Just got home from my apt. with the neuro-surgeon. Went because of major pain and numbness w/my neck upper back right arm/hand. A little conused. He was a pretty strange doctor personality-wise; very much a 'head' person-no sign of compassion or any discussion about anything other than the mri.
Anyway, he said that although I have 2 ruptured discs in my neck, he doesn't think they are the cause of my pain, would not do surgery, would not offer any suggestions as what might be the problem if not my neck (just that 'ra is painful'.), and would not give me anything for pain. (I haven;t had any type of pain meds since december.) And said to go back to my regular doctor, unless I wanted to get an mri on my lower back (lots of probs there too) at which time he would "review it if I wanted him to."
Of course, I did not want surgery, but was hoping something would alleviate my pain (about 8 1/2 on a 1-10 scale) Pretty much unbearable, and it's just scary because of the numbness getting worse.. It is exremely hard to sit and do admin work all day.
The presumed next steps would be to go to another doctor, but I can't take off work with having to fill in for someone who resigned, and it took me 2 mos. to get this appt. So my choices are pretty limited for now. Have to keep my job, so have to work, etc.
I did speak with the receptionist at my rheumy's office and told them the results and that I really needed something for pain The doc was not in the office..out for a couple of days, so waiting on that too. I was able to make it all the way home on the bus without crying. :-)
So, going to take some advil and try to prepare for work tomorrow, and cry. Thanks for listening!
I would go back to my family dr. and tell him how the appt. went and see what he recommends. You can't just go on like this. You are miserable. Don't just let this go. You need some relief and soon!
Yes, your job is important. But, so it your health and wellbeing. Without it, you can't work. Please take care of yourself!
Hi Tara,
I'm so sorry to hear that you are in such pain. Do you have any emergency health clinics in your area that are open at night? Perhaps you could see one of their doctors to prescribe something for the pain... a stop gap measure while you're waiting to hear from your rheumie.
Hope you're feeling better soon.
Thanks you guys. All great suggestions. I decided to go ahead with the mri for the lumbar spine, just to see what they do/don't find. Then I won't be wondering...
I know it will work out. Really going to forget about worrying about my job, and more about taking care of myself.
That's the spirit!
The MRI is a good idea, Tara. It'll give a clear picture of what happening in the lumbar area.
Also check with your regular GP/PCP as that is who Rx's my pain meds if the rheumy doesn't want to. So sorry about your appt. We look so forward to our appts. hoping to get an answer and it is hard when that doesn't happen which is more often than not.
((((Hugs)))) and prayers for you.
Tara, that's not good news. The way the system works in Australia is that the GP (family doctor) is the master-mind who sends us to specialists who report back to the GP. Our specialists are often loth to prescribe pain killers because that's in the GP's court as only the GP knows all of the drugs we are on and can watch out for drug conflict. From your post it sounds similar in the United States so perhaps you could discuss your pain issues with your local doctor without expecting too much from specialists, unless, of course, they are prescribing within their speciality. The neuro-surgeon, for example, would not presume to know much about RA, that's why he sends you back to your local doctor. By the same token, the rheumy is only comfortable prescribing RA meds, not general pain killers.
Be upfront with your local Dr about your pain and between you try to discover what works for you. Then you can tackle the other nasties with at least somewhat less pain. Good luck to you, Des.
Well, I don't think much of what he said. That's a rather odd answer for a neurosurgeon to give since he is finding damage. I think you are right to get the MRI because it's so hard to get them ordered.
But then if he doesn't give you better answers your next visit, get the films and the reports and get another opinion. In the meantime, I would get started on the pain specialist right away. Sometimes it takes months to get in to see one and they do look at films/reports before treating you. They do have treatments for disc problems. In the meantime, until you can get into the neurosurgeon or a pain specialist, you have every right to have your primary or your RD write you some kind of prescription for pain. Even doctors that are very relunctant to prescribe some kind of narcotics will do so if they know you are asking to be sent to a pain specialist.
And, regarding work, you have the doctor write you a note each and every time you have to miss work for one of these appointments. I believe that they are not accomodating your disability and could actually get in trouble for that. You can check out the regulations at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/. Look specifically for rheumatoid arthritis. It will give you a better idea of what your rights are.
Going to an Urgent Care after work or the ER is another option. With as much pain as you are in and damager already showing up on your MRI, they should take you seriously. But that's dependent on whether you can afford the ER visit.
I cannot believe that the neurosurgeon didn't prescribe something for the pain, consider that kind of damage in the neck of someone with RA significant, didn't suggest a pain specialist or physical therapy.
Get thee to another doctor because your instincts on this are right.