welcome to the forums.
    I have , OA in spine hips neck and ankle. Also kypho scoliosis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis. So I know what the back problems are like.
    Take a list of questions with you {if you are anything like me when you get there you'll forget lol}
    Start scribbling now, anything, how sore you are, when, anything triggers it etc. You can edit it before you see him.
    Have you anyone who will go with you and listen....we are so busy thinking of what to ask that we don't always take things in. My husband comes with me to consultant appointments.
    If there is no one what about your mobile .......ask the consultant if you can record the conversation. Most of the people that hve done this have found thy are quit happy to let you do it. Then when you get home play it back and listen to what he says.
    It is true you will et more answers on Living with arthritis forum so repost there.
    Good luck ad let us know how things go

    Love

    Hileena
  • huggybear
    huggybear Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks to all of you for your kind replies. I have been feeling quite low emotionally and having panicky feelings so when I googled and read my specialist has no bedside manner I felt even worse. However, I know now I'm not alone. I will ask my husband to come, ( thought I might appear a bit of a woos if he came with me). I'm going to try and remain calm, write down my questions and remember to mention all my symptoms.
    I look forward to sharing experiences with those with similar problems.
    Hugs and best wishes xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Firstly it is not being wussy to take your husband to the appointment: mine comes to as many of mine as he can, to offer support in addition to being an extra pair of ears and having the ability to ask sensible questions. You are absolutely right to write a list of questions and, if you freeze, pass them to your husband so he can take over: don't be afraid either to note the answers you are given.

    I have never googled my docs to read the opinons of those who are not me and never will: as I see it this is a two-way professional relationship and I far prefer the slightly detached approach as opposed to the gushy-gushy. My consultant and GP deals with the theory - I have the reality which is a different proposition altogether. :wink:

    I can assure you that we all feel low every now and again and this is one of the major benefits of the forum because you are talking to the initiated. We all belong to a club that no-one wishes to join: I felt so alone before I found here because nobody else in my peer group was facing similar problems - suddenly I found many people in similar-but-different-boats and the relief was huge.

    I have to go and serve the evening meal but I will be back tomorrow with further thoughts. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Another comment......as for taking your husband with you....... Mine comes in and if a nurse comes in he gets introduced as my memory by the consultant :lol:
    One time I was called in exactly on time and my OH had gone to buy a paper......the consultant promptly said...."Where's your memory, what have you done with him???? :lol:

    Love
    Hileena
  • huggybear
    huggybear Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's very reassuring. I agree, I don't want anyone gushing but had some bad experiences en route to seeing him with convincing GP and clinician to take my symptoms seriously. When I saw the back pain clinician prior to my mri scan she seemed almost dimissive and said ' I suppose you are one of the 'clan ' of women who HAVE to have a scan' I asked what she meant and she mumbled something about her probably ending up with egg on her face (ie there might really be something wrong). Well there was plenty of egg when she sheepishly told me there was something!
    I love the idea of DH being my memory - or trying to be- as we both have our 'senior' moments! I have now written down my questions and I think I'm getting my head clearer now. Thanks xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    huggybear wrote:
    I googled and read my specialist has no bedside manner

    There is no reason why the chap with the good bedside manner should also be the best surgeon. I'd go for one who's good at his job any day rather than one who can just talk the talk.

    Also, people are much more likely to complain than praise on the internet. Those who are happy go away and live their lives while those who aren't vent their spleen on the internet.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • huggybear
    huggybear Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I recognise that, but if we do not research them, how can anyone know who is a good surgeon until after the event? One must go on trust and hope, I guess. Personally, I see no reason why a surgeon shouldn't always have a pleasant, caring manner towards his/her prospective patients.
    Hugs xx