Thank you

cpen72

Hello and thank you for letting me join. I have had disc problems in my back and neck for the last 3 years and have been told it is osteoarthritis. I live in Herts and currently do not see anyone for this. I am experiencing more severe problems recently - excruciating pain in my sacrum area (I am unable to sleep as when I roll onto my back the pain is so severe), in my buttocks and around my hips, I also get constant throbbing from my neck down my spine. The issue is mainly down my left side and I get pain down my left leg through to my ankle. In 2019, I had an L5/S1 prolapse and had 2 steroid injections to help (I was immobilised for 10 days and ended up in hospital with this). In Dec 2020, I then had further problems and got diagnosed with L4/L5 prolapse. This was confirmed as OA and I had a further steroid injection. Then earlier this year I had problems in my neck which affected my arm and hand - another MRI confirmed OA here. The GP has recently referred my to MSK (orthopaedics) but I have been told the waiting list is long and I think I need to see someone sooner. Can anyone recommend someone I could see privately as want to make sure I see the right person. Thank you.

chrisb

Hi @cpen72  

Welcome to the versus arthritis forum. 

You have been diagnosed with OA in your back and neck are experiencing severe pain. You are struggling with sleeping and have been referred to MSK. The waiting list is long so you’d like to hear from any forum members who can recommend a private consultant in your area. 

I’m afraid that we don’t have access to and are not able to recommend individual consultants, it’s also against VA community guidelines for members to do likewise: 

[Identifying Medical personnel

Do not identify medical professionals or organisations by name when commenting. This is to avoid any risk of legal disputes.” ]

It may be that other forum members are able to suggest how you can identify sources of consultant lists generally which may be useful to you. 

Here are a couple of links to our website which you may find helpful:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-spine/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/top-tips-for-good-sleep/

 

On Living with arthritis we have posts from many members who live with arthritis, I'm sure you will be able to find some other discussions you may wish to join in on or, if not, start a new one. 

I hope you find joining the forum beneficial. 

Best Wishes

ChrisB (Moderator)

stickywicket

I think you've made a wise decision.

Have a look here https://www.physis.uk.com/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-physiotherapist/ and scroll down to the summary at the end.

I'd just add that a physio who specialises in musculoskeletal problems would be a good bet.

I hope you can get some help.

cpen72

@chrisb sorry for asking a question that is against rules. I will try and be more mindful next time. Thank you for the helpful links. I'm grateful for any support.

cpen72

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/comment/698463#Comment_698463

@stickywicket Thank you for pointing me in this direction. I will take a look ☺️

frogmorton

I wish you all the very best @cpen72

I finally had back surgery myself after 20 years of regular prolapse and recoveries I am passionate about people getting seen sooner rather than later. My back finally went and I ended up losing the use and feeling in my right leg.

When I finally saw a surgeon and he operated he said if he had been able to operate sooner he would have been able to save the nerve from more damage. Luckily all is pretty well now except for a few numb areas back of rt knee, bum cheek and rt foot.

I spent 20 years being given 'sticking plasters' painkillers, anti-inflammatories etc

BTW don't worry about asking for a consultant if anyone knows of a good one they can send you a private message here and tell you anyway it's just so people don't say bad things about a Dr or hospital and drop Versus Arthritis in it I think.

Take care

Toni x

cpen72

@frogmorton Thanks. I'd rather avoid surgery tbh but I can't go on with the constant pain and the fact that the sacrum pain is causing weakness in my legs which feel like they're going to give way. I realised yesterday that I'm never comfortable at the moment - sitting and lying down makes the sacrum pain worse but standing and walking makes the spinal pain worse. It's having a huge impact on what I can/can't do in life at the moment 😞

janiebin

Sorry to hear that you are uncomfortable all the time.

Have you tried swimming or hydrotherapy? Just being in a pool and letting the water take the weight off my frame is a great relief. I obviously have to choose a quiet time with not too many people around. I don't power up and down!! In fact I don't do much swimming I just go through a routine of stretching exercises in a quiet corner and if you can find a pool with shallow steps leading into the water you can sit on those to do some of the exercises. Maybe a aqua therapist or physiotherapist can advise you what to do.