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prolapsed discs in neck and back also Arthritis either side of the discs

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amandalovick
amandalovick

Can anyone help me. I have got prolapsed discs and arthritis in neck and back with chronic pain from neck down left arm to tingling and coldness in fingers and in middle of the back down my left buttock, leg down to tingling and coldness in toes. ive tried everything Gp suggested from physio, hydro therapy, accupuncture and even gym work even steroid injection nothing helped.Had MRIs a few times first nerves where trapped now apparently nerves not trapped anymore but pain is getting worse. Ive had every tablet you can have nothing works. i went back to Gp today and was basically told nothing can be done. Im 45 and can't hardly do anything im in so much pain even lifting a kettle is excruciating. Surely there is something that can be done. Can someone please help me. Thank you

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • scott17436
    scott17436 amandalovick

    Posted

    Have you been seen by a neurologist or an orthopaedic back surgeon? If not I'd do what I did and get your Dr to refer you privately. Consultation will cost you £150-£200 but your scans are already done. You'll find that the surgeon also works in your local hospital and can, if required, see you there for follow ups.

    If they want another scan, a full back/neck MRI can be upwards of £1000. Been there and done it to get where I am now.

    At some point you're going to have to go over your Dr's head as they are not specialists.

    Have you tried BuTran patches. I'm currently on these and for first time in 5 years the edge is off my pain. Worth a punt.

    • amandalovick
      amandalovick scott17436

      Posted

      Hi Scott, been to neurologist and have had about 4 MRIs first one was just my back and my nerve was trapped so i was given a steroid inection. The second one was an accidental MRI as before i had it i told surgeon that my neck and arm had started to become painfull so instead of back MRI i was given a neck MRI thats when they found out i had Prolapsed discs in my neck too. Either side of prolapsed discs is where the arthritis is. S o when results where in i was give an injection in my neck both never worked. I had 2 more scans and the last one came back as nerve not trapped but lower back starting to curve. I was told as the nerve wasnt trapped there was nothing he could do so i was just sent back to GP. My GP just keeps going through different medications which have no effect at all. Im at my whits end. Ive tried 2 types of patches up to maximum dose no help. Im on zomorph, Oramorph, Nefapam and trazadone. Still nothing working they dom't even make me drowsy so can't even get any s;eep with pain either.
    • scott17436
      scott17436 amandalovick

      Posted

      Get a second, third and fourth opinion. Only way to get where you want and that's pain free, or as much as possible.

      Where do you live? Certain areas don't have spinal provision and I live in one that is Lanarkshire. I need to go into Glasgow to see surgeons. Not a hassle but you wait longer as you are going outside your local NHS. Good luck and keep nagging and annoying people till you get an definitive answer.

    • amandalovick
      amandalovick scott17436

      Posted

      I will defo go for more opinions thanks Scott. I live on the border of Sunderland and Durham in North East
  • lyn65518
    lyn65518 amandalovick

    Posted

    I wish I had the answer because I have excruciating pain in both my arms at the moment, I have severe osteoarthritis in lower back but it's not that painfull, I get more pain from the neck shoulders and left side back. I have been told to just keep moving easier said than done, I can walk with no problem even though I am in pain, I only take co-coda mol 15/500 If I take the higher dose they make me feel sick, The only thing that makes me feel better is being in water but can't stay in water all day, I am off to the doctor again Friday to go with all this I now have chronic sinus problems, I am 63 and this is the time when I should be enjoying my retirement but instead I am trying to deal with all this pain. If anyone has been given medication that relieves this pain please let me know.....

     

    • amandalovick
      amandalovick lyn65518

      Posted

      Hope you get some relief soon Lynn. It's not nice being in so muh pain x
  • beverley82498
    beverley82498 amandalovick

    Posted

    I agree with Scot.I'm no expert,but my hubby has nerve damage lower down at L4/5 & symptoms are similar.Get a referal (privatly if necessary) to a neuro surgeon.He will know of latest pain relief & whether surgery is an option.There is also spinal stimulation which could work for you. Be prepared to travel outside your area to see the best.Research before going to GP & tell him you want a referral to the person of your choice.We have learnt,if you don't ask,you don't get.Make a noise!Good luck.
    • amandalovick
      amandalovick beverley82498

      Posted

      Hi Beverley, i've already been to a Neurourgeon. I firstly got told nerves where trapped to i got injections. They didn't work so i was sent to physio, hydrotherapy, gym work and accupuncture also mixture of medication. Nothing worked had few more MRI's still trapped nerves but wasn't offered  any more injections just more different medication. The last MRI nerves were not trapped so now he wont do anything. So end up at GP's but just get medication mixed around with old meds that ive already taken. Pain is getting so bad some days i can't walk, and im only 45. Going back to see one of the better docs on Friday. Praying something gets done
    • beverley82498
      beverley82498 amandalovick

      Posted

      When the nerves were trapped they could have been damaged.Ask for referal to pain clinic where you can get latest drug for neuropathic pain Tapentadol)Also ask about spinal cord stimulator.Don't give up,help is there.
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