Pain and other symptoms dr says everythings normal?

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dysfungirl

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Hello, I'm new here. I guess I am looking for any similar expierneces like mine. Please forgive me if this is a bit long.
I fell, twice in about a months span, and the last incident I went to E.R. for concussion symptoms. I had a C.T. done (normal, no bleeding) and got sent home with Post Concussion Syndrome. I followed up with my regular dr and mentioned that besides PCS, I also had an odd tingling sensation, upper mid back, just to the left of my spine. For some reason he wanted a chest xray for COPD (I'm 26 and I smoke but no breathing problems) and bloodwork. I had to go back the next day because that night, the middle of my back felt like it was on fire. So he sent me for a back xray also.
:confused:
So, I went to get all my results, all came back "normal"- The bloodwork, the chest and back xray, except he looked at the C.T. from my E.R. visit and said I had a sinus infection (?!?). When my dr told me the results, I told him I felt the "spot" was spreading, or getting bigger, also that my upper back and between shoulders were feeling pain. Also I have felt like my pinkies and ring fingers feel a bit nurab and colder then usual, and sometimes like my pinky is wet.... its a really wierd feeling to describe. He just shrugged, said maybe its a muscle or ligiment problem, rest and massage may help.
I just don't know how worried I should be, and I didn't think massaging something if you don't know exactly what is wrong is such a great idea.
I hope I get a reply here, even if its someone telling me its all in my head. I have a young daughter and if I can't get to the bottom of this pain and treat whats wrong, not just the symptoms... I can't do what I want or need to do with her. Phew! Thanks ahead of time! Again, sorry for the novel! :eek:
 
If your doctor's conclusions about your back are based only on x rays, it sounRAB like it may be time for further studies, maybe an MRI? X rays don't show everything that can go wrong with your back.
 
Yes, you definatly need to ask for an MRI or CT Scan (of the spine) since the symptoms you are describing seem to point to a disk issue with compressed nerve/nerves.
 
ok i am definitly going to ask for an MRI and if my dr won't do it I will find one that will. I just hope I can get the ball rolling and fast!!
 
If your regular doctor doesn't want to order an MRI, I would suggest you make an appointment with an orthopedic spine specialist or a neurosurgeon whose practice consists mostly of spinal issues. This is not to say you need surgery....far from it. But these specialists are the best at reading MRI's and finding things that the family doctor might miss. However, if your family doctor does order the MRI and IF there is anything suspicious on those films, ask for a referral to a spine specialist. Not only are they best at reading MRI's but they will also know what, if any, additional tests are needed and what kind of treatment program will work best for you.

I hope you will return and let us know what is going on. I wish you the best and hope that the MRI shows nothing more than muscle strain.

Carol
 
I agree with the other posters. Oftentimes doctors will send patients away if they can't easily find a problem that explains their symptoms, and will only do further testing if the patient returns later complaining that their symptoms are unresolved or worse.

Go back to your doctor and tell them you are continuing to experience severe issues and explain to them how it is disrupting your life. It's a really good idea to list on a sheet of paper all of the symptoms you are experiencing, what makes them better, what makes them worse, how they limit you, etc. Be concise but be sure to include everything. This also helps so you won't forget to tell the doctor something. Ask your doctor for an MRI and a referral to a spine surgeon.

If your doctor doesn't help you after you do this, then it would make sense to go to another doctor to ask for a referral to a spine surgeon and for additional tests such as an MRI.

Best wishes!
 
i agree with everyone else- tell your dr you want a referrel to a specialist, be it an ortho, neuro or spine dr. if you know someone who has used a particular dr and your insurance covers that dr, ask for the referral to him/her. that is what i do if someone i know has had my same problems. actually if i want to see a specialist of any kind, i call the dr i want to see, get an appt for 3 days or so later, then call my pcp and tell them i need a referral to dr x, the day of the appt & they get the referral letter ready for me asap..
 
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