Fed up with doctors who cannot agree..
Posted , 4 users are following.
I was diagnosed with having cervical ribs abroad at the age of 13. I was warned that when I am older things may get complicated.. However, I didn't realise how frustrating things could get. I am not 27, I have chronic pain in right side of neck and down my arm. Last night my right hand went completely numb and I freaked out. I get tingling down my hands anyway but I had never had it this bad. I have tried the physio says I have a mechanical problem and don't have cervical ribs.. Then I tried the osteopath, who suggests the doctors abroad were right and I do have cervical ribs. I go to the GP and he just says I have muscle problems.. I am soo fed up with it all. I no longer know which direction to take, I can't continue having painkillers all the time. The doctors make you feel like s*** and really don't have any empathy to how much it effects my everyday life. I am now considering going private but not sure if I need to see ortapaedics or vascular? Does any one have any recommendations of doctors who are willing to diagnose this annoying syndrome??
0 likes, 4 replies
cobwebs925
Posted
You need to go to your doctor and explain that you need to be referred to someone who can confirm if you need to be treated for this. If your artery is being compacted (as mine was) its not just pain and weakness but in rare circumstances can result in anurisim and you could be a medical emergency then. You need Xray and MRI probably nerve conductivity tests and others I cant remember what they are called
I have had the op, was referred to orthopaedics first who sent me for MRI, nerve conductivity another MRI, physio and finally referred me to a vascular surgeon who did more tests before the op. I'm now being assessed for the other side
I wish you well, you need proper testing. I dont expect any one who has not experienced this can understand what the discomfort and worry is like not even your doctor so insist on a referral
Good luck
extraribsH
Posted
then similarly to you when i was 15 my right hand went ice blue and i couldnt feel it i was in hospital for a week having all the tests in the world turned out i have cervical ribs on both sides.
im afraid you'll just have to keep pushing for further tests to find out what it is thats wrong.
good luck
macnessuk
Posted
I'm from the south east, but came up to the north west about a year and a half ago... Ive been referred to 10 consultants to date... visited nearly every bl**dy hospital on the NW SEVERAL TIMES! .... referred by the thoracic surgeon to a Plastic Surgeon call '****** ******' based at W********* Hospital.... & it's his investigations that have diagnosed two cervial ribs and thoracic outlet....
This man is thorough....I go in for an op (not sure if it's for one or both cervical ribs) next Tues... I have severe wasting of the lower right arm and hand muscles... *and* I've got a 20 month old child... I also have a history of cardiomyopathy.... everybody's ideal patient.... :-)
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macnessuk
Posted
I have all the similar symptoms... stiff neck... blahdy blah... it's been a complete nightmare. I've taken to cleaning my son's bottom by wrapping the wet wipe around my right hand knuckles and pushing that around to do the job....it really has been awful.
Keep your chin up...