Upper Thigh/Lower Back Pain

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Mommev38

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A couple months ago I started having pain on an area on the side of my upper right thigh that has increased overtime. It hurts to the slightest touch, has somewhat of a burning pain to it, and throughout the day it gets worse and the pain and time radiates down my leg. While at an appt with my doc, I told her and she "punched" me there-(which really hurt-I was not happy!), she said she thought it was bursitis. Just told me to take some IB, and if it worsened when I came back 3 weeks later, she would see about a cortizone shot. Went back, told her it was much worse and I developed another area nearby on an area on my lower back that had the same symptoms. Now, she was going to send me to physical therepy and also sent me to xrays. I didn't make the appt for xrays, because I am waiting for them to fax me the report of the xrays like they said they would do on Friday to my work-which they didn't. They did call me at home and all the nurse said was that my doc said it showed "something moved"???(FROM WHAT???) and I needed to come back for a full hip and back exam and put me through to scheduling. The scheduling person set it up for NOV 17-three weeks away!!! I also mentioned the report being faxed and like i said it never did. You see I plan to get this report to see what exactlt what it says and get myself as new doctor and hopefully get in a lot sooner than 3 weeks. I'm in a lot of pain and would like to know whats wrong and start being treated. I've had this doctor for many years and this past year I've gone through the run around with her concerning my migraines and I can't do this. Sorry for the long post, but does anyone know what this could be or have had symptoms like this before so I can kind of know what to expect?
Thanks so much!
 
It's hard, because it really is almost impossible not to lift things, especially when you are taking care of little ones!
I have also noticed that the most simple every day things that have to get done hurt me very badly. Grocery shopping is one thing I dread. After walking around the store I am miserable with pain. I am concerned about Christmas shopping this year, and plan to do as much as I can online or through catelogues. It is really such a shame. Luckily I have a lot of supportive family. My mother in law especially will come over at the drop of a hat to help me with my daughter. I am really so blessed.
Let us know how your appointment goes! I have one on Tuesday, and I am very anxious about it.
 
My xray results: L5 on S1 spondylolisthestesis with probable L5 sponylolysis. As clinically indicated this could be confirmed with on MRI or Ct eval. Mild disk space changes at this lebel. Mild dextoscoliosis.
Osteitis condensans ilii. Mild DJD changes at symphysis pubis.

I did look up some of this on-line but if any of you have anyfeedback on this I would really appreciate it. I do have an appt in a week and a half with a NEW doctor. I am in a lot pain that is the worse in the afternoon. I'm 39 and I'm a full-time day care teacher. I was prescribed Etodolac 400 mg 3 times a day by my "former" doc when I called and left a message to have my xray report faxed to me and said I was in a lot of pain. I do have Vicodin for my migraines that I've taken only when it's gotton really bad and can barely walk. Has anyone gone through this ???
 
If you don't know spondylolisthesis is when one vertebra slips forward in relation to the vertebra below it or in your case the sacrum which is below L-5, the bottom vertebra, this usually occurs due to a fracture of the pars interarticularis which is a small delicate bony structure at the back of the vertebra. this type of fracture is called spondylolysis.


Dextoscoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine this type of condition is usually dismissed by conventional doctors unless its severe or it develops in children. In older people it is seen as a symptom of some other disorder chiropractors and others see it as the beginning of back conditions and the cause of other symptoms.

Osteitis condensans ilii not much is know about this condition or whether it really causes problems its hard to say if its relevant or not.


Mild DJD changes at symphysis pubis the symphis pubis is where the two sides of the pelvis join together just above the groin this condition is usually the result of instability at this joint meaning there is too much motion.

SounRAB as if your illness is straining the relationship you have with your doctor, nice of her to punch you( its called the punch test doctors perform it when they are having a bad day) i have had similar experiences some doctors don't like to give you the reports of xrays or tests it means they have to be more honest with you and they cant just dismiss your symptoms.

As far as something having moved its probably your L-5 vertebra slipping further forward on your sacrum.

You ask what this could be the conditions mentioned on your xray reports could easily be responsible for your pain and symptoms what they don't say is which one occurred first and what caused them or how they are related.

