Do Phycisians really care?

I went to see a new Rheumatologist yesterday, because I cannot put my left
foot at all on the floor, the all leg hurt , the left one, from buttock to
foot, so I am thinking, ( should not do that too often) I hurt my back
lifting a patient years ago, I was a Nurse's aide, not a glamorous job, but
I loved it and miss it so much, anyways, at the time if I remember right it
was 1998, the work comp Doctor take some X rays. and I am sure I do
remember, something wrong with a disk, you know like between L4 and L5, I
am just giving you an example, because I do not really know what it means,
at the time I took some meds, I was supposed to stay off longer, but signed
a release to go back to work, the job was not paying much, but I needed to
work to raised my Daughter, I was alone doing so, my first husband decided
to find a younger woman, ok I know off the subject.
back to my pain, searching on the internet, on WebMD, I looked at the
symptoms of sciatica, and bingo, pain starting in the buttocks going down
the nerve, always to the foot, who gets numb at night, I mention that to my
new Doctor, asking, is there some rests that can be done, response you have
advanced Osteo, and that's yet, went home with some more medications, a pack
of Prednisone, those power pack, but I still don't have any answer, I am so
confused, so sick of all the BS, one gave me Mobic telling me its safer than
Celebrex, go online looking at side effects, same ones, even worst, who do
you suppose to listen too, I feel helpless, so once more I am asking your
help, first how many of you have osteo versus RA, do you think I should push
on for the X rays on my back,
Why do some Physicians treat their patients like someone below them, I hope
you understand what I mean.
Thank you and please give me some input.

Ladybug aka Gigi, the Ladybug is flying low and with onky only one wing.

>
>
> I went to see a new Rheumatologist yesterday, because I cannot put my left
> foot at all on the floor, the all leg hurt , the left one, from buttock to
> foot, so I am thinking, ( should not do that too often) I hurt my back
> lifting a patient years ago, I was a Nurse's aide, not a glamorous job,
> but I loved it and miss it so much, anyways, at the time if I remember
> right it was 1998, the work comp Doctor take some X rays. and I am sure I
> do remember, something wrong with a disk, you know like between L4 and
> L5, I am just giving you an example, because I do not really know what it
> means, at the time I took some meds, I was supposed to stay off longer,
> but signed a release to go back to work, the job was not paying much, but
> I needed to work to raised my Daughter, I was alone doing so, my first
> husband decided to find a younger woman, ok I know off the subject.
> back to my pain, searching on the internet, on WebMD, I looked at the
> symptoms of sciatica, and bingo, pain starting in the buttocks going down
> the nerve, always to the foot, who gets numb at night, I mention that to
> my new Doctor, asking, is there some rests that can be done, response you
> have advanced Osteo, and that's yet, went home with some more medications,
> a pack of Prednisone, those power pack, but I still don't have any answer,
> I am so confused, so sick of all the BS, one gave me Mobic telling me its
> safer than Celebrex, go online looking at side effects, same ones, even
> worst, who do you suppose to listen too, I feel helpless, so once more I
> am asking your help, first how many of you have osteo versus RA, do you
> think I should push on for the X rays on my back,
> Why do some Physicians treat their patients like someone below them, I
> hope you understand what I mean.
> Thank you and please give me some input.
>
> Ladybug aka Gigi, the Ladybug is flying low and with onky only one wing.
>
Hi Gigi,
I hear you. I am at present suffering a lesser version of what you have
(only have pain in the butt!)
You are correct that you are pinching the sciatic nerve in your back. I am
not a doctor though. Pain meds will only try to cover the symptoms and can't
treat the problem. Something needs to be done to relieve the pressure on the
nerve itself. That treatment can vary from chiropractic manipulation to full
blown back surgery. If you have a chiropractor available you might try that.
How long has this pain been going on? Since 1998??
Docs will always try meds first (least invasive) and then go up the ladder
from there to finally end at the most invasive attempt to correct the
problem if necessary. Hang in there and be persistent with them if you are
not getting relief.
GaryZ

Some doctors do care, and some would do the medical community a service by
finding jobs with no direct patient contact. I always tell people to change
doctors until you find one who will work with you and treat you as part of the
team instead like a three year old. After a few changes, I now have doctors who
actually listen to me, answer questions and make sure I understand the answers.

As for dealing with a pinched nerve, sometimes physical therapy and exercises
which involve stretching the neck and back (as directed and instructed by a
good therapist) can alleviate some of the pain. About ten years ago, I had a
pinched nerve in my neck which caused pain (and sometimes numbness) in my left
leg. My RD sent me for twice a week out-patient therapy to a rehab center where
I had 15 minutes of traction followed by stretching exercises. This did help,
and, after two months, I stopped the therapy, but was told to continue the
stretching on a regular basis, with additional stretching as needed.

I have also found that keeping WARM (including hot showers and using an extra
blanket at night) seems to help.

I hope you find a doctor who will work with you instead of at you.
Norman

Gigi, it is amazing how wide a range of attitudes you find in doctors, isn't
it? I've been lucky to mostly hove good doctors. We moved 3 times in 5
years and I became quite accusstomed to asking everyone in sight for doctor
recommendations. Had no real option in RD when we moved to this area though
and just got lucky that he's a good one.

On to your back - my stepdaughter's freshman year of college she had a
classic fall on the ice and messed up the L4-5 disc. The chiro I was seeing
at the time told me that is THE most commonly injured disc in the spine,
which jusst means you are in good company. In addition to Gary's chiro &
surgery suggestions, it could be well worth your while to have some physical
therapy. They'd probably want more detail on what's actually going on in
there though so they don't end up damaging you more than helping you. (for
instance, if you have a bulging disc they will treat you differently than a
simple degenerative situation.)

I'd say push to get X-rays or an MRI or whatever would be diagnostically best
for your symptoms. (my last round of bad neck problems, my then doc went
with an MRI as it shows disc issues better.) Then you could get a PT
referral, or maybe go to a chiro. If your primary doc seems less haughty
than your RD, you might try to go through him. Or maybe you can just call
your RD's office and ask them to ask him about doing this and maybe get it
all ordered without having to see him..... though he doesn't really sound
like the best doctor to try that with, unfortunately.

Good luck with the Mobic. I tried it for 3-4 weeks about 18 months ago. It
made my ankles swell like nobody's business. At first I didn't realize that
was the problem as I was also traveling, 1300 miles of driving each way, and
thought it might be from that. When it reached the point I could barely walk
because of the swelling (this was on my drive back) I connected the two and
decided to cut out the Mobic on the last day and a half of my drive. There
was rapid and noticeable improvement so that was the end of that NSAID. Just
saying all this so you'll know should you start having the same symptoms.

--
Nann
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Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare