Drs appointment today about buttock pain.

[Titchyj]

Saw GP today about my buttock pain he pressed lower back and asked a few questions and concluded it to be arthritis of the back, ( which is not a common thing, apparently). I now have to wait to see consultant on 28th August and an appointment for the pain clinic. I am also getting spasms in my back if I stretch or twist and he said this was all connected.

When I asked about an x-Ray he said it would probably only show wear and tear and that this would be done if I continue experiencing pain in the future. I think he is being a bit cautious and leaving it all to the rheumatologist. I am a bit of a problem as I can't take strong pain meds. and he is a bit restricted as to what more he can do.

Will let you know what consultant says next week.

Thanks off all your help.

Jan

[nomoreheels]

Sorry to hear this Jan. I did read your post from a few days ago & didn't contribute as my symptoms are a little different though I, like you, have lower back pain which goes into my hip but also thigh pain which has been diagnosed as tronchanteric bursitis but my Rheumy had decided I now also have lumbar spondylosis. Both are painful, particularly when spasming so I can appreciate how you're feeling & just wished you to know you I'm thinking of you & hope your Rheumy prescribe something you can tolerate. I'm fortunate in that I can take pain relief & just waiting for my latest addition to kick in but I find using heat eases it a little & use a small electric blanket whilst sitting when it's really bad. If you're not taking any pain meds or NSAIDs maybe trying ibuprofen gel could help a little too. Thought I'd mention these as they may give you a little relief in the meantime.

Let us know how your appointment goes.

[Titchyj in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you nomoreheels, I have had some relief from heat via hot water bottle and TENS machine, but all short lived. I take 8 paracetamol daily and have done so for many years for Fibro. As for ibuprofen gel this has the same effects on me as the pills and not good if you have high blood pressure .

I'll let you know what consultant says next week.

Jan

[nomoreheels in reply to Titchyj]

At least it's not too long to wait then though it does seem an age when you have such pain. Again, I hope once he's determined the problem he can sort something that'll help as it can be so wearing. x

[earthwitch]

Good that you are being referred to rheumatologist as spondyloarthritis (which is another group of inflammatory arthritis that includes inflammatory back pain) does need to be ruled out. Also best to leave imaging ordering to the rheumatologist as they may want to do an MRI rather than an xray, so that would save you a bit of radiation. Check out the signs of inflammatory back pain in the diagnosis section of the nass.co.uk website, and if you have any of these, make sure you tell the rheumatologist as that will help them come to a diagnosis.