A new person

[Kathybair]

Sorry if the title is misleading, but I could not find a more appropriate title that would fit my problem.

Background, female, 50years old, diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome a year ago.  All of which are being treated with cox2inhibitors, paracetmol and various topical preparations.

I have also been taking amitrtiptyline for neurpathy in feet for about 18 months. My problem is I have a real nasty intermittent pain in my right shin.  It is worse after walking for more than a few minutes, or driving more than a few miles. It wakes me up in the night, even after taking painkillers.

My GP has suggested tendonitis for the past three months, but now as added a topical NSAID and is going to refer me for physiotherapy.  I have two thoughts about this pain: After major gyny surgery two years ago, I had to gradually build up my stamina and started to walk uphill over about 15 minutes, and then back down in my lunch hour. I needed to increase my stamina as I had also just about got my asthma medication sorted and had the breath to get back to some exercise. Then, when I could do this walk ok, I enrolled at a gym, and over about two months increased my walking on the treadmill up to about one mile - broken into two half mile sessions.  It was around that time that my feet became really painful, and I had to stop going to the gym. The arthritis was subsequently diagnosed.

Also, about 10 years ago, I fell down a hole in the garden. I didn't break any bones, but had a very painful ankle for a couple of months, which I rested. The injury was right at the front and top of my ankle.  My question is, could this shin pain be related to the gym, or the fall, even though it has only become acute recently? also, I have flat feet, for which I wear orthotics in my shoes.

Any advice would be very gratefull received, as I am beginning to feel like a burden to my doctor, and am still in a lot of pain, almost daily.


Thanks.
Kathy  

[Kathybair]

Hi Sue

Thanks for your thoughts.  I am having a flare up of the Sjogren's at the moment, so everything hurts.  However, I will see how it goes and contact GP on Monday, if need be.

I am in England, and the system for doctors is very different to yours. Although I also have private health insurance, I have to rely on the GP to refer me.  It's not the easiest situation, but my physio appointment (arranged by the GP) is in two weeks and I will see what the physio says, and see whether she can arrange a referral.

Will let you know how it goes.

Kathy    

[smittygirl]

Hi Kathy,

Just a thought here, I would try to get an appt. with an Orthopaedic doc.  If you have that much pain there is something wrong.  Have you had any xrays or an MRI done of your leg?    Don't ignore it and please don't feel like you are a burden to your doctor, they are there and we pay them to help us.  If he/she ever makes you feel that way then it's time to find a new doc.  I work for doctors and patients that are pro-active are the best kind.  Let me know how you make out and good luck to you.

Sue