He didn't seem in a hurry to do anythingg, but I almost can't stand up. I work as a grocrey cashier. I am suffering and barely able to stand. I have to hold myself up with my arms. What makes the doctor so unconcerned while I am dragging my self to work? What can I do to get some results from him? I am seeing my primary care physician Tuesday (to tell him what the other guy is doing/not doing). The specialist said I would get an MRI, but didn't say when. My next appointment is in April. That seems like a long time away. He also said he might put me on temporary disability, but , again, didn't say when. Why do doctors take this approach? I spent all day suffering and complaining that the doctor had the day off and he wasn't in pain!
2007-02-03 17:13:27 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
I am wondering how the doctor could tell you had a bulge at L5 without an MRI? He had to be just guessing from what you were telling him. Did you get hurt at work, if so you will get temporary disability for a short time. I do not know how you can stand to even work. I can hardly walk, with mine. Get a heating pad and ice and alternate with them. Try to rest is the best thing for now, and not work. I know you need the money but you may be doing more damage to yourself than you know at the moment. If they did not give you any pain medications, try some Motrin 800 mg
every 8 hours with food. When you lay down, make sure you have a pillow under your knees to take the pressure off of your back. Or lay on your side with a pillow between your knees.
If you do not rest right now, you will end up worse, believe me,
that is where I am now. Get a new Dr. and get an MRI sooner than April, you cannot suffer that long if you need surgery. You don't know till they do the MRI. Rest is the best thing, and do not lift or bend for anything.
Good Luck
2007-02-03 17:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by Donna L 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are several orthopedic tests which can indicate disc issues. Weather you have a protrusion or a bulge is just a guess at this point. The only way to know for sure is an MRI. Why is the Doc taking so long? He/she is likely waiting on approval from you INS company, usually 1-2 days but it could take as long as a week. Also low back pain is like the #1 complaint in America and bulging discs are really common as well, something like 30% of the population has a bulge at any given time, though not always with symptoms. Find a chiropractor and tell them your symptoms and that your PCP suspects a disc issue. If it isn't to bad you will likely be better in about a month. Best of luck.
2007-02-04 05:07:52 · answer #2 · answered by Casey F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are in for a long journey of red tape and doctors. If he is sending you for an MRI, he has concerns about the nervous system. You say temporary disability may occur. Well he can't decide if you are going to get disability, there would be tons of paperwork to complete with your employer and you. He can advise you to not be on your feet all day, and it is bad for your condition. Did this injury occur on the job?If so, how long between the injury and your appt with the doc?Did you complain to coworkers about your pain prior to seeing the doctor? These and many more are the questions that are going to be asked if this is truly a job related injury. Your doctor is taking the approach he needs to take to insure you receive medical care. You say you spent all day suffering/complaining while the doc had a day off. Doctors deserve a day off too.........give it a rest please. Try conservative measures before deciding surgery is going to fix you. It could be the single worse thing you do. Good luck.
2007-02-04 05:38:42 · answer #3 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i had better success's with seeing a chiropractor ; i am injured at L5 thru L7 I had sciatica so bad It took almost an hr to get out of the bed and use the toilet in the morning. I had to take only mincing 1 inch steps and use crutches. the pain was terrible
2007-02-03 17:24:55 · answer #4 · answered by Nora 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't mean to be rude, but doctors see bulging discs every day. It is easily one of the most common problems. For them it is just diagnosing medical problems and fixing them. Doctors have seen the good, bad and the ugly when it comes to medicine. You haven't. There is a wide game of what each of you considers "alarming".
However there is no excuse for the late MRI scan. Tell him that you need to get one or switch doctors.
2007-02-03 17:28:39 · answer #5 · answered by JIMMY j 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I have a bad back and the best thing I have found for it is to put ice on it. Go see a good chiropractor. It will take a few visits to really help but it is better than being cut on.
2007-02-03 17:25:48 · answer #6 · answered by philosofurrier 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look for a better doctor, your recent health buddy doenst seem to understand you...
look for another, dont disregard your condition
problem in the spinal part is to be ruled out and is a must
2007-02-03 17:19:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