Osteoarthritis
My diagnosis is degenerative joint disease, otherwise known as Osteoarthritis. The treatment? At this point, they really only want to send me to a pain management specialist to see if we can get the pain under control. There is nothing really to be done for this disease, other than possible joint replacement.
Just to be clear, the osteoarthritis is present on two vertebrae, so that is an accurate diagnosis, but I don' t think it is what is causing the pain.
My friend, who is an RN, and my husband both think a second opinion is necessary, so I'll be trying to get my Dr. to refer me to a neurologist. I just am having trouble wrapping my head around this diagnosis since the pain came on so suddenly. Something isn't adding up in my head.
I am pretty depressed about this. I wanted it to be something fixable. I don't just want the pain managed. I want it not to be there. I'm not even 40 yet. I just feel like this shouldn't be happening to me...
posted by Marlene at 2:35 PM
3 Comments:
I agree with you that it doesn't sound like the right diagnosis. It would be one thing if the pain had come on gradually. And though you've had back problems in the past, so have many of us, but they don't usually linger and cause pain in other parts of our body like yours is doing. Second opinions (or even third opinions) are always good to get when it's something chronic, because no matter how good a doctor is - even if it's his speciality (which this is not) - it's always possible to miss something or make a mistake.
I do understand how you feel, though, in a way. When my doctor told me that my flutter would probably continue to come back, I was pretty depressed myself. It's much easier to to deal with things that can be fixed. And although my flutter is not something I live with on a daily basis like you're living with your pain, it's always in my head. So no physical pain, but emotional turmoil!
Anyway, it's not about me. Just wanted you to know I kind of understand. And I want you to not be in pain. You're still very young to have to live with that. Don't give up yet. See if there's another answer. *hugs*
2nd opinion is a must.
I hope they are wrong and something can be fixed. I want you pain to go away, too! :)
Get another opinion or two and when you have all of your choices laid out and questions answered, I think you might feel better about it.
Try not to get depressed, one step at a time. Which for me is easier to say then do for myself.
((((((HUGS)))))))
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