X-ray or MRI

[JDQuinn75]

I'm just wonder if I should request a x-ray or MRI on tues when I see my gp with the way my spine has felt . My symptoms I am still feeling on a daily basis still, some days more than others. My last x-rays were 2 years ago. They were just on my right shoulder and both hips. None as of yet have been done on my spine. Especially now that I'm feeling it in the upper part of my spine. He's never actually check to see why my siaticia never is bothering me or what's aggravating it to make it act the way it has been in the last year. I seem to be feeling that more and more as well. Hope everyone has an awesome Sunday.

[ITYFIALMCTT]

If you're in the UK then a lot depends on your local CCG. In my area GPs can refer for X-rays but not MRIs tho' I know GPs in other areas can.

Are you under the care of a consultant who might be persuaded to order imaging if you report that your condition is deteriorating? If you're in the US will your insurance cover you for imaging if your HCP requests it?

It does sound like the OA is spreading rapidly (if that's what it is as I know you're uncertain) so it seems like it would be useful to check that this is what it is.

[JDQuinn75 in reply to ITYFIALMCTT]

ityfalmctt, I was diagnosed with oa two years ago by a rheumatologist. I am in the states and I have good insurance sp what ever i have done it will cover. I was just wondering if i should consider on telling my gp that I'd like to have one done to see if my oa is causing the pain with my sciatica nerve and the upper part of my spine.The upper part of my spine I'm starting to feel more and more now. Pain meds have't help what so ever. I feel it more the longer I'm on my feet . It seem my most comfortable position is sitting up right with my feet on the florin my couch. that's not helping me when I want to be able to get around and be independent and right now I can't do that without the pain intensifying. I was hurting while working do to being on my feet for over 8 hrs. I need to get my weight off my joints to ease the pain but also need to be able to get around without being in to much pain as well.

[flamenca1 in reply to JDQuinn75]

I had an MRI for my Sciatica as nothing helped the pain and I ended up in a wheelchair. Scan showed a spur (bone) between L4/5. I needed surgery to shave the spur and I had immediate effect, no pain.

Good luck.

[JDQuinn75 in reply to flamenca1]

Flamenca1, That's my feel for what will happen to me ending up in a wheelchair myself. I'm already feeling like I'm needing one at times. Both of my legs can get very painful as well as both of my feet too. Although I haven't brought up the subject to my gp about getting fitted with the right measurements. Bit I'm finding the only way I'm comfortable is when I'm sitting down. So we'll see what happens.

[flamenca1]

Hi JD Quinn75 Believe me you don't want to be in a wheelchair, it was a nightmare. Try and get the right meds till you have had a scan then your consultant will advise what to do. I was on liquid oromorph which eased the pain but made me feel like I was on a different planet. See a Consultant and get an MRI. Wouldn't want to go through that again.

Good luck.

[JDQuinn75]

flamenca1, Ya I know I don't want to go that rout as of yet, essentially the age I am a wheelchair will be my last resort not to mention they're very expensive. My doctor just hasn't found what will work for me. I've already tried 5 different med and not one has helped. So at this point I'm guessing meds aren't the way to go for me. I go to see my gp tomorrow afternoon so I'll see what he wants me to so next. But as far as my spine goes in starting to get concerned about that. Now that I'm feeling it more. Standing to long makes it worse for me I get restless when I try to sleep at night as well. I just recently got a new mattress a few weeks ago bit I haven't seen much difference as of yet. May I need to start sleeping with a pillow between my knees during the night to see if that helps.

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed with arthritis in my lower spine 10 years ago,then 5 years ago I got it in my neck and shoulders,for the last 18 months it has caused problems walking and lifting things,so much so I was medically retired in July.Like you I have pain somewhere on a daily basis.Keep active is the only advice I was given,,not easy sometimes.Ask for an x-Ray and if anything is found an MRI should be done later.Good luck.