Hi bigtusa sounds as if you may not have a firm diagnosis yet, muscle strain ,and pinched nerves are sometimes given as reasons for pain before a more serious investigations carried out, but i reckon a doc would not say you had severe arthritis unless he had proof, have you had x rays if you have you might want to get a copy of the report knowing for sure whether you have arthritis or not would be a good first step i think you need to get a firm diagnosis first perhaps a specialist opinion first.

good luck let us know if you find out something new.

Unfortunately, I have to go the way my HMO sends me. I can't afford to see any other specialists on my own. They even refuse to pay for the medicines their own doctors prescribe for me. Don't know what to do.

all i can say is i am glad i don't live in the states, keep complaining maybe they will send you to someone who can help

Hello Bigtusa,

I'm glad you at least have insurance, some don't have any insurance.

However, the way in which HMO's operate greatly concerns me. May I suggest that you speak with your doctor and REALLY push for him to make an appointment for you to see a neurosurgeon or a spine surgeon.

I am no doctor, but in my opinion you really need to have the advice of a specialist. Another thought if I may - is there a clinic in your area that is open to all and where they do not charge? May be worth looking into.

Take care. Do stay in touch.

RichT

Going to Pain Managment Doctor I was referred to this Tusesday. He said he is going to give me a cortisone shot in the affected area. Sure hope this will help. Thanks to all of you for your good wishes.

Hello Bigtusa,

FANTASTIC!!!, glad that you were referred to a Pain Management Doctor. Do you have or will the PM doc be taking any MRI images? Hope so, as they will help the PM doc know exactly where to inject the "cortisone".

I put cortisone in quotes because it is the term usually used, though a longer lasting corticosteroid is usually injected, such as Kenalog. Cortisone is what the body produces to fight inflamation, but it has a short life.

I had a couple of Kenalog injections by two PAs. They worked at best for a week or two. After that I saw my current PM doctor and he personally gave me the injection after carefully reviewing the MRIs and then using a fluoroscope to help him guide the needle to the exact spot it needed to go. That first injection was the end of April "07. It took care of the pain in my right leg and the tingling sensation I had in the lower part of my leg. Here it is and I still have no pain or tingling in my right leg. Most satisfied to say the least.

My PM doc gave me a second Kenalog injection in another part of my back to take care of some lower back pain that I still had. The second injection has also helped to reduce the pain.

I hope and pray that the injection will help you as much as it has for me.

When are you scheduled for the injection?

Take care.

RichT

Just had injection to back for pain. Two hours later, no difference. Pain management doctor says it may take a few days to take effect. At least I feel like something is being done for me.

Hello Bigtusa,

EXCELLENT!!! Glad you had the injection and that you feel that at least something is being done to rid you of back pain. Yes, be patient, give your body a chance to react to the injection. May take a few days.

I hope and pray the injection does help you.

RichT

Thanks. Having some kind of hope that your situation is getting better is a great load off your mind. It's not that these doctors aren't trying to help, it's just dealing with the health insurance burecrats that makes everything so difficult. I hope things are going well with you now.

Hello Bigtusa,

Yes, some insurance companies can be a big pain, and others are great. Do your
docs send their statements directly to the insurance company or do you have to submit the bills? Much easier if you don't have to get involved.

But most importantly is your back and that you have HOPE!!!

AHHHHhhhh, a much better day today. Back is better, though after PT yesterday the ole back and legs were worse. Maybe the gentle snow falling outside today makes things better. LOL

RichT

It's now 24 hrs since I received back injections. No pain! For the first day in over 3 months. I haven't tried any kind strenuous activity yet-but I sure am encouraged. Think this will last?

Hello Terry,

WOW, I had to get my eyes up close to the monitor to make sure I read "No pain!" correctly. Terry, that is SOOOOOooooo FANTASTIC!!!! You just made my day with your good news.

How long will it last? Honestly, that is an unknown. However, being the first injection worked would indicate to me that it will have the possibility of lasting for some time.

Beyond my wildest hopes, my first injection back at the end of April is still working. May it also be for you.

Will you be meeting with your PM doc in a week or two? I'm sure he/she will be as happy as you are.

Don't let go of your PM doc, me thinks you have a winner!!

RichT

Pain releif only lasted a few hours. Stiff and sore again. Back to pain medication? I wonder how long I can keep using these pills-the labels say only intended for 3 weeks. What next I wonder.

Hello Terry,

Sorry to read that the pain relief only lasted for a few hours.

"Stiff and sore again" - But I didn't see you write "back pain returned". I'm always a bit stiff and sometimes sore in the morning until I get moving. Also, the weather will now and then get my arthritis to act up and make me feel like an old man )especially in the early morning hours before I get up.

Regarding the pain meds - I can't "feel" you pain, so I can't really suggest what you should do regarding the pain medication. Terry, I can only say that for me I stay away from the pain meds. I took hydrocodone for a few weeks last spring and never again. Made me sleep too much during the day. AND it was not fun trying to get myself off of the hydrocodone. For me, I'll stay away from the pain meds as long as I can.

Hope things get better.

RichT

Sure there is a connection with pelvis and neck.
When pelvis is malaligned it causes back muscle spasm and pain. It creates also scoliosis. That creates same problems to neck: muscle spasms and pain.

Every doctor should understand that.

Hello Terry,

I've been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. When you have time would you give us an update. Thanks

RichT

I'm not doing well. Back pain is as bad as ever. Injections seem to be a dead end. I forgot to mention that my general practioner had tried same 2 months ago-same result. Way too much trouble for just a few hours of relief. Closest I can get to a firm diagnosis is some medical term for soft tissue damage in back-something-myalgia? I don't think one general x-ray through my chest is showing anybody what's really going on. Once again, it's an Insurance coverage issue. Hope you are still feeling better.

Hello Terry,

OUCH!! not what I was hoping to hear.

X-ray images really won't show much if anything regarding soft tissues. Have you had an MRI? If not, that may be something to have done, as MRI images do show soft tissues, nerves, etc.

Looks like time to see a really good neurologist.

Wish you the best.

Stay in touch.

RichT

Im going thru the same thing i really wish i had an explination for this pain, ive got mri results show nothing,suggests fibromyalsia and im no longer taking pills im on a fentanyl patch 25mgs and got a tens unit for muscle stimulation --
still numb on left side middle of back and burning and sever spinal pain
I need help!