Shoulders to Cry on Please!

[Audrey_M]

I need some shoulders to cry on, if there are any available.

Just found out that it will be 5 months for an appointment with a rheumatologist! I cannot wait that long for what may be just another shot in the dark.

My neuro wants me to see one because one of my complaints is aches and pain in my back and hips. For more than a month now,  I have had severe back and right hip pain. I believe that it is now causing spasticity in both my calf and thigh muscles, which feel very tight and painful. The neuro has prescribed lidocaine patches and Tramadol and I take 400 mg of ibuprofen, but do not get relief from the pain.

Some on the forum have suggested that the hip and back pain are muscle related. I tend to agree because there is no heat or swelling, no grinding or loss of mobility from the joint.

I saw a neurosurgeon a few weeks ago because my neuro thinks my symptoms could have been due to degenerative disc disease. That was dismissed. I did ask the neurosurgeon for the name of another neuro for a second opinion, at the recommendation of my PCP.

I'd been hoping to get into the rheumotolgist before seeing another neuro. Wishful/niave thinking on my part. The second opinion neuro's office did call me last week and I delayed responding with my wishful thinking. Hope I didn't foul up badly on that one...will have to fib and say that I was at a conference and could not return the call.

Did fax my neuro today about the wait for the appointment and the ongoing pain. Will have to see what she comes back with.

In the meantime, I have to call back the recommended second opinion neuro and hope I can get in PDQ. The neurosurgeon thought that an EMG test should be run. I'd also like to ask for a VEP test to be run.

Guess I have to make some phone calls tomorrow.

ARGHHH!

Audrey

[Audrey_M]

To All:

Thanks for the shoulders of support. I will be trying to find other doctors today.

I'm embarrassed to say that I unintentionally hijacked Rena705's post with the key words TICKED-OFF. We posted within minutes of one another, basically on opposite sides of the same issue. Instead of letting her rant and offering support, I did just the opposite. I was too much wrapped up in my own feelings and perhaps envious that she finally found something for pain relief.

I have apologized to her both publicly and personally.

You might want to read her posts- the one TICKED-OFF and another posted later where she goes into more detail in terms of concerns about baclofen and whether she can continue on this med, as well as providing support/an ear for her.

Red faced with my lack of sensitivity,

Audrey

[figuerpa]

You know that our shoulders are always here for you to cry on.

I like Bob's answer, it makes perfect sense to me and it would decide if it were muscular versus rhuemy.

Aslo see if there is another neuro you can try to get into sooner, never hurts to call around.

I hope you can get in sooner and even try Bobs advice.

Paula

[torikat32]

I am so sorry to hear about the awful long wait for a appointment Can you call other Rheumies
in the area? if not you may have to drive to RI and try providence most of them work out of RI hospital.

take care

Kat

[Sparkysarah]

Two shoulders flying over the ocean. Just wanted to say that it is so tough waiting and sitting with the unknown, particularly when you may not even get answers then.

Thinking of you

Love and hugs

Sarah..

[COBOB]

See if one of the Neuro or your PCP would consider a trial of an antispasmodic (like Baclofen).  If the pain in your back and hip go away, guess what?  It's muscular, no need for the rheumatologist if it is related to muscle spasms.  

Maybe I'm being too simple minded about this.  Drugs can be used as diagnostic tools.

Bob

[Audrey_M]

Alex:

Thanks for making me laugh.

I needed that more than you might imagine. And yes, I would like someone to pet my head and talk to me soothingly.

Sweet dreams,

Audrey

[HVAC]

Sounds frustrating. Do you have a veterinarian you can go to? They are much easier to get an appointment with, they are a jack of all things medical, and they pet your head and talk soothingly to you. They not only have to know many body systems but many kinds of creatures to boot. The human medical system is so specialized it is insane!

Alex

[Lulu54]

We've got broad shoulders around here, so bring it on.  Do you have any other rheumies you could book with?

Just like the neuros, be sure and ask them to put you on a waiting list in case something comes up sooner.  Waiting 5 months is just plain unacceptable.

best, Lulu