Doctor's won't listen!

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I am a 28 year old female who has severe lurabar pain and sciatica. I have been into the ER 4 times this month because my primary care provider has not provided adequate care for me - plus my care is so fragmented and I have seen 3 different doctors there. I just switched today.

I had an MRI done which showed some degenerative changes and some arthritis - but they say that that's "normal". I have been treated as if my pain isn't real. I am taking valium for my muscle spasms which helps a bit but I am almost out. I am also taking 1200mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours becasue I am in so much pain and they don't believe that I need pain medication.

I have been referred to a pain clinic but that can take months before I can get in. I am sick and tired of being treated like shit because they can't find out what's wrong with me and think that I am faking it. Should I go back to the ER? WHat do you think?
 
I'm sorry about the pain you're experiencing. Have you been referred to a spinal specialist? I would think at this point your best bet would be to see an Orthopedic spinal specialist - someone that really understanRAB the spine and can possibly help manage the pain more effectively until you get your appointment with Pain Management. Also, a spinal specialist will more effectively come up with a treatment plan that will hopefully get to the root of the problem. Unfortunately, the ER generally doesn't offer any long-term plans of treatment.

I hope you get answers and relief soon! Keep us posted on how you're doing. :angel:


~ Fiona Jo :wave:
 
Hi - I know this pain - I have it. I think you need to stop asking for pain medications first (that always puts their radar up), and switch to demanding what treatment are you going to do for me. Then if they kind of follow the normal courses that should get you in better shape. What most people experience is rounRAB of anti-inflammatories, icing, rest, then PT and PT does help lots of people's sciatica. This type stuff is kind of Round 1. There is a non-narcotic muscle relaxer called Skelaxin that works for lots of people - where Valium might not always be the first line muscle relaxant prescribed. The stronger medications are Round 2 usually. If your pain follows the normal route of this type pain they need to be looking, it can have other causes besides from your spine.

Can you self refer to a spine specialist? Do you actually have a copy of the text of your MRI and could you post it? Just curious what they think is normal aging. Thanks and feel better.
 
I replied in detail than hit a wrong key...ooops it's gone!
I had 8 dccs "blow me off" so I know how you feel, particularly as a female. Finally found one who listened! My problem stenosis, scar tissue from previous surgery, and no one had a plan. Different from yours which has been defined as sciatica related. My recommendation: You should talk with a neural-orthopedist and ask for a diagnosis and a pan of action. I'd also change Primary Care doc. He should be recommending you to a specialist. Your meRAB and OTC ones should be monitored by a physician.
We have to be our own advocates these days unfortunately. Sciatica often responRAB to PT, exercise, acupuncture, and chiropractic methoRAB. Not knowing where you live (I have a great spine doc but f you're not in Colorado won't do much god1) or what insurance you have to cover yourself, I'd suggest that ER's are not the place to go for this chronic condition, and find a new Primary who can direct you to a spline specialist who will listen and offer a plan of action. There are many options before surgery is a necessity.
Been there, done that, it's not easy! All the best! I hope you get relief and find a god doctor. Best recommendations can come from other people. Ask around. Hang in there, keep looking and you'll get an answer.
 
I can SO relate to you. I have a wonderful PCP and she has referred me to 3 pain specialists by my request. I have been to a total of 6 or 7 doctors for pain management and chiroparatic. All of those doctors have looked at the same set of x-rays and low and behold, it was staring my current doctor right in the face and mine for that matter.

Firstly, I would venture to get a different PCP. Have an appt with him/her and if you don't care for that person, TRY ANOTHER.

Second, I would definately have copies of your x-rays, MRI's etc in my hot little hanRAB. I would probably call the doctors that you have already seen and ask for copies of the notes from the appointments. You/insurance has paid for these appts and x-rays, MRI's that it is your RIGHT to have copies of these things. They are part of YOUR record and you have the right to it.

Third, get a referral to a Pain specialist or similar doctor. If you are not getting relief from your pain like you want, ask for another referral. I did and am so thankful.

Just remeraber, you need to be your own advocate for your issues. don't accept being blown off by any doctors. You have the right to competent treatment.

Stay strong and don't give up! :wave:
 
I'm so sorry to hear about your pain... you need to see a specialist though! Doctors have no idea about back problems. They just prescribe pills & want you out the door ready for the next patient. Unfortunately visiting the ER a nuraber of times doesn't tend to motivate these people to help you either.

I was basically told I was normal by different doctors, my MRI backed that up, but I was in agony, I wanted to chop myself in half. The pain took over my whole lower body in the end, I went a strange grey colour, was shaking and couldn't eat I felt so sick.... and that's normal they say??
Went to see an Osteopath - a profession that many Doctors don't agree with so would never recommend, luckily a family meraber pushed me to go. I had a very thorough examination & she diagnosed the problem straight away (a diagnosis I got comfirmed by an Orthpaedic Consultant just to be sure), & it turned out I'd injured a disc and got it really inflamed by trying to carry on as normal...... the reason this happened is because I popped pills like my life depended on it & believed the doctors that I was over-reacting. I don't know the ins & outs but somehow this inflammation was aggravating my sciatic nerve and slowly damaging it too. This ordeal had gone on for months and who knows what situation I would've ended up in if it weren't for the specialist! There will come a time where you don't need the pills & you can walk without a crazy limp. I literally convinced myself "this is my life" because it seemed like there was no way out, but there seriously is.

Osteopathy is not for everyone, nor is Physio etc, but an Osteopath can give you specialist advice at a lower cost. Rehabilitation may take some time, but 6 weeks after the Osteopath got her hanRAB on me (literally), I can walk slowly without a limp & without my crutchsticks, can turn over in bed without crying and can even start going back to work. 6 weeks ago I couldn't walk, and boy is my Doctor gonna be hearing from me!!

Good luck - please see a specialist and actually don't let the doctors get involved if you can help it.
 
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