Orthopedic or Neurologist DDD

onedayatatime

Just a question to anyone with degenerative disc disease.

Are you being seen by an orthopedic specialist or neurologist?

I've several issues going on with my lumbar spine that has included trap nerves, bulging discs and radiculopathy affecting my limb.

I've been under the care of a neurologist who has performed several procedures including nerve blocks, epidural injections and a microdisectomy to address the nerve pain caused by the degenerative conditions affecting my lumbar spine.

He has always made it clear that these procedures have been to address the nerve damage affecting my limb and not the chronic back pain.

Unfortunately, these procedures have not been successful and he is now talking about implanting a spinal cord stimulator.

My back pain is chronic and debilitating. At times the pain is so severe I cannot walk.

I have scoliosis in the lumbar spine, stenosis and arthritis throughout.

At present, this is being managed by medication, gabapentin, codeine, naproxen and diazepam from my GP and I do physio.

I'm zonked out all the time, still with terrible back pain and with limited mobility.

Should I ask for a referral to an orthopaedic specialist?

Would an orthopedic be more focused on my back pain?

In truth, I think I am still looking for a 'fix it' solution and desperate to find some relief from pain that does not leave me in this drugged up state from medication that leaves me hardly able to function.

Shell2025

I also have the same problems as you. I had a nerve block injection which has no affect. I then had surgery.... After the first surgery I had to be opened up again as I lost the feeling to my left leg and couldn't lift my foot. A year on after surgery and I still can't lift my foot and have chronic back pain which makes it hard for me to walk. On top of all of that I am now getting cervical pain and numbness in my right arm and hand... Currently waiting for MRI results for both my upper and lower back and I am soon to be come a single parent to my 3 year old toddler 😢

onedayatatime

@Shell2025 How on earth do you manage with a toddler!!?? I do hope you have a support network around you to help physically but also to talk to.

I hope your upcoming MRI helps identify what's going on and something happens for you.

Surgery has not been the magical cure I'd been hoping for and the procedures performed by the neurologist for nerve damage have not left me any better off.

But it's the back pain that's really playing havoc right now.

My GP has today suggested seeing an orthopedic spine surgeon so hopefully, fingers crossed, that will be approved and I'll at least be put on a list somewhere.

I'm desperately trying to keep focused and find ways to manage but I find my medication just knocks me out!

I take my first lot of meds when I get up and it's a couple of hours before I can even get going. Before I know it, the whole day has passed and I've achieved nothing!! It makes me feel so wasteful especially because there is so much I want to try and do.

Like yourself, the back pain really affects my ability to walk. I'll drag my leg and foot along but the back pain just pinches and grinds.

When they do these MRIs, I wish they could zap you from head to toe all at once!!! Instead, it's like do this part of your body one year, a different part months later and in and out of the machine you go!

So sorry, I'm absolutely miserable right now.

I'm very much hoping your MRI appointment comes through soon. I'm very sorry that you are also going through personal stuff on top of everything which has to be added stress.

Do try and keep focused, which I understand is difficult, and take as much support as you possibly can to get through this period.

Let us know how things go with any results that come through.

Take care and keep us updated.

Shell2025

So difficult with a toddler 😞 have no support network at all.... I'm having to think of ways that I can do things that doesn't involve lifting my daughter or bending.... Its almost impossible so the pain is unbearable 😔 tried calling my surgeons secretary over 30 times today to chase my MRI results but the line was either engaged or went to voicemail, so frustrating!! Panicking as pain is getting worse day by day... Can't sleep and so I'm like a zombie.... Meds are not helping anymore and I'm on the strongest dosage that I am allowed. It's hard to keep going and I often feel like I'm spending all my time trying to keep intrusive thoughts at bay.... Surely life has more to offer than just constant pain? 😔

Shell2025

I'm so sorry that you are also trying to live with the pain 😔 praying you get more good days than bad x

onedayatatime

@Shell2025 just checking in to see how your day has been and to see if you have gotten anywhere with your MRI results?

Hopefully things are moving forward and your results will help in perhaps some understanding with what's going.

I was thinking that perhaps a referral to a Pain Clinic from your GP may be some sort of help? I don't personally have any experience with them despite requesting my GP refer me. I'm still pushing for him to do so but right now hoping the orthopaedic route he has chosen is beneficial.

Unfortunately there is a lot of waiting to do. I do hope that during this time you can find some help and way to manage your pain.

Shell2025

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/970577#Comment_970577

Hi, thanks so much for checking in with me 😊 no still no results 😞 spent ages on the phone to my surgeons secretary on Friday, she spent most of the call telling me how rubbish the NHS is! Not very helpful! I will be calling her again today.. Not coping that well with the pain to be honest.... Not sleeping which doesn't help. I was referred to the pain clinic, I went to a living with chronic pain course (group therepy) gave me a few things I can try to be able to cope with the pain. It's sometimes hard to put their advice into practice though