Frustrated with my 5 minutes with the consultant

Your experience with the consultant sounds remarkably familiar to me. In 1998, I waited about four months to see a rheumatologist who saw me for less than ten minutes during which time he asked several questions and constantly interrupted my answers. He insisted I had rheumatism which was obviously a load of rubbish. And he's not the only doctor I've come across to display this \"road block\" attitude. So, I can fully understand the frustration you must be feeling at the moment. At least you're being referred at this stage for an MRI scan. In my case, I had to wait a further ten years to reach that stage. If you've actually been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis, then I cannot understand the doctor's claim that the pain in your shoulders and arms is not related to the problems in your neck. Only last year, I was told virtually the same thing by another doctor which seems to suggest a high level of ignorance on the part of some doctors about this condition. Although it may seem like a crazy thing to say, you must hoping that the MRI scan actually shows something. Having been in an almost identical position, that's exactly what I thought. And, thank goodness, the scan showed severe degeneration in my neck. If you want to talk further with me, don't be afraid to send a private message. I think it could be useful to compare our experiences.

Yes I am relieved to be having an MRI scan, and yes in truth hoping that something is found that will go some way to explaining why I feel like I do some days.

It is comforting to know that there are people out there that understand what I am going through as I have got to the stage where I even question myself. I can't claim however to have a real understanding of this condition and wish someone could unpick it for me and explain why so much of my upper body hurts. The consultant was quite dismissive about the wear and tear in my neck which also troubles me. Finally one last mystery I would love someone to explain: why are consultants so humourless? :roll:

as you can tell little bear we on this site could tell you some tales about our aches and pains. i myself am coming up to a stone wall with a view to further diagnosis on the situation of my neck. i have had this problem for 17yrs, and recently i am getting more and more new symptoms. recently my outer fingers have gone dead so suddenly i wondered what had hit me, i have asked for another referral to an orthopod, but my gp outright refused to send me to that or the pain clinic. i am contacting the surgery tomorrow to get another appointment with another gp. so persist and dont let them fob you off , we are always here for moral support and any help we can give.

[quote:15d78423f4=\"Little Bear\"]I had an appointment with my consultant today, which lasted a whole five minutes. He says that the pain in my shoulders and arms is NOT related to my problems with my neck. He is sending me for an MRI scan on my neck and referring me to a shoulder specialist to try and find out what the problems in my shoulders and arms are. I can't help but feel frustrated at this. The pain in my ribs is really bad tonight, perhaps i'll tell the 'shoulder man' and he can refer me to a rib specialist! AAAAAGH! :cry:[/quote:15d78423f4]

Sorry to hear you are suffering, a lot of people on this website I am sure will relate to you. I am not so bad at the moment and in fact think I have levelled out, thanks to my efforts with stretching, exercise and watching my posture while sitting/standing.

When I was bad, pain would radiate from my neck to my shoulders, ribs and arm (just like my older sister, who has a much worse level than me); therefore I can't help feeling your consultant may be talking rubbish.

I have come across some very sympathetic but equally unsypathetic, even patronising, consultants - way to deal with the latter is by being informed, being assertive and firm, then you get more of their respect. I have not allowed anyone to tell me that what I was feeling was minor, but at the same time I didn't bleat on to everyone about it, it's a balancing act.

The great thing is though, you are getting an MRI so that is something positive that should be in your mind - they can unveal many things that x-rays and the 'instincts' of specialists can not.

I know stretching and exercise may be the last thing on your mind, but make sure you are doing some very gentle stretching every day after a bath/shower. This may need to become part of your every day life once you have the MRI and know what is wrong - hopefully then you will be referred to a physiotherapist.