back update -- advice needed please

[Mabel Figworthy]

Yesterday I saw the consultant about my back (I had a CRT scan some weeks ago). What he told me boils down to this:
1) I am completely healthy;
2) I should simply ignore the fatty lump they found earlier;
3) About half the people my age (39) have lower back problems;
4) It usually gets better by the time you reach 60;
5) I must take strenuous exercise;
6) I must never think that rest is a cure for back pains

When I reminded him that last year's physiotherapy had only made the pain worse the more strenuous the exercise became, and pointed out that, with our own business and a family to look after, too much rest was unlikely to be a problem, he said that:

7) I must find some other form of strenuous exercise which I can do (when I suggested long walks he unenthusiastically replied it would be better than nothing);
and
8 ) I must on no account refrain from doing anything just because it hurts.

While I am of course very grateful that they have not found anything wrong, I'm not sure what to do with his advice, and his rather unsympathetic manner did nothing to make it easier. Meanwhile my back still hurts continually (I have to take painkillers three times a day). So what next? your thoughts would be much appreciated!

[Jilly]

I am gobsmacked!!
more response when I collect my thoughts and can reply without use of bad language!!

[Jilly]

1) I would like to know his definition of healthy, pain is usually an indication that something is wrong.
2) Unless somone can tell you 100% they are not causing the pain.. how can you possibly ignore them.
3) Yes, back pain is common, so what.. is he saying that common illnesses should be ignored
4) ohh! so only 21 more years of pain then.. I am again
5) you tried it... it failed... he should listen to that..
6) as you say.. when do you get to rest.
7) suggestions would have been nice rather than sarcasm
8 ) Pain is a warning that something is wrong.. since when have they decided to ignore that fact.

my opinion... get to see another consultant as soon as you can

[freelady]

I'm so sorry that you are in pain and about his attitude.

I fully agree with both of Jilly's posts. The first one was exactly my reaction. The only advice I can add is to ask if you've tried swimming? Other than that I don't know what to say.

And I think brandy would be better than chocolate as a gift right now.

[helbel]

See an osteopath and get a second opinion?

[Mabel Figworthy]

thanks girls -- chocolate is always welcome, and can I have a stiff G&T instead of the brandy ?

It took long enough to see this consultant, and I doubt the NHS will send me to another one when this one has so firmly decided that nothing is wrong (DH says what he should have said is "we CAN'T FIND anything wrong" and "the pain is there but WE DON'T KNOW what to do about it", but that the consultant apparently finds it impossible to admit that there are things he can't do or doesn't know).

DH's BIL is a consultant (albeit a gynacologist rather than a bone-and-joint person) and so he thinks we should ask BIL about his opinion, informally.

[helbel]

Actually thinking about it if there is nothing wrong with the back (as said by the consultant) this suggests the pain is being caused elsewhere but you're feeling it in the back.

I would suggest Osteopath, or the Alexander technique or Pilates.
(or all 3)

Personally I don't believe in homeopathy, but if you do then you may be able to find help with a qualified practioner.

In the meantime go back to GP and ask for help with pain management, e.g. Pain Management Clincs, TENS machines etc.

[hada56]

I agree with everyone else, but may i ask: do you, or the doctors, know WHERE the pain comes from, it's ORIGIN? Know the reason, you can solve the problem, not just the symtoms. HTH!
sorry to hear about your back pain, I understand what's it like to live with some measure of pain. Have you tried yoga? Even a DVD would be good to start out with. From what i've been told, yoga helps with stress (which can cause pain), felixibilty and gives you a sense of well being.

[kathryn]

I have to admit, I would want a second opinion, and complain after how rude that first doctor was! If your family Dr. won't send you to another back specialist, and it's the pain you're most concerned about, what about trying a pain specialist? I know my aunt does that, if nothing else one might be able to help you with the pain you are experiencing.

[agi]

Oh, Mabel, I am so sorry to hear this.
Definitely go and find some other expert. Perhaps first ask another doctor - is it not possible to ask for a second opinion? Then I would try all the possible forms of alternative medicine - but they are usually quite expensive here - probably not better over there either.

I really hope you can find some solution, and find it soon - I am convinced that it is not a right thing to accept pain.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Thanks for all your support and ideas, that is really helpful

I wouldn't mind looking into alternative medicine, but so many seem to be based on or grounded in philosophies that I feel very uncomfortable about because it feels like they clash with my faith -- I will look into them though and seriously pray about them.

Hada, flexibility is not the problem -- I can't quite do the splits anymore but the physiotherapist was surprised at the ease with which I did the exercises; in fact at first she believed it obviously wasn't hurting me as I did them so easily (I had to burst into tears before she did get the message...)

