Advise needed.

Hello all , I'm looking for some advice, I was told on Friday by my GP, that I have generative bone disease . I confused because he diagnosed this with out even looking at my back or any x-rays. Told me to take 1 paracetamol 3 times a day , if that does improve them increase to 2, 3 times a day. Is this right?

[Rosepetal60]

So is this Osteoarthritis you are talking about ?

[Bevvy]

Mmm I would also query diagnosis when no tests done.

Also pain management of taking paracetamol long term is not a good idea. Is gp suggesting just whilst in a lot of pain? Or for longer?

Quite unclear and I would be asking more questions!

[katwilson04]

I would be getting a second opinion on this. If he hasn't checked any scans how can he diagnose you with something?

[Vvalerie in reply to katwilson04]

Hi many, many Years of experience I expect . Things may improve so no tests needed , or it time tests might be ordered . I am 30 years of Chronic pain so I kind of know the route of this problem , it's a bit early for 2nd opinion. Take Care.

[katwilson04 in reply to Vvalerie]

Mmm, many years of experience doesn't necessarily mean experienced though. I had a surgeon tell me 3 weeks ago that I had nothing wrong with me, despite having many spinal surgeries and diagnosed spinal problems. I just think he was too quick to make a diagnosis and tell you to take paracetamol, that's why I said 2nd opinion.

[Birmom in reply to katwilson04]

Could be something like FBSS, Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.

[katwilson04 in reply to Vvalerie]

Or at least going back and questioning his diagnosis and asking how he came to that conclusion. Hope you get some answers though.

[Sherish in reply to Vvalerie]

Umm that was so wrong saying that no tests are needed!?? Do you realize that they said they didn't even do a x-ray? No matter what a doctor cannot diagnose you with degenerative bone disease without even a x-ray performed! Yes this person should get a second oppinion!! And then saying your In Chronic pain and know the route of the problem? That makes no sense at all!!? No! It's not to early for a second opinion! I would see someone else right away!

[Vvalerie in reply to Sherish]

Wow no offence meant or intended , what I was saying is having got chronic back pain , causing major problems for over 30 years (I know the route of the problem & how these things are diagnosed it can often be a case of wait & see,) back pain is very prolific in our society , & GP will nearly always wait to see if it resolves on its own often with simple pain relief , & as I stated not knowing the persons age most of us have DBD of sorts ,it comes with age , just quicker in some than others, (maybe I used the wrong words , )and if things don't settle , then of course go back & see your GP , who should be able to explain what they have said , I repeat GPs are time short but that's not an excuse to not provide you with information you should have if that's not what you want ,go & get a second opinion but I would return & give GP the chance to explain .so I hope this makes things better for you to understand where I was coming from.

[Philip]

I would go back and get it sorted out tell him your not happy with a diagnosis from out of the air, the him/her off.

[Vvalerie]

Hi never nice to hear these words but , let me explain about my G.B.D. All &I I mean everybody has this by / from the age of about late 20s I think , it's all part of growing older , we spend the 1st part of our lives growing into Adults & then changes most aren't aware of are going on inside us !. I have had D.B.D. Since my early 30s in my hips , Lower Back, & Shoulders , & got to say a lot of pain , There doesn't seem to be a lot to be done but I would make a double appointment & go back with a list of your concerns to see your GP , problem is DRs are time short, & don't always remember to give all the information at the first appointment , so write your Questions Down & don't worry mostly these things sort themselves out , starting you on Paracetmal is the first rung of the ladder , So get it sorted don't let worring become a problem . I hope this makes things a bit clear but if I can help anymore , please leave me a message . Good Luck .

[Cb1963]

oh ah,that's a strange one,have you had an x ray,or any scans? Well if not I think I'd be straight back down to the "doctor" and ask how he/she came to this decision without any conclusive results,I don't know if degenerative bone conditions can be done without any sort of examination,so unless you've had other symptoms along the way that sometimes go hand in hand with the prognosis that had been put forward to you im afraid to say I can't pass judgment on that,however if you have a certain condition surely a little more conversation was needed rather than being fobbed off with paracetamol,so a chat might be required to clear the air,good luck

[Denali101]

Some Physicians begin your examination the moment they first lay eyes on you. What I am guessing, your Physician did much as a neurologist I was examined by. He explained that my neck and back exam began the moment he observed me walk down his hall and into the exam room. He was checking my posture, my spinal alignment, wether any gait abnormalities were present, and wether I favored one leg to the other.

Based on that and some general questions, my Physician made a preliminary diagnosis that I more than likely had degenerative disc disease. He explained that he could not be certain until he got an MRI and some blood work to check Calcium, Phosphorus, and other lab values. He provided me with a week supply of Percocet and had his office schedule an MRI WITH AND WITHOUT CONTRAST which was given IV.

It turned out he was right. I hope your Dr will do more research to be certain. Best wishes

[Hidden in reply to Denali101]

How did you manage to get your Doctor to do two MRI'S, one with Contrast the other without? What a great way to differentiate!

