Numerous Appointments and Acceptance

rayray

I haven't posted or a while but thought I would update you with my current situation - mainly because it helps to write it down and because you guys understand!

In the last few months I have seen the shoulder surgeon, back surgeon, rheumatologist, physio, pain clinic and had a nerve root block in my neck. The most hepful appointment in the practcial sense was with the physio who I saw privately. She really listened and then identified a very weak shoulder to the point it is partially slipping out of joint pretty constantly. Unfortunately the shoulder surgeon disagreed with this and doesn't know what is wrong. I have had an MRI on the shouder which I understand from another Dr was clear.
The spinal surgeon feels my main problem is the shoulder but also a more generalised problem, the rheumatologist thinks it is my neck. The nerve root block in my neck worked for just a week. So I am going round in circles not knowing and finding life at times very restricted.
The rheumatologist I found to be rude, dismissive before I had even sat down and really didn't listen. I know I don't have RA but the back surgeon is convinced that something auto immune is going on as so many joints are affected. The fact that my fingers have OA rather than RA meant a very short look and total dismissal of my other joint problems. This was all the more frustrating as I had seen this person once before and asked my GP specifically to refer me to another Dr elsewhere and then after waiting months I was given an appointment with this rather arrogant person again. I didn't have the heart to start the whole thing again.
So I feel no further forward and my other joints are getting worse quite rapidly. My feet hurt a lot and my wrists and thumbs have become significantly weaker over the last few months. These are minor though in comparison to the severe shoulder and neck problems I have which prevent desk work and driving.
Rant over but soooo frustrated. I hope one day the NHS recognises that even if it is 'just' OA that when it is in multiple places you need more help than a packet of painkillers every couple of months.
Sorry guys. I know that some of you are in a much worse place than me. As the Pain Clinic has said I need to move from fighting this to accepting my situation but I guess most of us struggle with this one!

stickywicket

Oh dear! What a frustrating time you've been having! It doesn't help at all when the professionals disagree.

You say the physio was helpful. Presumably (s)he gave you exercises. Do they help? Have you tried hydrotherapy or just gently exercising the joints in the local swimming pool?

Was the Pain Clinic useful? I think that maybe they were right in that you probably need to put your limited resources into living with this rather than fighting it. You have seen the various specialists and had the MRI and nothing much has changed so maybe you at least need a break from the vicious cycle of raised hopes then dashed hopes.

I don't think the NHS is at fault. I think you'd find the treatment for OA is the same whichever country you were in though in, eg USA, you might find yourself paying huge amounts of money for not very much.

Things are as they are. I have OA in most joints as a result of my RA. It's not necessarily an either / or. You will find sympathy and empathy on here. I think learning to live with what can't be changed is the key.