"Mechanical pain"
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi everyone,
I've been reading your posts and found them very helpful. It's thanks to the power of Google that I started suspecting AS might be exactly what I have. However! Like some people here, that's not what the rheumatologist thought today. I should be ecstatic that he believes I have mechanical pain but I'm not convinced!
I'm a 41-YO woman and my symptoms are:
-Middle and lower back pain, wakes me up at 4am and doesn't go away until I get up and start moving. Started 4-5Y ago now and again, last 6 months frequent, weeks at a time, doesn't matter where I sleep ( changed bed, mattress, added memory foam...no difference)
-Index finger light pain for 2Y, hurts touching the area lightly, like neuropathic pain. Normal x-ray (GP though ?periosteal lifting)
-Achilles/peroneal pain in certain positions 1 1/2Y
-I have bumps on some fingernails
-I had unexplained optic neuritis in 2012
My inflammatory markers are negative
HLAB27 negative
He examined me thoroughly and concluded I just have mechanical pain.
This is my MRI report:
There is cervical spondylosis at C5/6 there is a broad based
posterior disc osteophyte bar this results in bilateral
foraminal narrowing and impingement of both exiting C6 nerve
roots.
At C6/7 there is a further posterior disc osteophyte bar
resulting in bilateral foraminal narrowing. There is
impingement of both exiting C7 nerve roots.
No other significant disc lesion
Thoracic:
Normal alignment. There are posterior disc protrusions at
T7/8 and T8/9. No associated compression.
Lumbar:
Normal alignment. There is loss of disc height and hydration
at L4/5 and L5/S1.
At l4/5 there is a non compressive disc bulge.
At L5/S1 there is broad based disc bulge with bilateral
facet hypertrophy . This results in left lateral recess and
foraminal narrowing. The disc is in contact with both the
exiting L5 and descending left S1 nerve roots but no
definite compression.
Conclusion:
Cervical spondylosis
Lumbar degenerative disease
Do you expert people agree with my consultant?
I was certain he would confirm my suspicions. I was certain I had AS. The pain I have is still tolerable as on/off but... not AS?!
Thank you in advance
Julia
0 likes, 13 replies
juliapal
Posted
CtKathleen juliapal
Posted
I have AS and am HLAB27 negative. My recommendation is a second opinion. Another rheumatologist can test for inflammatory markers, etc. I’m not a doctor, but I know there are other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
Also, you can visit the NASS website and try some of the non-medical treatments and find out if it improves your symptoms (swimming, diet, physio, etc.)
Good luck!
juliapal CtKathleen
Posted
Thank you Kathleen. My inflammatory markers were negative but then again that might reflect the absence of a flare-up I suppose?
I shall give swimming a go, you're right. I'm a gym bunny and a runner but I don't know what I should/shouldn't do in terms of exercising as of course I have no diagnosis so didn't ask the rheumatologist.
I will request a second opinion. Thank you!
CtKathleen
Posted
masha17 juliapal
Posted
I agree with CtKathleen - look for a second opinion.
I too am negative for that gene, but my symptoms are textbook AS. My joints do not show any damage but the pain is constant. My doctor prescribed me recently a second round of cortisol which I will not take. I took it once for an ungodly episode I had last year and it wreaked havoc on my hormones.
I change my diet, I exercise... I don't take NSAIDs.
Most recent "curiosity" is a spontaneous hematoma near my right hip. It feels as if I seriously hurt myself, which I didn't, but the pain is strong and there is even a bruise slowly coming up to the surface .
My pain changes regions. My lower back have been fine most of the time in these past months, but hips, femurs and knees are pretty active, especially on the right side. Other joint sometimes join in...
So, if you can see another specialist.
juliapal masha17
Posted
How did you get your diagnosis?
Would you say you get easy bruising or is that a one-off?
masha17 juliapal
Posted
My rheumatologist ordered all the tests (blood, X-ray...) and concluded that despite the lack of any damage on the joints it was AS. My main symptoms during the first (and the worst) episode were sacroiliac pain and horrible muscle spasms that led to a postural distortion, that was fortunately resolved.
I had had even two years before some joint pain but never like this.
The internal medicine specialist I saw after confirmed the diagnosis.
I feel rusty and after prolonged sitting I have difficulties moving normally. Same goes when I wake up.
Guest juliapal
Posted
juliapal Guest
Posted
It was after seeing the scan...which clearly shows degeneration etc, unless I'm misinterpreting?
Guest juliapal
Posted
Does he know about the other symptoms you mentioned? Has he given you another diagnosis other than mechanical pain? It's not necessarily AS but your doctor's explanation doesn't sound very satisfactory to me.
Do you have another appointment? Perhaps seek recommendations for more open-minded rheumatologists in your area and see if you can get an appointment with one of them.
juliapal Guest
Posted
Thank you for your reply.
I was nervous at the appointment, sweating all over and felt rushed. I didn't list every single thing, no.
He discharged me saying he recommends physiotherapy for my "mechanical" aches. I do tonnes of sports including yoga and pilates, core, strength, cardio and running but yeah I'll try.
I have already made a GP appointment for a second opinion referral. We shall see!
Guest juliapal
Posted
Great, good luck. Obviously I hope it isn't anything more serious and that physio sorts it out, but I had similar symptoms and normal blood tests and it was a real struggle to get my rheumatologist to believe my pain was inflammatory. I have probable psoriatic arthritis (and a new rheumatologist!).
juliapal Guest
Posted
Ha! See, I think that's what I have too (bumpy nails, achilles inflammatory pain and index finger)
Thank you