Good luck Mommev38 let us know how you go or if you find out more about your illness
 
I was diagnosed with this about a month ago. My symptoms sound EXACTLY like yours, and I also have it in my L5. I have the pars fracture and the L5 vertebrae is slipping forward. My pain started about 7 months ago, but it was only in my groin. Since then it has progressed to be in my left groin, down my left leg and into my foot, and all across my lower back. It also is worse in the later part of the day. On the really bad days I feel pain in both legs. I have also started having headaches on the left side of my head (I believe this is related). Any sort of activity and driving aggrivate my pain. On Tuesday, my husband, daughter and I walk 2 blocks to our voting site, and then 2 blocks home. I was MISERABLE as a result of that. I am only 27, healthy, and thin, so that is just not acceptable to me.
I am basically miserable and waiting for my next appointment with my Orthopedic. I have a 14 month old and am having a very difficult time taking care of her when my husband is at work. I also work full time and have already missed too many days as a result of this. I have already tried a steroid injection, which is supposed to help with pain but it did absolutely nothing for me. I am going to tell the doc that I want the surgery. The spinal fusion operation will not be a pleasant surgery, but I see no end in sight for this pain, and it will not be fixed until I have it done. My husband and I would also like more children and I refuse to get myself pregnant in this pain. We were actually going to try to get pregnant this spring, but that is obviously not going to happen.
Currently I am on 600mg of Neurontin at bed time, an anti inflammatory, and Vicodin. My mother in law gave me some Fioricet as well for my headaches. All this medication and yet I am still having a hard time functioning.
Make sure you get a referral to see an orthopedic. Don't take this lightly and watch your activity level and what you lift, if at all possible. I have a hard time with this due to the fact that I have an infant.
Good luck and let me know if I can answer any more questions!
 
Thanks so much for the replies, Megss and Olddog66. I really appreciate it. I'm trying not to lift but right now I'm with the one year old group at the day care and it's hard not too. I'm trying too lessen that because by afternoon I'm in so much pain. Like I said, I have my appt on Nov 17th with a new doctor who will go over the xray report and we will see where we will go from there. I will post what happens. I take the Ecotolac for now, somertimes Vicodin when it gets really bad, and I also rub Biofreeze on it and that helps a bit too. Good luck to you too Megss-keep me informed.
 
Hey Mommev!

I will be having the surgery. I am scared, but I know this is what I need to do. I want more babies, and was actually hoping to get pregnant this spring, so the sooner I do this, the sooner I can get on with my life. It will be a long and painful recovery, but I am really looking forward to the days where I am pain free and feel normal and good! At least now I know there is an end in sight.
My surgery is not yet scheduled. The orthopedic Dr was going to give my chart to his partner, one of the surgeons in this practice, and they will call me in a couple of days to set up a consult appointment. I'm sure it will be scheduled then.
Keep me posted on you as well!
 
Every surgery is scary_I know I was quite scared when I had my hysterectomy 2 yrs ago-(I'm 39 and my 3 kiRAB are all teenagers). As much as I'm hoping I don't need surgery for this, I want freedom from this pain, but mine doesn't sound nearly as bad as yours but yours started a lot earlier than mine. My specific pain started in Sept and has been progressing quite rapidly-even though I've always seemed to have lower back pain. Let me know when your surgery is scheduled and I'll let you know what happens at my appt next Monday. Take Care! Tami (Mommev)
 
Got to go see my new doctor today instead of Monday because he had an opening and I was able to get a sub at work. He said after reading the report and examing me-which was very painful!- that it seems to be a fracture and I will be getting an MRI next Wed and then going to the Neurosurgery Dept for an appt on Dec 22nd to see if I need back surgery or not. I'm quite scared about this, but I'm in so much pain working right now, I just want relief. I'm not happy that I have to wait that long for that second appt. He just wrote me a restrictions slip stating I'm not allowed to lift anything over 10 lbs. which will be quite difficult working at a day care center. I wonder if my doctor's office will call with the MRI results or if I have to wait till Dec 22nd for that other appt. This is just so frustrating-and PAINFUL!
 
Wow that is a long time to wait. I only have to wait until Dec 2nd. If you have Spondylolisthesis, then there is a fracture. I have one too. When you have your MRI, request that they give you a CD of it to take with you. I did and I could see the fracture and the slippage. The MRI place will fax your results to your DR., so give your DR. a call to get the results over the phone, or have them send you a copy of the report.
I feel your pain about the lifting restriction. My daughter is 25 pounRAB, and I still lift her every day. I have no choice... she is my child, and my husband works very different hours from me.
Keep me posted!
 
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