rheumatology

[Peppermints]

morning all.

I have a few things over lapping.im due to see a rheumatologist mid august for my severe back pain and neck pain. I know I have multiple herniated disks on MRI but I think my back pain and hip pain is related to possible endometriosis (lap booked in on sep 8th after a yr of waiting)c4-c7, L5 S1 and disc degeneration. But have been told specifically that there is no encroachment and this can not be causing my back pain.

my question is, has anyone seen a rheumatologist and have they understood endometriosis and have they helped with referrals and tests?

I dont want to go down a route that's not needed but I'm sick of the pain.

hopefully this time next year itll be all figured out😫🤞🏻

I'm ANA positive (speckled pattern)and have unmedicated hashimoto's and hypermobility syndrome (now classed as EDS) and suspected endometriosis.

Should I let the rheumatologist know all of this info? I'm hoping that they may be able to help.

thanks in advance.

[claudia_91 Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi Peppermints

It's nice to hear from you. It sounds like you are juggling a variety of different medical conditions here, and many of us can relate to that. It can be really tricky as one issue can affect another. Personally, I haven't seen a rheumatologist, so I can't comment on their knowledge of endo. However, I do know that endo can absolutely cause debilitating hip and back pain, and in some people this can be alleviated by receiving treatment for the endometriosis (surgery to remove the disease). Definitely give the rheumatologist all the info about your other health conditions as it might be important in the assessment and in the treatments that they can offer you.

I hope the appointment is really helpful and gives you some overall advice.

Good luck! 😊

Claudia

[MyStar86 in reply to claudia_91]

Hi, I have endo and osteoporosis…..my rheumatologist doesn’t have a clue about endo but I got all my endo stuff done privately and Once you have had your laparoscopy you will know either way and won’t need more tests to know re end as the lap will look everywhere inside and the gyne who does the lap will be able to help on the endo.

My rheumatologist is great on the bones but said I don’t know much about endo however he is just happy now I’m on the Zoledronic acid infusions for the osteoporosis. I haven’t spoken to him since I had my hysterectomy this year with everything removed uterus, tubes, ovaries and cervix but he referrred me for a ct scan to check on my ribs when I told his secretary as I previously broke them all on both sides and removing my ovaries will only make the osteoporosis worse…..I’m 35.

Good luck but I sorted the endo privately and rheumatologist is nhs bar the scans and things as my insurance covers those to speed things along bone wise.

I have had all my endo removed and still have terrible back pain to the point I now can’t drive bht I think mine is due to the ribs not the endo side of things xx