Frustrated at Dr Only Wanting to Argue and Push Pills

As the others have said on this post, they were treated very well by the NHS.  Unfortunately it seems to be a county lottery as far as help goes on the NHS.  Where do you live?

Hi Constance.  I live in Hertfordshire in the UK.  I waited over six months for the first appointment on referral from my GP.  The rheumy said definitely not fibro but thought it might be excess iron in blood. Ferritin test proved negative however.  In meantime I had an ultrasound which showed full thickness rupture of bicep tendons (rotator cuff) got referred to ortho surgeon (4 month wait), he referred me for MRI which showed reduction in discs in neck (ie beginnings of OA).  Referred me for physio. Two months later had one appointment with PT but just got given a photocopied sheet with some neck exercises.  Then 6 months after 1st rheumy appointment got review appt with her.  Despite my pain issues being elsewhere in body than neck/shoulder, plus many other symptoms such as over sensitivity to light, sounds, stomach problems, chronic fatigue etc., she seemed to want to put the cause down to the shoulder problems and not sleeping properly and said only option was to take pain meds and once my sleep was better all the other problems would miraculously disappear.  I'm only not sleeping well DUE to the pain and the light/sound/fatigue started before my sleep problems.  This has taken over 4 years, with so far 16 lots of blood tests and I'm back to square one - ie 'take this pill' - I've tried everything they've offered - amitryptaline, gabapentin, tramadol, anti inflamms, paracetamol, the list goes on.  They either dont work or have such horrendous side effects that I have to stop taking them.  When I said to the rheumy that I really would prefer not to get hooked on something toxic and addictive she got angry and that's when she said - I'm not a surgeon, I'm a pill pusher.....there is nothing else, take it or leave it. She's considered very eminent apparently but to be honest a little bit of sympathy and understanding would have helped.  I didnt choose to get sick and I've always tried to stay healthy, fit and eat well - before this I didnt have high blood pressure, wasnt overweight, normal blood sugar, etc etc.

Hi Elizabeth,

I read your post with great interest, I have just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of my knee, at 44, it's took me by surprise as I was pretty fit and active,( running, biking, spin, gym) and didn't realise my knee was getting so bad as I didn't have pain doing these activities. I feel terrible that I have probably accelerated this, when I was trying to get fit and active, to keep doing stuff with my sons, we hiked a lot as a family, and I won't be able to climb mountains anymore.

I am not in great pain, at the moment, but have am struggling with all the restrictions, I cant really walk down stairs or upstairs normally, but was doing everything fine, just 2 months ago, have bought a walking stick, find standing still pretty uncomfortable after about 5-10 mins, and find slopes a real challenge. I think a knee replacement is in my future now, so I am interested in your story, having had one so young, were you able to return to activities?

Hello Catherine, I am sorry you are having trouble with Osteo Athritis and being young. It's very difficult to compare what one person suffers to another. I had Septic Arthritis aged 11 which then became Osteo Arthritis, so i have suuffered most of my life. I had my first knee replacement due to deformity and my ligaments gone. Surgeons will look at each case due to it's own merits. My right one is normal wear and tear from taking a lot of strain off my left knee. I suspect you have normal wear and tear from your activities. I would only consider a knee replacement if you are in constant pain day and night. Walking up and down stairs is a problem and standing as you say. My right knee as had a partial knee done which are quite successful. I cannot really say about returning to normal activities as i have not being very active most of my life due to my left knee. You will be able to walk well and maybe several miles after, you won't be able to run or do high impact exercises or where you would be twisting. You should be able to do some workouts at the gym and ride a bike. Swimming is good exercise. So you will not be totally restricted, you can change the activities. If the operation is successful you will be pain free after recovery. Only your surgeon can see what damage your knee is in so be guided by what they say. Only have the operation if all else as failed. Being young you will be more supple than say someone in their 70's so will be more mobile afterwards. ONly make a choice when you know all the facts from your surgeon. I would not of walked again at 39 without a new knee. I know have stents from my second knee to support it. I can say from all the operations i have had i am walking fairly normal now with just a stick, i am hoping i may walk without for short distances in time. It's wonderful what can be done with modern medicne. 

I hope you will be able to find whats best for you at this stage. 

Best wishes.

Elizabeth.