is it or isnt it
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi all, newbie here looking for advice.
Had depression all my life (42 now & suffered since childhood), take fluoxetine 20mg which is helping massively for now. Had surgery on cervical spine 5yrs ago for prolapsed disc, have protruding discs in lumbar area & arthritis in my spine. About 8mths ago I was getting a hot stabbing pain in both of my hips & across the bottom of my spine, gp diagnosed bursitis & sent me to a rheumatologist who seemed more interested in my disc problems, so gp prescribed naproxen & tramadol which initially helped though it doesn't completely take away the pain. Over the last 2wks the pain has become more of an intense dull ache, mainly in my hips but going down throughout both legs, my legs feel incredibly restless when im still / lay down, they also feel heavy when im walking. I have pain in my neck & shoulders similar to that in my hips & generally feel knackered.
Don't want to waste gps time as i seem to be there on a regular basis at the mo but cant carry on like this, no sign of any improvement, any ideas or comments welcome.
Many thanks
1 like, 3 replies
trisha87499 sally50373
Posted
First of all sally, you are not wasting the doctors time, if you need to see them, then you go, that's what they're getting paid for, I like you have had depression since as far back as 12, I remember vividly having all the signs, I am also on fluoxetine and it seems to work for me. I also have fibromyalgia and diverticular disease so I am a frequent visitor or caller to the doctors, they don't treat me any different as they know I'm suffering, please don't feel as if you can't go, it's the only way your going to get better, talking on here helps also. If you have any specific questions try us out too, because it's amazing how many people can give you invaluable advice. Good luck
bronwyn97278 sally50373
Posted
Morning Sally; I can certainly understand "your concern re your visits to doctors", as we too get a bit fedup with having to keep going back, and not getting anywhere.
?However, I am thinking that as the Rhuematolist appeared more concerned with your Disc problems, and not what you went for, perhaps a re-visiit to your usual Orthopaedic Surgeon may be a starting point. Once you have evidence that "the sharp shooting pains in hips/legs and neck area" are not related to your bulging discs, then try another Rhuematologist. A Rhuemy's job is to provide you with the most "appropriate pain relief for your condition/s". If you suspect that these pains are Not related to your discs, and have a copy of the Ortho's report, then ask to be assessed on what is the problem. I am hoping that along with any of your previous visits, that someone has ordered NEW MRIs to see where you are at, now. If these tests come back Negative, then this is where the Fibro comes into play.....a pain syndrome not caused by any other source, and fits into the category of the "listed" criteria.
?Hoping this gives some direction to getting you sorted? Let us know how you get on, and we can all start thinking together for you. I don't think your present medications would be having much effect on your pain. One that I feel maybe of assistance (if at all related to nerves ie nerve stimulation) then trialling something like a nerve-blocker such as Gabapentin or Amitriptylline ??? Bron
tory38006 sally50373
Posted
and neck. Please look up polymyalgia rheumatica and see if you think
that fits your symptoms.It is something to ask your gp.On the PMR
forum Eileen and Anhaga are great resources for asking questions.
I am still working through a diagnosis for it.Just a thought