Tried To Not Go

[emmie]

off the deep end, but this is beyond a joke
back pain still very much in evidence, base of spine, and neck bone, it's painful, awkward and can't bend much at all, and for almost a year, though i had put this down to something else, both feet hurt in the bones, ankles get shooting pains and goes up into the legs, have lumps now on big toes, could be bunions? one is quite large, white and gets shooting pains. and pains all the times in the legs, right into the damn hips,
i have spent days on and off crying with the pain, the painkillers don't seem to last long, and they do give me gip in the stomach.
after contacting them again have an appointment for this evening, this is such a bloody trial - sorry if i sound a moanie,

[emmie]

was told initially way back in May it might be sciatica, but if it was why hasn't it gone by now.

[albaqwerty]

Em, you have been in too much pain and discomfort for too long. I'd be asking why you haven't been referred to a joint specialist (I'm sure they've got a name)
Surely you should have and an mri scan and similar by now?

Hope tonight's appointment goes well. Is it with GP?

[jackthehat]

Sciatica is a symptom, emmie.

If you have a bulging disc pressing on a nerve....it's the disc that needs addressing. Until the 'irritant' is removed, the pain will continue, I'm afraid.

As a fellow sufferer, you have my sympathies.

[emmie]

i have had problems of a similar nature in the past, the feet thing is a nightmare, had initially put it down to shoes, don't wear high heels, but mostly flats, trainers, sandals, but the electric shock type pains go from underneath then on top of the foot and up to the legs, the kneecaps have been giving me hell as well, or surrounding area, i am now worried that the physio which i didn't want, made things worse. The woman actually hurt me, which surely is a first...

[emmie]

yes GP, the one i would prefer to see is not in that late, but see what the other says. I have been waiting for a scan for a long time, MRI is not possible unless they knock me out, but i did say i would def do a CT scan, not quite as enclosed. The bones in my hands hurt as well, so holding cup is awkward, painful. It's the relentless throbbing pain in the legs, feet that have totally undone me,

[jackthehat]

Have you discussed your fears regarding the MRI scan?

I am probably going to be going for my 3rd in the next little while. They are not my idea of a fun day out, BUT it is a small price to pay for a firm diagnosis.....one that can enable your medical team to pinpoint the cause of your pain and distress and, hopefully, alleviate it.

[albaqwerty]

sciatica is a nasty piece of work. I suffered big time when I was pregnant with the first son, still get twinges 20 -odd years later.

Em, I hope this doc will set you to get sorted.
Sorry, didn't know you couldn't do mri's, quite an experience, but they seem to be more helpful these days with music and so on available.

Please keep us posted on how you get on this evening xx

[emmie]

yes, i am claustrophobic, tried it twice in the past and had a panic attack both times, they had to get me out....

[emmie]

i do agree with what you say, i did try believe me.

[EcclesCake]

Have you tried Valium prior to your MRI?

[jackthehat]

I completely understand........the first one came as a bit of a shock to me and I had to really struggle to stay still and calm. :o(

Here's hoping that your GP has some positive news for you this evening. :o)

[albaqwerty]

Em, have you thought about hypnosis regarding the claustrophobia?

I believe some (only some) hospitals offer this though.

I'm only suggesting the hypnosis for the mri scan, not a full time thing.

[emmie]

i was given something at the time, it didn't help. If only they have standing type scanners, no problem.

[bednobs]

I would guess if you've already made it clear that you won't accept the diagnostic procedure, the GP probably thinks it can't be all that bad (if you would rather suffer than gird your loins for an MRI scan). CT scans are not good at looking for the causes of back pain especially not if it is a disc or nerves that are causing the problem, or it's a soft tissue problem.
However, this is just a guess. I do feel for you because constant pains are a real drag. However it might be best to accept the mri and ask for some light sedation for it.

[emmie]

the gp's know about the problem, i have discussed this at length, they did however mess up the referrals, it's why it's taken so long.

[emmie]

a CT scan some years back did pick up a problem that the x ray did not, i know it would be better with MRI, let me see what the doctor says this evening...

[pixie373]

I hope it goes well, emmie. It isn't fair for you to be in so much pain so much of the time. Maybe you need an osteopath, rather than physio? Let us know how it goes x