Referred to Rheumatology for back problems... confused...

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lfoster21

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I am glad that you are going to be seen by a specialist and also that you are getting new tests done. I always find it reassuring to know whether or not there are any changes that need to be addressed.

Let us know how the appt. goes.

Lorie:angel:
 
Update:
I just got back from my Rheumatology appt. Apparently my MRI and X-rays weren't significantly different than before although my symptons are worse. Go figure. :confused:

Anyway - she said it looked like I had some slight facet arthritis at L5/S1 area as well as some slight disc bulges in a few places. She did some additional evaluation, but ultimately said she wanted me to take an anti-inflammatory drug called Clinoril.

It just seemed weird that after PT, MRI's, EMG, x-ray, ESI's over the past 4 years to deal with this issue that getting an rx for NSAID's at this point seemed like a casual response.

I did ask if sitting (which is when I get the crazy radiating pain down my leg) for an MRI would net a different result, rather than laying down and while she nodded with a "perhaps/maybe"... She also said that they "stick with the process in place, which is the traditional MRI. That is what they're used to working with and what they know".

I'll be picking up my RX today and will also get a copy of my MRI and X-rays for myself. :) I will be curious to see if the Clinoril makes a difference.

Thanks for listening.

sbbo
 
Hi all,
I found this odd: I went back to my PCP for follow up on lower back pain/leg pain that I am getting tired of.

I started down this road 4 years ago and since then have had EMG, MRI, Xrays. In 2006 Neurology and Neurosurgeon all recognized problems at l4/l5 and l5/s1. But thankfully surgery wasn't necessary. (I had ACDF C4-C6 in 2005 which is why I was seen by neuros)

Anyway, subsequently PT an ESI's weren't very successful.

Bottom line is that I got tired of not finding any relief and to be quite honest felt like a big ol' crybaby. Over the past 18 months year I've found the pain increasing and finally decided to get serious and called up my PCP.

Unfortunately, because of the length of time that has passed, my HMO is making jump through the typical "referral hoops".

I thought for sure that once my PCP saw my 2006 MRI and EMG reports that she would immediately refer me back to neurology.

Surprisingly, she said that she was referring me to Rheumatology. Not even orthpaedics.

Is this just another hoop I'm having to go through? Are rheumatologists helpful in spinal conditions? I have no experience with them at all.

Any insight would be helpful. Thank you!!
 
It could be that you doctor is suspecting a possible underlying problem or disease and wants a complete workup on you to rule out a suspicion for the cause of your pain. Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, osteoporis, and musculoskeletal pain disorders. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
I am glad you at least got in to see the Rhuemy. and that she is aware of your situation. I know the feeling of beeing px. an anti-inflamatory at this stage...as I was in the same situation. Ive been dealing with this back stuff for 4 years and have had 3 surgeries. But recently I was given and anti-inflamatory and I could not believe that it actually gave me some relief. So, I hope it does the same for you.

Now that you have been seen by this Dr., if after taking the new med., when you go back to see her...she will be able to go to the next step. They always start with the low stuff and work their way up in the meRAB. I highly recommend that you keep a pain journal, that you can take to your next visit. It shows the Dr. what you are dealing with, as well as it shows the Dr. that you are beig pro-active in your care.

Best of luck,
Lorie:angel:
 
That is correct, the Rheumy will be able to decide if any joint, back and or hip pains are from problems like arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. If he rules out these things, then he can refer you to an ortho/neuro surgeon (at which time make sure you ask them for it to be one that specializes in backs...since you have been dealing with this for so long.)

I would not worry about it until you see the Rheumy. There is quite a bit that they can dx. or rule out. If you went to an OS, they would also want to test you for the same type of things when dx. you.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Lorie:angel:
 
feelbad, in reading your post it really gives me hope. It's been a year at least since my last MRI and getting ready to take another trip to a specialist to see what crazy things they come up with. I haven't had anything as far as tests since i fell in March, really makes me think as i have only gotten worse since then. To be axact it was actually just over a year it was in 6/25/07 and it was only of the Lurabar spine without contrast. I have actually never had one with contrast except the bone scan i had done back in9/08/06. I am going to repost my results and see if i can get anymore feed back to take to the dr.s i need advice bad for the spine dr. as i can get. I need to be heard!
Take care, monkey

Foster. what antinflamatory that you tried? I need some relief!
 
the above posters are right. simply being referred to a rheumy doc will at least be helpful in ruling out possible contributing facors with your particular issues. they did one heck of a huge very in depth and comprehensive blood panel on me when i was referred to one a few years ago. they will do a full blood workup on you that will test for like fifty different possible conditions that can be a possible reason for inflammatory type of problems. i never had any blood work done on me that was this in depth before. it just ruled out a ton of possibilities for my knee issues.

just one suggestion foryou tho. since that MRI was actually done back in 06,you really do need a comparative study done to see where that is all at at this point. even six months can make a big difference when it comes to spinal problems. any specialist usually wants a very recent MRI done on any patient they see just for this reason. most want one that was done within the past six months. 06 was quite some ime ago and alot can change in that long of time frame. if you are having increased symptoms,new symptoms or even worsening or new pain,its time for another MRI. Marcia
 
I was given an anti-inflamatory patch called Flector and a mild muscle relaxer called Zanaflex. They both have done some good for my break through pain.

Lorie:angel:
 
Thanks for the replies... I guess seeing the Rheumy is a good thing then. :D

Although I did just get a call that they had to cancel my appt and reschedule so I have to wait until Aug 13 until they'll see me.

Also, they did tell me that I would need to get my referring doc to order current MRI and xrays prior to my appt. I'll be curious to see what has changed in the past 2 years.

sbbo97
 
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