Hi all. I received a copy of the letter sent to my GP which gives the results of the MRI I had. It says that I have 'multilevel degenerative disc disease' and 'moderate facet joint osteoarthritis'.
The rheumatologist suggests that if there is no improvement in pain levels after adjustment of painkillers and physiotherapy (I've been discharged from physiotherapy regarding the hip bursitis and haven't been offered any more) then I should be referred to Pain Management.
Is degenerative disc disease simply due to aging? I saw the GP a few weeks ago and agreed to up my Nortriptyline to 50mg. He told me it helped with chronic pain, but it doesn't seem to be doing a great deal so far!
Would appreciate any comments/advice

Meg
Comments
Physio has a role to play, as does pain management, but ultimately both address the symptoms rather than the underlying cause. I still do the exercises I was given after my synovectomies (and recently to help lengthen my Achilles tendons) and yes, they help, but not in terms of reducing pain levels. I've not tried Nortryptiline but, as with similar meds, I reckon you would notice the difference if you stopped taking it.
It's a tough life but someone has to live it.
I don't believe in taking pain meds that don't work but, again, as DD says, we often don't know what they're doing until we stop them.
I tend to think you are right about what you think degenerative disc disease means. Thing is not everyone has pain - you do.
In your shoes I would be pushing for the pain clinic referral.
Love
Toni xxx
Toni xxx
Anyway, I think I'll see how I go. I've got a few appointments coming up after Easter: the orthopaedic consultant for my achilles tendon, the hand surgeon re my OA thumbs and the urologist for those benign tumours on my kidney. If I continue to find things difficult, then I'll take your advice, Toni, and ask about a referral to the pain management clinic.
Thanks again.
Meg
It sounds as though you have a plan of action in mind
I have definitely heard of folks being given the 'fibro' explanation for everything once they have the diagnosis. Very frustrating
Take care now
Toni xxx
Toni xxx
Barbara