Went to see orthopedic doc

[challny]

Hello, everybody. As some of you might know, I am continuing my battle with severe sciatica. After seeing primary doc with no relief, I saw today an orthopedic doc. I never understand what these guys are saying, but it had something to do with arthritis in my spin, based on x-rays that he took. He ordered more gabapentin for me. Gabapentin is the new drug of choice in the post opioid era. It is safe to prescribe, and best of all it does absolutely nothing to alleviate pain. So I have now been to three docs and my pain is as bad as ever. It's frustrating because I know they have medicine that could alleviate this pain; they just won't give it. I think that if you go to a doctor in terrible pain and leave his office in terrible pain you should not have to pay him because he has done nothing for you. Now he wants to do an MRI and talked about an epidural shot and surgery. One more thing. This orthopedic place I went to is as big as a hospital. I walked in and it looked like an orhtopedic Wal-Mart. The place as huge. Giant waiting rooms and it looked like hundreds of nurses bustling around. Half the population of America must be suffering from various orthopedic problems.

[Hidden]

Well challny you seem to be moving forward one small step at a time. At least this doc is going to investigate further and seems to have suggested possible things that he may be able to do to help alleviate the pain in a better, and hopefully more long lasting way than pain killers.

Unfortunately he is tied by US regulations to the painkillers which he can give you.

This also happens with other conditions. Some states will not allow the use of the blue ventolin inhalor because of the damage to the environment from the propellant. The replacement isn’t nearly as effective. Barmy!

Let’s hope that the orthopaedic doctor will come up with some answers. Next time you see him take a pad and write down everything he says. It can be quite reassuring to remind yourself of the measures suggested and being taken.

[challny in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply, Hidden . I think the next time I see him he will give me an MRI for a clearer picture of my spine, and also an epidural shot in my spine. I've heard of those. When he mentioned it, I blurted out, "Does that hurt?" Of course he said no. But I have heard that it does. I just picture this very long needle being jabbed into my spine. I've also heard an epidural will relieve pain, at least for a while.

[Hidden in reply to challny]

I had an epidural 45 tears ago when I had a baby and I know several people who have succesfully had it for pain. There is always discomfort in these procedures but you need to balance that off with how you feel now.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Happy misspelling years not tears but yes I have probably shed that many tears since then🙃

[sassy59]

I truly hope the orthopaedic doctor can help you challny. Pete knows all about Gabapentin and is on it now. It helps the burning feeling in his leg. It won’t help for long I’m sure but there seems to be little else.

Let’s hope for better days ahead. Xxxxxx

[challny in reply to sassy59]

Hello again, sassy59 That's interesting that Pete is also on gabapentin, and I'm glad it seems to be helping him. I was taking very small doses, but this doc said I need to up that by a lot. He wants me taking 600 mg. 3 times day. I guess it does help some. Thankfully, my COPD continues to behave, so I don't have to deal with that as well. I am anxious to be able to walk again. And I don't mean I can't walk at all, because I can. I can drive to the grocery store and walk about. Things like that. What I can't do now is take a nice 2-mile walk for exercise, as I was able to do just a month ago. Pete is fortunate to have a lovely carer like yourself. I hope you are both doing well.

[sassy59 in reply to challny]

Thinking of you challny and thank you for your kind words. We’re doing ok thank you.

Take care xxxxxx

[Nickcv]

I've suffered recurrent back problems and pain following a spinal injury over 25 years ago. I managed to displace three discs in the lumbar region and snapped a ligament. I also have two damaged vertebrae in my neck after a fellow motorcyclist collided into the rear of me and that was also many years ago.

I am currently suffering yet another severe bout of sciatica and taking codeine and amitriptyline which really aren't giving me the pain relief I require. I am awaiting an appointment for physiotherapy and my doctor has suggested after so many years of suffering that now might be the time to consider surgery.

I have degenerative disc disease ( osteo- arthritis ) which compounds the problem and because of the frequency of my symptoms I now have my pain killers and anti inflammatories on repeat prescription. When I first injured my back spinal injuries were treated differently than today and I had several sessions of traction which is very much like being placed on the rack and being stretched but these days the emphasis is on remaining mobile and to keep yourself as flexible as possible. I've had epidural injections and they have worked for me and the procedure is pretty much painless. When you come to your legs will feel as though you are wearing lead boots.

[Lemon7]

Hope you eventually get some treatment that really helps.

[Patsy164]

Glad you are on your way to getting a clearer picture of what is exactly wrong. You shouldn't have to be fobbed off with painkillers when in constant pain. Good luck and I hope you get sorted out x

[Ergendl]

Good luck with the next stage of treatment, challny.

[challny in reply to Ergendl]

Thanks, Ergendl ... I really want that epidural shot. I can't even walk around the block. But I am very wary of surgery. Now, this is very weird. Since this back problem started my breathing seems to be incredibly good. I go days at a time without using any inhalers. I cannot explain it.