Don't know if DBD and DDD can be ruled in to the diagnosis stage without any imagining. I'd question this. I wouldn't necessarily give up the pain medication - yet. The way the CDC us behaving you're lucky to have anything prescribed. Pain is at its height in the USA and It needs to be that the Government stays out of our Doctors offices.

[Denali101 in reply to Hidden]

I can fully agree with you. Physcian's act as though they are "somewhat Intimidated"" to prescribe an opoid medication if no just down right scared due to the governing bodies who have put so many restraints on them.

I apologize. I was overlooking your question on managing to receive the MRI'S; one without contrast and one with. The reason many Physician's will fight to receive the approval from the Insurance is because one shows soft tissue problems and the other shows problems with boney structures, reveals spondylosis( bone spurs ), and osteoarthritis.

Maby you could either re-approch the Physician and have some scientific proof through WEBMD or some other well-known medical website.

I hope this helps!!!

[Hidden in reply to Denali101]

Thanks Denali101👍 Bloody Insurance something else that gets in the way of a proper diagnosis.

[Hidden in reply to Denali101]

I think I'm correct that the "Contrast" will show more detailed "soft tissue" including Nerve Damage. Would you have knowledge on this. I'm portraying myself as lazy ! I can look this up ! Lack of sleep makes me and I'm sure everyone else a little "dense" or maybe I should just speak for myself. Need sleep badly. Pain that does not allow for sleep is drainin and makes it hard for our Naturally bodies ability to "replenish and repair much" - I think - but I'm exhausted 😃😂 not really so funny,just laughing at myself. Get silly brain with no sleep.

[Hidden]

Thank you all for your replies, I'm going to try and get an appointment next week, to see another doctor. Gave up on the paracetamol as these seem to give me headache and not had any affected on the back pain.

[Rosepetal60 in reply to Hidden]

Try and remember to ask for a photocopy of the X-ray report. Will only cost about 20 to 50p but handy to have for future reference .

[Amkoffee]

This does sound a bit suspicious particularly in the absence of any kind of testing. There is a test that can be done to test for osteoporosis. I think I would ask for that testing to be done so that any kind of bone loss can be detected.

And I'm not really sure what he means when he says bone disease. I would certainly question him on this more thoroughly. And the drug you mentioned him wanting you to take I question too. I'm in the US but I thought paracetamol was a pain reliever (we don't have this here). Am I mistaken?

[betty395]

hello i have degenerative arthritis for 35 yrs and all i have been given is medication.now i have siatica to and in agony,im taking 8 paracetamol a day along with gababenton which is a muscle relaxer and baclofen which is another muscle relaxer.i was also on pethadene which i came off none of the medication has worked for me,i cant walk now for five months so waiting on a physiotherapist appointment which is urgent ,but i have tio wait another twelve weeks for the appointment,

[Denali101]

That was a great discussion with the realization from many of us that, WE AS THE PATIENT NO LONGER HAVE CONTROL of our physical or mental health. Our care is being managed by Insurance agents, bureacrats, and the panel of Physicians who decide which medications we are to take for our physical condition, and the pharmaceutical reps who grease their palms while strongly suggesting that the physician prescribe their medications.

WHAT IN HELL IS GOING ON? We are taken off of the medication regimin that is holding our pain at or below the pain which takes AWAY our ABILITY TO FUNCTION IN SOCIETY AS a productive member. Everytime they take a patient off the one thing they knew was working for them; another statistic is created by those who are supposed to be helping us. Where can we turn to for help because the GOVERNMENT has created a stigmata for us.

IF I HAD A CHOICE COCERNING MY LIFE, DO YOU ACTUALLY BELIVE I WOULD CHOOSE THIS? What the hell. I know I have to score some "DOGFOOD" JUST TO PUSH IT IN THE SAME VEIN I HAVE used years before just to avoid the wihdrawals. I can't believe its' all going to be so much better soon. Man, it is so tranquil out here tonight. I can feel a comforting warm just like Angels are all around me and I do not hurt anywhere!!!

I had so many dreams I was working on when I was able to have some input on the way my care was managed. NOW HERE I AM I GUESS FLOATNG AS HIGH AS SOME TREES. I hope this feeling never ends.

Suddenly, everything was so clear!!! I looked down and saw my wasted life flash before my eyes. Its getting darker fast. I feel like I am in some type of dark tunnel. I cried out; NEVER WILL I DO THIS AGAIN but I believe my plea is far too late.

MAY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON; NOT ONLY MY SOUL BUT MY MIND AND BODY ALSO!!!! PLEASE BE WITH ALL OF THOSE WHO NEED YOUR COURAGE MY LORD SO THEY MAY HAVE THE STRENGTH TO RESIST ALL THE TEMPTATION THAT MAY COME OUR WAY

[Rinoman1]

I'm sorry this is what you have to deal with. I think you must try to stick up for self. Some people especially doctors have poor social skills. I would try to find someone who has better bedside manner. That's the problem with a lot of doctors, and all their studying to become a doctor hasn't left much room for compassion and common sense lol.. Yes it's true. good luck. Drop me a line anytime. Ok good luck

[Birmom]

Get second opinion fast! I totally agree with other replies! That Doc sounds like in hurry to get through patients, and just push drugs.

Good luck! Been there, done that!