You have all certainly given me food for thought, and helped lift my spirits -- thank you !

[kerbear879]

I would seek out a second opinion and the reason being is like the others have said, if you are experiencing pain it's coming from something. You may be perfectly healthy but obviously something is causing the pain and it may not necessarily be what you or the doctors assume it is.

Case in point, I've been having severe shortness of breath for nearly 6 weeks now. The doctors all say I am completely healthy. This is the second time this has happened to me in the last year. Finally got a conclusion after going to a few doctors..turns out they are a form of panic attacks. (would of never in a million years guessed that) So on a new medication now and it's finally working. So definitely keep after the doctors because I do believe that you cannot be having pain unless something is wrong.

Hang in there!

[topbiddy]

These guys really make me laugh. Do they think you have waited all this time just to have the pleasure of him being... well frankly dismissive. Its true back pain can often be the result of something elsewhere in the body complaining. I would go back to the GP and ask to see another specialist, you can't live on pain tablets gal.

[Rose]

I go to a chiropractor for my back problems and he is a magician. It always makes me feel so much better do you have the option to go to one of those doctors. I know your limited in what the insurance will pay and so on. Also have you looked into acupuncture. I have many friends that tell me the pain is instantly gone when they have a session.

[Pengwenn]

I pulled a muscle in my back once moving furniture. When I went to the doctor he said he didn't believe people really experienced back pain. He said it was all up in my head (psychological). He gave me a lecture for 1/2 an hour about the proper way to move furniture and the weight of a person's head and how it shouldn't be leaned out over the body. Excuse me?

I hurt so bad I couldn't get up on the examining table. I asked if he was going to prescribe anything for the pain and his response was something like "did you come just to get drugs?" I was so frustrated and in so much pain I started to cry. I would have taken a swipe at him if I could have moved around. He reluctantly gave me some prescriptions when he saw me crying.

When I left to pay, the receptionist saw me crying and asked why. I told her I didn't ever want to see that doctor again. (It was at a center where you saw whatever dr was available.) I don't know if his culture had anything to do with his views of back pain but he was of Indian decent. I think she marked my file.

As for "strenuous exercise" couldn't your DH help you with that? If you know what I mean.

[kerbear879]

You know this just made me think of a time that I had a back pain..I was getting this sharp shooting pain in my back whenever I would bend over or try to pick something up. It turned out it was because I had dislocated 2 ribs. I didn't even know you could do that. So I guess that's proof too that pain in your back can definitely be coming from something else.

I really don't understand why some doctors just think we are making the pain up. I know some people do but I think the majority of people don't and personally I hate going to the doctor and will only go if something is really bad!

[Kute Kitty]

If I were you, I would go back to my GP and ask to be referred to a different specialist, as this one has been thoroughly unhelpful and rude. I would also seriously consider sending in a complaint letter to the head of his department, or to the complaints department of his hospital trust. Or both. They have to respond to complaint letters, even if their only response is to write back and tell you nothing is going to come of it, but I would expect them to at least talk to the consultant and tell him that they have had a complaint about his attitude and to buck his ideas up. (If you want, I'll draft a complaint letter out for you. I'm told I'm quite good at them.) As someone who works for the NHS, and got into this industry to help people, I am truly ashamed that you've been treated that way. You are in pain, there is a reason for it, and his attitude is appalling.

Also, .

[Lizzieh]

I understand your concerns with alternative therapies as I had severe back problems as a child and my parents, being strong chrisistians had issues with a lot of treatements. However, I did go to an osteopath who was wonderful. More recently I have been to a chiropractor but it frightened the life out of me and I think I would always choose an osteopath over chiropractor coz they are more gentle. In fact, my osteopath was called Mr Tickle!!!

Liz

[mags]

I am so sorry for this consultant's attitude - I have been there too
I can't add anything new to what has already been suggested. Hope you find some relief soon.

[rvdiehl]

Poor girl -- I've been there, too. I also use a chiropractor, and walk for exercise. Since I'm now 64, there're not too many flexibility exercises I can do, but at least the chiro helps. The only pills I take for it are Tylenol or Aleve (naproxen sodium).

Two tricks I have found: when the pain is acute, makes me catch my breath, I use an ice pack for 20 minutes on, 40 off, as often as I need it. I seems to help the swelling from the pain. When the pain is dull, I use either a heating pad or a "tube" filled with rice that I heat in the microwave for two minutes. My rule of thumb is ice for injury, heat for healing.

Hope this helps some --