Going back to work a good idea? HELP!

[brenna39]

The MRI is set up for in the morning. I called my doctor to get something faxed to my employer so she can put in for medical leave. It took 2 days of me calling and hearing "we will get back to you in just a bit" before they called back. The lady on the phone sounded very annoyed when she told me the doctor will send a note for being out this week.

This is my 3rd week of pain and cramps.I have tried going to work and my boss gets mad when I have to leave everyday with pain. The doctor plans to send me back to work on Monday. When I asked what to do if I go in and the same thing happens, I was told they would write another note.

How long will it take before these people realize that it isn't going away? I come home from therapy with the painful spasms worse than when I went in  that last through the next day.

The doctor keeps saying that it's muscle strain with mild arthritis. I have done a lot of research when I have been able to sit at my pc and I know that there are a lot of things that could be going on. I have had muscle strains from doing the same kind of work all of my working years and this "is not" muscle strain.

Should I request a copy of my records and go see someone else? This doctor seems very passive about my pain and what should be done.

[brenna39]

I had a bad night and had to sleep on the couch again so I didn't keep my fiance awake. I have a therapy appt. today and I usually have a lot of pain and spasms afterward so I will probably spend the rest of the day on the couch hoping the meds will help.

Have a good day!

[nuggetone]

If you can make it on disability go for it.  As far as the weight loss  some lose and some gain due to no activity.  However when meds make you sick and you puked all food comes up and you lose weight or just dont have an appetite.  With my surgery in Feb I gained 12 lbs but now have lost 13.  I am like you I lift alot of weight.  Today I lifted 2000lbs.  No good I know.  Then come home and start taking meds.  I hope you get relief and I will pray for you.

[brenna39]

Along with the pains and spasms in my back, I have been feeling sick to my stomach. It seems to be getting worse. My appetite has decreased and I have lost about 6 or 7 lbs in the last week.

Is this something I should worry about being associated with back problems?

[brenna39]

A friend of mine thinks I should apply for disability. She said that I won't be able to go back tot he work I have always done. Since I was 16, I have worked on my feet lifting 50+ lbs. We are talking industrial sewing, nursing, and child care in a facility where there are at least 6 and up to 14 kids, depending on age.

Should I discuss this with my dr.?

[nuggetone]

I hope your Dr has gave you something for the spasms like somas or the generic brand carisoprodol.  If not just tell them something has got to give and you need something.  My Dr said the therapy before the surgery wouldnt help me.  Just to take it easy as possible.  Oh course that was while I was waiting on surgery date.  Really I cant believe they didnt do Mri on lumbar?  Dont let the employer make you quit.  You hang in there.  Do your best and tell your employer the Mri will tell it all to please bare with you till you get this taken care of.  Express how you want to work but the pain is preventing you from doing your best.  I wish you luck and keep in touch.

[brenna39]

Got the results back from seeing a different dr. It reads:

Mild multilevel degeneration disc changes, most pronounced at T7-T8 where small central disc protrusion abuts the left ventral aspect of the thoracic spine. There is associated minimal central canal stenosis. Also minimal central disk protrusion at T1-T2, T6-T7, and T8- T9 with no significant associated stenosis.

They want to set up a lumbar MRI now. She said she didn't understand why the other dr didn't have it done at the same time...

As for my job, the boss is putting pressure on me to return or quit and the dr says play it week to week... To see if therapy helps....Hmmmm

[nuggetone]

my results took less than 24 hrs.  I went and picked up a copy and a copy on a disc.  The films they give yu can get scratched from handeling that is why it is good to get a disc too.  I took it to the Dr. the next day and they set up surgery.  However it took awhile to convince them to do MRI cause they thought it was just a strain and I kept complaining.  Then they think you just want meds.  Then when they get the MRI results they see why your in pain.  If u can get on fmla at work do so.  That way when you leave cause of the pain and go to the dr.  it wont count against you.  However our fmla only covers 12 wks unless your out for surgery.  Check into it.  Go to your boss or H/R and get fmla papers to take to your DR, TO FILL out.  It may take a few days for the Dr. to fill them out but that is okay cause he can state this has beren your problem all along.  (whatever the problem is)

[fairylady77]

if you havent heard from the drs office by now....call the place that done your MRI and ask to get a copy of the MRI report.....it shouldnt take them no time to get it ready for you to pick up. you will then have your answer as to what is wrong in a matter of a couple of hours...vs waiting on your dr to call you with the results.

[brenna39]

The cramps are in my back along with burning, a lot of tension, and pains shooting into my right side of my bottom and the back of my thigh.

I had the MRI yesterday and was told that they would read it and send to my doctor. Called doctor's office and was told they had received them but it would be closer to lunch before they were read. I called a few minutes ago (lunch time) and was told they will try to get to them today.

He has me going back to work on Monday and I am no better. It has actually gotten worse. Last night, I felt like pulling my hair out and screaming that it hurt so bad.

I am losing faith in this doctor. I don't know what to do.

[parksean]

I understand that you understand your body and the difference in pain that your experiencing. The only thing I can think of that you can and should do is see another doctor. The one you have seems to be dismissing your pain. Were any tests performed? If not, I'd definately seek another physician that will take you seriously. I despise dismissive doctors (even though yours may be correct anyway!). Please try to take it as easy as possible while you are experiencing your pain and cramps. You don't want to make anything worse, and if it is only a muscle strain, it should clear up soon. Good Luck!