Is there a doctor out there who can help me?

ClareAnn

I have learning disabilities and I've osteoarthritis in my back and my 1st, 2nd and 3rd vertebrae are wearing away and I've arthritis in both my knees. My doctor will not get me a second opinion. He agrees with the specialist that won't get on with knee replacements.  My O.T was left, Surrey and I need to get a new one. I have a mobility scooter to get around and I get dirty looks. I am taking a lot of different tablets for my back but I still get pains in my back, legs and knees. I also have nerve damage in my back. Is there a doctor out there who can help me?    

Ami2301

Hi @ClareAnn welcome to the community!

Sorry to hear this. Unfortunately we are not medical professionals so we cannot advise. Have you tried to see a different doctor?

skyblue59

Hi clareAnne. Maybe you could look into alternative therapy like holistic and stuff. For extra help.

Topkitten

The spine has 3 sections Cervical (neck), Thoracic (upper back) and Lumbar (lower back) all start numbering from one so, for example you might have problems the bone at L1 or the disc between L1-L2. Your description doesn't say which section and the effects vary a lot. Just so people are aware if C1, C2, C3, C1-2 or C2-C3 get damaged death is pretty much guaranteed and if C3-C4 goes the sufferer would likely need breathing assistance for life. Alternatively if L1 goes then the pain is fairly low. The position is very important to know, lol!

Sorry if that seemed a bit ott.

I am not a doctor just quite intelligent and have lots of spare time to look things up.

Your OT report is very important so get one as soon as possible. You can self refer in which case they will contact your GP to check up or your GP can refer you. If you are unhappy with you GP you could try contacting the Practice Manager or send a written complaint to the same person. If none of this works try contacting NHS England and ask them to help of to create an official complaint.

Hope this helps.

TK

mikehughescq

In terms of a second opinion your GP can only refer you back to a consultant at a different hospital. You can insist they do that and complain if they don’t but to what end? There’s no cure for arthritis and the sooner you have knee surgery the sooner they wear out. Realistically the NHS second opinion is unlikely to be different. 

 I’m not sure that the rest of your post needs a response.